The buzz: Founded in Minneapolis back in 1978 as a hair salon before expanding into skincare with a head-to-toe eco-friendly focus, Aveda has now launched its first flagship store on the second floor of Siam Paragon. Here, they offer both signature skincare products and relaxing treatments inspired by ayurveda, the ancient East-Indian art of healing.  

The décor: In keeping with the natural eco-friendly focus, the decor is dominated by light brown wood with numerous potted plants adding plenty of greenery.    

Products and treatment: Products range from hair care, skin care and aromatic oils. Titled the Experience Center, this flagship store aims to appeal to all five senses, starting from the aromatic scent of The Tea Ritual welcome drink. The main draw is the in-depth consultation services to suggest which products best suit your requirements. For hair, they’ll ask you hair treatment habits and test your hair strength before suggesting shampoo, conditioner and damage remedies. Best-sellers include the Invati shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair (B1,200/1,200). Another interesting consultation is the “chakras,” in which they give you a test to determine which scented oil is best matched to your body. The centre houses two massage rooms with two treatments available at the moment: the Stress-Fix Body Massage (B2,500/40mins) and the Thai Stress-Fix Body Massage (B2,500/40mins). The brand plans to open two more branches by the end of this year before starting a partnership salon by next year.      

Why you’ll come back: Apart from their in-depth consultation services before you purchase any of the treatments, the location makes Aveda a very convenient spot to have a body massage after work or even during your lunch break. Vasachol Quadri