Did you know that moisture is the key to good hair?

According to System Professional, an extensive range of haircare products by Wella, hair is hygroscopic - it absorbs water molecules from moist air and emits water molecules into dry air. While hair should retain a minimum moisture content of 20%, too much humidity is not good for your hair either. In fact, Singapore's high humidity is one of the culprits for "flat hair" - the excessive moisture weighs hair down and worse still, makes it more vulnerable to damaging UV rays which can cause the breakdown of melanin and keratin in the hair. Combine this with Singaporean women's love for chemical treatments such as rebonding, perming and colouring and it is easy to see why so many women often have bad hair days here.

System Professional products are used in conjunction with specially-designed therapeutic massages.

Help is at hand in the form of personalised hair treatments by TONI&GUY HAIRDRESSING. It has created System Professional Ceremony Treatments using products from the System Professional range along with specially-designed therapeutic massages. While brochures give the impression that only five different treatments (Renewing, Calming, Energizing, Colour Brilliance and Smoothing) are available, each customer actually receives a treatment that is specifically tailored to her hair and scalp condition.

One's scalp and hair is first examined by an in-depth scanner before a treatment programme is prescribed to address specific concerns. The "prescription" goes right down to the type of shampoo that will be used. In my case, 1.6 Sensitive Shampoo was recommended to relax the scalp and regulate its moisture level. My hair was thoroughly washed, my scalp was massaged, and I felt wonderfully refreshed.

Next came 3.6 Sensitive Mask, which helps regenerate irritated scalps and protects against further irritation. This calming treatment was brushed onto my scalp section by section, thus ensuring that every inch was covered. Yet another scalp massage followed. Even though the primary purpose of the forceful massage was to enhance the mask's absorption, it was also very relaxing. If I had not been on assignment, I might even have fallen asleep!

This was followed by 3.2 Repair Emulsion, an intensive hair treatment in a mousse form which repairs, nourishes and protects damaged hair. To this, an added vial of Keratin Oil was added to help restructure my permed and coloured hair for added smoothness and shine.

A special steamer which can emit both cool and hot steam generated by distilled water was then used on my hair. The hot steam activated the products, while the cool steam sealed in the moisture. This was followed by a final rinse before my hair was blown dry.

The result: Soft, fluffy hair that feels smoother and looks healthier. My sensitive scalp also feels less tight and irritated.

TONI&GUY's Marketing Director Henne Mercer says that one treatment every three months is enough to maintain the condition of normal hair. For drier, chemically damaged hair like mine, Salon Director Issac Ng advises more frequent treatments.

However, if you do not have the time for frequent trips to the salon for the treatment, which can last between 1.5 - 2 hours, you can maintain its beneficial effects at home with System Professional products. At my request, Issac recommended the 1.6 Sensitive Shampoo which was used in my treatment ($28.89 for 250ml), 1.9 Curl Saver Shampoo ($28.89 for 250ml) and 2.9 Curl Saver ($29.96 for 150ml) to maintain and condition my permed hair. I particularly like the 2.9 Curl Saver, a leave-in conditioner in a mousse form which doesn't weigh my hair down, yet conditions it beautifully and enhances the curls.

I must admit that I am impressed with the System Professional Ceremony Treatment. The treatment itself was relaxing and enjoyable, and its effects last longer than most other treatments I've tried. If your hair is in a state of distress, this is one option well worth looking into.

System Professional Ceremony Treatment is available exclusively at TONI&GUY HAIRDRESSING at The Heeren, 260 Orchard Road. It costs $113 for short hair (above shoulder-length) and $134 for long hair (shoulder-length or longer), excluding blowdry. There is also an on-going promotion which gives you one complimentary treatment for every three treatments purchased. Each session is tailored to the customer's needs and also includes the blowdry. Call 6835 4556 or e-mail heeren@toniandguy.com.sg for appointments or enquiries.