Maria Dowling, founder and creative director of mariadowling Salon Dubai reveals how busy women are embracing personalized, low-maintenance hair – from colour sculpting and bond-protecting treatments to indulgent caviar-infused care that restores shine, strength, and confidence.
What’s the biggest shift you’ve noticed in what women are asking for compared to a few years ago?
There are two common shifts I have noticed. First of all, women are in a hurry, and time is a huge constraint for most people, so they’re seeking fast, quick solutions. They no longer want to spend a day having their hair done as they are time-poor.
Also, instead of arriving with a single celebrity reference, they want personalized, wearable hair that respects their texture, elevates their individuality, and fits seamlessly into their reality.
Are there any new buzzwords or techniques clients should know about this season?
This season it’s all about colour sculpting – layering techniques and multi-dimensional shades to create a more sculpted, dynamic look with bespoke colour tailored to each client. To be honest, though, as a colour specialist salon, this is something that we have always done: create bespoke colours that are most flattering to our clients!
Alongside that, adaptive cutting reflects the shift toward personalized, low-maintenance styles designed for real life.
How does hair typically change with age, hormones, or after having children?
As women age, hair naturally greys and often becomes coarser, while hormonal shifts –particularly after pregnancy – can lead to thinning and shedding. Hair loss becomes the common denominator, prompting a shift toward styles, cuts, and treatments that enhance volume, texture, and overall hair health.
How often should someone realistically update their cut to keep it looking fresh?
To keep hair looking fresh, short styles benefit from a trim every four weeks to maintain shape and edge. Longer layers can go 8–10 weeks, allowing growth while preserving movement and dimension. Regular updates ensure styles stay polished, manageable, and effortlessly modern, no matter the length.
What colour trends work best for women who don’t want frequent salon visits?
For women avoiding frequent salon visits, subtle changes work best – 1–2 shades lighter than natural hair or a low-maintenance balayage. Avoid placing colour on the parting, so regrowth is less obvious, and finish with a gloss to keep hair looking healthy, shiny, and effortlessly polished between appointments.
We’re hearing lots about hair bond protectors, such as Olaplex – how do these work and are they worth using?
Hair bond protectors, such as Olaplex, have revolutionized colouring by safeguarding strands from damage and keeping hair strong, resilient, and healthy. They’re essential –there’s truly no way to achieve vibrant colour safely without them. However, moderation is key: overusing these treatments can lead to protein buildup, resulting in brittleness or breakage. When used correctly, bond protectors not only preserve hair integrity during colour processes but also leave it feeling soft, glossy, and effortlessly polished.
We absolutely love that you use shampoo with caviar in your salon. Can you explain why caviar is good for the hair?
The presence of caviar in shampoo is not just a luxurious treat for hair, it is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s that nourish and strengthen each strand. It helps to restore moisture, smooth frizz, and add shine, leaving hair soft, healthy, and radiant. In short, caviar doesn’t just cleanse – it revitalizes, making every wash feel indulgent and salon-worthy.
If we were to invest in one at-home hair product to consistently use for hair health, what would it be and why?
The mariadowling’s hair & scalp clay is a must as it harnesses the hydrating power of Aloe Vera to deeply cleanse, stimulate, moisturise and rebalance the scalp. Designed to counteract the negative impact of changing hormones, external aggressors and over styling, this cleansing and revitalising masque is powered by a powerhouse cocktail of all-natural ingredients and offers a multitude of benefits to all hair types in just 20 minutes. Peppermint, jojoba and lemongrass help rebalance the hair, while bergamot, sesame, vitamin B5 and honey soothe and heal the scalp. The aroma-therapeutic benefits of the soothing oils will also help to calm an anxious mind.
It’s suitable and safe for use on virgin or coloured hair, the clay promises to leave hair soft, shiny, revitalised and full of health. For those who colour their hair, treatment is recommended two to three days before a colour service as if you use it before, trust me your colour will look better than ever!
For a new mum wanting to feel a bit like herself again, what would you advise her to ask for in the salon?
For a new mum looking to reconnect with herself, the salon visit should be about more than just a cut or colour – it’s about being pampered. She should ask for styles that are low-maintenance yet flattering, treatments that nourish and restore, and a little time to relax. A thoughtful, personalized experience can help her feel refreshed, confident, and truly cared for.
Salon spotlight
mariadowling Salon is the ultimate reset for busy mums who rarely take time for themselves. From the warm welcome to the genuinely personalised consultation, everything is designed around making you feel at home. The team understands post-baby hair changes, time constraints, and the need for styles that look polished without constant upkeep. Their bespoke colour, thoughtful cutting techniques, and nourishing treatments – including their signature caviar-infused care – leave hair looking healthy, glossy, and effortlessly manageable. You walk out not just with beautiful hair but feeling like yourself again.
