Whether you want to do natural-looking blonde highlights or go all out to achieve a platinum blonde look, there are plenty of hairdressers in Singapore that can do a great job. Brunettes might want to try balayage hair, low lights or ombre hair colouring, for example. As we know, the right tone is the really important part – we don’t want to look washed out. Read on for our reviews of hair salons that specialise in blonde highlights and other colour treatments.
Hairdressers in Singapore for blonde highlights, balayage and other colour treatments!
Blonde highlights at Expat Hair Studio
I have recently transitioned from brown hair back to my usual highlighted look so that my regrowth doesn’t look so noticeable and I have more time between appointments.
Expat Hair Studio has been colouring and cutting my hair for the past eight years, and I have always been very happy with the results. Callie takes time to listen to my concerns and makes sure that all my expectations are met. Her attention to detail, combined with her fun personality in the salon, makes each appointment relaxing and enjoyable.
The team at Expat Hair Studio are friendly and professional and know exactly how to achieve natural-looking highlights, all while enjoying a cup of tea and a chat!
Not only do I get compliments on my hair, but people also ask me where I get it done because they think it looks so natural!
– Alexis Philips
• 422 Joo Chiat Road | 6444 7929
• 40B Boat Quay | 6219 3117
expathairstudio.com
Chez Vous: Private Space for high-end pampering in a pod for one
I’ve been a regular at Chez Vous for a while now, and the condition of my hair has improved visibly under their care. So I was keen to experience their new salon concept, Chez Vous: Private Space. It was like nothing else I have ever come across.
In a spa-like sanctuary ten individually themed private pods host just one client at a time, while the semi-private duo pods are designed for you and your partner or bestie.
In the intimate, pampered luxury of my private pod, I picked my preferred essential oil scent and chose from an impressive menu of drinks to go with a beautiful, tiered high-tea set.
In your pod, you’re encouraged to try out a collection of smart wellness devices. I tried the infrared foot-warmer and a watch-like wearable device to relieve stress. Also included are DIY face masks, an electromagnetic back cushion, guided meditation and relaxing soundscapes.
Meanwhile, the colourist proceeded to refresh my highlights, as dark roots had started to show through rather prominently after my year-end holiday. Needing to do some work, I requested their “quiet chair service”. Wi-Fi, powerpoints, stationery and even a printing service are provided.
The colour treatment was followed by a delightful head spa and express sugar lamination, a protective remedy for coarse and colour-treated hair to improve the texture and help retain the shine.
I was absolutely delighted with the result. The fine weave root highlights turned out subtle and soft, while the warmer tone is flattering and has revived my overall colour beautifully. My hair feels healthy and looks well hydrated and shiny. Total cost (including haircut) $575 plus GST.
– Karin Galley
#08-01 Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391B Orchard Road
6235 0345 | chezvoushair.com/privatespace
Kelture Aveda for light, fresh blonde highlights
Having experienced a fabulous hair blow-out at Kelture Aveda recently, I was excited to return for blonde highlights. The salon has a distinct focus on wellness, and I was welcomed into the calm space with a cup of delicious caffeine-free, sugar-free Aveda tea.
My experienced stylist assessed my tresses, noting my concerns that my hair was throwing brassy tones and was feeling a little thin at the ends. I was impressed with his knowledge of blonde hair when he suggested fine woven highlights for my wispy locks. He totally got it that I wanted a light, fresh blonde without any hint of yellow. He also assured me that cutting an inch off the ends would give my hair more body.
With a second stylist assisting, the application of the vegan, botanical hair colour in foils was extremely efficient. Losing hours in a salon is a bugbear of mine, but this entire process was refreshingly quick. Special mention must go to the beyond-heavenly head massage: neck and upper shoulders included – bliss! And by using Aveda Blonde Revival Purple Toning Shampoo, a toner wasn’t required.
Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with my new hair. It’s exactly the colour I was after, and the experience was second to none!
– Georgina Hockley
Special offer! The first 100 readers who book a technical service (colour or treatment) receive free travel-size Aveda products – Botanical Repair and Smooth Infusion. Quote “Expat Living” when booking.
#05-07 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road
6735 6468 | kelture.com
Chez Vous: Main Salon for lowlights, a deep treatment and high satisfaction
Nothing brightens up a woman’s day more than visiting a first-class hair salon with highly trained stylists for some pampering and a new look.
