Need a new look? Keen for some tips on maintaining a new hairstyle? Want to indulge in a complete grooming experience? From cuts to colouring to shaves, we round up the top salons and barbers in town for the gents, and speak to their hair experts on what to do (and what not to do) for that perfect mane.
Chez Vous
Having clinched multiple awards since its opening in 1995, this salon is no stranger in the business. It’s not easy finding a stylist who specialises in hair colouring for Caucasian and European men, but that’s exactly what you’ll get with Associate Salon Director Khim Toh, who has made a name for herself in mastering this service. If you’re looking to trim those locks, look for Salon Director Emil Khor, former trainer and Art Director at Toni & Guy for nine years.
Top three hair tips for men:
from Chez Vous’s resident scalp expert, Serene Tan
- If you want thick, strong, and healthy hair, make sure that you take good care of your scalp, too. Deep cleanse your scalp once a month to prevent congestion, which can lead to hair loss, oily scalp or dandruff problems.
- Don’t apply conditioner on your scalp. Conditioner can cause serious scalp congestion!
- Look out for early signs of hair thinning. Hair thinning can be kept under control with early intervention such as regular use of hair tonic. Also, go for matt styling products, such as clay and paste, which help absorb lightly, and which instantly make the hair appear a little thicker, as compared to glossy gels or pomade.
391 Orchard Road
#05-05 Ngee Ann City Podium
6732 9388 | chezvoushair.com
Expat Hair Studio
Founded by two expats, Jaclyn Douglas and Katherine Moss, Expat Hair Studio has become a trusted salon for many – expats and locals alike. With free Wi-Fi, tons of magazines available, and a wide variety of beverages to choose from – coffee, specialty teas and even wine – this cosy modern space is the perfect spot to unwind and get a fresh cut ($55). Look trendy with Ramie and Eason , who are the specialists for barbering and gents’ hairstyling. The salon uses the Kevin Murphy men’s range, known for being sulphate-free and cruelty-free.
Top three hair tips for men:
from Expat Hair Studio co-founder, Katherine Moss
- Make sure the stylist can listen to what you want and give you ideas of what is up to date and what suits you best.
- Look for a salon that matches your preferred style. For example, if you want to colour your hair, find somewhere that specialises in it. Check out the salon’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and ask around for recommendations.
- Listen to what the stylist recommends for you to do to maintain your hairstyle. Experienced stylists should have a good knowledge of suitable haircare products for your hair.
422 Joo Chiat Road
6444 7929 | expathairstudio.com
Salon Kream
Located in Holland Village, this bright and spacious salon is a one-stop location for men’s hair and scalp needs. Salon Kream offers modern haircuts and customised services, catering mainly to Caucasian hair types. Want in on more? Drop by for a free consultation! Prices for a men’s haircut start from $68.
Top three hair tips for men:
from Salon Kream director, Eric Ang
- It’s extra important for men to use the right shampoo and hair-care products (like scalp tonic), especially since they are more prone to hair loss. I recommend Bain Densité Homme (shampoo) and Densifique Homme (scalp ampoule) by Kérastase Paris; these products help to prevent hair loss.
- For an at-home styling that lasts a long time, first enhance your hair volume with KMS Sea Salt Spray, then mould your hair with Goldwell’s Roughman wax, and finish with a good dash of Big Finish hairspray by Goldwell.
- Men tend to use more styling products as compared to women, so they may be more prone to greasy or flaky scalps. We recommend scalp treatments and hair loss prevention treatments to thoroughly cleanse the area and keep it healthy.
Salon Kream
Holland Village Lorong Mambong 24B
6463 3373 | facebook.com/salonkream
Sultans of Shave
Combine classic barbering techniques with contemporary trends and you get Sultans of Shave, a snazzy space that isn’t your run-on-the-mill hair salon. Trained in London, the barbers here offer a range of services, from haircuts (from $48) to shaves (from $40). For some bonding time with dad, try the Father and Son experience ($168), a set comprising a Deluxe Shave and a Deluxe Haircut for two.
Top three hair tips for men:
from Lewis Lim, founder of Sultans of Shave
- When trying out a new barber, get him to explain why and how he’s cutting your hair. A well-executed haircut will enable you to easily style and maintain the look, as opposed to relying on a ton of hair product to hold it in place. This will also help manage your expectations on what the final cut will turn out like.
- Instead of going around experimenting on the numerous products on offer, get your barber to recommend a product that will suit your hair type and hairstyle.
- Blow-drying can go a long way in making the styling process easier, so get your barber to teach you how to do it effectively.
Three outlets islandwide
11 North Canal Road, #02-01 (flagship store)
6222 0201 | sultansofshave.com
We Need a Hero
For an all-inclusive grooming affair, check out this barbershop in the hip Tiong Bahru estate. Services include everything from haircuts and colouring, to brow threading, IPL and waxing (yes, Boyzilians included); this one-stop shop is the place to go if you need to spruce up your look before an important date.
Top three hair tips for men:
from Janice K, Chief Barberess
- Head in for a consultation before deciding on a haircut.
- Trim regularly. Depending on your hair, we recommend getting a trim once every three to four weeks to keep your hairstyle in shape.
- Don’t forget about your scalp! Get your scalp checked and treated regularly for healthier tresses. At We Need A Hero, our barbers will scan and analyse your scalp before the treatment, in order to select the best level of treatment for your specific scalp condition. For best results, we recommend getting the scalp treatment professionally done at the salon once every three months.
57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-86
6222 5590 | weneedahero.sg
LA Barbershop
Located in Novena Square, this barbershop offers a wide array of services for men, including shaving, haircuts, massage and even ear candling. You can customise your very own experience to what you need, and – best of all – they’re all pretty affordable! Our recommendation? Go for a premium cut ($36), then a face shave ($28), and end with a unique ear-cleaning session ($20) or a relaxing head massage ($25). Check out their Facebook page for updates!
Top three hair tips for men:
from Store Manager and barber, Tenny Ng
- Stress affects the scalp, and this leads to thinning hair. Wash the scalp and hair thoroughly on a daily basis, in order to allow the pores on the scalp to “breathe”. Hot showers should be avoided and the scalp (and not the ends) should be shampooed.
- There are many haircare products in the market that can help tackle thinning hair. LA Barbershop carries a series of hair products that can further condition and nourish the hair.
- The right barber should have years of experience and a good service attitude. He should be able to study the hair texture and face shape of each customer to create the right hairstyle that fits him.
238 Thomson Road
#02-02 Novena Square
6904 4311
