I was invited to experience Cape Town Beauty Bar in Buitengracht Street the other day and it was a goodie. They’d actually offered me a wash and blow dry but I do my best to avoid putting my head in a rinse bowl. I know, I know. I’m a weirdo. Everyone loves having their hair washed and blow dried to perfection but for me it’s a pain as my hair dries pin straight on its own and getting my hair wet outside of a shower or bath just freaaaaks me out. So, because they’re super accommodating I was given a quick trim and it was very, very impressive in that it took all of five minutes, if even. Najwa, the friendly stylist, simply whipped out her scissors and BOOM, it was all done and perfect too – not too blunt, not too choppy.

‘Really?! You’re all finished?’ I said? I couldn’t believe how quickly she did it. But as it turns out, Cape Town Beauty Bar prides itself on their express services. It’s not a spa to luxuriate in but the ideal place to pop in and get what you need on the fly. (You’ll still need an appointment though – they’re pretty popular with high-profile clientelle that includes Top Billing’s Jade Hubner and model turned gourmet Ilse Nel. Fortunately, booking is easy. You can either call them or make an online booking via their Facebook page.)

After my light speed cut I moved on to the nail bar where Belinda gave me a Gelish mani and pedi. While they didn’t have as many colours as the bigger salon chains I was very, very impressed with Belinda’s application. This woman is meticulous! No nail is coated too thickly. There aren’t any bumps. Nothing’s lifting near the sides due to getting too close to your skin. Her work is simply boss. It’s now a week later and I’m still sitting with a perfect-looking mani on all twenty digits.

As for the salon itself, Cape Town Beauty Bar is an urban yet cosy and welcoming space with an ‘industrial-chic’ feel thanks to exposed brick walls, chandeliers and an up-cycled divan.

Aside from offering nail and hair services (check out their menu via ‘booking’ on their FB page – it’s huuuge and includes Brazilians) you can also get your make-up done, nip in for a Vita Liberata spray tan or get your brows and lashes tinted. Oh! And they offer men’s grooming services too!

They’re also running some nice specials listed on their Facebook page. Just a few include a Brazilian blow dry for R500 (usually R800); three air brush tans for R900 and TEN signature blow drys and hair styling for R1000! Then there’s Glam Thursdays where you can enjoy an express mani or pedi, make-up and a blow dry plus canapes and drinks for R550.

Anyway, let’s get to the part the Cape Town kids are waiting for… I’ve got a wash and blow dry plus a Gelish mani and pedi to give away and entering is easy. Simply leave me a comment telling me the name of your favourite Gelish shade OR hit me up on twitter with ‘Hey @lipglossgirl, I’d love to win a pamper session at @CTBeautyBar’ and include the link to this post. Your tweet is only valid if the link’s included.

This competition closes at 5pm on 29 March 2017 and is open to all South Africans but please bear in mind that Cape Town Beauty Bar is in the Mother City. If you win and live in Durbs with no plans to hit up iKapa any time soon then this probably isn’t for you.

Good luck girls!

Love, love

Leigh

This competition is now closed. Congrats to Carrie Furman on her win!