After a couple of years, balayage still seems to be the buzzword in hair colouring these days, spawning a range of variations thanks to the creativity of hairdressers around the world. But do you really know what it is, and where to find the best balayage hair salons in Singapore?
These top hair salons are guaranteed to work some magic the moment you sit down in that hairdresser’s chair, giving you some flawless, jaw-dropping colour on your hair. They are particularly well known for kickstarting the Ash Brown Balayage trend in Singapore!
We’ve also attached actual pictures done on models by the hair stylists from each hair salon, so you know exactly who to ask for whichever look catches your fancy.
What Is Balayage?
Credits: @allure_hairdesign/Instagram, @picassohairstudio/Instagram, @yuya_engol/Instagram
Balayage, derived from the French word meaning “to sweep,” is a free-hand colouring technique designed to produce natural highlights with minimal visible regrowth at the hairline.
It is a freehand hair dyeing method which results in a softer and smoother transition from one colour to the next on your hair, compared to traditional highlights. Because it’s freehand, though, it means that you better be picking a hair salon that you trust!
It’s stunning, imparts a sun-kissed look, and never gets old. Plus, this technique gives a seamlessly blended gradient of colour that introduces movement and dimension to your hair.
Typically, these highlights are a few shades lighter than your original hair colour to ensure a smooth transition from the roots to the tips. So if you’re into that coveted beach hair look, a balayage is a great hairstyle choice to explore!
Related read: All of our readers said this balayage hair colour revived their damaged tresses – plus, it’s easy on the wallet
Where to Get the Best Balayage in Singapore
Apgujeong Hair Studio
If you can envisage it, they can create it. Apgujeong Hair Studio strives to push the boundaries of hairdressing and be at the epicentre of explosive trends in the local scene here.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Apgujeong Hair Studio senior stylist, Kevin Chia
Ash Brown Balayage by Apgujeong Hair Studio
Kimage
Kimage’s philosophy? Celebrate individuality.
In order to do that, they also need to know you better, so that they can craft a hairstyle that can exactly fit your personality and lifestyle.
Kimage places importance on the rapport they build with their customers so that they can deliver a personal touch to their hair services.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Kimage Master Stylist, Scarlett Zhu
Ash Brown Balayage done by Kimage Principal Stylist, Thomas Goh
Salon #1 Hair & Beauty
Remember that warm feeling of going to a hair salon like you’re going back to your second home?
This is what Salon #1 aims to let their customers feel, with their friendly staff offering a concierge-like service, delivering only the precise and flattering results that you want with no unnecessary frills.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Salon #1 I.D. Artist, Jason Sim
NK Hairworks
“Different strokes for different folks” is the mantra firmly highlighted in NK Hairworks’ philosophy.
The entire chain of salons and their whole host of stylists channel the salon’s vision of providing gorgeous hairstyling with passion and enthusiasm.
Their stylists are also constantly improving their creative eyes and skills by learning through international exposure.
Ash Brown Balayage done by NK Hairworks I.D. Artist, Irene Chai
Pro Trim Hair Studio/ STYLE NA
Pro Trim’s founder, Tino Poh, is Vidal Sassoon-trained and he has built Pro Trim Hair Studio over the course of decades.
As a result, he has earned the loyalty of a wide variety of clientele. Its flagship store in Ngee Ann City has been recently revamped, but the warmth and sincerity of their staff, an indispensable factor in Pro Trim’s enduring success, remains unchanged.
Four years ago, Pro Trim opened a subsidiary chain of salons, named STYLE NA Hair, which gathers a team of experienced Korean hair stylists specially trained in the most trendy hair colouring services and perms.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Pro Trim Hair Studio/ STYLE NA Team Trainer, Selyn Poh
Ash Brown Balayage done by Pro Trim Hair Studio/ STYLE NA Colorist, Yeo Yeongna
Blonde and Pastel Hair Salon
Nestled along North Bridge Road, this salon lives up to its name, delivering stunning blonde and pastel hues that adorn their clients’ hair.
They also pride themselves as a balayage and Airtouch balayage specialist, Blonde and Pastel Hair Salon is definitely a great choice to trust your tresses in.
The mastermind and everyone’s go-to for balayage is head stylist Richard who is known for his creative flair and meticulous attention to detail. He’s mastered the art of Airtouch balayage and has created some of the most daring and vibrant colour choices.
Credit: Blonde and Pastel Hair Salon/Facebook
Bada Hair
Bada Hair has luxe chic written all over it. In their only flagship store located in the heart of Orchard Road, you are privy to a beautiful panoramic view of the Orchard shopping district as you bask in a serene and chill café-like atmosphere as you get your hair game on.
With a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 6,000 customers and 11.6k followers on Instagram, you can be assured that Bada Hair’s a crowd-favourite salon with amazing results.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Bada Hair Director, Ted Kim
Ash Brown Balayage done by Bada Hair Senior Stylist, Jerry Lin
Other than balayage, Bada Hair is also famously known for their Cinderella Treatment which works to get rid of frizzy strands. Read our review of this treatment here.
Be U Hair Design
Experience top-notch hair coloring at Be U Hair Design, renowned as one of Singapore’s premier salons. Their expertise shines, especially in balayage treatments where you can expect a seamless design with harmonising and contrasting colours.
What sets Be U Hair Design apart is not just their skill in colour application but also their commitment to customer satisfaction and comfort. Theie hairstylists take pride in tailoring haircuts and other services to match your individual styles and preferences.
mǐ the salon/SALON VIM
mǐ the salon has been making waves amongst beauty junkies since it opened here – and for good reason. It’s actually opened by the Salon Vim group, already well-known and well-loved here in Singapore, and it utilises a new lifestyle concept.
