A first-time visit to March14 Dubai reveals a salon built on craft, precision, and serious beauty expertise
Stepping into March14 in Al Quoz feels less like entering a salon and more like arriving in a quietly curated creative space, where beauty is approached as craft rather than routine maintenance. Warm interiors, considered design details, and a calm sense of intention set the tone immediately. This is not a place for rushed appointments or quick fixes, but for expert-led treatments that unfold at their own pace.
The lash experience
Eyelash extensions were first on the agenda, my debut experience with the treatment, and a gentle introduction to March14’s detail-driven approach.
It was my very first time getting lash extensions, so I went in not quite knowing what to expect. I was looked after by Nikki, the salon’s lash expert, who got straight to work with calm precision. It didn’t take long before I drifted in and out of sleep, possibly even letting out a quiet snore or two.
After the near-90-minute session, my lash transformation was complete. Until that moment, I hadn’t realised just how much eyelashes can change your face. I left genuinely thrilled with the results, along with clear aftercare instructions and that slightly surreal feeling of seeing a more polished version of myself in the mirror.
For regular lash clients, Lashes & Brows is something of a haven, home to one of the city’s most extensive lash style catalogues. The salon also offers lamination and threading, all delivered with consistent, careful attention.
I was told the lashes could last around two weeks, with the option for a touch-up. Given how happy I was with the result, it’s something I’m seriously considering, especially with a few events coming up in June that feel like they might justify it.
Next up was a hair reset
I was slightly nervous about this part, knowing my hair needed more than a quick refresh. Stress, heat, humidity, and Dubai’s water had all taken their toll. After taking a seat at the L’Oréal Hair Studio, Essa, March14’s hairdresser, analysed my hair and recommended a clarifying treatment: a deep-cleansing service designed to remove product buildup, natural oils, hard water minerals, and environmental residue from both scalp and strands.
As Essa worked through my hair, the difference became noticeable almost immediately. My hair felt lighter, cleaner, and genuinely reset. Exactly what I needed after weeks of layering curl creams and styling products in an attempt to manage the humidity.
A reset for the nails
After a few cancelled nail appointments, I found myself scrolling through swatches at Nail Art Theatre and settling on a soft light pink cat-eye manicure.
If you’re feeling more experimental, March14 already has plenty of precedent for bold, TikTok-ready nail designs. Even if you prefer something understated, like I did this time, there are more than 1,900 colours to choose from.
One standout detail is that none of the colours contain toxic ingredients. Ruby Barreau, the founder, explains that there is no compromise between performance and safety; both are achieved without concession. The systems are designed to deliver high-performance results while protecting the natural nail.
Aye Sander, the salon’s nail artist, worked on my nails while we chatted and laughed like old friends. I usually opt for gel polish, but magnetic cat-eye nails were a first for me and likely not the last. With proper care, I was told they can last up to four weeks, making them ideal for someone who tends to push self-care down the priority list.
Before leaving, I even booked my next appointment for August, ahead of an upcoming trip to Amsterdam for the Dutch GP. Ruby and I were instantly aligned on the idea of F1-inspired nails, a plan we both got oddly excited about, especially since she’s also a motorsport fan.
About March14
March14 isn’t a traditional salon. It’s built around craft at every level, where the experts are deeply invested in what they do. Nail artistry pushes technical boundaries, hair treatments focus on repair rather than masking, and every service is delivered with intention.
At the centre is Ruby Barreau, the Parisian entrepreneur who has never approached beauty conventionally. Her story began all because she couldn’t find a spray tan formula she trusted. So, what did she do? She created her own in a home lab — an experiment that became the starting point for March14.
The salon opened in Dubai’s Al Quoz with a clear intention: to elevate, restore, and create experiences that linger long after you leave. The clientele reportedly includes internationally recognised names across music and film.
Tanning remains one of its signature offerings. Known for its non-orange, odourless, streak-free finish, it delivers a natural yet polished result and remains central to the brand’s identity.
The space spans two floors and feels more like a private residence than a salon. Warm interiors, curated books, and thoughtful design details create a sense of quiet luxury. The first floor serves as a private sanctuary for VIP guests seeking discretion and uninterrupted service. And behind the scenes, March14 continues to evolve through its in-house research and development studio, which tests and refines treatments to keep standards ahead of the curve.
For bookings, further information, and the full service menu, visit march14-beauty.com, for pricing, head here.
Images: Supplied
