Looking for the best hair salon in Singapore whether it’s to switch up your look with a brand new haircut or blonde highlights, hair extensions, or to indulge in a luxurious hair treatment to fight the frizz? We’ve rounded up our favourite hair salons in Singapore that can cut, treat and colour all hair types, from Asian to Caucasian hair – so, go ahead, get booking!
We review top hair salons in Singapore
Chez Vous Hideaway
“On the 14th floor of Ngee Ann City Tower B, there’s an elusive yellow door. Behind it, you’ll find Chez Vous Hideaway, a salon and concept spa.
Just visiting the space is an experience itself. First, you’re met by the concierge who ushers you through the delightfully cool and whimsical foyer into an anteroom. Here, I was served tea in a massage chair while I blissed out in front of an Insta-worthy flower wall.
After I was good and chilled, I met my stylist Eddie, and he set to work. I had some images from Pinterest on the kind of Balayage and cut that I wanted, and he listened and made suggestions. The cut was done quickly and then the foils were put in place. I have long, dark hair so this process took hours. I happily listened to an audiobook and drank tea and coffee until it was time to be shampooed.
To my sheer delight I was treated to another massage and, according to my Apple watch, I fell asleep for 40 minutes. Eddie then set about putting the finishing touches together. My hair was cut exactly to how I had asked and the result was stunning. I never thought my hair could look like that! It was worth every second and I still sometimes catch myself swooning over my lovely, golden locks. An amazing experience with skilled professionals – perfection.”
– Kate Marsden
Chez Vous Hideaway
#14-04 Ngee Ann City Tower B
391B Orchard Road
6219 3558 | chezvoushair.com/hideaway
Retern Hair – hair loss treatment
Editor-in-chief Rebecca Bisset looks at one way to “retern” your hair to its former glory!
The causes of hair loss are quite varied and personal. That’s why the Retern Hair & Scalp Institute, which opened in the Shaw Centre last year, has made its hair-loss products personal too.
The Retern Tricho-Blend range is formulated by trichologists and herbalists. The products are made from pure natural ingredients, including essential oils and medicinal herb extracts sourced from Australia, the US and Canada. The team also believes that effective and top quality products can be made available to all, without a hefty price tag.
How hair loss happens
Thinning hair is often hereditary and linked to genetics, but it could also be caused by a lack of minerals and nutrients in the diet. Poor immune and nervous systems affect hair growth, too. Stimulating blood circulation on the scalp and keeping the follicles clear of oil are two ways to help hair grow fuller and thicker.
Because there may be any number of reasons you’re experiencing hair loss, Retern’s consultants take a holistic look at the problem. So, starting from an initial trichology assessment, their treatments might involve scalp massages and meridian healing methods, while topical solutions include scalp masks and herbal essences. Your consultant may also recommend dietary changes. The clinic’s shampoos and products are all sulphate- and paraben-free, and are available at Retern stores as well as other shops in Singapore.
Trying a treatment
My scalp was quite red and not the milky white it should be. So, the key was to soothe it. Also, on top of the head, the hair was much thinner and more sparse, so my consultant also wanted to focus on stimulating that area.
I went through the process with them, and found it to be very thorough and relaxing. All the consultants are internationally certified hair and scalp specialists who analyse and provide advice on the root of your issues (pardon the pun!).”
The eight-step process:
#1 Pre-treatment assessment
#2 Scalp massage and scalp cleanse
#3 Scalp mask treatment
#4 Wash
#5 Scalp and meridian point massage
#6 Tonic with a customised essence application
#7 Blow-dry and style
#8 Post-treatment assessment
Retern’s Signature Scalp Deeptox Intensive Therapy is available from $59 for first-time customers. You can also get a scalp consultation free of charge.
Retern Hair
1 Scotts Road, #04-01 Shaw Centre
6363 5755 | reternhair.com
Trimmings
I’ve lived most of my life convinced I was born with uncontrollably curly hair and there was nothing I could do to manage it on my own. I’ve tried anti-curl leave-in products and even attempted to rebond my hair in the past, to mixed reviews. Frankly, I’m quite happy to avoid the chemical odours that come with a rebond job anyway. Turns out I’ve been wrong about my hair for a long time!
