I’ve stopped keeping tabs on all the salons popping up in the city but then again we have such a large beauty culture that these salons never get empty… Plus It’s always nice to to walk in and get an appointment so I’m not complaining. Before heading to the South of France, I wanted to brighten up my ombre and get a trim – fresh hair for the Summer so I decided to check out brand new salon, SLaM. I fell in love… hence the fact that it deserved a feature all to itself.

 

Where: Al Quoz. This really is Dubai’s new cool area. I’ve been heading to Al Quoz a little more than usual – for the shoot studios, Bounce, Shampooch dog grooming, Tom & Serg – and now found a new reason.

 

The Salon: Felt like something from New York City. Industrial, loft style, and spacious… I loved it.

 

Service: No attitude here, high quality service from every person at the salon from creative director to assistants.

 

Hair brands: Matrix Biolage and Redken – Creative Director, Rachael said they were adding one more to the roster – I suggested Oribe, Kevin Murphy… can’t wait to hear which one they end up adding.

 

Chairs & Shower beds: The best. Flat shower bed, the comfiest. Wish more salons had this.

 

Entertainment: They have a range of magazines including UK ones.

 

Wi-Fi: Yes, but it was quite weak so wasn’t able to connect to it.

 

Atmosphere: Relaxed and quiet – thanks to the spacious set up.

 

What else is on the menu: Waxing, nails and Rejuvenol Keratin to remove the frizz and straighten the hair making for an easier blow dry. They also have hair treatments from Biolage that are paraben free for restructuring and conditioning.  SLaM has a very eco-friendly policy using paraben free products and biodegradable Easydry towels. 

 

What I loved: 

In addition to all the others I’ve mentioned…

-The staff – Rachael, who has worked in Dubai for years before starting SLaM was super lovely, not to mention incredibly talented. Fawzia, the assistant was not only sweet and hilarious – she gives the best head massages (you must book in for a hair treatment just for her massages!)

 

The process: I came in for a trim, ombre top up, and a Hydra hair treatment (hair hydration) – which included a steam post treatment followed by a mask and the best massage – It all ended with a blow dry and curls.

 

Results: My hair was hydrated, fresh, and bright – I loved the colour Rachael gave me – bright, yet not brassy at all. My only pointer is that I wish the Balayage blended a little better.

 

Cost: SLaM, has a personalised approach to hairdressing and aim to cater to each client’s individual needs. Costs for all colour services depend on the client’s hair length and thickness, but as a general guide for the full treatment including ombré colour, hair treatment and a cut and blow dry,  would cost between AED800 and AED1,000.

 

I spoke to Meabh Maguire, one of the co-founders of SLaM…

 

-What is behind the name ’SLaM’? The name for our salon SLaM is derived from the surnames of the four co-owners, Rachael Stevenson, Sara Lootah, Therese McQuaid and Meabh Maguire

 

-How does SLaM differ to the other Salons around town? SLaM is a boutique hair and beauty salon; we cater to our customers’ needs on an individual basis and like to give every single customer the care and attention they deserve. We are a one stop shop for busy ladies looking for quality hairdressing and beauty treatments; we have carefully selected some of the UAE’s best hair stylists to ensure whether you want classic highlights or an edgy crop we have it covered. Pre-opening, we spent a long time designing the salon’s urban look and feel with the assistance of award winning; Irish Architect Declan Scullion to ensure our clients would feel relaxed and comfortable in our unique space.  Consultation and listening to our customer’s requirements is a huge part of our process, from the moment the customer walks in the door until the moment they leave we want them to feel we are really listening to them!   We also have a heavy focus on the environment using biodegradable Easydry towels as well as paraben free treatments and shampoos. 

 

-What hair trends are we looking at for the next season? Whilst there is a very natural focus on hair at the moment, ombré is not going anywhere! As we approach autumn we will start to see this reflected in hair colour, rich browns, warm copper and deep purple tones.

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