To us, a blow-dry has always been the necessary bit that comes at the end of a long session at the hair salon. After a set of highlights and a cut you can start to get fidgety. So when it comes to the hairdresser pulling out the hairdryer for hair styling part, we are already half the way out of the salon!
But getting a blow-dry ahead of a big night is different. While there are few ‘blow-dry bars’ in town, we tried out a couple of hairdressers to see how they could transform our hair (and fight the humidity) to get us looking party-ready. Here’s what we thought – with before and after shots, too!
Hera
“Originally from Liverpool, Paul Ashton is new to Hera at Tanglin Mall, after a long stint in Hong Kong. It was good to have someone who knew how to blow-dry curly hair like mine. A lot of stylists get it too dry before they start styling, but he did my hair from wet and it lasted for days. His expertise isn’t specifically in up-dos, but he did pin it back for me as it seemed to suit me better instead of having it hanging straight down. For a good blow-dry to get you looking glam, and one that will fight the humidity for a few days, it was perfect.”
– Rebecca Bisset
Stylist Spotlight
With over 35 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Paul has worked in some of the world’s top hair salons and academies. He first trained at Toni & Guy London, before moving to Asia where he was selected to teach in Toni & Guy in Beijing, the Philippines and Hong Kong. Paul uses a variety of cutting and styling techniques, working with the natural texture and face shape of his clients.
Hera Beauty
#03-08A Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road | 6732 1206
31 Ocean Way, #01-20 Quayside Isle | 6268 8949
herabeauty.sg
Leekaja Beauty Salon
“This Korean beauty haven is probably the most photogenic salon I’ve been to. It’s blessed with lots of natural light streaming in, and dressed in beautiful plant and wood-focused décor. It’s also conveniently located in Mandarin Gallery, making it an ideal spot for a hair refresh or quick pedicure after a day of shopping.
My assigned hairstylist was Senior Stylist Jun Park, the newest addition to the team. After a quick consultation, he started with a hair wash and treated me to a heavenly scalp massage of the perfect pressure. Feeling completely relaxed, I was then led back to my seat where I enjoyed a cup of hot green tea, a banana and coffee bread. Jun was gentle and professional when handling my hair. He gave me exactly what I’d wanted – loose, beachy waves that don’t look overly stiff. While the curls loosened naturally as the evening progressed, they held their shape well even after five to six hours. The next day, my usually limp mane still looked voluminous from the blow-dry!”
– Anthia Chng
Stylist Spotlight
Korea-born Jun has attained the prestigious Vidal Sassoon instructor qualification for haircutting, for which he was required to cut the hair of over 1,500 hair models. Before entering Vidal Sassoon and packing his bags for Singapore, Jun was mentored by a Korean stylist specialising in perms. He also worked in top salons in Canada, and in Gangnam and Suwon in his home country.
Leekaja Beauty Salon
#03-13 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road
8133 0818 | booking@leekaja.sg
leekaja.sg
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This article first appeared in the December 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
