The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With salons in Cairo heaving with customers on a daily basis, beauty treatments are not always as relaxing as they should be. Putting our new-salon-nerves at bay, we travelled out to Alina Hair Studio inside New Cairo’s Meeting Point for some much-needed nail treatments. Visible from the ground floor courtyard, Alina’s contemporary chrome sign stretches across part of the second floor balcony.

Inside, the salon has a chic feel with simple furniture and tall vanity mirrors adorning the bright, open space. The price list at the desk boasts all sorts of hair treatments, as well as a range of makeup (350LE+), eyelashes (150LE), massages and hair removal services. Having booked two manicures (45LE) and pedicures (55LE) in advance, the management greeted us with offers of complimentary refreshments before directing us through an inconspicuous sliding door, leading to a separate private area for veiled customers.

This room continues the same modern feel, however on closer inspection, the decor was in fact a little rough around the edges. Two disused, old, uncomfortable leather massage chairs were set up at one end, complete with built-in pedicure basins. Before we sat down, we took the initiative to pick our nail colours from small but varied mish-mash of brands and colours on display.

Despite booking for two, the salon’s busy schedule meant that we weren’t seated together, and one of us was treated on the sofa amongst a gaggle of waiting customers; the whole experience was neither as sociable, nor as personal as we were expecting. 

Both our finger and toe nail treatments were adequate, but nothing that would elevate the treatment amongst other Cairo salons; our nails were well filed into shape and although no comparison was made between each hand, miraculously, the length difference of our nails was barely noticeable. Unfortunately, one of our cuticles was trimmed too far, causing a little swelling. Gentle massages and exfoliations with sweet smelling products were given to our arms and legs, but offered nowhere near enough relief for all our knots and aches, and the length of time taken varied from girl to girl. Although a little clumsy in parts, the nail polishes were applied neatly and thoroughly; however, as it wasn’t readily presented, we had to request for a top coat to be applied.

Although we would have preferred a more sociable outing and less cramp-inducing seating, for 100LE we couldn’t wholly justify our complaints about the results of the manicure and pedicure.