Blonde highlights, balayage and other hair colour treatments might seem straightforward, but we know how difficult it is to get them right. Only the best salons look at what is the right tone for your skin, how to blend with your natural hair colour and, later in life, how to work with greying hair. It’s a work of art! Here, we review five hairdressers in Singapore to see how they did.
Hairdressers in Singapore for blonde highlights, lowlights, balayage and other hair colour treatments!
Expat Hair Studio for fabulous blonde highlights and hair styling
Finding a stylist who “gets” blonde hair in the tropics is a challenge, which is why I’m so thankful I found Kat at Expat Hair Studio a few years ago. Between the humidity and the constant washing, hair can turn a different shade in a matter of weeks. Kat has built the perfect sanctuary to combat that.
I love visiting their Joo Chiat salon. It has a great vibe and the stylists are knowledgeable on every aspect of your hair journey. Whether you’re looking for a high-impact light blonde or a low-maintenance lived-in balayage, they create subtle highlights to make your grow-out look intentional, not neglected.
If you’re tired of explaining the difference between “ash” and “honey” to stylists who don’t quite get it, Expat Hair Studio is the answer. It’s a premium experience, but for blonde hair that survives the Singapore heat, it’s an investment worth every cent.
– Jacqui Young
422 Joo Chiat Road
6444 7929 | WhatsApp 8028 6588 | expathairstudio.com
Bedford & Grove Salon for a custom soft vanilla blonde
I recently visited Bedford & Grove Salon and I can confidently say it was one of the best hair experiences I’ve had. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt welcoming, professional and calm.
Founder and director CK did my colour, and the consultation with her alone set this appointment apart. She took the time to truly analyse my skin tone, eye colour and my existing highlights instead of rushing into a standard approach. I really appreciated how thoughtful and customised the plan was. Rather than just placing highlights at the top and front, CK focused on creating an even flow of brightness throughout my entire head. This made the final result look incredibly seamless and natural.
They also reintroduced some of my natural depth at the ends to avoid that harsh, blocky look, which added a beautiful, sophisticated dimension. The final shade was a bright yet soft vanilla blonde. It complements my complexion perfectly and feels versatile and easy to wear every day.
Samiksha finished the service with a blow-out, and it was the perfect final touch. My hair felt smooth, bouncy and healthy without being weighed down, and the style really showcased the colour work. Overall, Bedford & Grove delivers exceptional attention to detail, expertise and care. I left feeling confident, refreshed and genuinely excited about my hair. I highly recommend CK and Samiksha if you’re looking for customised, high-quality results.
– Babs Hogan
#21-81 The Central, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street
9339 1206 | bedfordgrovesalon.com | bedfordgrovesalon@gmail.com
Chez Vous: Private Space for high-end pampering in a pod for one
As a long-term expat in Singapore, I’ve been to more than my fair share of hairdressers for blonde highlights over the years. The experience at Chez Vous: Private Space is the best I’ve had, both in terms of service and result. It was like treating myself to refreshed hair, a luxury spa afternoon and a mini-high tea rolled into one.
Seated in a private, beautifully styled room I chose the lavender-scented essential oil for the diffuser, chill music and a lychee chia bubble fizz as a refreshment. Hair director Shawn has over 18 years’ experience and specialises in blonde Caucasian highlights. He was reassuringly knowledgeable about the nuances of my hair – asking if I wanted just highlights or some lowlights, and whether I was after a cooler or warmer blonde. We landed on just highlights in a natural tone. I’m not a fan of the purple look but equally don’t want it brassy. He also advised that for my hair, three percent peroxide was enough to achieve the desired colour. Who knew it ranges from 1.5 percent for fine to 12 percent for coarse hair?
These hairdressers in Singapore use K18 Hair Defence Technology and Epres bond hair treatment mixed in with the dye. Epres is a venture by Olaplex’s founder, which, according to Shawn, is a must to reduce damage to fine, coloured hair.
With my weave foils in place, I was delivered a latte and a two-tiered tray of petite sandwiches and tarts. I was also offered an iPad to watch Netflix. The staff even did complimentary printing of my concert tickets for the night (there’s a call button under the table if you need any help!). Once the hair colour treatment was done, my chair was swung around for the wash and hair spa. A cold peppermint eye mask was applied, followed by warm eye moxibustion therapy and massage to the head and neck. By the time Shawn did the blow-out with gentle curves, I left the salon feeling rejuvenated and looking my best.
– Georgina Hockley
#08-01 Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391B Orchard Road
6235 0345 | chezvoushair.com/chezvous-private-space
Chez Vous Hair Salon (Flagship) for highlights, lowlights and a deep treatment
I’ve been a regular customer of Chez Vous for several years now. I must commend them for their exceptional understanding of my hair needs, consistently maintaining its condition. Having experienced my fair share of colour mishaps as a blonde over the past three decades with many hairdressers in Singapore, I can attest to numerous disappointments at other salons.
