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Social distancing, lockdowns and working from home may have lured you into taking a more laid-back approach when it comes to grooming. Valentine’s Day is the ideal opportunity to take the self-care up a notch.
If you’ve put off getting a good groom in before your big Valentine’s evening, we’ve got you covered. Here is our selection of the coolest spaces that’ll guarantee you’ll be transformed into someone really, really, ridiculously good-looking (Zoolander, anyone?).
Bo Barbershop
One of the newest kids on the barbershop block, this Business Bay spot oozes laid-back cool, with its three chairs permanently occupied with regulars who rave about the on-point cuts and beard tune-ups. Subtly themed around the great outdoors, with elements of surfing and camping woven into the interiors, it doubles up as a concept store showcasing niche brands like Night in the Woods, Barebones and Camping Brand – there’s even a vegan section. The two-storey bookcase that weaves around the cosy, light-filled space with high ceilings is home to potted plants and coffee table tomes. Don’t forget to complete the package and splash out on a 30-minute Davines treatment – there’s a choice of energizing (good for hair loss), nourishing, detoxifying and purifying (for dandruff-prone scalps) – for an additional layer of pampering. To ensure looks stay ship shape, the displays tempt you with products from Pomp & Co, Capt Fawcett and Salt and Stone, though Bo use Japanese stalwarts Muji and Italian Davines in-house. We’d return just for the perfectly brewed Nightjar coffee, conveniently dispensed in take-out cups if you want to grab and go.
Price: From Dhs90 for a beard tune-up
Website: https://www.bobarbershop.com
Address: The Bay Gate, Business Bay
Phone: +971 58 999 2614
Chaps & Co.
If you’re in Abu Dhabi, this is where you should head for head-to-toe rejuvenation as their capital outpost – they have five other locations in Dubai as well as one in Riyadh and New York – is nestled on the first floor of Al Bateen’s equally chic The Edition hotel. Vintage leather chairs, dark interiors and moody lighting take the old-school barber vibe up a notch. From hair treatments and nail care to facials, massages, waxing, and of course shaves and cuts, you’re sure to walk out a new man.
Price: From AED 60 for a light beard trim
Website: https://www.chapsandco.ae/
Address: The Edition, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 1 2 208 0500
1847 Executive Grooming for Men
If you wondered about the name, 1847 was when William Henson perfected the safety razor – and revolutionized the men’s grooming industry. It seems apt that these pampering bolt-holes, often credited as the first to bring the upmarket barber’s experience to the Middle East in 2004, were monikered after such a ground-breaking product. Undeniably masculine, traditional interiors are dotted with extra touches like personal TV screens with Apple TV, manicure and pedicure studies and services spanning the grooming spectrum. With ten locations across Dubai, including one at The Dubai Mall, there will be one near your hood to check yourself into.
Price: From AED 60 for a beard and mustache trim
Website: https://1847formen.com/
Address: Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai
Phone: +971 800 1847
Akin Barber & Shop
With two locations, at opposite ends of Dubai in The Beach and on Sheikh Zayed Road, AKIN’s patrons now needn’t travel far to secure their space in one of the four chairs giving out hot towel shaves – a trademark for the hip spot. Concrete, light woods and clean, uncluttered lines lull clients into a sense of serenity while Common Grounds coffee is dispensed before the session starts. Looking for a calm vibe and leisurely service? This is your choice. Leave your credit card at home as you might opt for some impulse shopping at their concept store.
Price: From AED 85 for a beard tune-up
Website: https://www.akinbarbershop.com/
Address: Burj Al Salam, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Phone: +971 52 364 7092
CHALK
Settling in nicely at art hub Al Serkal Avenue is the two floor CHALK. Fitting in with its artistic neighborhood, the interiors immediately impress with grey concrete reflecting the light and clean lines offering up a sense of calm. Catering to both ladies and gents, this full-service salon offers up cuts, colour, massages and nail care so can head in with your partner to get glammed up for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Definitely one for the cool kids.
Price: From AED 90 for a beard trim
Website: https://www.chalk.ae/
Address: Warehouse 63, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Phone: +971 (04) 346 6284
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