Looking for ways to change up your looks? While you could get a haircut, why not also consider a dye job? For this year's Her World Hair Awards, the team went to various hair salons to get different hair dye services to find out which salon offers the best colouring jobs. From a work-friendly balayage to creative colours, here are some of the best we found in Singapore.
WHERE Artica Hair Studio by Juno, #04-64 and #04-76 Far East Plaza, tel: 6836- 2891
TREATMENT Balayage Colouring, $202-$268
WHAT IT IS Balayage is a technique where colour is hand-painted onto hair in a sweeping motion. The result is a natural-looking sun-kissed effect, as well as softer, less noticeable regrowth. Artica is well- known for its hair colouring, from unique blends to bold colours, all achieved without bleaching, which may cause scalp and hair damage. This means it’s suitable for even sensitive scalps as the colour solution does not burn or cause itching. It even comes with a pleasant floral scent that won’t irritate the senses.
TESTER’S VERDICT “An enjoyable session that delivered vibrant colour without the usual scalp and hair damage.”
WHERE Black Hair Salon, #B2-44 Capitol Piazza, tel: 6835-9976
TREATMENT Creative Hair Colouring, $199+
WHAT IT IS You’ll be in safe and skilful hands if you’re toying with the idea of trying out an edgy “fashion” hair colour like pink, blue or soft pastels. The stylist discusses colour preferences, desired effects and concerns, and takes into account your skin tone and needs, to help you achieve the result you want.
TESTER’S VERDICT “A good place to try, whether you’re just starting to experiment with trendy hues or want to give your hair a subtle colour shake-up.”
WHERE Blow+Bar, #01-32 The Watermark Condominium Robertson Quay, tel: 6238-7338; 462 Joo Chiat Road, tel: 6440- 0316
TREATMENT Sunkissed Colour Collection Balayage, $250
WHAT IT IS An in-depth consultation coupled with great attention to detail – your skin tone and daily maintenance habits – ensures that the final look truly works for you. For a natural-looking yet low maintenance style, the stylist applies the colour away from the roots so that the new shade blends into your natural colour, while highlights and lowlights are added to give the illusion of fullness and a glossy finish.
TESTER’S VERDICT “Pinterest-inspired hair that has minimal maintenance. Friendly staff, great results and a comfortable environment – you’ll be inclined to head back for future touch-ups.”
WHERE Devonshire Hair + Eye Design, 113 Devonshire Road, tel: 6334-7898
TREATMENT Full Colour, $96.30
WHAT IT IS With its vast selection of hair colours, from subtle and kawaii to bold and pop, coupled with skilled application techniques that result in funky block designs, this salon will help you achieve the colour look you want. Plus, it also uses exclusive hair dyes brought in from Japan.
TESTER’S VERDICT “Despite choosing a deep purple hue, the colour ended up looking vibrant and I was pleasantly surprised as there wasn’t much bleaching done.”
WHERE SV Style House, #B1-35/36 313@Somerset, tel: 6970-7757
TREATMENT Dimensional Balayage, $218-$328
WHAT IT IS A colour treatment that’s ideal for adding dimension to hair without the harsh, unblended chunks of streaky highlights. After a light bleaching, a tedious yet immensely rewarding airbrush technique is applied to the hair to achieve a natural, well-blended balayage treatment. The result: Tiny highlights that are even subtler and softer than babylights. To finish, a single base colour is applied over for added depth. Over time, the colour fades beautifully, getting lighter and brighter, but never brassy – perfect if you prefer a low-maintenance style.
TESTER’S VERDICT “Perfect for those who want to add dimension to their hair, without the harsh, unblended chunks of streaky highlights, or the damaging qualities of too much bleach. Plus, it requires little maintenance to upkeep too.”
WHERE The Loook Salon, #02-69 Far East Plaza, tel: 6262-6728
TREATMENT Blonde and Pastel Hair Colour, $198
WHAT IT IS Extra care and attention are imperative when trying to achieve a much lighter colour, especially if you want go platinum blonde. But it was not a problem for the skilled stylist. As bleach can often damage the scalp and hair, the stylist was careful not to apply the solution too close to the roots and scalp, making the experience a pleasant and comfortable one.
TESTER’S VERDICT “What you see on their IG account is what you get. The stylists are experienced and skilled, and I received many compliments on my new hair colour.”
WHERE Yann Beyrie, #03-01D Wisma Atria, tel: 6235-2476
TREATMENT Colour Change, $288
WHAT IT IS It’s only natural that your new dye job fades over time, and keeping your new hair colour constantly looking fresh and even can be tricky. But it’s not a problem at Yann Beyrie. Every colour job is customised to your needs, whether it’s evening out faded hair colour and regrowth, or getting a complete colour change – which means no two sessions are ever the same.
TESTER’S VERDICT “Not only was my current hair woe of having multiple hair colours resolved, I also left the salon with my hair looking pretty and healthy.”