The Koreans know a thing or two when it comes to looking like a million bucks, from their billion-step beauty regimes to applying the latest technology to achieve lustrous, natural looking curls.
The next time you experience hair envy watching your favourite K-drama or K-pop MTV, just know that you can achieve the same hairdos as celebrities like Song Hye-Kyo, Park Shin-Hye and Gianna Jun at these Korean hair salons in Singapore.
Apgujeong
Perms are always a tricky (and scary) treatment, but if you want loose waves and au naturel curls, try the Mucota Omega Digital Perm (from $288) from Apgujeong Hair Studio. This gentle perm technique minimises hair damage by reducing heat while nourishing your locks with hyaluronic acid, keratin and natural essential oils so you leave with light and bouncy curls, just like your favourite Korean actress.
If you want a VIP treatment, book an appointment with chief director stylist Kyle Shin who has over 20 years of experience, his schedule is readily available on the website to save you the hassle of calling their numerous salons (there’s 11 islandwide).
LeeKaJa
Established by Madame Leekaja in 1972, this global franchise has over 200 salons internationally and is famous for its unique “8 day promise” to do free retouches, so you’ll never leave unsatisfied with any haircut, colour or perm.
While you’re there they’ll keep you occupied with complimentary wi-fi and mobile chargers, plus there’s a dedicated barista for coffee and cold pressed juice. The must-try treatment is the Cinderella treatment (from $300) which fights the frizz – Ideal for our humid climate – with organic ingredients like aloe vera, vitamins and collagen that moisturise and nourish your hair.
Jiwon Hair Salon
The first Korean salon to hit our shores in 2003, Jiwon Hair Salon at Wheelock Place beckons with its sleek wooden interiors and lush in-salon botanical decor, reflective of its philosophy of using only plant-derived products. Whether you want a colour or scalp treatment (from $120), get pampered with Aveda products which are 96 per cent natural, while hair glossing treatments are infused with botanical oils that improve your hair’s condition so you emerge with ‘rich girl’-style hair that’s satiny, loose and luxe.
Bella K-Beauty House
Photo: Bella K-Beauty House/Facebook
If you want your hair handled by a celebrity hairstylist, book in with Bella K-Beauty House along Nassim Road. Led by Gunhee who has styled the hair of Super Junior’s Kim Hee-Chul, Ladies’ Code and 4 Minute, the interiors of the salon are super luxe with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and plush leather chairs.
As the stylist to the stars splits his time between his two salons in Gangnam in Seoul and Bella K-Beauty house in Singapore, it’s advised to book your appointment well in advance. This full service salon also offers hair treatments and manicures, plus there’s a special VIP room for an additional fee.
The Wiz
Photo: The Wiz/Facebook
Whether you want a C-curl, S-curl, natural wave or bold wave perm, the Korean staff at The Wiz will deliver on their promise of buoyant, bouncy curls. The men can get in on the fun too with innovative hair cuts and perms by owner Bella Yoon, who has had 15 years of experience working in Korea.
The Korean iron perm (from $250) is ideal for guys who have thick, hard-to-style hair, we can’t guarantee they’ll leave looking like Nam Joo Hyuk but it’ll definitely be an upgrade.