The ginger-wasabi body detox:
What woman doesn’t feel excited at the prospect of enjoying the legendary milk baths of Cleopatra and the Ottoman harem, or the beauty rituals of the geisha? We certainly do. And that’s why when Nail It told us their ‘wasabi and ginger’ treatment (only available at two spas in the capital, Nail It being one) was borrowed from the latter, we did two things. First, we asked Google and it turns out the geishas used ginger and wasabi in beauty rituals dating back to the Ming dynasty. And though the internet isn’t always right, we want to believe it this time. Second, we booked ourselves an appointment at Nail It.
The exotic ingredients used in this treatment are meant to brighten the complexion, boost circulation and ease aching muscles while doing a thorough detox.
The treatment step by step:
Nail It is a beauty lounge (specialising in nails) which offers spa-like rituals such as body scrubs, wraps and anti-cellulite treatments. Located in a building off the Corniche, it’s a compact, yet chic alternative to when you want to pay a little extra attention to yourself but can’t afford a day at a spa.
After we ticked boxes on the pre-treatment info forms, we were shown into one of two treatment rooms by our therapist, Gladys. Lying on the massage bed in our birthday suit (though towel covered) we started off with a full body scrub intended to shed expired cells and reveal a more radiant complexion. At this stage Gladys used a special bamboo and black sesame body rub, which felt as effective as the rough body mitts used at hamams. She scrubed us raw on both sides then asked us to step into the shower cubicle to wash ourselves down. Washed, towelled and back on the massage bed, Gladys started smothering us with something that smelled like food. This was the detoxifying ginger-wasabi masque, and we were a little disappointed at this point because it did not smell like wasabi or ginger. Instead it smelled like the yogurt that the masque is made up with, to ensure more effective results.
The ingredients also include crushed freshwater pearls and charcoal, which are meant to activate the deep-cleansing properties while the ginger stimulates circulation. Once we were completely covered, Gladys wraped us up in a plastic sheet and covered us with towels to allow the masque to work with our body-heat. We were left to simmer thus for 20 minutes while Gladys gave us a wonderful head massage.
After being unwrapped we felt really cold, and rushed for a second hot shower to warm up. Back on the bed for the final leg, we were treated to a massage with a decadent moisturising cream that contained extracts of orchid and crushed pearl.
Pros:
Our visit to Nail It was relaxing and invigorating to say the least, and Gladys’ massage was just what we needed during our long lunch hour on a stressful day at work. It’s also refreshing to know that all the products used are organic, 100 percent natural and without additives.
Cons:
We found that the treatment room was a little cramped to execute such a treatment, but Gladys did all in her power to ensure things ran smoothly. If only she had stepped out of the room to give us a moment of privacy while we changed, we would have felt a great deal more comfortable.
The verdict:
The treatment left us feeling silky soft and smelling positively wonderful. We were advised to avoid heavy foods for the rest of the day, as the effects of the detox are meant to continue. We can’t say for sure if this is what happened, but we most definitely felt something akin to a caffeine rush afterwards, with some crazy hunger pangs and a lot of energy.
The ginger-wasabi body detox at Nail It is a 90 minute treatment that costs Dhs380. Nail It is open daily from 10am-10pm; Fridays 4-10pm in Burooj Tower, Corniche, Khalidiya (02 650 5560).