Hairstyling isn’t just about your hair. mǐ the salon aims to be a one-stop, holistic wellness salon that goes beyond just offering hair services to their customers. From nail care to makeovers, you can find everything you need at mǐ the salon.
The salon’s team of highly trained stylists will first analyse each customer’s needs and objectives, and make custom recommendations based on their expertise and years of experience. Each hair makeover journey is personal to you.
Ash Brown Balayage done by mǐ the salon I.D. Artist, Gary Chew
Shunji Matsuo
Shunji Matsuo requires little introduction to Singaporean consumers, having already made their name here. It’s not hard to see that they are Influenced by Japanese street fashion and pop culture, using these as inspiration in the way they deliver the latest hairdressing techniques from Japan.
In case you haven’t heard, Shunji Matsuo also bagged the Best Salon for Japanese Cut as well as the Best Stylist awards in the recent Daily Vanity Spa & Hair Awards 2020. With a niche cutting technique and an award-winning hairdresser in tow, you can rest assured that your crowning glory is in perfectly good hands when you visit Shunji Matsuo – be it for a balayage or trim.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Shunji Matsuo Senior Stylist, Miki
Ash Brown Balayage done by Shunji Matsuo Senior Stylist, Alan
Vintage Studio
Vintage Studio understands that clients want something trendy, but yet personalised.
To achieve that aim, they suss out clients’ personalities and hairstyle objectives and gel that with the latest trends in hair colour and styles.
This is done at the expert creative hands of their well-trained hair stylists.
Ash Brown Balayage done by Vintage Studio leading stylist, Vanness Lee
Ash Brown Balayage done by Vintage Studio leading stylist, Kidd Liang
How Long Does a Balayage Last?
Credit: @ampersand.salon.sg/TikTok
Sure, a balayage is known to have a more extended lifespan compared to traditional highlights because of the way it is. However, longevity can vary based on factors like hair care, individual hair growth, and the initial application technique.
On average, it can last anywhere from eight to 12 weeks and some may choose to refresh or touch up every size to eight weeks to maintain their desired look.
After your hair appointment, make sure that you’re using colour-safe hair care products and avoiding harsh chemicals to prolong its life. It’s also important to protect your hair from excessive sun exposure — you can consider using hair sunscreens if you have a more active and outdoorsy lifestyle.
Do keep in mind that the specific duration of your colour’s lifespan can vary from person to person, so it’s key to consider your own hair characteristics and maintenance practices. You can also always consult your regular hairstylist who probably understands your hair.
Related read: 22 best colour shampoos that will keep your coloured mane vibrant for a long, long time
Balayage Hair Inspiration and Types of Balayage Styles
Airtouch Balayage
Credits: @fashion.hair/TikTok, @671boobookitty/TikTok
The Airtouch Balayage is a hair colouring technique that builds on the traditional method but incorporates a unique tool called the Airtouch machine.
Developed by Russian colourist and stylist Vladimir Tarasyuk, the Airtouch machine is an air-powered device that helps in the application of colour more precisely and efficiently.
After sectioning your hair, the Airtouch machine is used to blow air through the strands to create separation and lift, allowing for specific strands or sections of hair to be easily isolated. It also helps in creating a more controlled and diffused application.
This technique allows for a high level of customisation, a more precise application, and a reduced processing time too.
Edgy, Silver Balayage
@phuoc_traky_cantho Balayage hair xám khói kểu này còn hot quá 😍 #xuhuongtiktok #maunhuomdep #nhuộm_balayage #xuhuong2023tiktok❤️🌈✔️
Icy, smoky, and steel-like. Grey has always been a popular choice for many, especially the “cool girls”. However, if you’re not up for a full head of silver, you can still maximise the chrome trend by going for a grey or silver shade.
Plus, a silver hue works on all hair types, even for those with sleek strands or curly, coily hair, since the dark-to-light effect is so easy to wear and maintain.
The only downside is that these cool, titanium looks tend to fade fast so you’ll have to be more vigilant with monthly (or every six weeks) touchups and hair care maintenance.
Related read: “Milk tea grey” hair is trending hard – here’s how you can find a shade that’s just right for you
Stacked Balayage
@nadinekay_hair for my thick haired girlies🫶🏻 #hairinspo #njhairstylist #njhair #livedinhair #hairstylist #hairtok #redkenshadeseq #teasylights #brunette #brunettebalayage #bronde #summerhair #hairtutorial
Super thick hair girlies, this one’s for you. We’ve all been there — showing the hairstylist an inspo photo but ending up with something that’s not quite what we asked for.
That’s because you need to be mindful of your naturally thicker tresses and approach a stylist who’s renowned for and experienced at handling your hair type.
Another safer option is to look for salons that offer customised services to make sure you really hit the nail on the head for your dream look.
Freestyle Balayage
Credit: Palette Hair
As its name states, this style blends traditional painting methods with a freehand approach. The technique achieves a natural and understated look by using both light and dark shades to create subtle lowlights and highlights.
What sets a freestyle balayage apart? Its enhanced flexibility in colour placement enables a tailored approach to suit your individual preferences. This style has also gained popularity among those seeking a more naturally blended and customised dye job.
Milk Tea Balayage
@hairby.ri milk tea balayage for my cutie client🧋💕 #hairtok #torontohairstylist #hairtransformation #haircolour #fyp #torontohairsalon #colour #cupid
♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version – sped up 8282
A fan of milk teas? (Who isn’t, right?) Fuse your love for boba and gorgeous brown muted tones with your tresses to reveal a natural-looking hairstyle with beige and ashy tones.
Related read: 10 top Korean brown hair colours to try, including “smoky milk tea”
Feature image credits: Vintage Studio, @fashion.hair/TikTok, @picassohairstudio/Instagram
