Like most relationships nearing their end, my hair and I got on pretty well until boredom set in. Now that it's gone, I'm trying to rebuild a rapport with my shorn locks, but it's not proving easy.

So what better way to revive the love than to treat myself to a hair spa? Introduced by Aveda in their Dublin Whetstone Spa, this is known as the facial for hair and it consists of an hour-and-a-half of pure hair-loving.

The Aveda spa is a little oasis of calm amidst the bustle that is South Anne Street.

Renowned for their natural, organic ingredients and their Soil to Bottle philosophy, whereby everything is traced back to source, Aveda haircare products are particularly effective.

Their hair spa is designed to treat both hair and scalp by restoring moisture, soothing away irritation and repairing damaged hair, making it ideal for hair-dye and straightening junkies.

My treatment begins with a short questionnaire that has a gentle psychiatric feel to it. What is your mood today? (Calm. ) How did you sleep last night? (Deeply and for more than eight hours, thanks. ) How is your skin today? (Rather dry now that I think about it. ) Pleasantries over, Ronan O'Conner, my therapist for today, explains that I fit under Infinity, which sounds rather special, but actually means I'm on the normal side. He then applies and massages drops of essential oil into about 24 spots on my scalp, until my head is tingling pleasantly.

While this is sinking in, he expertly massages my back, shoulders and neck until I'm nearly ready to snooze before leading me to the sinks. I've had a brief taste of Aveda's bestselling shampoo, Shampure, before but had forgotten what a satisfying wash it gives hair. My hair is soon a blancmange of suds and smells gorgeous.

"This treatment has become hugely popular since it was introduced, " explains Ronan as he massages the shampoo from my hair.

"Now that curls and natural waves are coming back into fashion, people are beginning to see the damage that hair straightening and dying has done to their hair. This treatment makes a huge difference and each time you get it, it becomes more effective."

Damage Remedy Strength Infusion is smoothed carefully into every strand of hair, as if I was getting a colour put in. A hot wet towel is then wrapped tightly around my head and I'm popped under a hair dryer while Ronan gives me a soothing hand and arm massage.

I'm quite excited to see the results, and when my hair is unwrapped and washed out once more, I'm not disappointed. Even wet my hair feels like silk and after a professional blow-dry it is gleaming in the light, with each strand sitting perfectly in place.

After a complimentary touch-up of my make-up, I leave the salon with my hair swinging nicely around me. We're definitely friends again.

TOP TIP: When putting straightening lotions and potions into your hair, don't be tempted to simply smooth it down from roots to tip, warns Bumble and Bumble's creative director, Howard McLaren. This will at worst make it greasy and at best leave it lank. Instead, rub product between palms and run your fingers through your hair, giving volume and ensuring the product reaches everywhere.

The Aveda Damage Remedy Hair and Scalp Renewal in-salon spa treatment is available from Aveda salons nationwide, costing /75.

Contact Whetstone Aveda Spa, 24 South Anne Street on 01 6724 727 for more information

NEW PRODUCT OF THE WEEK AVEDA SMOOTH INFUSION

Aveda have just launched Smooth Infusion, new haircare products to control frizz and unwanted wave.

Made with organic babassu oil, bergamot, rose and sandalwood, this shampoo and conditioner softens hair, restores moisture and helps to protect from the perils of heat-styling.

From 20.50

TURN UP THE VOLUME WELLA THICKEFY STYLER

It's far too early to be mentioning the C word, but lets just say we're loving the new professionals products from Wella that have been introduced for the festive season. Their Sebastian Professional Body Double Thickefy Styler ( 23.95) is a rich foam that adds instant volume, while their High Hair Finishing Spray . . . which could double as a weapon against burglars it's so big . . . gives amazing hold ( 11.95). Available from selected salons; call 1800 509 392 for your nearest stockist.

TREND SETTERS PANTENE PRO-V POWER SHOTS

FOR hair that's in need of some serious moisture, Pantene have just launched their Pro-V Restorative Time Renewal Power Shot treatments. These single dosage treatments help fight the signs of damage and give a shot of much-needed moisture to dry hair. A one-month treatment costs just 6.49, available nationwide.