Curly hair in Hong Kong: everything from hairdressers to shampoo

I have noticed my most popular posts are related to curly hairdressers in Hong Kong.
Since they are viewed practically daily, I thought I’d elaborate.

 

People without curly hair cannot understand how difficult it can be to manage. Bad haircut, wrong products, rain, wind, humidity….everything is an excuse for curly hair to frizz and live a life of its own.

 

I struggled with my hair for 18 years until, thanks to the magic of internet; I came across a website dedicated to curls.

There I learnt everything about the Curly Girl Method create by Lorraine Massey, who had grown up in Hong Kong with a head full of curls.

The basics are:

• Use sulphate & silicone free shampoo and conditioner as these chemicals coat and dry-out curly hair
• Only detangle your hair with a wide comb, whilst in the shower with conditioner.
• Dry your hair with a cotton tee-shirt in a scrunching motion (towels and rubbing damage curls )
• Style your hair, whilst it is still wet, with alcohol free gel or mousse
• Get your haircut by a specialized hairdresser, who ideally cuts hair dry

 
These steps may seem troublesome, but I can tell you first hand that curly hair cannot be treated like straight hair or you will end up with a frizzy triangle instead of lush locks.

America, the UK and Australia have specialized hairdressers, such as the Deva Salons, Spring is in the hair and Neel Loves Curls, as well as suitable products available at drugstore. But what about Hong Kong?

 

Hairdressers for curly hair in Hong Kong:

We do not have a curl dedicated salon in Hong Kong, for obvious reasons, however we do have two or three people that know the specificities of curly hair.

None of them cut dry, but they have their own technique.
 
 

O2 Studio – Central:

This salon is geared towards the expat community and it’s a good thing when it comes to curly hair.
Both David McIntyre and Lorraine McLelland give great cuts.
However, Lorraine has returned to the UK now and only comes to Hong Kong every 3 to 4 months.
I’ll be honest and say it’s pricey, I paid HKD900approx for my cut, but the results are good.

 
http://www.o2hairstudio.com/
G/F 38 Wyndham Street, Central
Tel: 25222884
David McIntyre and Lorraine McLelland
My review here

 
 

Tommy Hair Design – Central:

Still in central, but this time managed by Edmond, a local HK guy.
He’s got plenty of foreign customers and I found him via online reviews saying he could cut curly hair.
The haircut cannot compare with the work of a curl specialist, but is very decent and affordable. I paid HKD200-HKD300.
 

M/F Union Commercial Bld,
12-16 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Tel: 2543 6985
Edmond
My review here

 

 

Hair products for curly hair in Hong Kong:

The key is to look for products without silicone, sulfates and strong alcohol.

 

Shampoo & conditioner:

• Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture shampoo – HKD92 at Sasa
• Body Shop Rain Forest Moisture shampoo – HKD 89 at The Body Shop
• Deva curl low poo – only available online on various websites USD20

 

• Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture conditioner– HKD92 at Sasa
• Body Shop Rain Forest Moisture conditioner – HKD 89 at The Body Shop
• Deva curl one condition – only available online on various websites USD20

Deva curl is the only brand that is moisturizing and gentle enough for my thick hair, so I purchase it online even though it’s not cheap.

 

Styling products:

• Giovanni L.A Natural styling gel – HKD95 at Sasa
• L’oreal Studio Mineral FX gel – approx. HKD40 at Watsons

 

If you go to the USA or Europe frequently, I recommend looking out for these products:

http://www.britishcurlies.co.uk/forums/topic/high-street-cg-products/

 

That’s it for my Hong Kong curly hair round up!
I hope it is helpful to a few people.