Beauty aficionado Leticia Bishop has probed a selection of top stylists for their fave products, and these are the results.
We’re all about the best facials in Hong Kong and where to get the coolest manicure, but our hair is our crowning glory. Recently, beauty expert, Leticia Bishop, went trotting around to find some hair products recommended by stylists in Hong Kong. These masters feel they can’t serve clients as well without these certain , so you know you’ve got to add them to your routine ASAP. As you read along, you’ll realise there is a slight theme… Stylists love to build texture and volume in the hair, plus they understand the remarkably humid climate of the city we reside in.
Discover these hair products recommended by stylists in Hong Kong
1. Sinéad Deacy, Stylist, W52, Kevin.Murphy Bedroom.Hair
A trend is developing here because Sinéad also recommends a ‘hybrid hairspray’ type of product that creates texture in your hair. This spray by Kevin Murphy is designed to achieve “Bedroom Hair” as the product is suitably named. Think, tousled woke up like this, I’m that cool, vibes!
Use this one as a finishing spray after styling, from roots to tips, then give the hair a little shake or tousle and you’re good to go. Light hold and texture in one go, but still very flexible.
Read our review of W52.
W52, 4/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2217 0644
2. Keith Wilson, Artistic Director at Glow Spa, Olaplex Bonding Oil 07
As a makeup artist, I have worked alongside Keith for a few years, getting clients ready for events, so I had to have him on my list of hairstylists because he’s excellent!
The Bonding Oil by cult brand Olaplex was his pick. Keith uses it as a finisher after he has done blowouts. This product contains the famous Olaplex formula that works best in damp hair. The Bonding Oil can also be used to strengthen and detangle hair.
Glow Spa, 8/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 5198
3. Paul, Founder Fox and the Barber, Fox and the Barber Sea Salt Tonic
I am pleased to mention a barber shop in this lineup. Men’s grooming is an area not to be forgotten in the beauty world. Furthermore, not just any barber – Fox and the Barber embodies class and sophistication.
Paul, the founder, is lovely to chat with. He had no doubts about the product he wanted to talk about; the Sea Salt Tonic is applied after every men’s cut. He puts this through the clients’ hair before blow-drying and styling. It is considered an all-rounded product, sprayed through towel-dried hair before blow-drying and styling to create texture and medium hold to the hair for a natural feel.
As a bonus, the scent of the Sea Salt Tonic will instantly give you heavenly coconut beach vibes that are not too overwhelming, but just a small note for those of you who may have fragrance sensitivities.
Fox and the Barber, 41-43 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2405 6880
4. Emmanuel Faipoux, Founder & Artistic Director of emmanuel f., Organic Colour Systems Control Argan Oil Gloss & AquaBoost Leave-In Conditioner
“You must use these without any hesitation.”
I met Emmanuel several years ago on a celebrity photo shoot. He is known in Hong Kong for his award-winning organic salon. He told me that almost every client leaves with these products in their hair, and he has trusted them for years!
The Leave-In Conditioner adds moisture and the Argan Oil Gloss adds gloss. Emmanuel knows that people worry about hydrating products weighing down their hair, but he assured me this is not the case when using these products. Your hair absorbs what it needs, and essentially the rest will evaporate, leaving no heavy residue.
After mixing generous amounts of both products in his palms, he spread it through my hair to enhance my natural curls and give my hair some needed moisture.
Emmanuel F, G/F 176 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2167 8280
5. Marcus, Co-Founder Essensuals TONI&GUY, Label.m Texturising Volume Spray
This product is Marcus’ go-to pick! He said to think of it as a blend between a dry shampoo and a hair spray. Two handy products in one, this spray will help reduce oil and give volume and texture just as it says on the tin, funny that.
Always focusing this product at the roots for a lift, Marcus states it’s great for people with curtain bangs to keep away the oil from your skin. The bangs will also get lift and volume; think, the cool girl effortless look.
Essensuals Toni & Guy, 2/F, 2 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2191 9819
6. Shayne Chandler, Founder Shane Chandler, Balmain Styling Cream
I know many hairstylists from working in the industry, but Shayne I have known since I started coming to Hong Kong over nine years ago! He has tremendous experience and personality. Stepping into his boutique is always a treat; his eye for interior design is just as impeccable as his eye for hair.
To fit with the vogue-worthy interior, he recommends Balmain products and specifically the Styling Cream; a concentrated, little goes a long way type of product, great for curly or straight hair. Shayne prefers to use it on damp hair then either hand styled into place or blow-dried in.
The Styling cream can be run through the hair to work as a heat protectant and detangler. Argan oil and silk proteins provide a beautiful finish.
Read our full review of Salon Chandler.
Find out more about Salon Chandler
7. Sophie Cockton, Founder, No. 6 Olaplex Bonding Smoother
Beautiful and sophisticated, Sophie Cockton was introduced to me by Shayne. I found it shocking that we had not met sooner since, we had both lived and worked in Hong Kong for many years. We often call Hong Kong small but, sometimes we are reminded by just how many different people are on this tiny island!
Sophie’s salon is extremely spacious and such a luxury to find amongst the densely populated areas of Hong Kong. The space’s minimalist Japanese/Scandinavian style provides a sense of calm you can feel upon entering. At the salon, Sophie led me to her wall of products and introduced me to the second Olaplex product mentioned in this article. This time, it’s the Bonding Smoother.
If you’re familiar with makeup, she described it as a primer for the hair. It adds hydration, heat protection and anti-frizz properties with its anti-humidity agent. This one is to be applied mid-length to ends, on damp hair (try to avoid applying to the roots) after your wash, then styled with a blow dryer or left to air dry.
The Bonding Smoother does not provide any hold as it’s not a styling product but a fantastic, non-greasy hydrator.
Sophie Cockton, 2nd Floor, Worldwide Commercial Building, 34 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2868 2201
