Dubai’s a place where people come to see and be seen – and boy, are the beauty standards here high. You’ll struggle to find any Dubai dwellers with a chipped manicure or a hair out of place, meaning the beauty business here packs a weighty punch. Salons offer everything from nail art to bespoke skin treatments, lash and eyebrow care and even beard dying. There’s plenty of competition in the beauty and wellness space, which possibly explains why prices aren’t extortionate (in fact there are many absolute bargains to be found). These are the best beauty salons in Dubai.
1. Wow Beauty Salon
Slap bang in the middle of Dubai Mall, you’ll find this much-loved salon, where customers return again and again for the top-quality service. The aesthetic here is simple, but given that the place is usually buzzing with people, the surroundings aren’t important. What takes precedence is the service. You’ll find a band of loyal, friendly staff members at Wow who offer excellent waxing, facials and massages. The 30-minute back-and-shoulder massage is a fantastic pick-me-up during a shopping trip, and is very reasonably priced (AED 100).
2. Blended Wellness
Step into Blended in Dubai Marina for some serious top-to-toe treatments. Book in for a massage with Arabian oils, or try one of their glow-getter body treatments. If you’re looking for a full makeover, try one of the face and body rituals, which includes a deep tissue massage, facial peel and aromatherapy treatment. The surroundings are trendy and chic – think muted colours, hanging exposed bulbs and huge mirrors. Finish out your day of luxury with a bespoke mani-pedi and a bombshell blowout.
3. Tips and Toes
One of the largest salon chains in the country, Tips and Toes is a firm favourite and is busy on any given day in any location (booking ahead is advised, although on a rare occasion you can bag a same-day appointment). As the name suggests, nails are a big deal here – we’d go as far as to say they’re among the best we’ve come across (the pedicures, from AED 135, last far longer than elsewhere). They also specialise in massages, facials and waxing (many people make an afternoon of it and book in for multiple treatments – the team happily accommodate friends' bookings, so you can have a fun time together).
4. The Loft Fifth Avenue
Something of a one-stop shop for beauty, this salon has been popular ever since it opened in Dubai Mall in 2008. Inside, it’s urban chic, with a minimalist design featuring large black-framed mirrors and a huge black spiral staircase in the centre. Book in for a full spa day here to get the most bang for your buck – our favourite treatments include the pro-glow genius facial (AED 525) and the lymphatic massage (AED 399). It’s also worth noting that the salon does a roaring trade in lashes - so if you’re looking to add some oomph to your eyes, book in for a set of volume lashes.
5. Lunatic Fringe
This glamorous spot is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and the decor oozes luxury, from the hanging chandeliers to the art-deco design and furniture. And the high-end services have been created to match. You can book in for a haircut and colour or a fresh mani-pedi, but the standout offering here is the bespoke facials, with personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual’s skincare needs. Staff are highly rated, and the treatments aren’t cheap but they’re not unreasonable for what’s on offer (from AED 220 for an express facial).
6. Soak Salon
This ladies salon in Jumeirah was set up by a British expat who wanted to create a space where staff and clients felt uplifted and empowered. And it’s been a resounding success. As well as a friendly salon with a simple, clean aesthetic, Soak boasts comfy treatment chairs (think having your nails done while sitting in your favourite armchair), curtain partitions so you can opt to chat to your neighbour or sit undisturbed, and treatments including BIAB for nails and LVL lashes. We love the detail that goes into the cute nail art (mini heart designs are a big favourite).
7. Chalk
This unisex salon offers a myriad of treatments from hair colour and scalp treatments to nail art, threading, facials, massages and beard care. Book in for a couple of express treatments at a time and head out 60 minutes later looking fresh as a daisy – we like the express facial (AED 250) and the eye treatment mask (AED 80). It’s a hipster-vibe place that describes itself as a salon for “rebels, creative thinkers, and disruptors”, but it’s also put a lot of effort into being a fun, funky space where everyone feels at home. The aesthetic is minimalist and warehouse-y but the looks it serves are so fresh, who needs fluffy cushions and pastel walls?
8. 91 Beauty Salon
This slick hair and beauty salon in The Wings, Arjan, is an absolute bargain find. Covering services from haircuts (from AED 220) and colour (from AED 150) to nail treatments and massages, 91 Beauty Salon has a first-class team who make clients feel like a million dollars. Try their eyebrow lamination and eyelash tints, which bring a brilliant uplift to the face (and the transformation makes for an excellent insta post). The salon itself is pretty and simple, with white walls and blue seating. Oh, and did we mention there’s a cherry blossom tree in the middle? The perfect place to get pampered in style.