In the main Chez Vous premises at Ngee Ann City, chief director Serene and technician Sheeny listened as I described my hair woes. Serene in particular is very familiar with complaints of frizzy highlights. While I comfortably sipped a latte from the drinks menu, she gave her professional opinion on what my hair actually needed. Once we had found common ground and chosen the right shade, she explained the process in detail.
She also wanted to make sure that my hair would remain healthy for a long time to come. This, of course, would require high-quality, professional products and a treatment. To my ears, the word “treatment” sounded like “a few hours of sitting around and waiting” to my ears. (Why didn’t I bring a book?)
So, I couldn’t believe that their signature Hair Defense Technology treatment took only 15 minutes! Having it done before applying chemicals reduces the risk of damage by 50 percent, while strengthening and replenishing the hair.
After my treatment and root touch-up, I was directed to the back of the salon for a good, relaxing wash. The dimly lit space was the perfect place for fully relaxing and enjoying Sheeny’s scalp massage.
To achieve the darker colour I was after, Serene had recommended lowlights and the all-essential toning to keep my hair looking natural and healthy. After the final stage of the Hair Defense treatment, a blow-dry revealed my dazzling new look. I absolutely love the colour and how healthy my locks feel.
– Judit Gál
#05-05 Ngee Ann City Podium, 391 Orchard Road
6732 9388 | chezvoushair.com
Trimmings Salon & Spa Dempsey – highlights to cover the grey!
After years of having bleached strands, I really wanted to get back to my original hair colour with a subtle touch of blonde highlights. When I stepped into these lovely hairdressers in Singapore I was greeted, seated and offered a drink by the always welcoming crew. Timothy, my stylist for the day, showed me some images and after a short discussion he understood what I wanted better than I ever did.
We decided on highlights for the top and the sides (covering up the greys so that my hair can be tied up in any way) and adding lowlights to the bottom area, creating some dimension. The foiling process – and this is when the first part of the Olaplex treatment is added as well – plus 45 minutes waiting for the colour to settle did test my patience, but listening to Balinese music while looking out at nature through the huge back window helped me forget the time.
Once my head was free from the foils, the second part of the treatment commenced, to help rebuild and reduce frizziness. This took about 10 minutes before shampoo and toner were applied for the more natural-looking shade and shine. Then, finally, came the long-awaited heavenly scalp massage – with a warm lavender towel, right before the final styling. Looking in the mirror, I couldn’t believe that all the yellowish tresses were gone! I can’t remember the last time my hair felt this healthy and happy; the two hours of sitting were soon forgotten after seeing my golden blonde hue. I left the salon delighted, ready to welcome the Lunar New Year with the new look.
A full head of blonde highlights for long hair is $360, with an additional $110 for toner, while the Olaplex treatment is complimentary in March for half- and full-head highlights. You’ll also receive a 250ml Kevin Murphy shampoo if you book your appointment for the same services from April to June.
– Julie Lim
• 75B Loewen Road | 8511 5085
• 123 Tanglin Road | 9710 6415
trimmings.com.sg
Blonde highlights at The Runway Hair Salon
The Runway is a new hair salon in a shophouse on Craig Road. Though the name might sound a bit intimidating, I was instantly at ease from the moment I walked up the stairs. The walls are hand-painted with green tropical plants, flowers and bright yellow stripes. There is a small sitting area and an overall air of calm – possibly as they do not serve coffee, only tea.
Alester, my stylist, has over 20 years’ experience in salons here in Singapore. His measured approach to the process was reassuring – after discussing how I normally wear my hair, and the effect I wanted, he suggested cool highlights and some lowlights to match my natural (ahem) colour. This reduces the immediate effects of regrowth, and looks more natural.
The salon uses FarmaVita Colour from Italy. Once the foils were in, no heat was applied. I just checked my social media for 15 minutes or so, then it was off to the basin.
I loved the amazing fragrance of the Brasilian Cacau jasmine-scented shampoo and coconut-scented conditioner. After a 15-minute leave-in hydrating treatment, I was done.
The Runway team has developed packages (on top of their a la carte prices) to encourage clients to look after their hair with care treatments, and make it simple.
For example, highlights cost $208, and it’s $128 for the hair nourishment treatment. But if you opted for the bundle including a cut, highlights and a hydrating treatment, it would cost just $215!
– Danielle Rossetti
The Runway Hair Salon
Level 2, 7A Craig Road
8040 7008 | therunwayhairsalon.com
Blonde highlights at The Sloane Salon
Getting blonde highlights has become something of a self-care ritual. Twice a year, I take off a half day from work to head to the salon.
