ColourNation hair salon in London's West End not only can help clients with the desired rejuvenation process, but also boasts a private all-female room for hijab-wearing patrons. The owner, says: "I think everyone wants to look nice. You make your first impression in the first three seconds, so the more we can do to make that a good impression, the better. People look at your face when they meet you and your hair frames your face. If your hair's not good you feel negatively scrutinised. But many women like to have beautiful hair just for their own self-confidence, even women whose hair may not be seen in public. Why do women spend money on underwear that nobody is going to see? Because it makes them feel special." [The owner] says that hairdressing is one of those businesses where people come in miserable and go out empowered, confident and floating on air.

The stylist Salma Begun, 23, often styles the hair of women who wear the headscarf. "Even a flick blow-dry can be maintained underneath," she says. "Obviously, it needs to be twisted in a certain way and tied back, but you should be able to take the pins out at home and all the curls will bounce out perfectly."

Begun believes that hair is the most important aspect of a woman's appearance and that just cleaning it can be a confidence-boost. "Certain haircuts suit you and some don't." She says the tiniest cut can make you feel better. "It's a psychological thing and it's partly about going to the salon and having your hair washed and dried. It's the attention. Clients always go out happier."

Begun, like many of us, insists that she will not leave the house with bad hair.

"It drives me mental," she says. "The whole day is ruined if it's bad. But I get up early especially to do it. There's always a way. Pin it up, or a ponytail is good. If you have a fringe then you have to style it, of course. You can use dry shampoo. There's always something you can do."

And when there isn't, there is always the big, all-concealing hat option.

- Anna Blundy - UAE The National - Apr 21, 2012

http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/w ... spair-about-our-hair#full