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Curly hair? Don’t care!
Women (and girls!) with curly hair can always tell what the weather will be like long before they leave the confines of their air-conditioned flats. It’s as if the humidity seeps through the concrete walls and heads straight for their hair. To state the obvious, anyone with twirled tresses knows: Hong Kong’s weather means very few good hair days.
But fear not, fellow curly mums and kids! I’ve looked and researched products, salons and sites catering specifically to people like us. And you know what? There are a lot to choose from! So, whether you’ve got wavy hair, kinky curls (hello!), a mixture of both or perfect locks, here are some of the sites, salons and products that will help you battle the frizz and love your look.
Editor’s note: Did we miss something? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!
Salons
Often times the key to taming your coif is all about getting a really good cut. But as we know, trimming even a centimetre on us can often mean our hair looks five times shorter. And no one with tight-knit spirals can deal with that kind of loss! We polled several Sassy Mamas in HK to find out who they trusted, and these are the ones that stood out most:
The Firm
This highly rated boutique and hair salon is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and established. Many clients rave about its owner, Pauline (who wouldn’t love being greeted by her with a glass of wine?) and say she’s an expert at cutting and styling curly hair. “The Firm’s staff are the kindest, warm, professional and personable group of people I’ve ever encountered in a salon,” said one client. But if it’s your kid who needs the cut, “Pauline at the Firm did a fab job for my curly blonde daughter,” says one mum. “She always made my daughter’s hair look [amazing].” Haircuts start at $650 (depending on hair length) and include consultation, haircut and blow dry. All come with a complimentary conditioning treatment (if needed). If it’s your child’s first haircut it’s FREE (under 3 years old) and for kids older than age 3, haircuts start at $200.
The Firm, 7A Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 6696, www.facebook.com/thefirmhk
Love Hair
One of our favourite salons, Love Hair, is eco-friendly and has a super talented staff! Tucked away on Wellington Street, the staff is kind and friendly, has awesome products, does great cuts and styling, has make-up services and – best of all – an eco-conscience. Several of the Sassy Mamas go here regularly for a brand new ‘do. From a quick styling sesh to a de-frizz treatment, to the regular cut and colour, this is a go-to for curly and non-curly girls alike. Prices vary by stylist, but haircuts start at $350.
Love Hair, 1F 99F Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong www.lovehairhk.com
Read more: The Bump: First Time Mama And Founder of Love Hair, Toni Ovenden
Anaitha Nair
Anaitha Nair is a former Bollywood actress with the looks and style that prove it! Featured in Sassy Mama previously, this mum and stylist trained at Paul Gerrard in HK and is certified from the Vidal Sassoon academy in San Francisco. Her clients are loyal and the ones with curly hair boast about how she made them love their natural hair again! Kids haircuts start at $150, and a wash, cut, and blow dry starts at $350. Click here for a full price list.
Anaitha Nair, Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.anaithanair.com
Read more: Kids Haircuts In Hong Kong: The Best Barbers and Hairdressers
Muna’s Hair Salon
For women of colour (especially if you are black or African, or have type 4b or 4c curls), finding someone who won’t chop and ruin your hair is akin to finding a sombrero in Hong Kong: almost impossible. One mum called this salon “a wonderful resource for both natural and chemically treated hair,” and specifically recommended it for black or African women. (Prices unavailable at time of publication.)
Muna’s Hair Salon, Chung Wo Commercial Center, Room #1, 11F 42 Shanghai Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Read more: The Best Nail Salons On Hong Kong Island And In Kowloon
Hair by Susan
Because we mums are busy, the idea of having someone come to your home sounds fab to us! Susan Ng was referred to us by a woman who had “thick, curly, unruly hair, not quite curly and wavy in all the wrong places.” She says, “But somehow, Susan made it look great. It’s magic.” Susan was trained at Vidal Sassoon, opened three salons in HK and even cut Bruce Lee’s hair! Hair cut prices start at $500 for children and $800 for adults.
Hair by Susan, www.facebook.com/hairbysusanng
Magic Mirror
Several mums suggested we check out Magic Mirror. Offering haircuts for all ages, its stylists are trained to cut kids’ hair (including newborn babies!). Kids even get to sit on carousel animals and watch their favourite cartoons! If it’s your baby’s first haircut, Magic Mirror offers keepsakes as well. Haircuts are $320 for boys, $350 for girls, fringe cuts are $175. Its weekday special (10% discount off regular price cuts) is $288 for boys and $315 for girls (fringe cut is $158).
Magic Mirror, Shop 218, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (Causeway Bay MTR Exit E) www.magicmirror.com.hk
Glow
Its list of services includes haircuts, colour, style and more, as well as nails, face, body and hair removal treatments. Curly-haired mums and daughters suggested we go here to get our locks shaped and treated. Haircuts range from $300 to $400 for kids and from $500 for adults.
Glow, 9/F Parker House, 72 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, http://glowspa.hk/the-salon/
For a list of services in Hong Kong catering to specifically to black and African mums and kids (from braiding to weaves to extensions and more), click here
Products
It’s all about the product, right mamas? Without my primer, gel, serum and anything else I find to calm the curl, I’d probably scare children on my way to Sassy Mama HQ. Here’s a list of the products Sassy Mama either loves or has been told about.
