Frizzy hair? We review keratin treatments & more

Living in Singapore means battling relentless humidity – we’re talking 95 percent RH here! – which can turn your silky, smooth hair into a frizzy hair nightmare. Thankfully, many top salons offer hair straightening, anti-frizz and keratin treatments that can work wonders. To help you find the right one, we sent out our review crew to find the best frizzy hair treatments.

Chez Vous Hair Salon (Flagship) | Liquid Hair Treatment

Chez Vous has truly elevated the hair-care game with its Liquid Hair Treatment. As someone who is always seeking to tame frizzy hair, I can confidently say that this treatment has exceeded my expectations. This is no easy feat, especially after years of chemical treatments and heat styling that have left my hair parched and frazzled.

The anti-frizz Liquid Hair Treatment – I went with the Supreme version, which lasts up to six months – worked its magic, repairing my hair from within using advanced oil-based bond repairing actives. The result? Hair that feels soft, smooth and silky. To my relief, the treatment didn’t alter my hair colour at all. Instead, it simply enhanced the vibrancy and shine, leaving me with hair that looked healthier than ever.

The wonderful salon and the expert touch of the stylist who applied the treatment only added to the experience. This was my first time visiting the flagship Chez Vous salon, beside Takashimaya, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The stylist not only worked wonders with the liquid formula, but he also gave me a trim that smoothed out any unevenness from previous haircuts. This gave my hair a polished look that perfectly complemented its new shine. The Liquid Hair Treatment at Chez Vous will definitely be part of my hair care regime moving forward. And, since the treatment lasts between four to six months, it will be just the right amount of time between salon visits.

Now, after two weeks, with my hair shining, smooth and easy to manage, I find myself saving precious time in the mornings. A simple wash-and quick-dry routine is all it takes to look and feel my best! The stylist recommended blow-drying my hair, but this weekend I opted to let it air dry naturally, and I could not be happier with the results. This isn’t just a treatment – it’s a rejuvenating experience tailored for someone who values both their looks and their time. Thank you, Chez Vous, for helping me reclaim my confidence in my hair.

– Jennifer Compton

Cost: Advanced from $255; Supreme from $395

#05-05 Ngee Ann City Podium, 391 Orchard Road
6732 9388 | chezvoushair.com

The Expat Hair Studio | Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment (NKST)

I’ve always wanted to be a glossy-haired beauty strolling about Singapore, instead of a frizzy Sweaty Betty. But I have naturally wavy hair that is extremely hard to manage in this climate. What’s more, I love my early morning gym sessions before work, and I don’t have time to tame my mane.

I’ve been a client of The Expat Hair Studio for many years, and stylist Kat is a friend. I have tried many anti-frizz treatments, but when Kat and Andrew suggested NKST and explained how it worked, I knew I was in good hands.

My appointment started with a cappuccino before graduating to wine, cheese and biscuits, a welcome treat. Kat worked wonders on my colour before.

Andrew started the treatment. His head-massage skills are genius! The entire keratin treatment took around two-and-a-half hours, and the results should last for three months. They recommend you avoid washing your hair or swimming for the first three days; also, don’t have any chemical hair service such as colour for two weeks.

The result was phenomenal! My hair felt soft and looked smooth and glossy, while my highlights and colour still looked great.

Curious to see if I could maintain the results, I found over the next few weeks that the frizzy hair treatment had dramatically reduced blow-drying time and effort, while my hair still looked soft and smooth. The final judgement? This Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment was a massive hit. My thanks to both Kat and Andrew at Expat Hair.

– Joanne Shaw

Cost: $250 to $350

422 Joo Chiat Road
6444 7929 | WhatsApp 8028 6588 | expathairstudio.com

Chez Vous: Private Space | Nanoplasty for frizzy hair

I like my curls, but not when they turn into unruly and frizzy hair in the humidity of Singapore! Honestly, I much prefer the hassle-free, glassy straight tresses that look gorgeous even after a long day out. However, I absolutely dread the damage that comes with smoothing treatments. (I still shudder from the hair fall I experienced after my rebonding experience a decade ago!)

That’s why when I heard of the Nanoplasty hair straightening treatment, I had to give it a try. It’s the latest anti-frizz treatment with no harsh chemicals, using only the cleanest top-of-the-line ingredients to achieve the desired result. I chose Chez Vous: Private Space for my treatment, and the whole experience was amazing as it feels more like a spa than a salon. Upon arrival, I was ushered into my private pod where I was presented with a selection of room fragrances to choose from. Next, I was given an iPad with a drinks menu to start me off while waiting for my treatment to begin.

