At Shalinis beauty, spa and hair salon, customers get the unique personal touch, a service that its owner, Shalini Patta proudly admits as its specialty. If you are looking for an evening out makeup special, an indulgent facial and need to be pampered, then Shalinis in Westborough is definitely a place where you can make a trip.

Shalini’s beauty spa was started by Shalini Patta, who began working at different mainstream salons before starting out on her own in early February this year. Trained in Mumbai in Cosmetology courses, she honed some of her skills by taking courses in the US and working in this area for the past 7 years.

Convenient located on Route 9W on the Westborough line, the salon is attractive, clean with quality equipment and stored with herbal beauty products from India and here. Her services include skin care, nails, hair care, and make up. Her specialty she admits is bridal and arangetram makeup. “I have always loved doing this,” she explained, “but for years I could not find a place. Then this space became available, which was perfect because there is a parking lot and my house is very near and I have a wonderful clientele who find it convenient too.”

The atmosphere is relaxing and I indulged myself with a saffron facial which Shalini proceeded to explain as she went along. Beside an introductory massage, during the facial, Shalini used a cleanser and moisturizer to hydrate the skin, and she exfoliates (removes dead skin) with a face scrub. She used steam to loosen the skin, open the pores and help soften them. She also used a face mask of almond paste; honey and mud pack to cut down on the oil. In addition, Shalini massages the neck, shoulders, and the back. “Most people don’t realize how much tension they hold in these areas,” she explained. The one hour indulgence left me refreshed and my face tingling. All this with a reasonable bill to boot.

Shalini works with area wedding planners  who recommend her as she specializes in make up for mixed weddings with both western and Indian bridal wear... “I like the fact that this is a one-on-one experience and their very special day,” she said. "I would say that most of my customers are repeat customers. I give them guidance on how important skin care is and the need to not let it take a back seat in their busy lives".

So how did she find the courage to enter into her own business? I asked “It was hard at the beginning, the whole process of setting it up,” she said. “However, if you have the confidence and a great service and loyal customers, it definitely makes it easier”.

For more information about any services offered by Shalini Spa go to http://www.shalinis.com/index1.html

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