Deva Curl
I’m a huge fan of its cleansers and conditioners. Free from sulfates and any other ingredient that will dry out your hair (a huge no-no in the curly community!), these products make my hair smooth, soft and smelling great. I love its gels for fighting off that HK humidity, too!
Available at Strawberrynet
Oyin Handmade
We first noticed this company because its owners wanted to create natural products with natural ingredients that were safe for mums and children. Offering gentle, cruelty-free, and moisture-focused products, Oyin hair care items are great for dry, curly, and highly textured hair types. The Handmade Hair Dew is perfect for kinky curls that are desperate for some moisture. All products are mineral-, paraffin- and petroleum-free.
Available at Fishpond
Dove
One of our fave companies (you’ve got to love it for promoting healthy views of women’s bodies!), has a series designed just for us! When it’s especially humid (um, six months of the year), try DoveQuench Absolute SupremeCreme Serum for Curly Hair to tame hair and add shine to dry (and coarse!) hair.
Available at Fishpond
KMS
With a broad range of products specially created for curly hair, we can’t help but take notice of KMS. Its shampoos, conditioners, styling products (my 13-year-old is obsessed with its Curl Up) and more cater to all types of curls.
Available at KMS Hair
Moroccan Oil
Many mamas we know with wavy or curly hair say the introduction of Moroccan Oil has changed their lives. Whether you have tight-knit curls, waves, or you’re somewhere in between, there is a range of products to suit your hair.
Available at Moroccan Oil
Paul Mitchell
Its shampoos, conditioners and styling products are meant to tame your tresses, but Paul Mitchell also has a kid’s selection that mums have said are great for fighting frizz.
Available at Strawberrynet
Little Twig
Many young children have very fine hair, which means putting a leave-in or heavy conditioner will only make it look greasy and messy. Little Twig offers a natural leave-in and rinse-out conditioner for kids, as well as a full range of styling products.
Available at Little Twig
Kinky-Curly
The Knot-Today leave-in conditioner is the bomb. I like to put a little on before I style my hair because it tames the frizz and makes my hair feel soft. When it’s not as humid outside, I use Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz because it’s lightweight (and rinses out easily in the shower).
Available at iherb
Avon
Yup, we have Avon right here in HK! Although most mums I know head to Avon for its Skin-So-Soft (it’s a fab bug repellent, lotion and sunscreen in one!), the products for unruly hair are what got us taking notice. The Naturals Kids Detangler and Tangle Tweezer brushes are mum-approved faves.
Available at Avon
Online Sites
Now all you need is the place that stocks your go-to gel, shampoo, conditioner or even hairdryer. Here are the best online sites that we found most useful (and inexpensive!), linking you to our favourites so you can shop whenever you like (you’re welcome).
Strawberrynet
I’m a DevaCurl addict, so having access to the brand’s Lo-Poo, No-Poo and styling products is essential. You can’t find these in any store in HK, but you can order them online! Strawberrynet will deliver Deva products – for free! – straight to your doorstep, sometimes on the day you order! This site also has everything from makeup to skincare to perfume (even for dads!), and you can shop by brand or by product.
Fishpond.com
If you don’t have time to visit the salon and don’t want to settle for using boxed hair colour (we’re so much better than that), you’re about to thank us for telling you about Fishpond.com. Another site with free delivery (yay!) Fishpond sells high quality hair care and hair colouring products which you can find by brand name. I’m a fan of Wella Koleston, so when I saw my 5/50 in stock, I grabbed it. (Note: sometimes there is only one of each item in stock, so you might have to go back and order a few more times, but with free shipping, who cares?)
iHerb
This all-encompassing site has pretty much anything organic and natural you want for your hair or child. If you are searching for natural dyes or hennas, or even argan oils, iHerb.com may be just the online store for you.
Amika
Our locks are special and crave moisture, which is why the products we use need to be free from the damaging ingredients found in other shampoos, conditioners, etc. The folks at Amika have created vegetarian-friendly and cruelty-free products that do not have sulfates, MIT, MCI, Phthalates or artificial colours. The site also stocks a variety of styling products to choose from (hair dryers, curling irons, kits and more).
Read more: Top Cruelty-Free Makeup and Skincare Products
Trendsgal
Can’t be bothered to fuss with your hair at all? (Believe us, we get it!) We all-natural curl mums who shun chemical straighteners and relaxers can get a new look by investing in hair extensions or even real-hair wigs. You can find a variety of assorted hair weaves, lace-front wigs and other real-hair goods at the wholesale venue, Trendsgal.com. Shipping isn’t free, but it’s reasonable (one mum paid only $17 for regular delivery). Why not rock a longer length, or get a sexy style without having to spend an hour making it look presentable?
Sephora
Not just selling makeup, Sephora has all sorts of hair brands we absolutely love. Products are only available online in Hong Kong, but shipping is free for orders over $350. You can shop by brand, type of hair or by product, and while you’re at it, you can also get some fun makeup or accessories all in one go!
Cult Beauty
Despite the humidity, our scalp and hair still has the nerve to get a little dry sometimes, and this UK-based company (with free worldwide shipping for orders over £50!) has organic coconut oil, natural remedies, styling products, tool kits and everything beauty related.
Iprice.com
If you’re a bargain shopper and want to know the best online places to purchase your products, be sure to check out iprice. Here you can search for your favourite products and find out where they are sold at the cheapest prices. And we love a good bargain, don’t we?
