The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Never judge a book by
its cover, or your Cairo hair salon by its lack of shiny machines. If you
ever thought that the best salons are those decked out in expensive decor,
think again; Anne Beauty & Spa is the epitome of a pleasant surprise.

Located in
Heliopolis’ Ard El Golf area, this hair salon is quite inconspicuous. Once you turn
onto the small side street off of Shams El Din El Dahby Street after the
church, you’re instantly greeted by what seems to be a family friend’s home.
Small steps lead up to the salon, with plants and a small circular table at the
top, giving off a casual, homey atmosphere.

The two-level salon
has a basement level exclusively for women, while the first floor is the mixed section
and includes the makeup/facial room. While the decor is humble; the service
makes up for it all: Anne Marie meticulously chooses the best products on the
market from Guerlain to Estée Lauder to ensure that anything that touches your
skin will lead to perfect results.

Head down ten steps
to the basement, and you’re inside a women’s utopia to say the least. The space
is divided into a body treatment section and a hairdressing section, which will
leave you in a state of comfort beyond imagination. The waxing room includes a
shower; so you can wash off after you’re done, which is a rarely
considered convenience at other salons. A small number of lockers, a changing
room and additional showers by the body treatment rooms are also available.
It’s the little things that count; and Anne Marie has got them covered.

Once Anne Marie
herself approaches you, you might assume that she is one of the
patrons, and not one of the hairdressers. Her young cheerful attitude and
short-cropped blonde hair will make you wish your haircut lasted for hours. One
of the great things about Anne is that she cuts your hair after it’s been blow-dried;
that way, there isn’t a chance that your hair will be shorter or longer than
you had wanted it to be.  

Furthermore, if you don’t
know which haircut or hair treatment you’d like, Anne will recommend what is
best for your hair, without trying to sell you overpriced   products. A haircut with Anne costs 80LE
including a blow-dry, while a haircut with any of the other hairdressers at the
salon will cost 50LE including a blow-dry. For those who also like using a hair
straightener, an additional 45LE will be charged. Hair treatments like hair masks made of marrow and silk are also available, the most
expensive of which costs around 100LE. One of the best things about Anne
Marie is that you’re charged based on the length of your hair, and you
therefore may save some money.

Anne Beauty & Spa
offers great haircuts and professional service at affordable prices. The only
potential downside is the humble decoration, but who needs decoration when you
get quality service?