Thanks to the exceptionally humid climate in Singapore, frizzy hair is a common problem faced by locals and expats alike. Even without rushing around or getting caught in the rain, it’s almost impossible to keep a hairstyle looking fresh all day in this country. To help you tackle the problem, the lucky EL team reviewed some of the top hair treatments offered by our favourite hair salons across town, and included our before and after photos. The best news? All the treatments are under two hours!
Kelture
I have thick, wavy hair, which is rather dry and difficult to tame. It’s impossible for me to air dry it so I use a lot of heating products to keep the volume and frizz under control. All the blow-drying on top of the regular highlights has caused considerable distress to my hair over time.
I’m a big fan of Aveda products, not only because of the beautiful scent that greets you the moment you enter any of their salons, but also because the products are made from natural ingredients. Kelture is a chic and centrally-located Aveda salon that focuses on treatments using non-damaging chemicals. After my hair was carefully assessed, my stylist recommended a two-step Aveda hair repair treatment ($165, 90 minutes) that would work with the natural texture of my hair and make it softer, less frizzy and more manageable.
My hair was shampooed twice, first with a mild and gently cleansing shampoo, then with a smoothening shampoo to soften it with a luxurious lather. By this time, my hair smelled fabulous and I already felt very pampered. The first step of the treatment is a protein spray that’s massaged into the locks in sections, to help open the cuticles, strengthen the hair and repair it at the same time. A warm 15-minute steam followed to activate the ingredients. Step two is a hair mask to reduce unwanted volume and deeply condition. The mask is used together with a moisturising oil to help further saturate the hair with intense moisture and seal in all the goodness. After another 15 minutes of steaming, my hair was rinsed and I got to enjoy a fantastic blowout to create bouncy, soft waves.
The treatment left my hair super smooth. It feels more healthy and moisturised now, plus the frizzy ends have become beautifully shiny and sleek. I am happy with the result!
– Karin Galley, Sales Manager
#05-07 Paragon Shopping Centre
6735 6468 | kelture.com.sg
Trimmings Salon & Spa
After multiple rounds of bleaching, my tresses are now the most damaged they’ve ever been. One of my favourite salons, Trimmings, offers the Tokio Inkarami treatment ($190, 90 minutes), a customisable hair repair service that’s extremely popular in Japan. It was the perfect opportunity for me to try it out!
Trimmings’ Loewen location is well-hidden in the tranquil Dempsey enclave, which makes for an ideal city break. From the calming lemongrass scent present throughout, to the spacious salon and top-notch service, my experience here is always a pleasant one. My hair artist Ray, armed with over 10 years of hairdressing experience, sat me down for a quick consultation as I sipped on my homemade ginger tea and waited for him to work his magic.
Apart from containing multiple types of protein to deeply replenish and nourish the hair cortex, the treatment also consists of fullerene, an antioxidant-rich molecule that helps to further protect the hair. After a round of shampoo, the first treatment is sprayed on to soften the cuticle, then I’m placed under a steamer for five minutes. According to Ray, one main cause of frizz is the lack of moisture in the hair, and this treatment directly tackles that. A couple more rounds of treatment application and knocking the formula into the hair (a Japanese technique), followed by a rinse-off and hot towel scalp massage, and I walk out with visibly nourished locks that are super smooth to the touch.
– Anthia Chng, Hair & Beauty Editor
75B Loewen Road
6471 1922 | 8511 5085
trimmings.com.sg
Belleza de Midori
Unobtrusively placed among other hair salons and outdoor stores in Velocity at Novena, this salon buzzes with Japanese and local clients, obviously regulars, who joke with the relaxed stylists. My hair is over-treated, broken and frizzy. My stylist Yuan recommends a three-step process with Japanese IAU Cell Care products. The process is designed to bind in water, build elasticity and then bond and coat the hair to keep the moisture locked in.I sit with a steamer aimed at my head for half an hour with the three different products being massaged in and combed through from the scalp to the ends. Then a hot towel is applied and I sit while the products get to work. Delightfully, the salon stocks Aesop products, so an extended, deep tissue neck and shoulder massage is forthcoming while I wait. I would come back just for that! A wash and a blow dry after, and the result is quite amazing, soft and silky.
