By Smart girls know to keep their friends close and a great hairdresser closer. Finding someone to trust with your tresses is a vital key to daily confidence. With her trademark pink hair, Headkase co-founder Ali Keogh is a bright star in Dubai’s hairdressing world. With a snip, snip here and a spray, spray there, Ali makes sure her clients turn heads.
A straight-talking Irish lass with 25 years’ experience in the business, Ali has built a well-earned reputation as one of Dubai’s go-to hair stylists. In 2017, she joined forces with her friend and business partner Tracy Dockery and opened Headkase – their own independent salon.
From creative types to housewives, Ali’s clients come from all walks of life. But they all leave her chair with one thing in common – feeling fabulous. Which makes Ali in-demand all year round. We find out a bit more about one of Dubai’s colourful characters…
What sparked your interest in hairdressing?
From a young age, I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I feel it’s my calling to make people love themselves a little more. I get to play with hair all day and chat to people. It’s the best job in the word for me.
Why is ‘good hair’ important?
Good hair can make or break a women, that’s how I see it. If your hair is right, you can conquer anything. The same way a bad hair day can ruin your day. We don’t take that lightly here at Headkase. Our consultations are in-depth. We need to get to know you a little more to really figure out what you want and need your hair to do for you.
Why are you such an advocate for funky hair colours?
I’m a colourful soul so I’m drawn to it. Your vibe attracts your tribe, as they say. I mean, I have the words ‘Live your life in colour’ inked on my arm. It’s who I am.
What don’t we know about hair colouring that we should?
Nothing. That’s where I come in. Research who your stylist is and know you’ll be sitting in the right chair before you book an appointment. I have 25 years of knowledge and experience. When a client comes to meet me, they will know that I have their back and have their best interest at heart.
What hair trends have emerged during the Covid era?
Roots are now cool and more and more of our clients are going for a lower maintenance vibe. Embracing your natural colour is something we encourage. A little lighter here and there is more the style for colouring these days. Traditional foil clients and solid colours are a thing of the past.
What’s the worst hair trend to ever come along?
Where do I start? One that sticks out a mile for me was the ‘POB’, aka the posh bob. And don’t get me started on perms, we’ll be here all day.
How do you ‘rescue’ hair that’s been mistreated?
Sometimes the only answer is to get the scissors out and start again. If hair can be rescued, we put the client on Olaplex. It’s a game-changing product that helps bring hair back to its former glory if it can be done. No amount of haircare can help if the hair is heat or chemically damaged though.
What’s the worst thing someone can do to their hair at home?
Trying to lighten your hair at home is never a good idea. We’ve seen some pretty interesting ‘homebres’ in the past year. Never ever lighten your own hair is my advice. The results aren’t cute. It can lead to very orange hair and breakage. Put the bowl down!
Is it true the water in Dubai makes your hair fall out?
No. It’s many factors. We do recommend using a shower filter, as it can make a difference to your hair and your skin. But hair loss is often to do with a change of environment and stress. Consider this too, what you put into your body you get out of it. If you’re not getting enough nutrients and your vitamin levels are deficient this will also affect your hair. Get your Vitamin B and D levels checked if you’re worried.
What’s the craziest thing a client has requested?
It’s never what I call “crazy” but then that’s me. A leopard print undercut was one of the wilder requests.
Which celebrity would you like to have in your chair?
I have so many. Pink would be up there; she’s my cup of tea and super cool. Perhaps surprisingly, I’d love to do Nicole Kidman’s hair. She’s taken to the blonde the last few years and I’m not a fan of it on her. She’s an iconic red head with natural curls to die for so I would use my powers of persuasion there.
Best thing about co-owning Headkase?
Doing it with my best friend. We opened over three years ago and our relationship is stronger than ever. We are complete opposites in every way possible, but it works. Tracy is my rock. Also, doing it our way is pretty special. We always dreamt of owning a space that was warm and friendly when you come through the doors. We want you to be who you are and feel comfortable. I think we’ve achieved that and I’m very proud of what we have created in a short space of time.
Biggest lesson learned as a business owner?
To leave my emotional side at home. Being the ‘boss’ can be magic but it also means everyone needs me. I’m working on trying not to take on everyone else’s stress as well as my own. It’s hard to switch off at times but I’m getting there.
Plans for the future?
Continued success. We’re building a reputable brand and that takes time and consistency and we’re still young in terms of business. Headkase is making its mark on our industry organically and that’s the most important type of recognition. I’d like to get back into educating the next generation of stylists but I’m enjoying being on the floor full-time for now.
Your climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October. What’s the story?
I’m turning 40 this year and have been doing a lot of reflecting this past year, as I’m sure everyone has. I’ve always been a plus size woman who enjoys her curves, but I’ve never known what it felt like to be strong and fit. Curiosity – plus a torn shoulder ligament – led me to a rehabilitation PT called Keith O’Malley from the Physical Training Company. I feel I’ve found my happy place and I’m hooked.
I’m climbing Kili with the amazing Dubai-based charity Gulf for Good, who do some incredible fundraising work for people all over the world. Our fundraiser is for a small school in Tanzania that needs all the help it can get. Naturally, I’m terrified and I have a lot of training still to do. But my mindset says, ‘Bring it on!’ and I’m giving it my all.
Headkase is located in the Iridium Building, Al Barsha 1, Dubai. Check out the salon’s Instagram for hair inspiration.
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