Abu Dhabi Week gets to the long and short of a good haircut
Outside the hotel chains, finding a hairdresser that doesn’t leave you in tears and Googling for a wig is no easy task. Yet that’s all changing, thanks to a discreet little beauty spot tucked away in Marina Village.
The Beauty Spot is a rather luxurious little affair overlooking the breakwater, within the walls of the Marina Royal Complex. Inside is just as luxurious as outside, with crisp white furnishings and state-of-the-art entertainment. Magazines while you sit in the stylists chair? Of course. But how about being able to watch TV on a personal screen within your mirror? Now that’s what we call stylish.
With optimism overshadowing a slight degree of fear, I’m at The Beauty Spot’s mercy for a cut and colour. I’ve been stuck in a (safe) style rut and in need of a makeover. Luckily, the staff are all really knowledgeable and instantly assess the condition of my home-dyed and over layered locks; it’s the first time I’ve received a proper consultation before any snipping gets underway, and I’m starting to feel more confident.
After a thorough chat about length, colour and style, the stylist really sets to work. Not only is he friendly, he’s also professional – and super-swift. A quick cut to start the ‘base’ for my new style, the home-job hair dye is stripped before a wash, and a fresh lot of colour is applied. The stylist explains that since I’m opting to stay brunette (just a shade warmer) it would be wise to go for a ‘two-tone gloss,’ which will add more shape and lift to the style. I’m impressed. The staff seem genuinely eager to make sure I’m completely happy.
A touch of TV and magazine browsing later, the colour is ready to be rinsed and it’s on to the final cut. I’m taken through the process step by step and am told that it’s ok if I’m not sure with any of the cutting. It’s the first time I felt in control of my hair, and I like it – even if someone else does have the scissors.
The final touches are tousled with the hairdryer and a good three hours later, I have a whole new look. Despite a rather enthusiastic blow-dry that’s reminiscent of an 80s bouffant (complete with all the sins of hairspray) I like my new hair. Ok, it is a little big – but I can blame that on the humidity if anyone asks.
The whole experience is personal and simply great service. Hairdressing is all about the customer’s wants – and The Beauty Spot delivers. Just ask them gently to put the hairdryer and hairspray down.
What? The Beauty Spot
Where? Marina Royal Complex, Marina Village
Cost: AED 780 for cut, colour correction and recolour, plus blow dry
Why? Personal and professional service with some rather neat entertainment
Why not? Unless you like your hair bigger than your head, opt out of the ‘Lebanese blow dry’
Rated: 8/10
Contact: 02 665 5707
[Writer] Charlie Kennedy
[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue23]
