Beautiful Choices for Jeddah’s Women

Saturday, 17 November 2007
By Kholood Al-Rhamah

They're called "saloons" or "cosmetic centers" and they've multiplied exponentially over the past few years in Jeddah. In fact, you can barely walk a block in the city without coming across one. Some of them are neighborhood spots, frequented primarily by nearby residents; others cater to a high-end clientele, either upper class locals or those visiting the city for a special occasion. Prices and services vary from place to place with some touting name-brand products, which, of course, push prices up.

Middle-class centers
For starters, the centers in the vicinity of the Watani Super Center on Tahliya Street are reasonably priced and tend to serve many people visiting Jeddah as there has been a proliferation of furnished apartments/hotels in the area.

Cinderalla and French Touch
Generally uncrowded, these two establishments are located in the same building. They are small and exude a sense of familiarity. The fact that they are not overcrowded is one of their draws. It pretty much assures that you are not likely to run into a friend or acquaintance who is getting gussied up for the same event. Believe it or not, despite the large number of cosmetic centers in the city, such unexpected (and unwelcome) encounters are frequent.
Prices at the two businesses range from SR50 for hairstyling, SR50 for light make-up and up to SR600 for preparing a bride for her big day. Hours of operation of usually from 3 P.M. to 10 or 11 P.M.
Cinderella: 698-9176
French Touch: 670-3092

Suhair Center
It's not very large but Suhair Saloon is always packed, meaning only one thing: they provide excellent services. It's a high-quality place but prices remain reasonable, ranging between SR70 and SR100 for hairstyling and make up. Locals rate the Suhair Saloon very high.
Hours are 3 P.M. to 10 or 11 P.M. Telephone: 675-6778/675-7716

A Beauty Touch
Small but of exquisite quality, A Beauty Touch is located near Shakereen Street. From the outside, it's simple and humble, but their services quickly erase appearances. Prices range between SR70 to SR100 for hairstyling and SR50 to SR70 for make up.
They are open weekdays from 3 P.M. to 11 P.M. Call them at 693-2100 and 693-7647.
The saloons mentioned above do not require reservations but they do accept them. Reservations are recommended, however, in order to get in and out in a reasonable time frame.
Always arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.

High Class Centers
Nawara
A saloon with one of the highest profiles in Jeddah and could be called a "whole woman care" center. Located on three floors, it offers services that involve dressing, make up, nail care, accessories and face crèmes. You know that you will get the best service in town at reasonable prices at Nawara. Despite the size, attendants make you feel at home. The large staff allows groups of women to go together and get out in a reasonable time. Prices range from SR150 for hairstyling, SR150 for make up and SR50 for nail care. They open for two shifts: 9 A.M. to noon and from 4 P.M. til 11 P.M. Reservations required.
Located on Palestine Street, their phone numbers are 661-0606/661-3916/661-2335.

Jamaloky (Your Beauty)
Well-known to those seeking the ultimate look and willing to pay the highest prices. With six hair stylists and two make up artists, there is little waiting and large groups of women can go together and be taken care of promptly. Prices for hairstyling start at SR150 and make up starts at SR200. The open for two shifts: 10A.M. to 1 P.M. and 5 P.M. til 9:30 P.M. They are located near Jeddah Mall. Their telephone number is 665-1888. Reservation required.

Jacques Dessange
Who is better at make up than the French? Jacques Dessange exudes sophistication and is spreade across three floors dedicated to body care, facials, hairstyling and make up. They also offer accessories to go along with your hair style. Prices range start at SR155 for hairstyling and SR200 for make up. Hours are from 4 P.M. to 11 P.M. on weekdays and 3PM til 10PM on Thursday. They open at 4 P.M. on Fridays. Located on Tahliya Street. Call 698-9176 for reservations (required).

A few suggestions before visiting a saloon:
When visiting a hair stylist, wash your hair and allow it to air dry. This will give better results while in the stylist's chair.
Make sure instruments for nail care are sterilized. Better yet, bring your own.
Don't wash your hair afterwards without first moisturizing it in order to avoid damage to your hair.