The Key to your Locks

This year has been a big one for me: life-changing decisions, a new magazine — and the first time I’ve ever let anyone blow-dry my hair. But Craig Feliciano isn’t just “anyone”, he’s Harare’s haircare jedi who, along with his partner Anna, runthe glorious Feliciano & Co The Salon in Chisi Walk.

You can tell immediately that haircare is not my forte: a scrunchy topknot is my go-to look, a lonely hairbrush sits under my bathroom basin gathering dust and lint at an alarming rate. But for some reason, whenever I sit in Craig’s chair, something changes. Multi-stage detoxifying treatment? For sure! Half head of highlights? Go for it! Blow dry? Knock yourself out! I’ve come a long way since my days of wash, cut and run.

My reluctance to sit at the hairdresser for more than half an hour is probably because I’ve always found the experience a sensory overload. Someone screeching in my ear about my holiday over the din of a hairdryer, while the boy on unpaid work experience sulkily sweeps someone else’s hair from underneath my feet, is not my idea of a good time. Luckily, there’s absolutely none of that at Feliciano & Co.

The salon, which has just undergone a transformative facelift, sits at the quiet end of Chisi Walk. Set over two airy rooms, with double doors facing out onto the beautiful garden, it’s a bit like going round to your friend’s house for a cup of tea and a catch-up — if your friend happens to live in a stunningly decorated space and is really good with scissors.

The colour scheme is confident but calm, each treatment area carefully thought through and slightly different to the next. Stylish bare-bulb pendant lights have been cleverly placed so that you don’t start doubting your skincare regime as soon as you catch sight of yourself in the gorgeous statement wood-framed mirrors. And if you’re not entranced by Craig and Anna’s soothing, and always helpful and enlightening, chat, there is wonderful Zimbabwean art to look at: Mukudzei Muzondo’s “Passenger’s Diary” sits pride of place above the reception desk.

“Craig and I wanted to create a space and an experience where people could come together for more than just beauty treatments,” says Anna. “We want to nurture wellness, wholeness and soulfulness, as well as giving people great hair and brows.”

But wait, it’s not just hair and brows here. Taf, aka “Mr Nails”, has his own spot in the salon, on hand to give you a meticulous manicure using the revolutionary Biosculpture nail system.
While Craig uses his expertise and hot-off-the-press products (L’Oreal Metal Detox and MK Professional are favourites) to nourish and transform your on-top locks, Anna is the woman to go to for all your brow and threading needs. Having learnt her craft in Asia, she works her magic in an instant, fingers and string gliding effortlessly over your face to return you to a slightly less scary version of yourself. Everybody needs this woman in their life.

“It’s a life, not a job,” says Craig. “You never know who’s going to land up in your chair, but I love working with so many different people and it’s a privilege to get to know them.”
On behalf of my hair and eyebrows, I’d like to say that it’s a privilege (and a relief) to get to know you both too.

Words by Milly McPhie

Feliciano & Co The Salon, Chisi Walk,
15 Shortheath Road, Harare.
Call: +263 781 162 627.
Instagram: felicianoandco.thesalon

THE KEY TO YOUR LOCKS