Late post, but here it is!
Last November 29, my friend and I went to Happy Sandscapes’ Hot Chocolate Crafting and Pamper Day held at Friends Salon in Al Khobar. It was actually our first time stepping inside a salon here in Saudi! Salons in KSA are usually covered on the outside for privacy since they cater to women, so you never really know what it looks like inside. Honestly, I get intimidated passing by them because… what if they’re super expensive? Then I have to do the embarrassing walk of shame out. Hahaha!. But seriously, my kuripot self always compares everything to Manila rates, so paying 300% more for a haircut really pains me.
Before this, I tried home service from a kabayan who came recommended. I availed haircut, hair color, mani, and pedi. Technically convenient, but the whole time I just wanted it to end. She kept asking how much our rent was, how much my husband earns, if she could have some of my handmade Christmas decor, and even asked if we had STC Pay so she could send money home… I was like, WHAT IS HAPPENING. I ended up paying around ₱8,000 because I covered her Uber too. In the Philippines, this would have cost about ₱1,000. So yeah… I never contacted her again.
After that, I downgraded to my husband’s barber for trims - cheap and efficient. Or so I thought. My last haircut in July, I asked for 2 inches off and he cut it SO short I wanted to cry. And that was right before our almost month-long vacation, so all my photos? Bad hair day chronicles! After that, I even bought hair scissors from a beauty store thinking, “Fine. I’ll cut my hair myself from now on” That’s how traumatized I was.
BUT.
Because of this event… I finally found my new regular salon in KSA!
Even if it’s 2 hours away (if you’re a regular reader, you already know we live in a very very very provincial place haha!), I am committed to going every two months for some pampering. My friend, Melody will officially be my salon buddy for 2026 and she’s just as excited.
The owner, Tita Sarah, is Filipina and she is SO nice. While waiting for Ton to pick us up, she sat with us and chatted about her business. She started Friends Salon around 2002 (or 2003?) so they’ve been around for ages. Her team, Ate Glory, Ate Tess, and Ate Emily have been with her from the start too. That alone tells you she’s a great employer. And since it’s Filipino-owned and staffed, you already know the comfort level is 10/10.
The best part? Her prices are so reasonable! So reasonable that it's almost Manila rates!
From time to time, she collaborates with Happy Sandscapes for pamper events and special packages. Just look at the packages she offered for this event:
Manicure
Pedicure
Threading
Haircut
Blowdry
Nail Polish
Promo 2 – 200 SAR (3000.00)
Hair Color
Manicure
Pedicure
Blowdry
Nail Polish
For the Hot Chocolate Crafting portion, there was a big table filled with pastries, hot chocolate, whipped cream cans, and toppings like mallows and sprinkles. And since most guests were Filipinos, it felt just like Manila, people happily brought food to share.
Because I’m super grateful for the friendships I’ve made through Happy Sandscapes and for their support of My Cat and Crafts, I brought little handmade tokens for everyone: mini hot chocolate cups with a chocolate biscuit and a hot chocolate packet. I added winter animal and gingerbread ornaments too, which double as gift tags!
Melody and I got our nails done but didn’t avail of the full package because the guys were already waiting for us to finish.
Photo grabbed from HSS Facebook Page
Overall, it was such a win! Friendly community, good food, cozy hot chocolate crafting, and the discovery of a new regular salon for us. We’ll definitely be back, though probably after February since we’ll be in Manila and December–January pampering will be Manila-based. Hehe.
If you’re in Saudi Arabia, especially in the Eastern Province, make sure to follow Happy Sandscapes’ socials too! They always share things to do, places to visit, and events happening around the area. Their page genuinely helped me when I first arrived here and had no idea where to start.
Facebook - Happy Sandscapes
Instagram - happy_sandscapes
And of course, if you’re nearby, follow Friends Salon on Facebook as well!
I’ll insert their price menu here so you can check out their services:
Happy for you sis! It's great that you've already found your regular salon in KSA, and it's wonderful to see you with your friends over there! 🥰🥰🥰 see you and bro soon!!! 😘😘😘
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