What sets Chez Vous apart is the meticulous treatment protocol. It includes both pre- and post-colouring procedures to minimise the potential damage from chemicals. I find this approach invaluable, and it has truly transformed the health of my hair. On my most recent visit, I communicated a desire for slightly darker roots to extend the time between touch-ups, and the colourist skilfully placed highlights further from the roots for a more natural transition. Additionally, she incorporated subtle lowlights to enhance texture and balance the overall colour through toning.
Expect to invest a few hours, especially if you have a lengthy mane like mine. I also chose to include the Hair Defense treatment in my hair colour treatment. It promises to reduce damage and the risk of breakage by up to 50 percent, and the result is remarkable. My hair now feels really soft and well nourished. Not to mention, I am delighted with the beautifully executed lowlights and highlights. These hairdressers in Singapore never miss the mark when it comes to giving me the exact hair colour treatment I’m after, making it my go-to salon. The only task left for me is to remember to book my next appointment before waiting too long and allowing those dreaded roots to make an appearance!
– Karin Galley
#05-05 Ngee Ann City Podium, 391 Orchard Road
6732 9388 | chezvoushair.com
The Blonde Tourage for half-head blonde balayage with a tip-out
As I stepped out of my Grab, I was met by a beautiful façade of pink flowers framing the white doors of The Blonde Tourage. Inside, the team warmly greeted me and showed me to my chair. A refreshment menu followed – an iced Americano for me. As I settled in, I met Cat, the salon owner and expert who would be doing my hair.
As Cat did the familiar “let’s see what we have here” rustle of my hair, she took the time to explain how my previous highlights had been done and, more importantly, how they could be improved to better suit and protect my hair. We decided on a half-head balayage with a tip-out, a technique that lightens the mid-lengths and ends of hair for added dimension. I appreciated her honesty and expertise; it was clear she cared about doing things properly.
Trying a new salon is always nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to blonde. But as Cat worked methodically through my hair with good conversation flowing, any nerves disappeared. She finely foiled sections and blended in my roots, using a three percent low oxidant alongside an Epres treatment to lift and protect my hair, finishing with a soft pH toner. Her knowledge, attention to detail and genuine passion for “good hair” were reassuring. I knew I was in safe hands.
A few hours later – highlights, wash, head massage, toner and blow-dry complete – it was time for the reveal! I was genuinely impressed. My hair looked exactly how I had hoped: natural, fresh and beautifully blended.
I left the salon thrilled with my new look and happy to have found a new home for my hair. After trying many salons in Singapore, The Blonde Tourage truly stands out.
– Jodie Yates
52 Club Street
8341 4778 | theblonde-tourage.com | IG @the_blonde_tourage_
This article on blonde highlights, lowlights, balayage and hair colour treatments at hairdressers in Singapore first appeared in the February 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
Interested in knowing about editorial options? Email us at sales@expatliving.sg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – click for the answers!
Balayage is a free-hand painting technique that creates a softer, more natural transition from dark to light – it usually starts lower from the roots, giving a lived-in look. Highlights are often done with foils for more consistent, brighter stripe-like colour from root to tip. Balayage tends to grow out more gracefully with less maintenance than foil highlights.
Yes! Balayage can be done in many blonde tones – from honey and sandy to ash and platinum blonde. It’s typically customised to your natural hair colour and skin undertone to achieve the best look.
Your stylist should consider your skin tone, natural hair colour and lifestyle. Warm undertones often pair well with honey or caramel blonde, while cool undertones suit ash or beige-blonde shades. Asking for a consultation with visual inspiration (photos) helps ensure you get a result you love.
Lightening techniques involve bleach or high-lift colour, which can stress the hair. Many salons now use bond-building treatments (like K18 or Olaplex) to protect and strengthen hair during and after colour services. Always ask if protective treatments are included or recommended.
Balayage: Typically lasts longer because the grow-out is subtle. Touch-ups are often needed every 3 to 6 months.
Highlights: Regrowth is more noticeable and often requires refreshing every 6 to 8 weeks.
Bring reference photos of the colour and style you want, and be ready to discuss how often you want to maintain it. Showing what you don’t like can be just as helpful. Clear communication prevents surprises.
If you leave the salon unhappy with your colour, it’s reasonable to contact the salon promptly and explain your concerns – many will offer corrections or adjustments. It helps to show the original inspiration you brought with you.
Prices vary by salon, experience level and additional treatments. As a rough guide, balayage services in Singapore can range from $200 to $450 or more, while full highlights might be $100 to $500. Extras like toners, bond treatments, or deep conditioning can affect the total price.
Expect a service to take 2 to 4 hours depending on hair length, thickness, and whether additional services (like toning or treatments) are included. Balayage is usually a more time-intensive technique.
Yes, but darker hair can be harder to lift to lighter blondes, so the process may require more time or sessions. A skilled colourist will recommend the best approach for your base colour and desired outcome.
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