Review: L’Oreal Pro Fiber treatment at Dubai’s Al Sagheer salon

L’Oreal Pro Fiber treatments by Al Sagheer. Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane / The National

The location:

For those working in the Dubai International Financial District, Al Sagheer salon is a great spot for post-work or lunchtime pampering. For those who live and work further afield, the DIFC is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Emirates Towers Metro station. Paid parking is also available in the complex, but be warned, it can be a pricey option for those planning to spend more than one hour in the salon.

As for the salon itself, it’s very easy on the eye with a large mural, in honour of Egyptian owner and hairdressing guru Mohamed Al Sagheer, running the height of two floors. With its sparkly marble underfoot, sculptural light installations and bright, open spaces, the salon has a thoroughly modern feel. That said, the 1980s and 90s are also well represented courtesy of the fantastic music selection that plays on a loop in the men’s section downstairs and the designated ladies area on the first floor.

The service:

I was booked in to try the latest range by L’Oreal Professional called Pro Fiber Treatment which after seven years in research and development, was finally on the market and available in the UAE. The trio of shampoos and conditioners cater to fine-normal hair (Revive & Rectify programme), dry and damaged (Restore programme), and rough textured, split hair types (Recover & Reconstruct programme). After a quick consultation, I was being shampooed with Revive - the first level of the range - scented with lemon and honey. The process was repeated before cool conditioner was brushed through. After a quick rinse, the granddaddy in the pack, L’Oreal’s Pro Fiber Revive masque was applied and left to work for 15 minutes. Having the nightmarish combination of thick but fine hair, ‘tangle-free’ is an alien concept to me. However, L’Oreal’s magic seemed to have done the trick because to my astonishment I didn’t wince once as my stylist let the comb glide from top to bottom. A quick blow-dry revealed the glossy shine the masque had locked into my hair and after five days I was still able to run my fingers through it without any yanking. For a range that’s made for professional use in salons, on shoots, runway shows and the like, it’s a shame that it can’t easily be found in supermarkets and pharmacies. It’s the ideal daily shampoo and conditioning treatment for those who sun-worship and swim regularly in chlorinated pools. A week later, I could still see and feel the effects of the products on my hair and came to the realisation that this is probably the condition my mane should be in all the time.

The verdict:

An ideal range for the scorching summer in the UAE when your hair might need a moisture-injection and help fighting frizz. Use of the masque once a week is also recommended for those who use a lot of styling products and drying tools like straighteners. The shampoos are great for getting rid of product build-up and even those with very dry hair won’t need excessive amounts of the conditioner if used frequently, my stylist assured me.

My tip would be to ask your hairdresser to incorporate L’Oreal Pro Fiber into your next session at the salon, as it doesn’t come as standard. And if you head to Al Sagheer salon, then you’ll notice the majority of ladies opt for it as a nourishing and protective treatment ahead of having their hair styled. My stylist had back-to-back appointments fitting hair extensions for clients, who almost unanimously wanted their hair curled to look like Kim Kardashian’s. One client even brought her iPad to the salon with a ready-made slideshow of the reality TV star’s best hairstyles. If you’re a fan of glossy, glamorous locks like Mrs Kardashian-West, then this is the salon for you.

The three-step process of L'Oreal Professional Pro Fiber Treatment's shampoo, conditioner and hair masque starts from Dh700 at Al Sagheer salon. A cut and blow-dry for women starts from Dh375. To book an appointment go to www.mohamedalsagheer.com or call 043857905.

The National was a guest of the salon