Days later, my scalp is not oily as it often can be with heavy treatments, while the ends feel thickened and stronger. Yuan recommends a treatment on a quarterly basis to keep the hair in peak condition, and I am sorely tempted!
– Danielle Rossetti, Sales Manager
238 Thomson Road
#03-43/44 Novena Velocity
6358 2900 | facebook.com/bellezademidori
La Source Hair
This spa and salon is a relaxing retreat located on Scotts Road, a short walk from ION Orchard. On offer is a full range of massages, facials, beauty treatments, as well as luxurious hair services in a separate salon inside.
I was whisked into the hair salon where I met my stylist Frederick Mooi, who has over 13 years’ experience. We started by discussing my hair condition. I have fine, dry and curly hair, which is quite prone to frizz in Singapore’s humidity, so the Luxury Kerastase Hair Treatment ($138, 60 minutes) was ideal to help tame my curls. It’s a four-step treatment beginning with a thorough wash using Kerastase shampoos. Frederick used both the Baine Force Architecte strengthening shampoo (for brittle, damaged hair) and Chronologiste revitalising shampoo (for ‘ageing hair’ – explained in the nicest possible way!). Frederick then sprayed on the Fusio-Dose concentrate through my hair, which was steamed for five minutes. The third step was to apply the Maskeratine, followed by another 10 minutes of steaming. Then, after a rinse and blow-dry, Frederick used Oléo-Curl to smooth my curls, and Mouse Curl Idéal for a light hold and definition.
The end result? Incredibly soft hair with a natural curl. Throughout the treatment, Frederick was full of useful tips for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair. I never knew I should alternate different types of shampoo to take advantage of the benefits.
– Katie Mortlock, reader
#01-03/04 Thong Teck Building
15 Scotts Road
6732 1318 | lasourcespa.com.sg
Your secret solutions
When we asked you lot on Facebook how you all cope with the humidity, we received lots of weird and wonderful tips. From homemade recipes to slimy showers, you’ve all tried and tested these interesting (and affordable) tricks. And, not ones to keep secrets, we’re sharing the good stuff with the rest of you so we can all have a crack at finding the perfect anti-frizz solution.
Jennifer Jenkinson Cormier: “I use 1tbsp baking soda to a cup of water and love it (no shampoo). Condition with an organic conditioner, lightly rinse, then use a sulphate-free and alcohol-free styling product. My curly hair loves it and I’ve been getting a lot of compliments lately.”
Jan Murphy: “Turkish olive oil soap can be used to wash hair. If you add a squirt of conditioner to a jug of warm water and pour over your hair it acts as a leave in conditioner – this is a tip from Kelly Hoppen who has amazing curls.”
Paula Robinson: “Coconut oil works great for moisturising and fighting frizz, but keep it off of the roots. Concentrating an oil control shampoo primarily close to the scalp (try not rub the lather everywhere) helps to dry the roots but not the rest of the hair. Towel dry your hair then add a leave in conditioner mixed with frizz control serum – work it through the hair. Blow dry on the cool setting. Use a lightweight hair spray!”
Sanya Shaila: “Red wine vinegar rinse (diluted, of course) helps with the grease – but the smell can be offensive so add a few drops of essential oil!”
Tran Huynh: “Apply olive oil for 5 minutes before washing. I also used Goldwell Rich repair treatment shampoo and Oscar Blandi smoothing hair treatment. My hair is much better now!”
Cathy Lindsay Jones: “I don’t know yet about the humidity but I am learning how to deal with curl and fight frizz. The key is moisture and Deva’s Moisture Masque is amazing. Use sulfate free shampoo, condition well, and try a curl gel or mousse. Blow-drying just makes it worse.”
Lindley Craig: “I learned the best system from Alison Kerlin. Shampoo once with a 20-cent size amount of shampoo – the point isn’t to build up a big lather, just break the oil/water resistance – then rinse. Shampoo again with same amount and lather up very nicely, rinse again. Lastly, apply conditioner only to the ends. The most important bit is the rinsing. For short to medium length hair: 1 minute after the 1st shampoo, 2 minutes after the second shampoo and three minutes after the conditioner. For longer hair – longer time. My hair looks amazing now.”
Preeti Seth: “Lemon and green tea rinse. And don’t forget to use an ion-emitting brush.”
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