AsiaLIFE

From Africa through Europe and the Middle East to Cambodia, hairdresser Eriq Amtalla of his eponymous salon has worked with all sorts of hair.

In the business for 17 years, he has a wealth of experience. This is the kind of man you can confidently leave in charge of your hair whilst you flick through the latest AsiaLIFE Guide and make small talk through the mirror. Several magazines are available for you to take ideas for new styles. Eriq is happy to suggest fresh looks based on the condition of your hair as well as the shape of your face. If your tresses lack elasticity and are beset with split ends, he is not afraid of proposing to cut them off. The final decision is however up to you.

Unlike at many local salons, shampooing your hair does not take half an hour. Instead, should you be having a conditioning treatment (US$25) Eriq will spend time massaging your head and scalp. The cut seems to take no time. Using methods you recognise from salons back home, bits of hair discarded by Eriq’s scissors float to the ground. A blow dry and styling follows, after which you are presented with your new, fabulous look.

A women’s cut and blow dry at Eriq’s will set you back US$55 and up, with a free hair consultation. Men get a better deal – prices start at US$20. Other services at the salon include highlights, colouring, micro-extensions, hair glossing and dreadlocks. None of it is particularly cheap – even a plain blow dry for short hair will set you back US$15.

However, Eriq believes there is a market for top-end hairdressing services. He describes how the roadside barber is no longer good enough for the average Lexus driver. Locals are increasingly demanding, and spending more money on quality services. Nevertheless, his clientele remains mainly expat. Several of his regular customers from his previous salon at Gasolina have followed him to the new premises on Suramarit Boulevard. Eriq also expects his improved, more visible, location will bring in more people whose tresses are in need of some professional TLC.

The new premises are light and airy. Though lacking a few finishing touches, it is a relaxing and professional space. In the future he plans to offer manicures and pedicures on the chill-out mezzanine, while still specialising in hair care and styling. Like a true salesman, Eriq compares hair to clothes, with the difference that you wear your hair every day. Surely, then, you want a good haircut?

Eriq Amtalla, 31 Suramarit Boulevard (Street 268), Tel: 017 839 546. Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-7pm. The salon officially opens on Sep. 1.