Emirates Woman’s perma-groomed editors reveal their fabulous hair haunts, secret nail salons and everything in-between. Get ready to update your speed dial…
Name: Sophia Serin | Title: Group Editor
My current hair stylist: Raisa at Vanilla By Jelena Exclusive Salon and Spa, Palm Jumeriah (04) 4519995
“My hair grows at the speed of light, which means regular root colouring sessions with Raisa. I go once every three weeks for my roots and get a Keratin straightening treatment in the summer months.”
My go-to place for a mani and pedi: The Nail Spa, The Dubai Mall (04) 3399078
“This particular branch is always busy so make sure you book ahead. Jean can give you hand-model hands in no time and Lizelle is your go-to girl for the best pedi in town.”
Most underrated beauty spot in the city: Ahasees Spa and Club at Grand Hyatt Dubai (04) 3172335
“I buy all of my June Jacobs skin products here and treat myself to the June Jacobs Signature facial at least once a month. My therapist Boram is one of the best in the city.”
My cosmetic clinic: Aesthetics International (04) 3469888
“I wouldn’t trust my face with anyone but Dr Jaffer Khan. He is known around town as the ’King of Botox’ but is also one of the most incredible specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons I know.”
Out-of-town spa date: Le Sirenuse Spa, Positano. The Amalfi Coast, Italy sirenuse.it
“Huge treatment beds, breathtaking views and everything smells like lemons – my idea of the perfect spa.”
Name: Sarah Joan Ross | Title: Style Director
My haircut hero: Kirsten Klontz, freelance stylist
“Kirsten understands that I don’t need masses of layers or an edgy trim to add volume. She’s worked with some of the biggest hairdressers in the world and is a complete hair-care product guru.”
My brow specialist: Threading and tint by Ha at The Nail Spa, The Dubai Mall (04) 3399078
“I’m brow obsessed and Ha is super-diligent when it comes to shape and colour, so I don’t ever have a hair out of place.”
Most frequented beauty spot in the city: Talise Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Spa, Palm Jumeriah (04) 4530456
“The best location when it comes to a skin-sloughing hammam in Dubai. The therapists are very knowledgeable and treat you like a member of the royal family.”
My go-to clinic: Aesthetics International (04) 3469888
“Dr Jaffer Khan is undoubtedly the master of facial rejuvenation. Plus the clinic offers specialists in everything from semi-permanent make-up to full-on surgical procedures.”
Semi-permanent make-up: Aesthetics International (04) 3469888
“Olga Lelekova has the magic touch when it comes to applying semi-permanent make-up. She can fill in non-existent brows with a feathering technique, so the ink actually takes on the look of real hair, and she can fix an uneven lip shape or add a natural colour so you get a rosebud pout everyday. You’ll never have a make-up meltdown in the UAE heat again.”
Name: Jade Sprowson | Title: Style Editor
My painless wax: Lycon bikini wax at Pastels in Ritz Carlton JBR (04) 3995016
“Like most, I can’t stand the pain from waxing. That’s until Pastels introduced Lycon wax, a pliable wax that grips the hair and is (almost) pain-free when pulled off without the use of a strip.”
My stress reliever: Wilfred’s reflexology session at Willowstream spa at The Fairmont, Palm Jumeriah
(04) 4573388
“When stress levels hit an all-time high, I head to Wilfred for a balancing reflexology treatment. He tells me my ailments – for example, a stiff shoulder – detected by applying pressure to my foot. He then balances everything out by kneading the ‘blockages’ away. I can also see the ocean from the massage table – it doesn’t get better than that, does it?
My speedy manicure: Tips & Toes, The Greens (04) 3619797
“I’m in and out in 15 minutes flat with their rapid manicure. The best bit is that the Tito polish always lasts at least seven days.”
My hair stylist: Asmaa at The DollHouse Salon (04) 3854484
“Asmaa is a superstar with the curing iron. Within 20 minutes I’m curled and preened, ready to go. Not only do the curls stay bouncy all day, they actually stay in good shape for four days straight.”
