REVIEW – Bridal Spray Tan And Beauty Services At SALON 971, Dubai
Written by Fairy Bride Mother on March 10, 2021.
Tagged under: Bridal beauty review, NAKED Tan, SPRAY TAN, salon 971
Want to know a little secret? In all my 40 years of life, I have never had a spray tan!
Like many brides looking for that tropical glow, I considered having one for my wedding day, but fears of looking like an Oompa Loompa and staining my wedding gown pushed me towards a few days in the sun instead. As I’ve gotten older, my skin is increasingly sensitive to the sun and my fast-approaching 40th birthday pushed me to finally give this spray tan thing a go. Where better to pop your faux tan cherry than the highly recommended NAKED Spray Tan at Salon 971 in Dubai.
Along with the spray tan, I tried their Gelish manicure/pedicure and hair styling services too. I was well and truly beautified in time for my birthday! Which, let’s face it when it’s the big 4-0! It’s almost as defining as the ‘Big Day’ itself, making all of these goodies great for a blushing bride. And here’s what I think of them…
About Salon 971
A Barsha South based business; Salon 971 has already positioned itself as one of the most elite beauty destinations in the region. With its dynamic team of experts, Salon 971 consistently challenges industry standards through its elevated artistry and knowledge that enrich and nourish client experiences.
Salon 971 aims to celebrate women for their real, authentic brilliance, ensuring that every client feels beautiful inside and out, nurturing their spirit and relaxing body and mind.
Entering the contemporary and stylish space, women can choose from an extensive range of services ranging from hair transformations to nail, body and skincare, all conducted by an award-winning team that collectively boast decades of experience.
This friendly, comfortable, yet professional and sleek salon is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Catherine Hawkes and Nawal Jarges; two women who are hard rivalled when it comes to beauty expertise. Cat is an award-winning hair colourist and Schwarzkopf Ambassador, whilst Nawal is a business development expert and the founder of Salon Solutions International. Together, they are a beauty powerhouse.
Cat Hawkes, Co-owner and Artistic Director at Salon 971, said: “We believe in honesty, happiness in a balanced harmonious environment and educating our clients to effortlessly maintain their look”.
The Gelish Mani/Pedi
Salon 971 have the cutest little nail station, complete with comfy chairs and gorgeous nail designs on display. I opted for a classic French Gelish manicure and pedicure with a bit of sparkle, because why not? And it was almost identical to the style of nail I had chosen for my actual wedding day, 8 years ago.
My nail technicians applied the vegan and cruelty-free polish, “TBG” (The Gel Bottle), onto my nails after a good file, buff, cuticle removal, scrub and massage (without cream, in prep for my tan). Before it all started, I was also offered a choice of either Desert rose or lavender Sky foot soak and chose desert rose in ode to the big sandpit we live in – Dubai. It was super relaxing and I enjoyed every minute, my nails looked fab and refreshed!
Bonus – As an entrepreneur, I am forever on my phone for work (even when my fingers should be pre-occupied undergoing a manicure) so inevitably my battery dies quickly. But at Salon 971, they’ve thought of it all and have mini-phone charging stations dotted all over the salon – which was a Godsend!
Cost: 165AED (French, gel manicure), 180AED (French gel pedicure)
The Spray Tan
Before my tan, my lovely therapist, Kaushi and I, discussed the shade and depth of tone of the tan that I wanted to achieve. Having never had one before, with a naturally olive complexion, I opted for a natural look to give the impression that I had spent a few days in the sun – a “healthy glow”. Once we agreed on the colour, Kaushi took me to the salon’s dedicated spray room and offered me a disposable G-string before leaving me for a few minutes to strip down and get into the spray tent. I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of strange to strip down stark naked for a stranger, but I guess it’s something you get used to in the beauty world and after giving birth, I’m just not as shy as I once was, lol!
Kaushi covered my hair with a hair net and applied Vaseline to my feet, palms, elbows, and knees as a barrier to stop the tan from getting into areas that crease easily. I kept forgetting I had the Vaseline on and naturally kept itching my nose, so ladies take this as a gentle reminder.
