On one particularly drab November week, when my darling daughter (Pink*, 8 years old) had been especially well-behaved, we decided we were in need of a treat, you know, of the really indulgent, girls-only variety. So with my pocket pal at my side, off we trotted to Airplay Blow Dry Bar on Wyndham Street, Central for a mum and daughter makeover experience to feed the soul and make us feel like princesses again – you’re never too old right?
If you haven’t heard of it already, Airplay is a concept blow dry, styling and make-up experience destination, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. No cuts, no perm, no colour – the “blow dry bar” is apparently the hottest beauty trend in North America and Europe and has now hit Hong Kong, ready to tame our humidity and pollution troubled tresses.
The salon is a feminine delight, rather how I imagine Marie Antoinette’s dressing room to be, if she were a modern day Queen living in Hong Kong. The décor is chic, sleek and delicate, both light and airy, and entirely fit for purpose. Upon arrival, Pink and I were greeted, seated and offered refreshments, a tall glass of fizz for mama and chocolate and fruit for the little ones. We were then guided through the “menu” of bar themed hairstyles and up-do’s using the salon iPads. Styles include: Mojito – playful tropical curls, Long Island Ice Tea – straight and silky smooth, Sake Bomb – short but sweet, and Mocktails – for girls under 10, to name but a few.
With our selections made, our stylists got to work: washing, curling, plaiting, clipping and styling, as Pink and I relaxed side-by-side in our white leather chairs, watching Project Runway and sipping our respective refreshments. With the hair styles complete, it was time for make-up; Luna Star Naturals for Pink, which is entirely made up of natural minerals without harsh chemicals or synthetic dyes. Even the nail polish was easy to peel off before school on Monday morning, so this was the perfect, safe make-up experience for little girls.
My stylist talked me through the selection of adult make-up choices from an impressive range encompassing natural, dramatic, occasion, wedding and even holiday-themed looks, perfect for the party season. As much as the inner diva in me longs to parade around the playground with inch-long false eyelashes, I opted for the natural look, which was expertly applied using products like Laura Mercier and The Balm.
So impressed was Pink, not naturally a girly girl, that we were thrilled to learn that Airplay also hosts children’s parties, whereby up to eight little ladies can be pampered with hair, make-up and face-painting, all while watching Frozen or another movie of choice! Airplay also offers the perfect party destination for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, baby shower, girls’ night out and corporate events. For those extra special days, airplay offers a bespoke bridal package, including an on-location styling service.
Baby shower at Airplay
As one mama who rarely makes it to the salon, and always feels guilty about taking time for me, this mum and daughter experience was the perfect Saturday morning sweet treat to kick off the weekend. Our styles even held in place through an afternoon of activities and an evening family BBQ – hurrah! As Airplay said to me, “Who says makeovers are for grown-ups only? Let us pamper your little girl and turn her into a real princess.” No arguments from us ladies!
SASSY MAMA OFFER: Simply mention ‘Sassy Mama’ to receive a complimentary detox treatment (deep cleansing shampoo and hydrating mask with scalp massage) with any treatment, valid through end of February 2015. Tip: Recommended for the K11 location, with the enhanced massage feature shampoo station!
Airplay Blow Dry Bar:
Kowloon: Shop B223, K11 Art Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2388 8824, www.airplaybar.com
Central: 7/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2641 9888, www.airplaybar.com