I went into Trimmings Salon & Spa with zero expectations – as I usually do when visiting a new salon that’s never had to fight the rat’s nest on my head. Trimmings’ hair artist Benson took one look and noted that I might be struggling with frizz more than my curls. With some coaxing, I agreed to try a Brazilian Blowout that would allow me to keep my natural curl without the drastically flatter appearance of chemically straightened hair.
After a quick wash, the keratin was applied to my hair and locked in with a flat iron – all within an hour! The treatment also had a much more tolerable odour (I barely noticed it) and Benson reassured me that I could still wash my hair that same day.
While Trimmings’ artistry really shines with their versatility in women’s hairstyles, Benson’s attention to detail with my cut matches what I’d expect from a quality men’s barber. I left happy with the fade and my new head of frizz-free hair. I hear it can last up to three months if I continue to use a sulphate-free shampoo, and hopefully it does!”
– Benjamin Mah
Trimmings
123 Tanglin Road
9710 6415 | trimmings.com.sg
Chez Vous
“A luminary of the Singapore hair scene, Chez Vous has been cutting and colouring the city’s locks for over two decades. The formula for such long-term success of this hair salon is simple – only hair directors are allowed. All stylists have at least 10 years of experience, so you can feel confident that your hair is in good hands.
I’m a natural dark blonde and was a total hair-colour virgin, but three children and the passing years have taken their toll and the grey could no longer be denied. I wanted an easy-to-maintain, natural look that wouldn’t require regular trips to the salon.
Caucasian hair specialist Khim Toh suggested lowlights instead of highlights, so as to avoid really obvious regrowth. Taking a mix of blonde levels 7 and 8 as the base colour, she then wove in a full head of lowlights to add depth and touched up the roots to cover the grey. While it definitely brightened up my hair, there was a hint of copper in the blonde that just wasn’t me. A quick return trip a few days later neutralised the colour with a darker shade and I left feeling good with not a grey strand in sight.”
Psst… “If you need a retouch or your colour isn’t quite sitting right, the salon holds a 10-day promise that lets you go back in for a complimentary touch-up within 10 days.”
– Aimee Fordos
Chez Vous
391 Orchard Road, #05-05 Ngee Ann City Podium
6732 9388 | chezvoushair.com
Kelture
“Conveniently located in the newer section of Paragon, Kelture is a friendly, bustling salon. The consultation about my blonde highlights went backwards and forwards for a while between the team, until they told me (very kindly) that my hair was so damaged and the ends so broken they really did not want to do any more bleaching. I was happy for a change to bring my hair back to health!
Using gentle Aveda Products, Augustine put chunky ash highlights through the top of my hair and a darker colour underneath, to give the illusion of fullness. The cut removed all the broken ends at the back and sides, leaving me with a soft-shaped bob, which works well blow dried straight or leaving it to dry naturally curly. The whole process took around three hours.
While I cannot pull it back any more (my go-to style in this weather), it actually stays in place well and does not fall into my eyes so I am happy to leave it out. This is as short and as close to my natural hair colour as I have been for years and I feel quite empowered!”
– Danielle Rossetti
Kelture
290 Orchard Road #05-07 Paragon
6735 6468 | kelture.com.sg
Salon Infinity
What I had: Pramasana Jet Therapy, 70 minutes, $168
My review:“Salon Infinity is a cosy and central Singapore hair salon is popular for its hair colouring services like highlights, and scalp treatments. It uses plant-based Aveda products, which are up to 93 percent naturally derived. The Aveda Pramasana Jet Therapy has been described as a facial for the scalp. This treatment uses a unique water-jet punch technology, where pulsating ionised water deeply cleanses the scalp and removes dead cells and sebum.
First up is a scalp analysis, which reveals that my scalp is a bit red and sensitive, with an oily build-up. My therapist applies a lotion as a first step of cleansing, and then treats me to a heavenly head massage while the formula penetrates the scalp. Next up is a shampoo, followed by the jet punch therapy on my scalp and hair. The jet strength starts with level one, then progresses to two and three. My therapist checks frequently to ensure that I’m comfortable.
Then a cooling and nourishing scalp mask is applied to soothe and refresh the scalp. After the mask is washed out, I return to my seat, where I’m pampered again with a shoulder massage using peppermint essential oil – this was my favourite part! A quick blow-dry later, I walk out with my scalp feeling much cleaner (this is also seen from the post-treatment scalp analysis) – and with lighter tresses. Three days later, I’m still reaping the benefits of smoother, more well-behaved hair!”
