Alankara Salon Opens in Old Town La Quinta
New Salon features Aveda products and Paris Hilton's DreamCatchers Extensions

(La Quinta) - Sophisticated Sri Lankan, Manomi DeSilva, knew she wanted to be in the beauty business her whole life. The niece of a premier fashion designer in her homeland, DeSilva was dabbling in hair and make-up as early as age 12.

Now owner of a new salon in Old Town La Quinta called Alankara (which means "beauty" in her native tongue), DeSilva's ultimate vision has become a reality.

"We want to help clients with an entire look - everything from hair and make-up to eye brows, great skin and nails," said DeSilva. "And as an Aveda salon, we use premium products to achieve that look."

Aveda was founded in 1979 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, botanically-based products that are also good for the planet. The company now has nearly 7,000 salons and spas in 24 countries worldwide.

With four stylists, an aesthetician and a manicurist on staff, DeSilva is able to provide a full menu of services in her upscale salon. Alankara also features Paris Hilton's line of hair extensions, called DreamCatchers.

DeSilva's brand new pedicure spa - which circulates water using air pressure rather than bringing bacteria into the pipes like most systems - is the first to be approved by the Board of Cosmetology.

A full range of skincare is offered at Alankara, including the latest in facials - like the Green Science Facial. This treatment uses a product Aveda just brought to the market, which was developed for stressed, dehydrated skin.

Alankara is committed to continuing education - every stylist is required to have three Aveda classes per year.

Alankara Salon is located at 78-100 Main Street, Suite 105, in Old Town La Quinta. Phone: (760) 777-8188 Hours: Monday-Saturday; 9-5 and by appointment.