Opal Salon & Spa — Attraction in Municipality of Al Shamal

I am honestly confused by the 4.5 star rating on Google. This was, without a doubt, the most unprofessional and uncomfortable salon experience I’ve had in Riyadh and possibly anywhere. Either the owner is unaware of what’s happening under her roof, or she’s chosen to ignore it. In any case, if you value your hair, your comfort, or basic human decency go somewhere else.

I visited this salon for the first (and last) time as it was close to my hotel. The high rating convinced me into a false sense of security. I expected professionalism, care, and a relaxing experience. What I received was the complete opposite careless treatment, no attention to detail, and a staff that behaved like they were doing me a favour just by acknowledging I was there.

Let’s start with the hair wash something that should be soothing and enjoyable. The woman tilted my head back, turned the water on, and immediately drenched my scalp in freezing cold water without so much as a warning or temperature check. At every other reputable salon, they run the water first, ask if the temperature is okay, and gently begin. Not here.

Then came the bowls wooden ones, which she kept carelessly dropping next to my head, creating loud, startling thuds right next to my ears multiple times. It was irritating, jarring, and showed zero understanding of how to create a calm, client-friendly environment.

Now, the blow dry. Where do I even begin? The stylist didn’t greet me, didn’t ask me how I wanted my hair styled just walked up and said flatly, “Blowdry straight?” No smile, no warmth, no effort to connect. She then proceeded to yank a brush through my wet, knotted hair without even sectioning it. It felt aggressive and painful. At one point, she literally shoved her hands through the knots to separate them. I couldn’t tell if she was in a bad mood or just had zero training, but it was shocking. I’ve had better treatment from junior trainees than what I experienced here.

What truly shocked me was that no heat protectant or product of any kind was used before blow drying. Not even a basic leave-in or serum. Every single professional salon I’ve ever been to applies a heat protectant as a minimum it’s the most basic standard of care to protect the client’s hair from damage. But apparently, that’s not a priority here.

The actual blow dry was rushed and uneven and nothing close to a polished result. I left with sore roots and disappointment written all over my face. I even tried to speak to the receptionist on my way out, but she had conveniently disappeared.

I wouldn’t recommend this salon to anyone. It lacks training, customer service, and basic standards of care. There is nothing luxurious or even pleasant about this place. It was a deeply frustrating and, quite honestly, borderline humiliating experience....

One star only for writing the review today I had haircut with Mariam and after waiting for two hours I got a botched haircut with uneven side on the right. Mariam was clearly stressed and was complaining about the management not giving her a break. Her attitude was very tense. She was very defensive and that stress resulted to the haircut that I got today I am very sad, disappointed I have been a loyal customer for a year now and to make up for the botched haircut Mariam told me to come early in the morning and have a free hair blowout does that make it even getting my hair botched? Never again.

اقسم بالله مر اكثر من شهر وقهري على شعري كانه أمس حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل وأسال الله...

Today was my second visit to Opal, and I’d describe it as a neighborhood salon. The prices were reasonable for the service provided. The first time, I had my hair styled in waves, and it turned out nice. Yesterday, I tried a body care treatment, which was also good. I’d recommend this salon for its fair prices and convenient location. It’s not a five-star salon that gives you a luxurious, pampering experience, but that’s not a criticism. In all honesty, sometimes we just need a place like this—quick, efficient, and practical, especially when...