Whether you’re after a bouncy blow dry, beachy blonde highlights or a big hair transformation…

With so many hair salons in Dubai, it’s hard to know which one to go for and on top of that, ones that aren’t going to swallow at least half of your monthly pay cheque. Whether you’ve just moved over, or are just still trying to find the right salon for you, we’re here to help.

Whether its a bouncy blow dry, beachy blonde highlights, a total revamp or just a chic cut, we’ve rounded up our tried, tested and recommended salons in Dubai.

We’ve also added some approximate prices, but it is always dependent on your hair length and desired style.

1. Pastels, Ritz Carlton

When you walk into Pastels, the sleek and simplistic design of the salon tells you that they are serious about hair. The stylists here are passionate about your hair journey and, before booking your appointment, you’re asked to come along to the salon for a consultation, where they’ll help to shape your vision, giving you the chance to go away and consider it first. Once you meet Vidal Sassoon-trained George, however, you know you’re in good hands with his professional, understanding and realistic advice on your new style. People that are in the know about Pastels, will know that one of the best things about them is their hair washing station, where you can lay right back and relax as you enjoy an incredible head massage. It is a little on the pricier end of the scale, but it’s definitely worth it for the complete salon experience. They do a range of other beauty treatments, too.

Best for: A fresh and sleek new look

Ask for: George

Price: Full head highlights, cut, blowdry & style, long hair, Dhs1,400

Pastels Salon, Ritz Carlton Hotel, JBR, Dubai, daily 9am to 7pm, open later til 9pm on Monday & Wednesdays. Tel: (04) 399 5016. pastels-salon.com

2. Tips & Toes, Mira

While Mira may not be your local Tips and Toes salon (it isn’t ours), we’re willing to travel for a good colorist. Ask for Katerina at Tips & Toes Mira and you’ll be guided through her recommendations for your colour while taking into account what you’re asking for too. Katerina has been in the hair business for 20 years, so she knows her stuff when it comes to recommending the right colour and treatment to ensure your locks stay healthy. Rather than chunky highlights that grow out to look like you’ve been sans salon attention for quite some time, highlights are added extremely finely so that they grow out looking natural. She takes her time over your colour, and also advises on toners and treatments that are best for maximizing that post-salon glow (add on a vibrance toner for Dhs205 – you won’t regret it).

Best for: Highlights

Ask for: Katerina

Price: Full head highlights, long hair, Dhs600

Tips & Toes, Mira Souk, Mira, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: 04 369 7176. tipsandtoes.com

3. Yin Yang The Salon, JBR

Ying Yang is a Brit-run salon, hidden away in JBR. With a chic, girly feel to it from the moment you walk in, with cream padded chairs and their oh-so-Instagrammable flower wall, you’ll instantly feel part of Dubai’s best girls’ club. With stylists from all over the world, you can find your perfect match and the salon specialises in Balayage and highlights. If you’re looking for extensions, they have highly trained specialists from the UK, covering LA Weave, Tapes and Micro Rings. As we all know, living in Dubai can take its toll on our hair, from sun and water damage so Yin Yang will advise you on how best to deal with it. Got a hot date or party brunch? They do an awesome offer of Dhs300 for a makeup and blowdry combo. If you’re wanting the full works, they do lash extensions and a number of nail treatments, too. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and their mantra is to offer the best service at affordable prices, making them quite competitive against other salons in Dubai. Head over to their Instagram, where you can find all their prices and info.

Best for: Balayage

Price: Balayage/highlights including cut & blowdry, Dhs650.

Yin Yang The Salon, Sadaf 3, JBR, Dubai, daily 10am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 439 0111. @yinyangsalondubai

4. Locks By Lou Lou, JLT

If you’re looking for a full-blown boutique style salon (that feels a little like you’ve stepped straight into Alice and Wonderland), then look no further than Locks by Lou Lou. This is your one-stop shop for all things hair and beauty, from a simple cut and colour to extensions, nails, spray tan and there’s even a styling section where you can buy from local boutiques. Lou will make you feel at home the moment you walk in and will discuss your ideas with you, recommending the best styles that suit your face. Her team are all UK trained L’oreal award-winning stylists and there’s a distinct family feel here. If you’re looking for extensions, this is the place to go with their huge range and knowledgable skills. They’re also opening up a new salon in Al Wasl Road soon – so watch out for that.

Best for: A complete all over transformation

Ask for: Lou (Art Director)

Price: Full head highlights, cut & blow dry, medium length hair, Dhs990 (with Art Director).

Locks By Lou Lou Hair Boutique, The Dome Tower, Cluster N, Dubai, Mon to Thurs 9am to 9pm, Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 6pm. (04) 399 4742. locksbyloulou.com

5. N&J by Samer, Studio One Hotel

Finding a reliable hairdresser in Dubai isn’t always easy, but you can put your trust in Samer Naim. With a wealth of knowledge, and over 13 years experience in the business, he can guide you to understanding what you need, before you even know it. After fiver years of mastering his talent at Media City salon, Nicolas and Jean, Samer has branched off to Studio City where he now heads up a team of beauty professionals. The new salon is located in Studio One hotel, with modern finishings and trendy LED artwork on the wall. 

Best For: When you need some direction

Ask for: Samer

Price: Full head highlights, cut, blowdry, long hair, Dhs982. 

N&J by Samer, 1st floor, Studio One Hotel, Studio City, daily 10am to 8.30pm. Tel: (04) 440 4828. nicolasandjean.com

@nicolasandjean

6. We Nails, Dubai Marina

We Nails in the Marina is a great spot to head to, and hairdresser Harriet is famous among British expats for being one of the best blonde colourists out there. Their salon section is small but cool, with floor length mirrors and bright spotlights for you to watch your hair transform. You’ll be invited to a consultation beforehand to discuss your ideas and, for those who can’t make it to the salon for the consultation, you can have it over WhatsApp. The stylists are very focused, not just on your hair when you have your appointment, but also on the before and after care of your hair, recommending you the right products  to ensure the best possible upkeep of your hair. They use top brands in hairdressing tools, using Dyson hairdryers, GHD’s and Cloud Nine products. Their pricing is dependent on each stylist, so book your consultation for the best quote.

Best for: Complete before and after haircare

Ask for: Harriet

Price: Cut, colour and blowdry ranging from Dhs700

Skyview Tower, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai Marina (opposite Dubai Marina). Tel: (04) 452 8226. More info on Facebook. 

7. Blow Out Bar, Palm Jumeirah

If your hair colour is already how you want it but you just want a bouncy blowdry ready for a glitzy event or that special date, the Blowout Bar at Golden Mile is perfect to give your hair that extra touch of fabulousness. Masters of their craft, you can choose from their range of styles such as The Blowout, Beach Babe or Sleek and Sophisticated. It’s reasonably priced too, at Dhs115 for short hair, Dhs135 for medium and Dhs150 for long. If you are needing the full works, they do colour, specific hair treatments and styling and their other offers include nails, eyelash and eyebrow care, so you’ll leave feeling pampered.

Best For: A blowdry before a big event

Price: Colour, cut and blowdry medium hair, Dhs725

The Blowout Bar, Golden Mile Building 10, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 8am to 9pm, Fri & Sat 10am to 9pm. Tel: 800 2569 688. blowoutbar.ae

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Images: Supplied