When I arrived, Jordan, the salon’s owner and my stylist, greeted me and the experience started with him taking my ‘hair history’. From his level of interest, it was clear to me that hairdressing is Jordan’s life passion. (And he’s definitely trained at some of the best hair salons in the world from the sounds of it, even having done Princess Beatrice’s hair once upon a time!) Together, we chose my lowlight and highlight colours, with him giving me the pros and cons of various combinations and toners.
Jordan meticulously highlighted my hair, washed it (complete with head massage), dried and styled it. The water, the tea and the conversation all flowed freely. Our chit-chat meandered from life in London and the cost of living in Singapore to what it’s like to raise kids these days, and human rights in Asia. He was a delight!
On the hair side, I loved the results of the blonde highlights. I felt ‘brighter’ immediately. I only wished I had made plans to go out that evening to make the most of the style he had given me!
All in all, the experience at The Sloane Salon was phenomenal. Highly recommended as a relaxing, personalised day of self-care (and a good ole natter, to boot!).
– Kat Watson
The Sloane Salon
#01-20 DUO Galleria Singapore, 7 Fraser Street
6909 8042 | jordan@thesloanesalon.com
thesloanesalon.com.sg/contact-us
More balayage and highlight reviews for hairdressers in Singapore
Chez Vous: HideAway hair salon for colour dip highlights
I went to these hairdressers in Singapore to dye my hair purple and came out instead with purple balayage – and I couldn’t be happier! Shawn Chia, the Associate Salon Director, spent time talking to me about the pros and cons of different colour options and the issues I would have with certain colours or bleaches. He proposed the “dip dye” technique, using pastel lilac acid colours, which allows me to change my hair back to its original colour without any bleaching or damage.
The result was a brilliant colour but equally important my hair is in really good condition. The consultation process was extremely valuable; I felt Shawn had my best interests at heart and that the team really cared not only about the result but the ongoing health of my hair.
The salon was lovely, too; I started off relaxing in the massage chairs with a lovely cup of herbal tea and after the treatment I got a wonderful head massage that completed the amazing experience. The whole visit was perfect and the customer service was second to none; I will certainly be back.
– Kiara Vye
#14-04 Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391 Orchard Road
6219 3558 | chezvoushair.com/hideaway
Trimmings Tudor Court for balayage
Trimmings has become my go-to pampering spot for all things beauty – hair, nails, massages, and facials. My highlights from months ago were growing out and it was high time for a visit to the hairdressers.
Hair artist Benson from Trimmings Tudor Court has done an excellent job with my hair before, so I knew I was in good hands. We decided on a natural, sun-kissed balayage look to suit my dark brown locks. I settled into my seat and sipped on my green tea while Benson started to work on the highlights. It’s a tedious hour-long process of hand-painting bleach into sectioned streaks of hair. Olaplex treatment is mixed into the dye, which helps to condition the hair and combat potential damage caused by the harsh bleaching process.
After three hours of waiting and washing, plus an indulgent scalp massage, blowdry and style, my new hair emerges brighter and refreshed. I’m in love with it! The brown and blonde highlights blend in seamlessly with my natural hair; this means I won’t have to return for a touch-up until much later. This low maintenance hairstyle looks even more amazing when it’s styled wavy. I’ll definitely try recreating the curls for a special night out!
– Anthia Chng
Lowlights and balayage at Trimmings Loewen
The Dempsey Hill area is always a delight to visit – especially if it includes stop at these hairdressers in Singapore. Founded in 2008, this army barrack turned pamper retreat has gained a loyal following with expats and locals alike – and it’s no wonder.
My consultation started well before I walked through the door, with my stylist Ray asking for some pictures of my current hair and my desired outcome. We agreed on highlights and a gentle balayage effect to channel happy summer vibes.
With a refreshing ginger tea in hand, Ray sets to work on turning my holiday hair dream into reality. Using the foilyage technique of combining traditional foils and the balayage painting technique, Ray leaves the colour develop, checking it meticulously throughout. My hair is then washed and left to rest in the basin with the first phase of Olaplex 2 treatment. From there, a toner is used to counter any brassy undertones, followed by a sensational back massage whilst the second phase of Olaplex 6 treatment sets in. Finally, a quick dry and some dinner-ready curls and I’m a new me – I love the final result!
– Leanda Rathmell
Trimmings
75B Loewen Road | 6471 1922
trimmings.com.sg
Here’s more on hair and beauty salons in Singapore!
