OHLALA’s Lindsey Steenkamp updates her look at Franck Provost salon in the Spa and Wellness Centre Four Seasons Hotel, Doha.
There’s a beauty haven to be explored on the tip of the West Bay coastline. A place I have always heard about from my girlfriends, but since I am very selective and careful (I don’t easily let anyone touch my blonde hair), I hadn’t been brave enough to visit until now. The everpopular Franck Provost salon is located in one of my favourite hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel, Doha. These days we can only be ever grateful to visit the salon twice in a season considering the current worldwide situation. With most of Europe and the UK under strict lockdown, I am excited to be able to let my locks down and embrace a new look.
In 2020 we all needed to take matters into our own hands, resulting in the low-maintenance, ‘undone’ and rebellious hair trend. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this hair movement’s birth, as it reminds me of my teenage years of colouring my hair by myself in every bright colour of the rainbow. Of course, Billie Eilish brought on this trend before lockdown, but then we had the time to practice it ourselves. Enter the colour blocking trend reminiscent of the late ‘90s, where the paint is arranged to create a tri-tone hairstyle. As a rule, I always map out what I want to do before I go to the salon and today, I decided it was not a day to play it safe.
I am graciously greeted by the friendly receptionist and led through to my treatment chair. I have booked to try the manicure, pedicure and of course to have my hair done. Just around the corner is the nail colour wall. I am blown away by the wide variety of colours, hues and finishes available. I usually find that the colours are quite limited in most places, but this is definitely not the case at the Franck Provost salon. When it comes to my nails, I like playing with different colours in each finger, and I usually stick to natural shades and only choose bright red or yellow during summer. Today, I decided to pick three colours, nude, silver and denim black.
Before the treatment starts, I have a consultation with the senior hairstylist, Slagjana, to plan the course of action for my hair. I express my concerns over my damaged tresses and how I would like to keep them as light as possible whilst retaining their health. She explains that since it is winter, I should consider opting for some highlights in half of the head, to save my hair’s condition. I found this a very thoughtful and smart solution. She explained that she usually offers realistic, practical and affordable possibilities to her clients. For her, it is about making them happy and not about providing unnecessary treatments or products.
As I settle back, they start mixing the colour for my hair, and the girls begin with my hands. While I relax and get buffed and pampered like royalty, I am astonished by the ocean view. It truly adds to the salon’s ambience, and I find myself pleasantly succumbing to the care and treatment I am receiving.
While my hands and feet are under some work, foils are being applied to my hair simultaneously. At one point, my phone rings and I am utterly immobile with hands and feet occupied. The hairstylist takes the initiative to answer my phone and holds it to my ear so I can talk. I was very impressed with her personal touch and attentiveness. While we wait for the colour to act in my hair, the pampering is prolonged, and my hands and feet are wrapped up in towels with a decadent skin mask.
Meanwhile, I chat and laugh with Slagjana; she is originally from Macedonia and has been working for the salon for seven years. She seems to be the salon’s mother hen – taking control and looking after everybody (all done effortlessly). It is easy to notice that she is highly intuitive and passionate about what she does.
It’s time for rinsing and much-needed hair treatment. The five-star experience continues with hand, foot and head massages simultaneously; I am in heaven!
“My hair emerges with a multitude of beautiful baby blonde and platinum tones. Soft and silky smooth.”
The moment of truth arrives with the blow-dry. My hair emerges with a multitude of beautiful baby blonde and platinum tones. Soft and silky smooth. I am incredibly pleased with the natural look and condition of my hair.
During my initial consultation, I asked for some pink accents to mimic the season’s colour blocking trend. Slagjana advised me that hair extension would be a much better solution instead of dying my hair, which would vanish within a few washes. The pieces are added and with a final snip, blow and brush my hair is ready.
I am elated with the result and walk away with head-turning hair and nails that shine like justice, ready to slay the start of 2021.
If you are interested in a five-star, nail and hair transformation with dedicated client service, Franck Provost salon is a definite one for the books!
For reservations or more information,
please call 4494 8844.
@franckprovostqa