FACT Review: Will Dubai go crazy for new salon The Lunatic Fringe?

We visited the salon on its opening day, and loved the grown-up Gatsby vibes.

Lunatic, what? Don’t let the name put you off. While it sounds like a cross between a comedy show and a nightclub, it’s actually the name of a new salon. As the Scottish-born brand makes its Dubai debut, we were one of the first publications to check out The Lunatic Fringe – and you should, too. 

Tucked away in Le Royal Mèridien Beach Resort and Spa, The Lunatic Fringe is a sophisticated salon. LW Design, whose design hits include Bab Al Shams, Blind Tiger and Chic Nonna, have created a chic spot. The venue boasts a beautiful entrance – we’re talking floral arrangements, which look great on the gram. Plus, a bar with a lounge where you can chill pre- and post-treatment.

If Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan were to open a salon, we’re confident it would look like The Lunatic Fringe. The olive walls give it a grown-up feel, and the gold and fringe finishes add Art Deco touches. Look out for gold-rimmed mirrors, gold glasses and even gold bins. Plus, the VIP Gold Room is a plush place, where you can indulge in some added privacy. 

The Lunatic Fringe offers hairdressing, hair removal, nails, make-up, botox and facials. This is the first salon in the UAE to use the MZ Skin brand, founded by the leading Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Maryam Zamani. Visitors can choose between five different facials including the MZ Skin Gold Facial. 

We tried the Classic Pedicure, which takes place in a stylish space. The pedicure station includes blush pink marble water basins, and floral stools as well as cushions. The treatment began with a wash, exfoliation, trim, massage, and a lavender scrub that extended to our knees. The only tough part was choosing between an extensive range of colours. Then, all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the mocktails and macaroons. 

We then tried the eyebrow threading service, which takes place in a private treatment room. As so many salons have dark treatment rooms, it was refreshing to see décor with a difference. Not only are there high ceilings with chandeliers, but soft blankets where you can lie down. Plus, the state-of-the-art equipment includes a spotlight so the therapists can get your arches just right.  

On our visit to The Lunatic Fringe, we were impressed by the attention to detail. Not only from the space but the staff, as they were triple-checking their work and if we were satisfied. 

When we visited on the opening day, Liza Harper, the brand’s founder, was also on hand. She shared: “I wanted everything to be considered. It’s a beautiful but workable space. I want everyone that comes here to feel pampered and not rushed.”

And, if you’re wondering about that name, she explained: “Lunatic Fringe is a play on words. My salon in the UK is next to the university, and I wanted to have something quirky that the students would resonate with like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”

We’re crazy about The Lunatic Fringe. 

GO: Follow @lunaticfringedubai on Instagram for more information.