What: 100% Plant based hair treatment at Aveda Salon
The atmosphere: I must say, I was so excited to hear that Aveda Salon finally opened in Dubai, and I was even more impressed when I entered. Beautiful, fresh and spacious with such a zen atmosphere, compared to the typical Salon feel.
The experience: I was booked in to see their head trainer and director, Manuela. As it was my first time, I booked in for an Aveda experience and as soon as I arrived and was escorted to my seat (the salon is large, and so pretty) – I started my appointment with a Sensory journey (your senses literally choose one of the 3 oils that you get drawn to) and get given a complimentary short massage – it doesn’t matter what you book in for, everyone gets that experience! My hair was looking quite brassy, so we went with a toner (Aveda’s toner is 99% plant based) as well as an in-salon botanical treatment (which is 100% plant based). As my hair was dry at the ends, and colored – Manuela recommended we mix both Dry therapy and Damage therapy. The treatment started with a detox shampoo, to get everything out of the hair followed by the toner before moving to the Damage therapy shampoo, conditioner and mask. The dry therapy and damage therapy proteins were applied via a spray and was only left on the hair for two minutes after a short massage.
Final note and results: Not only was I relaxed, My hair felt and smelt so good (I’ve never smelt such good all natural products!) I didn’t really see a big difference with the toner, but the treatment really made a difference, and it was great to know that it was all plant based. Manuela also gave me some gorgeous and effortless beach waves to finish off, that did last me two days (which is so rare after a hair treatment!)
Recommended therapist: Manuela
Cost: AED200
Contact: 800 28332
Recommended rating: 9.5/10

What: Japanese Mani & Pedi at SOH
The atmosphere: There’s a charm to SOH salon in Galleria Mall. Not sure if it’s the service, the design, the bright lights or the quirky art – you can’t enter SOH without feeling good.
The experience: I’m a little obsessed with Japanese and Korean beauty at the moment, and I always get pretty excited about new treatments SOH launch (because they’re always exciting launches) so I was excited to try it out. Using Japanese ingredients and traditions (as well as quirky Japanese props to side your mani and pedi), it’s a great relaxing treatment or perfect as a special beauty gift. Started with a cherry blossom hand and foot soak… In addition to a typical mani pedi (cleaning and cuticle work with polish), the Japanese treatment includes a scrub and mask made out of Ginseng, rice milk and bees wax as well as a callus treatment – and finished off with a special treat, a hot stone massage on the hands and feet.
Final note and results: The hands smell so good, the skin feels soft and the hot stone did help tired feet!
Cost: The manicure costs AED185 and the pedicure costs AED225
Contact: http://soh.ae/welcome/
Recommended rating: 8/10

What: Clay hair mask at Kalm beauty
The atmosphere: I did go during Ramadan so it was quiet, but I loved the whole zen vibe of the place
The experience: As soon as I arrived, they took me to the hair section to start my treatment. Instead of starting in the basin, my stylist rubbed the Maria Dowling clay treatment on the roots of my hair in section whilst on the chair (which was much more comfortable). Once Rachelle applied it all over my roots, she massaged it in (the scalp massage was incredible) before I waited for 15 minutes before she washed it off (they use hair products by Davines), I got another lovely scalp massage before it was washed out.
Final note and results: I’ve done several clay treatments, and even though the treatment itself is the same, each salon applied it differently. It’s great for oily roots, and I like doing it once a month. I would recommend that you don’t style it after, to get the most out of it.
Recommended therapist: Rachelle
Cost: AED130-180 depending on length
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/kalmbeauty
Extra notes:
-Beauty services are a lot more enjoyable if you actually get to relax or catch up on reading magazines. I’m not the biggest fan of Dubai based magazines, so I love the fact that they had a range of American magazines.
-Beauty treatments at Kalm feel like spa treatments, especially with the zen music in the background.
Recommended rating: 9/10

What: Back & Hip massage at Tips and Toes Salon
The atmosphere: The spa at Tips and Toes Al Barsha truly feels like a spa, rather than most salons. Super zen, all it needs is some spa music and you could be in a spa in Bali!
The experience: Straight to the point, I was greeted by my therapist after 10 minutes of waiting before I was taken to my room. I was given a disposable underwear and told to lay down. As the 45 minute massage is quite specific (it’s great if you only need a massage for a sore back and hips) – especially if you’re sitting on an office chair all day. My therapist used a light lavender oil and before finishing, and wiped off the oil with a warm wet towel.
Final note and results: Relaxed – a great mid-day treat.
Recommended therapist: Trixia
Cost: AED180
Contact: http://www.tipsandtoes.com
Recommended rating: 7.5/10

What: Kerastase Fusio Dose Hair treatment at Sisters Beauty Lounge
The atmosphere: I went to the Mall of the Emirates branch on a weekend morning, so it was super quiet.
The experience: After arriving to the salon, and leaving my bags on the chair, I was taken to the basin to get my hair washed (2 washes using Kerastase Chronologiste to be exact – helps with moisturizing the hair heavily). I was then moved to the chair as it was more comfortable than the basin to get the treatment applied. The Fusio Dose treatment is the latest from Kerastase, and is a quick booster treatment which helps dry hair and is mixed with another shot – my extra shot was for extra shine. Once it was mixed, it was sprayed on to the hair evenly. The treatment ended with the loveliest scalp massage for stimulation and circulation.
Final note and results: I loved the fact that it was relaxing, smelt good and my hair felt so good – not to mention it was very quick, so great for people who are tight on time.
Recommended stylist: Medina, who was super sweet
Cost: AED305 with the treatment and blow dry
Contact: http://www.sistersbeautylounge.com
Recommended rating: 9/10