OHLALA’s Homara Choudhury discovered that the hype around roots hair and beauty is well justified.
To say I was excited about visiting roots hair and beauty would be an understatement. I had read and heard glowing reviews and was looking forward to finally being pampered after a gruelling week at work.
Roots was founded by Debbie Algosaibi after she struggled to find a salon that met all her hair and beauty needs. Originally from the UK, she’s lived in Doha for 20 years and opened her first salon in 2015. Her sister Carolyn manages both branches and it’s been a resounding success. You can see why. It’s more than just a salon. These sisters mean business.
I was given a warm welcome from the moment I walked in. After having my temperature and Ehteraz checked, I filled out a consent form and was introduced to my therapist Lyn, who offered me a refreshing beverage. I’d been to a function and my feet were still throbbing from an evening in my Louboutin’s. Lyn is a qualified reflexologist with 20 years’ experience. After stimulating my tired tootsies in warm water, she rubbed them with some oil. There are more than 7,000 nerve endings in each foot. Lyn reached all 14,000 of them and discovered a few more. The benefits of reflexology are enormous. As well as cleansing the body of toxins, it boosts the immune system, increases blood circulation and promotes healing. After an hour of massaging all of my pressure points, I literally felt like I was floating on clouds.
I glided into another room for my non-surgical facelift with Nikkie. Now that I could feel my feet, I was ready for my face to be brought back to life. There are few salons in Doha that offer the luxury Caci microdermabrasion treatment. It’s a combined facial using electrical micro-currents, incorporating blue- and red-light therapy. In short, it works in harmony with the body to help improve skin tone, texture and face shape. I knew some big names had used the treatment and I was beyond excited to try it. After cleansing my face, Nikkie began working her magic with the microdermabrasion. My face felt as though it was being tickled as she buffed the dead skin cells away. The treatment is customised to suit your skin type. Despite having sensitive skin, I didn’t feel a thing. After the treatment, a cooling face mask was applied and I was glowing. My face looked rejuvenated, supple and clear. The ultimate anti-ageing facial without surgery! I was ready to sign up for a full course.
My mane was next and I didn’t want anything too radical. My lovely colourist, Emily, took her time explaining what options I had. After going through the colour chart, I decided on a slight touch-up to my roots. Emily took her time sectioning my hair and gently applied the colour. After washing it out, I was then put in the experienced hands of new Assistant Manager Cat, who arrived from the UK’s Toni & Guy. As I am growing my hair, I didn’t want too much off, so she trimmed the ends and twisted my curls before drying them with a diffuser. I was left with soft, shiny bouncy curls. My hair has never looked or felt healthier.
Carolyn came over to see how I and the ‘girls’ were doing. As well of taking care of the team and her clients, Carolyn told me about the company’s ‘giving back’ initiatives. The salon is heavily involved in charity work and has recently been providing hair services to the Afghan refugees who arrived in Doha. It has also been collecting toys and clothes for them. It was easy to see why roots hair and beauty is so popular. It’s more than a hair and beauty salon. It takes genuine pride in making people feel and look good while giving back to the community. Now that is something I wanted to be part of. I couldn’t wait to book my next appointment.
For more information and to book an appointment, please contact roots hair and beauty on 4411 4463.