As I relaxed with my mocha cappuccino and soothing music, the super friendly hair salon director J-Lim came to explain how the treatment works and even customised it as per my request (to leave my hair ends softer and not as slick as the rest of my hair). The package includes a blissful head spa along with warm eye moxibustion therapy to lull you into a state of bliss.

The complete experience lasted about three and a half hours, which goes by quickly with the constant flow of drinks and an amazing high tea menu. The staff took care of my comfort at every step, with a pillow to rest my arms, Netflix to watch a movie, and a pot of tea to go with high tea cakes.

It’s been a week since the hair straightening treatment, and I am extremely happy with the result. My hair is now frizz-free, shiny straight with a touch of natural curls at the bottom. What I love the most is how extremely low maintenance my hair is. Hair damage? None so far compared to what I experienced with re-bonding. In my honest opinion, Nanoplasty is really the best hair straightening and smoothing treatment without damage worries, and Chez Vous is the place for the experience!

– Akta Chopra

Cost: $395 to $695

#08-01 Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391B Orchard Road
6235 0345 | chezvoushair.com/chezvous-private-space

The Hair Lounge | Collagen Repair Treatment

My hair is naturally coarse and thick, so I’ve always had to blow-dry – and sometimes straighten – it before leaving the house. Over time, all that heat combined with bleaching and dyeing has taken its toll. It’s rendered my hair a dry, frizzy mop, especially at the ends! So when I heard about The Hair Lounge’s anti-frizz Collagen Repair Treatment, which is gentler and milder than keratin treatments and focuses on repairing and replenishing, I couldn’t dash to the Holland V salon fast enough.

After a consultation with my hairdresser Joseph, it was clear that my frizzy hair needed some love. The hair straightening and smoothing treatment began with a luxurious wash using Oribe shampoo and conditioner that included a lovely massage on my scalp and neck. Then, a leave-in recombinant protein serum was applied to every section of my hair. This powerful protein treatment not only strengthens hair but also helps eliminate breakage and split ends.

With hair wrapped in a bun, off under the heater I went. Over the next 15 minutes, the rich serum worked its way deep into my hair as I sipped my tea and relaxed in the comfy, light-drenched salon. No rinsing needed here. My hair was then blow-dried and flat-ironed (skipping the roots) to tame the cuticles and seal in the product.

The results were so impressive I almost couldn’t believe that was my real hair! It had never been so shiny, soft and silky smooth. I thought the leave-in formula would leave a greasy feel but not at all. My hair’s natural bounce and volume returned after a wash the following day. I’ve even been able to air-dry my hair now after washes with no unruly frizz in sight. The shine and smoothness will last a few months (shorter for those who swim or exercise a lot) and it’s been a game changer for my hair routine.

– Cherry Lai

Cost: $250

277A Holland Avenue
6610 7394 | thehairlounge.sg

Hair Shaka | Anti-frizz Cezanne Smoothing Treatment

I’d never had a keratin smoothing treatment before as I always had straight hair and never thought it was something I needed. After years of hair colouring, I wanted to embrace my natural colour and go grey. To make this process more elegant, I decided to bleach my hair. Probably the wrong decision! My hair became more fragile, dry and broken – and something needed to be done.

Why the anti-frizz Cezanne Smoothing Treatment at Hair Shaka? The most important reason for me was that Cezanne is a no-toxic-chemicals brand that creates smoother, frizz-free hair while restoring natural shine and making my hair healthy again.

Arriving at Hair Shaka on Tanjong Pagar Road was like walking into a secret hideaway. It’s a lovely spacious salon drenched in sunshine, with coffee, tea and a whole menu to choose from. I had a thorough consultation with my stylist Zey regarding the treatment to be sure this was what my hair needed. Bless him – he took all my worries away!

Zey first washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo so the keratin could penetrate and coat the hair better. After a blow-dry, he applied the keratin section by section evenly across my hair. Then, the timer was set for 40 minutes for the treatment to do its magic before a rinse with water, a blow-dry and then the flat iron to infuse the keratin into the hair for long-lasting benefit. The anti-frizz treatment is heat-activated, so even at home I can blow-dry my hair to smooth and straighten it.

Thank you to Hair Shaka, Zey and the amazing team for having me for 2.5 hours. My hair is now strong and healthy again. Best decision ever!

