There are many Korean salons on our sunny shores, but only these will give you a chance to brush shoulders with celebrity stylists who’ve handled the hallowed heads of your favourite K-pop superstars, and have the ability to literally transform majorly damaged tresses with a fairytale makeover.
Helmed by stylist-to-the-stars Gunhee (he’s the man behind the coifs of Super Junior’s Kim Heechul and girl bands 4 Minute and Ladies’ Code), this sprawling, ultra-luxe sanctuary is a one-stop makeover salon that provides a truly authentic service that you can only find in the upscale salons of the exclusive Cheongdam-dong district of Gangnam.
Besides boasting elegant interiors and a VIP room, the salon is also staffed by highly prolific South Korean stylists who’ve worked on many Korean celebrities and been featured in international magazine titles like Vogue and Allure. Try their signature Bella Volume Straight Perm, which promises sleeker ‘dos with curled-in ends, or get a manicure sporting the latest Korean trends by Nari, who’s done the digits of Sandara Park and Doona Bae amongst other celebs. #01-04 1 Nassim Road, tel: 6734-3724
Named after the fashionable shopping street in Gangnam, Apgujeong makes Korean hairstyling accessible thanks to its four salons located islandwide. The salon offers a gamut of services, from trendy cuts to edgy colours and elegant perms. Leading one of the largest teams of Korean stylists in Singapore is award-winning chief stylist Kyle Shin (above), who has 25 years of experience helming leading Seoul salons under his belt and is known for his face-flattering cuts.
All four salons boast the same chic, warmly inviting aesthetic (wood interiors, airy white walls and statement chandeliers). They also use Japanese luxury professional hair care brand Mucota’s hair products. And if you fancy a makeover, Apgujeong provides K-style makeup services for evening functions and weddings. #03-106 Tiong Bahru Plaza, tel: 6250-8591
One of Singapore’s pioneering Korean salons with a loyal client base amongst South Korean expats and locals, Ji Won is your go-to for volume rebonding, especially if you want chic, bouncy-yet-sleek hair that’s so popular on K-pop stars. The lush wood and glass interior is reminiscent of a natural beauty boutique, and the salon prides itself as a organic- and botanical-focused sanctuary by using only Aveda products to heal hair woes.
Known for turning out elegant perms and funky colours alike, Ji Won’s latest offering is the Cinderella Clinic from South Korea. Dubbed “hair plastic surgery”, it’s an intensive organic keratin treatment targeting extremely damaged, colour- and heat-processed strands, eliminating frizziness and restoring strength, gloss and manageability in one single session. #03-02 Wheelock Place, tel: 6836-8419
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