My facial in a flash: Mega Blast Upgrade facial, Bliss counter at Debenhams, Mall Of The Emirates
“As you have most probably guessed, I’m all about speed and efficiency when comes to pampering. I want to get job done well and in good time. Hence why this mall hot spot, is my facial go-to. After a frantic day of appointments this 15-minute Mega Blast Upgrade treatment brightens, tightens and leaves my skin feeling fresh – who would know I’d been mall trawling for seven hours…”
Name: Samantha Hamilton-Rushforth | Title: Beauty Editor
My colour specialist: Shani at Marquee Salon (04) 3232268
“Being blonde is high-maintenance. I head to Marquee every three weeks for a root touch-up with Shani and deep-conditioning treatment using Kevin Murphy products.”
My eyebrow artist: Benefit Brow Bar in Sephora (04) 3951734
“While Dubai has its fair share of beauty salons that offer threading, waxing and tweezing, I only trust Benefit with my brows. I book an appointment at their Citywalk branch every four weeks.”
Holistic treatment hotspot: Spa Dunya in JBR (04) 4393669
“This is a real hidden gem of mine. I try to indulge in a relaxing colour therapy session and massage every two weeks or so. It’s a great stress reliever for the mind and the body.”
My foot doctor: Margaret Dabbs at The Sole Lounge, Level Shoe District (04) 5016688
“A seasoned podiatrist and pedicurist to the stars, Margaret Dabbs and her well-trained team of technicians can turn even the most stiletto-ravaged feet into twinkling toes.”
Out-of-town spa date: Al Maha Desert Resort (04) 8329900
“I would live in this hotel if I could. Their spa has the most amazing outdoor pool where you are surrounded by wild antelope and stunning views of the desert. Pure bliss.”
Name: Alexandra Venison | Title: Junior Fashion Editor
My cosmetic technician: Patricia Kerr at Lesprit Medical Clinic (04) 3388238
“I wouldn’t trust anyone else to perform my eyebrow Micro-Pigmentation. This busy clinic also offers laser therapy and intense facials for all types of skin treatments and acne.”
My make-up artist: Angelique Turner (050) 4356201
“Whenever there’s a big event I always call on Angelique to help me get red carpet ready. She works her magic with make-up and hair so I can just focus on what to wear.”
The best nail art in town: The Dollhouse (04) 3854484
“From a classic French manicure to on-trend nail art, I always find something new to do with my nails at The Dollhouse. I really rate their friendly staff, great location and accessible prices.”
Girly spa day: Dia De Chicas at Melia Hotel (04) 3868111
“I love heading here for an afternoon of pure bliss with spa treatments, unlimited cocktails, Spanish tapas and yoga. It’s my favourite weekend spot in the city.”
My out-of-town spa date: The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah (07) 2035555
“As if the spectacular grounds at the Waldorf weren’t luxurious enough the spa is kitted out with top-of-the-line treatments rooms offering amazing services like their 24-carat Gold Facial.”
Name: Carmel Gill | Title: Fashion and Beauty Assistant
My brow BFF: Chloe Walsh at Sisters Beauty lounge, The Dubai Mall (04) 3398500
“Every three weeks I go to Chloe for a Hi Brow appointment. I usually have very thin eyebrows so she gives me the full Cara Delevingne treatment and helps make them fuller and thicker.”
My pre-beach glow: Bronzelicious Home Service (052) 9873752
“Having just moved here from the UK I’m keen to stay bronzed at every opportunity, even if that means faking it. Luckily Bronzelicious have perfected a tanned rather than tangoed colour.”
Laser technician: Dr Hala Fadli at the Dr Hala Fadli Clinic (04) 3465542
“Whenever Dr Hala has popped over from London I make an appointment to see her for laser hair removal. She’s quick, efficient and the process is virtually pain-free.”
My skin saviours: Biolite Aesthetic Clinic (04) 3752122
One of the most technologically advanced skincare centres in the city. I really rate their Red Carpet and Diamond Placenta facials for giving the skin a real boost.”
Out-of-town spa date: Chi The Spa, Shangri-La, Abu Dhabi (02) 5098900
“This is my favourite place to go for a weekend getaway. All the treatments are inspired by ancient Asian beauty secrets and they’re famed for their Ayurvedic ingredients.”
Photography: Vikram Gawde