– Nathalie de Moel

Cost: $350 to $550

63A Tanjong Pagar Road, 2/F
6970 0378 | WhatsApp 8266 1340 | hairshaka.com

The Sloane Salon | Silky shiny hair and hair-straightening keratin treatment

I am coming to terms with my frizzy hair as I get older, but when I’m shown the back of my head, it’s quite a shock. I have some straight hair on top, but underneath is almost crimped, and the constant colouring has made it dull and lifeless.

Jordan Kwan is London-born and worked at Elizabeth Arden and Selfridges before moving to Hong Kong. He is now in Singapore and has just opened The Sloane Salon at the DUO Galleria.

For my anti-frizz Keratin Treatment ($285), he first washes my hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove other product, and to allow the keratin to penetrate and coat the hair strands. The (Goldwell) Keratin is applied section by section; I sit for 25 minutes under a steamer and then it’s rinsed and done.

After blow-drying, he uses a flatiron to seal in the product. I don’t want it super flat and lank looking, so he only lightly treats the roots. He also gives an inward curl at the ends for some additional body and movement. Remember, because the keratin coats the hair strands, it’s better to get any colour or highlights done before doing the treatment as it penetrates the hair more easily.

I’ve had frizzy hair treatments before but never one that’s so shiny – my hair is super soft and really gleams in the light. No more bird’s nest at the back – at least for three to four months!

(Check out The Sloane Salon on Instagram or Facebook for short reels of gorgeous silky hair after these treatments!)

– Danielle Rossetti

#01-20 DUO Galleria Singapore, 7 Fraser Street
6909 8042 | jordan@thesloanesalon.com | thesloanesalon.com.sg/contact-us

Trimmings Salon & Spa | Classic Brazilian keratin smoothing treatment & root tint

I recently visited Trimmings Salon & Spa and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The serene Dempsey Hill setting, with its lush greenery, provided the perfect ambience for a relaxing morning of much-needed me-time.

I was especially impressed by the hair salon’s flexibility in accommodating same-day colour and keratin treatments. Since keratin can slightly lighten colour – and given my regular sun exposure – we opted for a darker tone that turned out beautifully. My stylist Celeste chose just the right shade for my hair – it didn’t turn too reddish or too dark (that makes me look very pale!), which seems to happen often here at salons.

The primer used for straightening had a nice subtle scent. And, unlike past Keratin experiences where the treatment had a strong odour, this time there was no unpleasant smell at all. Another highlight was the soothing massage during the hair wash, adding to the overall pampering experience.

Celeste also stood out for her personalised approach. She involved me in each step of the decision-making process and tailored the treatment to suit my lifestyle. This collaborative approach ensured I left with a look that not only suited my hair but also easily fit my daily routine.

The service throughout was efficient yet unhurried, thanks to a well-coordinated team. I left feeling completely rejuvenated and satisfied with the results. I’d definitely recommend Trimmings Salon & Spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

– Nicola Patel

Cost: $350 ($90 add-on for root tint)

75B Loewen Road
8511 5085 | trimmings.com.sg

Salon de Edmund | Multifunctional keratin treatment

Salon de Edmund is located on a quiet street behind Upper Thomson MRT and is easy to find. I was welcomed by a warm smile from Huey at the reception, and a lovely bright interior.

As someone who never uses a hairdryer, and normally relies heavily on leave-in styling products and the renowned finger twist, I braved the elements and headed out au naturel in an attempt to show the salon what they were dealing with.

I wasn’t sure what was in store, never having had a keratin treatment before for fear of my frizzy hair becoming poker straight. So this treatment piqued my interest as it claims to be multifunctional for straight or curly hair. I do love my waves, just not the version battling with humidity!

After a cleansing hair wash and full blow-dry, the keratin treatment was applied. To my relief, the one used at Salon de Edmund is free of any formaldehyde and harsh chemicals. With calming green tea in hand, all I could do was hope that the ‘K’ in keratin translated to ‘kindness’ and all would go to plan!

After 35 minutes, a rinse and a rough dry, I could immediately see an unfamiliar, welcomed smoothness to my locks. After a final full hair wash and style, I was very pleased with the result. You could even say I was blown away! My hair still has body and subtle waves but is much more manageable, and I can finally reconnect with my hairdryer. I would definitely recommend those with natural curls to take the plunge with this multifunctional keratin treatment, which lasts about three months. Thank you, Salon de Edmund.

– Jayne Firth

Cost: $289 to $359 (add $40 for very long hair)

93 Soo Chow Walk, #01-01
salondeedmund.com

This article on frizzy hair treatments first appeared in the May 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!

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