Willow Lane: Dubai’s bohemian boutique salon

Beauty-salon chasers, Willow Lane is the beauty spot you’ve been searching for in Dubai! Nestled in Gold Crest Executive Towers in bustling JLT, FACT’s Hayley Alexander checks out the bohemian boutique salon. 

Are we in Dubai or Ibiza? Floor-to-ceiling windows from which natural light beams through compliments the white walls, scattered green plants, and carefully placed pampas grass. We kick off our sandals and sit back in a comfy cream chair by the window. The space feels airy and peaceful, and we are fully prepared to lose ourselves. 

Brogan, the bubbly salon manager, who shows the same enthusiasm to all the guests that walk through the door, confirms our treatment. Following safety guidelines and acclimatising to the salon environment, Brogan automatically makes us feel safe and relaxed. 

Before the nail treatment, our beauty therapist presents us with a hot-drinks menu, and we are pleasantly surprised at the selection of teas and coffees. A cup of PG Tips excites us, though we opt for a lemon and ginger tea, which seems altogether more fitting. Sipping on the piping hot tea, we are in awe of the neutral colour scheme and rustic hints that add a sense of escape and a discrete feeling of European glamour. 

Designed in natural tones, this unique and very hip space is founded by Nikki Martin and Inka Leininger. Willow Lane is also represented by a team of UK-trained hair stylists and experienced beauty therapists. Everything from hair, nails, brows, lashes, massages, and facials are on the menu here. The stylists are extension and colour experts in ombre and highlights, balayage and cut, and lasting bouncy blow drys. Service at Willow Lane is relaxed, with accommodating staff who know their craft – you are definitely in good hands! 

Whilst we ponder over the nail pallets and never-ending rainbow of colours, the beauty therapist checks our nails and asks the question, “round or square?” A question we are never prepared for! Conscious of the brands used in the salon, The Gel Bottle brand is highly pigmented, chip-resistant and offers long-lasting shine. Most notably, The Gel Bottle is vegan and cruelty-free. The manicure starts with a good shaping and cleaning, “round ‘cotton-candy’ mani and pedi nails” is a mouthful, but it is our answer. 

For the pedicure, we received an extreme soak and scrubbed to remove all of the dead skin, and our feet are left feeling soft. This is followed in quick succession by lovely hand and foot massages to release the tension we didn’t know we had. Our eyes are fully closed and already thinking about the next visit and what other treatments to try. 

We overhear a hairstylist advising her client on the right shampoo and treatment to maintain her lovely long coloured hair. Eyes open, we sit up and listen – filled with helpful information and tips, the customer is prioritised and made to feel special. 

Our nails are did, and feeling proud of the colour choice. We prop ourselves on a high stool at the all-white bar, under a rustic-rope sign that reads ‘Willow Lane’ amidst hanging greenery. This seating area has been designed for chilled social catch-ups as well as all your beauty needs. Of course, no Dubai salon would be completed without the perfect backdrop to Instagram our nails. 

Occasionally in salons there can be an urgency to vacate the client, making room for the next appointment. However, we were encouraged to feel entirely relaxed before leaving. Willow Lane is the ultimate go-to for all things hair and beauty and offers a personalised and bespoke experience. Upon discovery, Willow Lane will make Dubai residents wonder why they have not visited before. 

Willow Lane is located inside Gold Crest Executive Towers, Cluster C, JLT, and is open from 9am to 7pm daily.

GO: Email info@willowlane.ae or call (0)52 584 8201 or for reservations and more information.