Kaushi then proceeded to guide me through poses and stances that somewhat resemble the 1980’s most loved Robot dance moves. These ensure full coverage and an uninterrupted finished tan. I did giggle quite a bit as I felt like such a wally! The spray is applied in long and concentrated strokes and took approximately 5 mins to complete. Once done, I was left to dry off for a few minutes before getting changed into loose and airy clothing. My spray tan felt light and only slightly sticky.
I was advised to wait between 30 minutes to 2 hours for the tan to settle before taking a shower, so I decided to err on the side of caution and waited the full 2 hours. I woke up the following morning without a smudge of colour transference, neither my sheets nor my PJ’s were harmed. When I looked in the mirror, I felt a million dollars! Yes, I thought to myself gleefully, ‘I woke up like this’. A tan really does give the illusion of a slimmer body and really perks everything up, if you know what I’m saying (wink wink – nudge nudge). But best of all, the tan was even and looked very natural!
For the first 4-5 days the tan was perfect, it started to gently fade thereafter. In total, I would say it had completely gone by about the 10th day. Perfect for a holiday as well as= a wedding or honeymoon. The NAKED tan products offer a range of colours to suit individual needs and requirements and are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. All Naked Tan products are derived from natural products too, so no nasties are on your skin! I am 100% a convert and will definitely be going back for another spray tan.
Cost: 150AED.
10 Spray Tan Dos & Don’ts for Pre-Wedding Day Prep
DO
1 – DO exfoliate and moisturise thoroughly at least 24 hours before the spray tan, with special attention to elbows, knees, heels, and hands using a non-oil scrub and abrasive mitt.
2 – DO wax or shave at least 24 hours before the spray tan.
3 – DO shower before your spray tan to ensure no moisturiser, deodorant, perfume or makeup is left on the skin.
4 – DO wear loose/old clothing to your appointment.
5 – DO moisturise regularly after your tan, using an oil-free moisturiser for longevity.
DON’T
1 – DON’T apply any moisturiser, deodorant, perfume or makeup before your spray tan.
2 – DON’T wear makeup or jewellery to your spray tan appointment (unless not easily removed).
3 – DON’T exercise or sweat excessively after your spray tan, as it could influence the tan’s development.
4 – DON’T come into contact with oil as this will strip your spray tan.
5 – DON’T wax or shave post application, as this will also strip your spray tan.
The Wash/Blow-dry and Style.
I will keep this one short and sweet, much like the end result of my hair!
Salon 971 has those dreamy reclining seats where you get to lay flat and relax as you have your hair washed! I LOVE them; no neck strain or pain. My stylist, Ida, ensured that I received a good head massage as she applied the conditioner; a total ‘must’ for me when having the salon experience, there’s nothing worse than going to a salon where the wash is quick and they skip the mini head massage, that is the best part! Applying serum to start, she was super quick with the blow-dry, despite the fact my hair is not thin by any means. She then finished off the ‘beachy wave’ look with a hair iron, applying a little spritz of non-sticky hair spray to finish it off.
Et Voila! The perfect low-maintenance look for a relaxed beachy wedding. Just add a flower or pretty hair accessory and you are good to go. The waves did not last me until the following day for my photoshoot (picture below), but my locks still looked well styled and you can see the results of the spray tan too!
Did you Know?
The team at Salon 971 also offer full bridal makeup services that can be purchased individually, or along with bridal hairstyling. Prices start from 2000AED for makeup and 2000AED for more advanced and detailed bridal hairstyling, which includes a full consultation and pre-trial.
Where: Salon 971 is in Platinum One Tower, Ground Floor, Barsha South, Arjan, Dubai.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 9pm and Friday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
To book your service call or email: +971 4 579 6222, WhatsApp +971 58 106 4971 or email barshasouth@salon971.com.
Keep up to date with the latest Salon 971 news and offers by visiting www.salon971.com @Salon971DXB on Instagram and Facebook.
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