Psst… Try this treatment at a first-timer price of $118! Book your appointment at aveda_jettherapy.gr8.com.
– Anthia Chng
Salon Infinity
#02-496 Suntec City Mall Tower 2 3 Temasek Boulevard
6268 6277 | saloninfinity.com.sg
Hera Hair Beauty – Babylights
What I had: Babylights, 150 minutes, from $215
My review: “Hera Hair Beauty is tucked at the top of popular expat haunt Tanglin Mall, and is the company’s second hair salon in Singapore; it opened just 18 months ago. It is bright, spacious and instantly welcoming.
My gorgeous stylist, Rain, who I found out has been working all over the world during the past 24 years, suggested I go for “babylights” to add some clean blonde colour to my hair. I had never heard of this technique, so I was really curious. Rain talked me through it – babylights are simply finer, more natural-looking “sun-kissed” highlights.
After the foils had been in for about 40 minutes, Rain gave me an incredible head massage at the basin with a toner to remove brassiness. Then came a nourishing Olaplex treatment, which she left on for 10 minutes, followed by another tingly head massage.
With me back in the chair, Rain used a mixture of two Kerastase products (Resistance and Discipline) to tame and moisturise my hair before giving it a blow-dry and a light GHD straightening.
I absolutely love the result of the blonde highlights! After just a couple of hours, my hair is glossy and the colour is so divine! I also loved chatting to Rain – she has some amazing stories of her hairdressing journey around the world.”
Psst… “Check out Hera’s Sentosa Cove location (#01-20 Quayside, 1 Ocean Way), where you can experience the same top-notch beauty services and hair salon under-one-roof”
– Kel Flanders
Hera Hair Beauty
#03-08A Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road
6732 1206 | herabeauty.sg
Walking on Sunshine – Hair Smoothing Treatment
What I had: Cinderella treatment, from $300, 150 minutes
My review: “Walking on Sunshine is unlike any other Singapore hair salon. The space is beautiful and wide open with an abundance of natural light, ultra-high ceilings and tropical greenery wherever you look. With its gorgeous vintage furniture and an adjacent café, this place has an uber-cool vibe.
The Cinderella treatment is a smoothing treatment that uses keratin and a proprietary blend of natural ingredients including vitamins, collagen and other ingredients such as aloe vera and even onions.
I have had several keratin treatments done over the years in my perpetual battle against the frizziness of my thick blonde mane. Some of these treatments have resulted in ultra-smooth hair; others have little or no effect. This may be partly due to the variable concentration of chemicals like formaldehyde, which affects the extent of the straightening effect.
I wasn’t prepared to risk compromising the condition of my coarse, bleached hair with a treatment that relies on chemical straighteners. Catherine, the Korean director who looked after me, assured me that this treatment was free of formaldehyde and other chemical nasties, and that I could expect the results to last for up to three months.
The process is very similar to other keratin-style treatments I’ve tried over the years. First, the hair is washed and blow-dried. Then the cream is applied in sections. The hair is blow-dried again, and then flat-ironed before a final rinse and a blowout. I did feel some sensitivity in my eyes during the flat-ironing stage, which gave off some fumes, and was told that it came from the onions. Keeping my eyes closed helped to avoid the tears.
The immediate result is very rewarding: picture-perfect hair that’s smooth and silky, without heaviness or any nasty smell. Even when I got caught in a downpour later that afternoon, the dreaded frizz did not return. I felt like a modern-day Cinderella having a ball!”
– Karin Galley
Walking on Sunshine
#03-07 Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road
8877 8800 | walkingonsunshine.sg
Giveaway alert!
Win a complete set of PHS Hairscience ADV Hydrate Daily Regime (worth $203)! This haircare set focuses on nourishing dry, damaged or brittle hair with enriched nutrients and beneficial oils. The lightweight formulations effectively restore hair health and help to reconstruct hair fibres for smoother, shinier hair without weighing hair down. Hair is protected with an invisible shield against moisture loss and environmental damage.
To enter the giveaway, follow Expat Living (@expatlivingsg) and PHS Hairscience (@phshairscience) on Instagram and enter your details in this link. The giveaway closes on 31 July.
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