Looking for the best hair salon in Singapore to switch up your look with a brand new haircut or highlights, or indulge in a luxurious treatment to fight the frizz? We’ve rounded up our favourite hair salons in Singapore, each of which knows how to cut, treat and colour all hair types, from Asian to Caucasian – so, go ahead, get booking!
Chez Vous
What I had: Cut, colour and nourishing treatment, four hours, $380
My thoughts: “A luminary of the Singapore hair scene, Chez Vous has been cutting and colouring the city’s locks for over two decades. Its formula for such long-term success 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
Salon Infinity
What I had: Pramasana Jet Therapy, 70 minutes, $168
My thoughts: “Salon Infinity is a cosy and central salon popular for its hair colouring services 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
Kelture
What I had: Smoothening treatment and cut, from $280
My thoughts: “Moving to a new country is difficult, but finding someone that you can trust your hair can be just as hard! I recently relocated to Singapore and the weather was harsh on my hair. My hair was difficult to manage and I certainly needed a good treatment. So, I headed down to Orchard Road salon Kelture, and my appointment with Augustine was just an amazing experience.
He started by asking some key questions to identify the best treatment and cut for me based on my daily routine. I am not a fan of colouring my hair, so we decided on just a smoothening treatment and cut. The treatment was applied and left on for 25 minutes, and I took the time to browse through magazines and enjoy a cup of organic tea.
Then we continued with a delightful wash and head massage using an Aveda shampoo, followed by a blow dry, an iron straightener and one more go at the treatment for 15 minutes to completely lock in the ingredients. I spent a total of three hours at Kelture and it was amazing, Augustine was a really good host; I had some good conversations with him where he recommended me some places to visit in Singapore. I’m delighted with the results of my hair makeover, too! Now I have a nice new cut with super smooth, glowing hair, and best of all a place to spoil my hair.”
– Laura Flores (reader)
Psst… For a limited time only, book any technical service or treatment and get a personal hair styler worth $25! The ergonomic brush is shaped like an oyster for handy and hygienic touchups on the go.
Trimmings Salon & Spa
What I had: Hair colouring, root retouching and an Olaplex treatment, four hours, $458
My thoughts: Trimmings Tudor Court has a central location, a relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff. Founded in 2008 by Amanda Ong, the beautiful salon has a following of both expats and locals, as well as a strong reputation for delivering outstanding colour.
“I was a little nervous, as I knew that I’d be adding pink and purple to my hair! First I met with Fai so he could decide which shade was best for my complexion. He decided to go for a violet balayage look. To get this look we had to pre-lighten the ends for a balayage effect and darken the roots with deep violet shades. Fai added in a few foils of pastel blue Aveda colour underneath for depth and dimension. A friend commented that this gave it a smoky look and I totally agree – the colours look great together.
The result is a big change, but I do love it! It looks more purple throughout than in the picture, but I feel like a really good-looking Disney villain (ha!). To maintain the colour, Trimmings gave me two Kevin Murphy products: Angel Wash Shampoo and Autumn Angel, a colour enhancing treatment to maintain the pink. The colour lasts for around 20 washes before it needs retouching.”
Psst… “You can have a manicure while getting your hair done!”
– Michaela Bisset
Trimmings Salon & Spa Tudor Court
123 Tanglin Road
6737 8512 | trimmings.com.sg
Hera Hair Beauty
What I had: Babylights, 150 minutes, from $215
My thoughts: “Hera Hair Beauty is tucked at the top of popular expat haunt Tanglin Mall, and is the company’s second salon; 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! 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 hair and beauty services under-one-roof”
– Kel Flanders
Hera Hair Beauty
#03-08A Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road
6732 1206 | herabeauty.sg
Walking on Sunshine
What I had: Cinderella treatment, from $300, 150 minutes
My thoughts: “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
Hairdreams
What I had: Quikkies hair extensions, partial highlights and a trim, 120 minutes, price variable
My thoughts: “This is my second round of hair extensions to “fill in the gaps” in my super-fine, broken and over-coloured hair. In the months since my Quikkies were put in, I’ve noticed that I have been using much less product, my hair is growing back thicker and healthier, and the weight of the hair flattens out my frizz. My daily hair routine is halved, and I am wearing it down a lot more as it hangs thicker and straighter in the way I used to dream of.
The stylist will make a recommendation after an initial consultation – Hairdreams has straight or curly hair in different lengths and in over 40 colour options. The hair is undyed and 100 percent natural, so it’s often healthier than your own. It’s a good idea to have your preferred colour done before your first visit, so that it can be matched perfectly. You will have that colour for nine to 12 months!
The process is very quick and easy. One strip is adhered below your hair near the roots, and another above, sandwiching your hair neatly. The application lasts for three to four months. Then they can be removed, washed and replaced, again near the roots but in a slightly different position. While they’re being reapplied, have the Hairdreams team do partial highlights just on the roots – it’s quick, cheaper, and protects the rest of the hair from over-colouring.
The result is astonishing! I really cannot tell the difference between my real hair and the extensions. It has real weight, and I can swing it around like they do in a shampoo advertisement.
You use a special brush so as not to pull the adhesive strips out, and the gentle Hairdreams shampoo and conditioner ensures the strips do not slip down or suffer chemical damage. For the first few days, you may feel the plastic strips while lying down, but they soften with time and you get used to them after a couple of washes.”
Psst… “If you add up the cost of the hair (mine was four packs at $240 per pack) and divide it over nine to 12 months, it costs around $25 per week – equivalent to a glass of champagne for fuss-free, no-frizz hair!”
– Danielle Rossetti
Hairdreams Singapore
51 Cuppage Road, #01-09
6589 8795 | volume.hairdreams.sg
Visage
What I had: Curly haircut, from $75
My thoughts: “Visage has been in the same spot for 25 years, which is amazing in this day and age. The salon is in Delfi Orchard, in a lovely corner room that boasts plenty of natural light and looks out to Orchard Road and the Forum.
Owner Dominic is so quick at cutting; just when you think he can’t possibly be done, the haircut is complete! He has a lot of experience, and knows all hair types so well.
Folks with curly hair like mine will agree that it’s really scary getting a haircut because it “shrinks” so much. You need as much weight as possible to keep the curls long, so some hairdressers I’ve had before kept the sides long to help the curl, but it ends up forming a triangle shape when it’s dry. And I always end up having to put it up. I was looking for a better shape, whether it was curly or blow-dried.
Although it’s a bit risky, I wanted the top, fringe and sides to be shorter, and Dominic listened to me. For a while my fringe was a bit springy, but I now have more height at the top and the haystack vibe is gone!
Psst… “I was also treated to a scalp scrub treatment ($65), which was great because my scalp does get pretty clogged with leave-in conditioners and the humidity. The wash and head massage was brilliant.”
– Rebecca Bisset
Visage
#02-11/14 Delfi Orchard 402 Orchard Road
6733 0933 | visage.com.sg
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