“My passion lies in celebrating each woman’s unique beauty. That is why I created Il Metodo. There is a big difference between merely cutting a woman’s hair, and bringing to life her natural beauty.” Rossano Ferretti
Like most women I am a creature of habit when it comes to beauty treatments, especially with my hair, if I find a stylist or therapist I’m happy with they automatically gain my loyalty. Finding a good hair salon in Abu Dhabi has been tricky, in fact I’ve personally had a couple of bad experiences, meaning I prefer to get my haircut in the UK.
Hair has a lot to contend with here in the UAE with the desalinated water and the weather both being aggravating factors. The sun, chlorine and air conditioning all contribute to the drying out of our locks, humidity causes hair to be frizzier than desired and excess hair loss is another concern.
A new salon or rather ‘hair spa’ has opened in the capital that may just be the answer to any hair related woes. Internationally renowned and award-winning hairstylist Rossano Ferretti, who has twenty plus salons in the most sought after locations worldwide (New York, London, Beverly Hills, Maldives to name a few), has opened his second venue in the region. Following on from the successful opening of his Dubai hair spa earlier this year, he has opened his latest venue in Abu Dhabi, centrally located in Al Karamah.
Alongside his celebrity client list that includes British royalty (Kate Middleton), Ferretti is best known for inventing ‘The Method’ (Il Metodo) along with his sister Lorenza, an ‘invisible haircut’ using a technique that cuts following the natural fall of the hair creating a unique experience for every client regardless of hair type.
I had the pleasure to meet Ferretti himself, a stylish and confident Italian man, impeccably dressed and unashamedly blunt about the state of your hair (cringe). Chatty and eager to impart his interesting story; from his humble beginnings in the small village of Campegine, Italy he was inspired by his barber grandfather and his hairdresser mother. He went to beauty school aged fourteen and opened his first salon in Parma twenty-five years ago and now owns an immensely successful global empire.
His passion is plain to see as is his knowledge of his craft. While he himself may not be a permanent fixture in the capital, due to jetting around the world tending to his VIP client list, many of his stylists who have worked with him will be in situ. Dubbed ‘the world’s most expensive haircut’ an appointment with Ferretti will set you back a cool $1,500 (approx AED 5,500) but I was pleasantly surprised that the price list for the standard cuts are very reasonable, in fact in some cases less than existing places.
Located in a large converted villa, the new salon is a sophisticated two-story venue that’s both stylish and inviting. The ground floor is home to a large nail salon, two private VIP rooms and the lovely Al Gusto cafe, an Italian gem serving delicious coffee and smoothies as well as sweet and savoury treats. The cafe has an additional outdoor terrace that’s the perfect place to relax pre and post appointment. The main hair spa and massage/treatment rooms are located on the first floor, a continuation of the chic interiors and tranquil vibes from below. The entire elegant space is filled with vases of colourful exoctic blooms contrasting with the contemporary monochrome artwork and the light-filled bright interior.
I had a back and neck massage with the lovely Cynthia and it was heavenly. Sprigs of lavender feature heavily in the whole salon, the fragrant flowers were placed on massage bed and sprinkled in my pre-treatment footbath. Oils are chosen not by name but instead by the clients instinct, four were placed on different parts of my hands and once I had selected the number the scent/s was revealed, I had chosen vanilla. The massage was incredible, Cynthia used different techniques and movements that I had not experienced before and I’ve had a lot of massages. I would highly recommend a visit based on my experience.
You can continue the salon experience at home with the extensive range of Rossano Ferretti luxury hair products available to purchase. There are ten different collections featuring different products for various hair types and functions. If you are looking to try somewhere new or are just intrigued by the Rossano Ferretti signature ‘Method’ cut I suggest you book yourself an appointment pronto. Alongside the haircuts there is specialist colouring services, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, waxing and so much more.
Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa
Location: Villa 306, Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 645 3313
E-mail: contact@rossanoferretti.ae
Website: www.rossanoferretti.com
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I was invited to attend the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa media launch. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2017. All rights reserved. Additional photos provided by www.tishtash.com