Dundee has become one of the coolest cities in the UK in the past few years. The opening of the V&A Dundee has granted the city a whole new cultural vibe, attracting visitors from all over the world to the shores of the River Tay.

There is an abundance of new bars, restaurants and hotels meaning it’s the perfect spot for a weekend away but as lovely as all that is, we’ve uncovered Dundee’s best kept secret, one that a select number of women in Scotland have kept hidden and will no doubt be furious now we’re about to let the cat out of the bag. Dundee is the beauty capital of Scotland.

From award-winning cosmetic dentists, to highly recommended aesthetic doctors, internationally acclaimed brow artists and some of the most talented colour and nail technicians in the country, Dundee is the place to go for your post lockdown glow up.

Photo by Donna McGowan courtesy of BROWJAM

Brows

Scotland’s brow queen, Janine Wallace, is the founder of BROWJAM and the BROWJAM Academy. Having started in the beauty industry almost 15 years ago, Janine soon realised that a perfectly defined pair of brows was one of the most important features on any face, “My passion for art began at school and in particular a love of drawing brows that framed the face and eyes. Not really something that was done in the 90s!”

Janine decided to specialise as her passion for eyebrows grew stronger and established BROWJAM in 2015. Both the brand and the first product, – Brow Pomade, were born out of Janine’s inability to find products necessary to hone her techniques at that time. Brow techniques were also fixed and didn’t allow any flexibility or creativity. Janine quickly learned that although there are trends, there shouldn’t be a one size fits all approach, every face is unique and their brows should be too. BROWJAM has developed into an internationally acclaimed brand specialising in products, artistry, techniques, training and trends. Janine is flown all over the world to showcase her skills, and she has a waiting list for appointments in the Dundee studio.

Hair

Frazer Wallace is the Creative director and founder of THEHAUSSTUDIO - Dundee's coolest and most up and coming hair destination.

With 10+ years experience under his belt, Frazer started his career in Dundee and moved swiftly onto the bright lights of London to be mentored by some of the most famous hairstylists in the industry and appointed Guest Artist by L'ORÉAL Professional. Now he is back on home turf with a growing team of colour degree holders, renowned for their precision cutting and the blowouts are some of the best we’ve ever seen.

An appointment with Frazer is a must, but like all good things there can be a wait as he frequently jets around the globe educating with L'ORÉAL.

The salon is cool but welcoming. Lots of wood, plants and neon signs make it one of the most instagrammable salons in Scotland and definitely worth the visit!

Nails

Claire Brown Artistry is a makeup studio in Dundee, but if we’re honest it’s Claire’s nail art that would have us travel across the country. Many of her clients come to Dundee every three weeks for their manicure and it’s not hard to see why. With nine years experience and a minimum 6 week waiting list, you’ll need to book ahead but from the perfect French to highly intricate designs Claire has it, well, nailed.

Aesthetic treatments

Dr Hannah Jackman graduated from Dundee University with a degree in Dentistry in 2011 and spent the next 5 years working full-time as a dentist between Dundee and Fife. Dr Jackman completed her foundation Botox & Dermal Fillers training in June 2016 and has been carrying out facial aesthetics treatments ever since.

She has since gone on to complete further advanced aesthetics training, with certification in PROFHILO and medical grade skincare brand ALUMIER MD which includes medical facials and chemical peels.

In September 2020, Dr Jackman began working towards a PGCert in Skin Ageing & Aesthetic Medicine with the University of Manchester. This postgraduate degree is specifically designed for medical and dental professionals with an interest in aesthetics. Her motto “Safe. Natural. Beautiful” resonates with us as patients should always feel completely safe and trusting of whoever is providing your aesthetics treatments. Although serious complications in aesthetics are rare, Dr Jackman has undertaken further training in complications mastery, so you know you are in safe hands

Frown lines be gone, example of Dr Hannah Jackman’s work

Laughter lines can be incredibly ageing, subtle work by Dr Hannah Jackman

Teeth

Dr. Michael Foster is a principal dentist at KW Dental in Dundee. Having graduated from Dundee University in 2009 and completed his VT training year in Dundee city centre, Dr Foster spent the next 7 years building up his clinical skills in a busy Angus practice before joining KW Dental full-time in April 2017.

Dr Foster’s cosmetic dentistry is superb, with stunning before and after shots gracing the clinic’s Facebook and Instagram pages. He has undergone further postgraduate training in INVISALIGN and has helped so many patients achieve their dream smile.
KW Dental also specialises in teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry including composite bonding and veneers.

Beauty Capital of Scotland? You might be surprised...