The quest for beauty is a never-ending process: one that requires patience, perseverance, and sometimes, a little pain. And when it comes to finding The One (no, we’re not talking about soul mates), word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources will never let you down. That’s why we got the Honeycombers team to open up their black books and reveal their ultimate beauty secrets: their all-time favourite hair salons in Singapore to chase those bad hair days away.
Blow + Bar
Great for: Blowouts
“Blow + Bar is conveniently located in the CBD (perfect for busy women like myself) and its concept is pretty unique: a blowdry bar with wine (or coffee if you get your blowout in the A.M.). I especially liked that the hair stylists really knew their stuff and recommended a treatment for my fragile hair. Other reasons why I love Blow + Bar? It’s the little touches like the blanket they put on you to keep you warm and, of course, sipping on a glass of wine while getting my hair done!” – Melanie Bonnet, Account Manager
Blow + Bar, One Raffles Place and 7 Rodyk Street.
1tto+LIM
Great for: Perms
“I’m a sucker for the Japanese aesthetic, and Ebina-san at 1tto+LIM never fails in revitalising my mop with a volume-enhancing Japanese perm. Though I always spend at least $200 each visit, it’s absolutely worth it ’cos each perm lasts for months, and Ebina-san never fails to pander to my OCD requests and even advises me if I’m being a tad bit ambitious with my preferences. Not to mention, 1tto + LIM has a sweet-spot location in the heart of Orchard Central, and shares its space with retail brands like sifr and cafes like Kilo Orchard. And in case you need one last push to this salon, Ebina-san also does the hair of musician extraordinaire, Charlie Lim. Convinced now?” – Kevin Ho, Editor
1tto+LIM, 181 Orchard Road #02-17, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896, p. 6884 4143. Open 11am-8pm, Thu, Sun and public holidays 10am-4pm
99 Percent Studio
Great for: Fancy hair colouring
“About three years ago, I was hell-bent on having bright purple hair and waltzed into this cosy salon – a go-to for many who seek boldly-coloured locks worthy of unicorns and mermaids.The trendy stylists here are more than happy to listen to your wildest ideas. Best of all, they have Olaplex to help strengthen your hair from all those rounds of bleaching. Since my first trip, I’ve gleefully gone on to have a caramel brown-and-pink bob, peacock-like green, blue and purple ends… and haven’t looked back since! – Cherylene Chan, HoneyBrides Editor
99 Percent Studio, 40 Haji Lane, Singapore 189233, p. 6396 3667.
Hair Cube Salon
Great for: Stylish men’s haircuts
“This neighbourhood salon, tucked away at Taman Jurong, is my go-to spot whenever I feel that my mane is getting out of shape. Without even saying a word to my hairstylist, she knows just how to deliver a stylish undercut – that’s how good she is! What’s more, she also offers great hair treatments when my scalp gets too oily and has given me one of the best hair dye treatments I’ve ever received. Maybe it’s time to call her up and get back my ash green hair!” – Zakaria Muhammad, Editorial Assistant
Hair Cube Salon, #01-51, Taman Jurong Shopping Centre, 399 Yung Sheng Road, Singapore 610399, p. 6264 8387.
I*CON By Shunji Matsuo
Great for: Haircuts
“Ever since I was a wee toddler, I’ve been going to same neighbourhood hair salon in Bedok – partly out of loyalty and partly because it only sets me back $12 for a haircut! But when I’m in the mood for something a little more dramatic (a new hair colour or a drastic cut), I*CON by Shunji Matsuo at Century Square Mall is my go-to. They may be pricey, but I know I can trust these pros – after all, they were the mastermind behind my ombré-blonde locks circa 2013 (well worth the repeated bleaching!) and the choppy bob I’m loving right now.” – Shairah Thoufeekh, Lifestyle Writer
I*CON By Shunji Matsuo, Century Square #03-01, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509, p. 6786 8896 / 6789 8893. Open Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm.
Expat Hair Studio
Great for: Caucasian hair
“After years of asking for highlights at various salons around town, and being given fried orange stripes, I did a little jig when I first discovered Jaclyn Douglas of Expat Hair. She turned my Ronald McDonald frizz into blonde, shiny perfection. I haven’t let another hairdresser loose on a pot of dye or pair of scissors on my hair since. Jacky has smiled and waved her way cheerfully through some quite major overhauls (and always smiles and waves again when I predictably go back to blonde), and along with the magic of Olaplex and a team of talented co-workers, I know that my locks are always in safe hands with these guys.” – Tracy Tristram, HoneyKids Writer
Expat Hair Studio, 422 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427642, p. 6444 7929. Open Mon & Thu 9am-8pm, Tue-Wed & Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm.
Protrim
Great for: Spiffy haircuts
“Since I started growing my hair long, my friendly neighbourhood salon has been my favourite place for my bi-annual hair treatments (half rebonding, half perm). But for spiffy haircuts and luxe services, I head to Protrim. I’ve been a regular for a decade now; the hairstylists are on-the-ball with their snipping skills and knowledge of hair trends.” – Nafeesa Saini, Lifestyle Writer
Protrim, #04-17 Causeway Point, 1 Woodlands Square, Singapore 738099, p. 6894 1386 / 6894 1387. Other outlets at Ngee Ann City, 313@Somerset, Jurong East Mall (JEM), and Compass Point.
Soulworks by Koyee
Great for: Men’s haircuts
“I’ve always preferred to keep my hair short and neat, so it’s not something that many barbers would have difficulty doing. But Koyee’s Soulworks at Greenwich Mall is my go-to because the hairdressers there really put in effort in your fades and make sure all your lines are clean. Instead of overusing shavers, hairdressers here switch to scissors for more precise work. Also, I’ve been going to the original Koyee since I was a kid, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” – Dinesh Ajith, Lifestyle Writer
Soulworks by Koyee, 1 Seletar Road, #01-04 & 05, The Greenwich V, Singapore 807011. p. 6555 2262.
De’Trenz Hair Salon
Great for: Haircuts and blonde hair
“Stephanie is the hairstylist of my dreams. I’ve sat in her chair for close to a decade now. She has given me an edgy pixie cut as an early customer, later bleaching it (carefully) to a platinum blonde, which we proudly maintained for five years. About a year ago, I decided to grow out my hair to change my look, and she helped me bypass all the awkward stages. I can’t wait for it to go past my shoulders so that I can finally get those beautiful bombshell curls that Steph has bestowed on many of her clients. She has a long line of regulars, so appointments are necessary!” – Crystal Lee, Digital Lead
De’ Trenz Hair Salon, 14 Scotts Road, #05-41 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213, p. 6733 0800. Open Mon-Sat 1030am-830pm, Sun 1030am-630pm