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

Even considering the scope of beauty salons in Cairo, we tend to limit ourselves to the more well-known, trusted names. Looking to compete with the big players of hair and beauty in Cairo, Toi by Rabei & Kimi has opened up on the charming El Gezira El Wosta Street.

Having built up both a brilliant reputation and a loyal client base over almost ten years, co-owners Kimi – who formerly worked at Mohammed El Sagheer – and self-made owner of Elle salon, Rabei Mrad, have collaborated to open up their own salon, taking a small, experienced team with them.

Standing out on the quiet residential road, the exterior is an eye-catching ensemble of mirrored glass and grey brickwork complete with large, shiny signage. The valet area is manned by smartly dressed concierge, before the door is held open for approaching customers. Following on from the immaculate first impression, the interior is also sleek and contemporary, using shades of grey, black and white to create a chic, relaxing vibe.

The reception area is surrounded by up-market beauty products for sale, from brands such as Kerastase, GK and Bed Head, as well as Orly nail polish. Toi offer all of the usual treatments; haircuts (120LE), highlights (350LE+), roots (250LE), blow-drying (90LE), threading (20LE+) and mani-pedis (50LE/60LE) – the only thing missing is a spa area, which is scheduled to open on the 2nd floor, early next year. There’s also a seperate private room for VIP treatments, as well as a bar for colour consultations.

Immediately after being seated, we were offered a range of complementary refreshments while we waited in turn for the Lebanese miracle worker and co-owner, Kimi. Our roots were meticulously tended to by an assistant before being washed, dried and brushed without the usual painful tugging of knots. Colour matching roots to highlighted hair can often be a worrying process in many of the city’s salons; however, Kimi is known for work with blonde hair and, needless to say, the result was perfect. He went on to curl and clip the hair into a half up, half down style which stayed flawlessly in place for the duration of the day.

Moving through to the separate, cosy manicure and pedicure room, their resident beautician worked quickly but thoroughly on our nails, leaving us with preened cuticles and well-shaped, accurately painted nails. Our eyebrows were also seen to with a speedy combination of plucking and threading, leaving us with tidy – but not over pruned – eyebrows.

With a team of reputable hair dressers and beauticians, Toi offers a reliable, comfortable salon experience; with big names above the door, it is undoubtedly, already a huge contender in the salon world.