Forget the Christmas presents, menu plans and family games schedule. As the celebratory season approaches, what’s important is your hair: how it looks, feels, and if it’s party-ready. Nobody wants to welcome the celebrations at home or away with out-of-date, tired-looking locks.
“Great hair increases our self-esteem and affects our mood and how we present ourselves,” says Kat Moss, owner of Expat Hair Studio Singapore. “As the festivities can place us in situations where we might need a confidence boost – such as work parties, slinky wine soirees, unfamiliar group gatherings and christmas dinners – it helps to get your hair in check so you can truly sparkle.”
Read on for essential expert tips on how to spend the coming months feeling a cut above the rest.
“The ‘hun half bun’ is a good go-to”
By Toni Ovenden, founder and director of Love Hair
What are the biggest hair challenges for women in Singapore?
Managing frizz, hair loss and over coloured or processed hair are issues here. For frizz and over processing, seek advice from your hairdresser on which styles and products will work best for you. There are many factors that could contribute to thinning hair – we see postpartum hair loss for the mums of Singapore.
What are the most popular hairstyles for the holiday season?
Loose, lived in waves or texture is very on trend. However, for any events that are taking place outdoors in the Singapore heat, combining loose waves with a simple updo or braid to keep hair away from your face and neck is ideal. A “tiara bun” is also popular for a mini face lift and sleek polished look.
Any emerging looks for 2025?
We’re seeing more hair trends from Europe around bolder haircuts, shags, wolf cuts, and the “bixie haircut” – where a bob meets a pixie cut! Although in Singapore the style is still towards long and soft. Sunflower blondes are also trending; warmer blondes who are jealous of copper colours but want to keep their own identity. Cloud curls – natural-looking, airy and textured waves which embrace the fluffiness of your natural curl – will also be big news.
Any celebs we should be looking to for hair inspo?
Sabrina Carpenter, Emma Stone, Khloe Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whitley and Emily Ratajkowski each encapsulate great hair for the coming season.
What are your suggestions for last-minute styling?
Zigzag waves are easy to achieve with overnight braids or a curling tong. The sleek bun/pony, where the hair is pulled tightly back so it’s super sleek and won’t go frizzy, is big with celebrities right now. And the “hun half bun” – where just the top section of your hair in a mini-bun with the rest of your hair loose – is a good go-to.
How can we best maintain healthy hair in SG year-round?
You need to focus on having regular trims to prevent split ends from rising up the hair shaft. Opt for a shower filter because the water is really hard in Singapore, and use a heat protector. Always get professional advice on the best care available specifically for your hair – products are your best friend in the tropical climate.
By when should clients book their Christmas hair appointment with you for this year?
Start booking now! Lots of our clients are securing their end of year appointments already to guarantee a spot before the busy festive season kicks off.
10A Jiak Chuan Road, 089264
lovehairsg.com
” The ‘money piece’ is our most requested colour”
By Samantha Paris Checklin, founder of Hair Shaka
How should we be styling our hair this season?
A feathered, forward-layered cut adds volume and movement around the face, plus the length of the layers can be tailored to each individual client. This style pairs beautifully with our Big Bouncy Blowout. Adding curtain bangs is also the ‘do du jour’ this season.
What shades are en vogue?
We offer the “money piece”, otherwise known as face framing highlights. This is our most requested colour, whether it’s with a balayage or standard highlights.
How can we make our hair look good fast?
A simple blow dry or updo will get you ready for an event, but the best preparation any stylist can give their client is the right shampoo, conditioner and protection for their hair. We send clients home with a prescription card of products that best suits them, and we also offer a home delivery service on our website.
Please share tips for beating humidity …
If I’m in a rush I add The Clip In Fringe by Beauty Works (beautyworksonline.com) to my hair. You just clip it at the front and style it, plus because it’s real human hair, the curl or style lasts all night even in intense heat. We sell the clip in fringes and customise them for our clients if need be. Alternatively, wet the front of your hair and add a few rollers around your face to add body.
When should we book for the festive season?
Book around 4 – 6 weeks prior to any special events. Although you can try us anytime as we may have a cancellation.
63a Tanjong Pagar Road, Second Floor, 088484
hairshaka.com
“Very natural balayage is a look we still love”
By Kat Moss, owner of Expat Hair Studio Singapore
What’s big for hair right now?
Volume has made a come back, so big beachy waves are popular. This look can be created using GHD straighteners (sephora.sg) or the Dyson Airwrap (dyson.com.sg). If you need help with styling, Instagram videos can be helpful. I also recommend practicing with a GHD turned off so you don’t burn yourself, this way you can master the technique without being scared.
What about colours?
Very natural balayage is a look we still love, but 90’s and 2000’s styles are returning with colour being prominent. Think bold shades which add more dimension.
Any product reccos for keeping locks looking fresh?
Kevin Murphy Session Spray ($46) holds hair for days. If you have fine hair, don’t use anything too heavy – a light volume spray won’t weigh it down. Finish with a session spray.
How can we keep hair frizz free?
In my opinion, a NKST treatment (a keratin treatment that penetrates the cuticle to reduce frizz and curl) is the best on the market for keeping hair smooth and healthy. It has completely transformed my curly hair, leaving me with waves and shine while making it easy to dry straight.
We’ve got ten minutes to get party-ready. Help!
A good quick and easy last minute look will always be a messy bun, but making it sleek on top to keep it classy. Check out tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest for new ideas to follow.
When should we book our festive ‘do with you?
There’s always something special about getting your hair done at Christmas. I suggest booking by 1 November 2024 for a December appointment to avoid missing out. Most of my clients book 2 – 3 appointments in advance.
