Hi, I’m Naomi D’Souza. I’ve been a part of Gulf Buzz for three years now, and if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love trying new things. New places, new experiences, new everything. Over the past three years, I’ve wandered through countless streets, tried hundreds of cafés, and spent more hours than I can count hopping between salons all across the UAE. Along the way, I’ve uncovered hidden gems, favorite hangouts, and a few spots that quickly became my go-to’s. Now, I’m sharing all of it with you. Every week, I’ll bring you my personal picks; a guide to the best experiences, places, and vibes the UAE has to offer. Think of it as your insider map, straight from me to you.
Today, we’re talking about my all-time favorite salons. Now for me, salons are all about pampering and taking a proper rest day. I’ve tried so many, from hair and nails to lashes and makeup but only a few truly stood out. I’m excited to share my top 5 picks with you, so let’s get started and hey, if my recommendations aren’t your vibe, that’s totally fine, everyone has their favorites!
1. Cutting Edge Ladies Salon
This is honestly my absolute favorite budget salon, especially when I’m broke toward the end of every month. I’ve never seen a salon this affordable in JLT. I usually go here for my nails or a massage, and they have this insane offer from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 4pm where all services are half price. That means I get my nails done with gel polish for AED 35. AED 35 FOR GEL POLISH IN JLT. I’M SCREAMING!
On days when my body feels tired and low, I get a full body massage for just AED 99. And it’s amazing, especially if you ask for Matilda. My sister loves coming here too and she gets a classic mani-pedi with a head and shoulder massage for AED 99. The prices are insane, and that’s exactly why I love it
I totally recommend this spot if you’re trying to treat yourself on a budget or just live on one. Cutting Edge is also available in DSO, Ibn Battuta, and Dubai Marina, so definitely go check it out!
Details
Location: Cutting Edge Ladies Salon, JLT, DSO, Ibn Battuta, and Dubai Marina
Timing: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM across all branches.
Contact No: +971521475931
Link: https://cuttingedgeladies.com/
2. Azema Ladies Salon
JVC has a hidden gem for lashes, and it’s Azema Ladies Salon, safe to say, I’m obsessed. This was the first place in Dubai I tried for lashes, and I’m not going anywhere. My favourite lash technician, Grishma, has hands that are like sure magic on lashes and brows. She spends around two hours making sure every lash is perfect. I’ve been there three times already, and I’m not stopping, she’s that good.
Grishma also did my brow lamination and tint, and for someone like me who has basically no brow hair, she made them look so natural and flawless. The best part is that everything is super affordable. The eyebrow lamination and tint was AED 80, and my lashes were AED 112.
I even got my nails done here at AED 105, and I loved the attention to detail and the time these girls take to perfect them. The products were amazing too, my nails lasted three weeks, which is honestly rare. In fact, the entire staff, including the owner Twinkle, were incredibly sweet, welcoming, and dedicated. That kind of care is exactly what I love about certain salons!
Details
Location: Azema Ladies Salon, JVC
Timing: Open daily from 11am to 9pm
Contact No: +971524137168
Link: https://azemabeauty.com/
3. Seoul Hair & Beyond
I had no idea our scalp could hold this much dirt. Trust me, I found out at Seoul Hair & Beyond. It is the UAE’s first authentic Korean head spa, located in Sunset Mall. The whole experience kicks off with a scalp consultation, where you actually get to see what is going on up there. A little gross at first, not gonna lie.
We went for the ‘Soul Relaxing’ treatment, priced at AED 890, which includes a 60-minute head spa using real Korean techniques and products, plus a blow dry. It boosts blood circulation, melts away sebum and dead skin, encourages new hair growth, and even repairs hair bonds.
After the session, they checked our scalps again, and the difference was insane. So much cleaner, healthier, and honestly glowing. Plus, they finish it off with a blow dry, so you leave feeling brand new.
It is a full 16-step treatment and takes at least an hour, but I would highly recommend it. There is something so satisfying about having your head massaged and fully cleansed.
Details
Location: Seoul Hair & Beyond, Sunset Mall
Timing: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact No: 045770335
Link: https://seoulspa.ae/en
4. Flash Facial
15-minute facials are something I never thought I’d want, but when I tried one, I loved it. Flash Facial at Dubai Hills Mall is a newly opened spot where you can get quick 15-minute facials for AED 149. Yes, 15 minutes, you read that right.
It’s designed mainly for busy women (and men) who don’t always get the time to pamper themselves but still want to feel good, like me. You can also choose to extend your session to 30 minutes depending on what treatment you pick. Honestly, it’s the fastest glow-up you’ll ever get. You can walk in anytime without an appointment and step out instantly refreshed. If glowing skin in just 15 minutes sounds like your vibe, this spot is definitely for you.
Details
Location: Flash Facial, Dubai Hills Mall
Timing: Open daily from 10am to 11pm
Contact No: +971558519106
Link: https://www.flashfacial.ae/
5. MKP Salon
If you’re around City Walk and want your nails done, this is definitely the place to be. But honestly, what first caught my eye was the hair vending machine right outside their salon. That’s a first for me and, not surprisingly, probably the only one in the UAE.
Once I stepped inside, I immediately loved their eye for detail and precision when it comes to nails. I went for French tips and absolutely loved how they turned out. What made it even better? Three women worked on me at the same time; one on my left hand, one on my right, and one on my feet. I felt so pampered, and I loved it.
My colleague Tasmiyah also got her nails done, but I was just as impressed with how they focused on her hair. They did a special rejuvenating treatment, and the blow dry afterward was insane. Ebaa did it, and watching him work was amazing, the result was a fresh, flawless blowout that looked incredible. Totally worth it!
Details
Location: MKP Ladies Salon, City Walk
Timing: Open daily from 10am to 9pm
Contact No: 043272754
Link: https://www.instagram.com/mkpsalon/
So those are my absolute favorite spots this year in Dubai, places I’ll keep coming back to, and you should too!
