Walking on Sunshine
What I had: Cinderella treatment, from $300, 150 minutes My thoughts: Walking on Sunshine is unlike any other Singapore hair salon. The space is beautiful and wide open with an abundance of natural light, ultra-high ceilings and tropical greenery wherever you look. With its gorgeous vintage furniture and an adjacent café, this place has an uber-cool vibe.
The Cinderella treatment is a smoothing treatment that uses keratin and a proprietary blend of natural ingredients including vitamins, collagen and other ingredients such as aloe vera and even onions.
I have had several keratin treatments done over the years in my perpetual battle against the frizziness of my thick blonde mane. Some of these treatments have resulted in ultra-smooth hair; others have little or no effect. This may be partly due to the variable concentration of chemicals like formaldehyde, which affects the extent of the straightening effect.
I wasn't prepared to risk compromising the condition of my coarse, bleached hair with a treatment that relies on chemical straighteners. Catherine, the Korean director who looked after me, assured me that this treatment was free of formaldehyde and other chemical nasties, and that I could expect the results to last for up to three months.
The process is very similar to other keratin-style treatments I've tried over the years. First, the hair is washed and blow-dried. Then the cream is applied in sections. The hair is blow-dried again, and then flat-ironed before a final rinse and a blowout. I did feel some sensitivity in my eyes during the flat-ironing stage, which gave off some fumes, and was told that it came from the onions. Keeping my eyes closed helped to avoid the tears.
The immediate result is very rewarding: picture-perfect hair that's smooth and silky, without heaviness or any nasty smell. Even when I got caught in a downpour later that afternoon, the dreaded frizz did not return. I felt like a modern-day Cinderella having a ball!
Walking on Sunshine #03-07 Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road 8877 8800 | walkingonsunshine.sg