Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle & Travel Blog: hair

ToliV Boutique Salon Ceramic Perm

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

You know what they say about finding a good hairsylist - never let her go, which is why I always make ToliV Boutique Salon one of my first stops whenever I am back in Singapore.

Traveling to Tibet in the peak of winter definitely took a toll on my hair. It was dry, limp and no matter how I styled my hair to will it to curl, the curls just wouldn't hold.

A perm was in order, but a round of hair treatment was necessary to first revive my hair. Now, that's the beauty of having my stylist Michelle and her team at ToliV work on your hair. Your hair and scalp health are always their utmost priority.

Only Aveda & Keraganic products are used at ToliV Salon

Every visit to ToliV is a pampering experience. Before I slip away into my own little bubble with a fashion magazine in hand, I find myself looking forward to the Aveda Chakra Balancing Massage at the start of each visit. The calming blend of essential oils, coupled with always puts me in a peaceful, tranquil state of mind.

To ensure that your hair and scalp are well taken care of, only Aveda and Keraganic products are used at ToliV Salon. Aveda probably needs little or no introduction as they are widely known for using natural ingredients that are beneficial to your hair, scalp and overall well-being. I am a huge fan of their shampoo and conditioner.

Kerarganic, on the other hand, is an interesting brand that uses keratin protein and the highly coveted Argan oil, coupled with vitamins to restore and beautify the most resistant hair. I just began using their intensive treatment hair mask and I love how it immediately softens my hair, making it shiny and silky smooth.

. With Michelle and the team at Toliv, you know they will never ever take chances with your hair, because once your hair condition is ruined, it takes more than a while to nurse it back to the pink of health. Only after ascertaining that my hair was ready to take on more chemical treatments did Michelle give the go ahead for my ceramic perm.

I had a quick colour touch-up after the perm and before long, I was all ready to face the world with my freshly permed and coloured voluminous hair. You may be wondering at this point, how is it possible to perm and colour at the same time? Wouldn't that completely dry out my hair?

Well, the truth is, when you have a hairstylist who knows exactly what she's doing and uses only products that care for your hair, you can safely cast all your worries aside. If anything, my hair only felt healthier, bouncier and smoother.

Freshly permed natural waves

A low-maintenance wash-and-blow hairstyle like this is exactly what I need for my current lifestyle. Here's what my hair looks like after blow-drying it, without any hair products except for a dollop of leave-in conditioner.

After normal blow-dry

On days when I feel a little dressier, I sleep with sponge rollers on and wake up to defined curls the next morning. Given how strong the winds in Nanjing are, it is amazing how my curls hold up so well after a day of battling the forces of nature.

After styling with sponge curlers

If you have been on the lookout for a salon that genuinely cares for your hair, ToliV Boutique Salon is the place that you are looking for. Many of my friends get their hair done here too, and they too agree that ToliV Salon doesn't ever disappoint.

*****

ToliV Boutique Salon

Address:

5 Purvis St, #01-01

Singapore

Tel:

6333 9223

Website:

www.toliv.com.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tolivboutique

Beautiful Hair with ToliV Salon

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Going Natural with ErucA Hair Care

Friday, January 15, 2016

Japanese skincare and hair care products never fail to fascinate me. The Japanese always aim to impress with exquisite packaging, unforgettable scents and quality ingredients. ErucA is yet another Japanese hair care brand that caught my eye recently. It was love at first sight, and judging from its beautiful packaging, it is not hard to see why.

ErucA Hair Care

Why ErucA?

Physical appearance aside, ErucA is keenly aware that beauty is more than skin deep. Beyond its intricate packaging, it is sulfate-free and uses only natural ingredients harnessed from 12 types of seed oils to add brilliant shine, volume and glossiness to your hair in the healthiest way possible.

Its star ingredient, broccoli seed oil, is widely referred to as 'natural silicon' as it imparts shine to your hair without the harmful effects of chemical silicon, which unfortunately is still being used in many hair care products today. Other key ingredients include seed oils from cowberry, bilberry and milk thistle, as well as rich botanically-sourced organic oils such as argan, virgin prune and marula oil to thoroughly cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate our tired tresses.

There are three different product ranges to choose from depending on your hair and scalp condition. All you have to do is use the right amount of shampoo for your hair length (short hair - about the size of a 10 cents coin, average hair length - about the size of a 50 cents coin, hair past shoulders - about the size of two 20 cents coins), lather, rinse and apply conditioner for beautiful, luscious hair!

Scalp & Volume

ErucA Scalp & Volume Range

ErucA's Scalp & Volume range is ideal for those of you with common scalp issues and fine hair. Personally, I use this range after sports (e.g. yoga classes) to lift the dirt and perspiration from my scalp and to prevent itchiness and dandruff. Broccoli seed oil, cowberry seed oil and bilberry seed oil help to revive and restore balance while hyaluronic acid repairs and hydrates the skin on your scalp.

ErucA Scalp & Volume Mask

My head is lighter and my scalp feels much cleaner whenever I use the shampoo, conditioner and mask in this range. Unlike many scalp care products which tend to dry out your hair, ErucA leaves you with silky smooth, voluminous hair after every wash.

I also adore its sweet floral fragrance, a refreshing departure from the typical minty scents that define scalp care products.

3D Volume Up

3D Volume Up Range

For limp, fine hair, try ErucA's 3D Volume Up range which contains a unique volumizing ingredient that wraps your hair in a thin veil to create volume from the roots without the use of any harmful chemicals. Botanical oils from broccoli seed, thistle omega-6a and cranberry seed oil moisturize and cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.

ErucA Volume Up Foam

For an extra boost in volume, I would recommend spraying a suitable amount of ErucA's Volume Up Foam on to your hand and running it evenly through your dry hair from the roots to the tips for an airy, voluminous finish.

Moist & Repair

Moist & Repair Range

ErucA's Moist & Repair range is my favourite out of the three as my hair is very dry from the harsh winter conditions in China and requires utmost hydration to keep split ends at bay.

ErucA Moist & Repair Shampoo

ErucA Moist & Repair Conditioner

It lathers and cleanses well, again without stripping the natural oil from your hair. It also restores the water and oil balance in both your scalp and hair. More importantly, I know that I am in safe hands as harmful chemicals that have adverse effects on damaged hair such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, mineral oil, alcohol and artificial colouring are omitted.

My favourite products from ErucA

I have been nourishing my tresses with the Moist & Repair shampoo and conditioner daily and I find that my hair is less frizzy, more manageable and definitely smoother, thanks to the luxurious concoction of argan oil, virgin prune oil and marula oil. I would also use the Scalp & Volume mask once or twice a week to ensure that my scalp is in tip top condition.

Before (Right) & After (Left)

To illustrate my point, I deliberately tried the products on just one side of my hair. Can you spot the difference between the texture and shine on both sides? The contrast is so stark that I couldn't believe my eyes.

Did I also mention that it smells heavenly? My hubby hardly notices any changes in my routine but this time, he picked up the musky, sensual scent instantly.

Where can I purchase ErucA products?

If you too would like to go natural with ErucA hair products, you can find them at Guardian and Tokyu Hands branches nationwide. You can also purchase them online at Maimee's Corner (www.maimeescorner.com). Retail prices range from S$18.90 - S$22.90.

For a limited time only, you can also click here to redeem free ErucA samples from Samplestore.com!

To stand a chance to win ErucA products, 'Like' ErucA on Facebook here to participate in their upcoming CNY contest and ongoing weekly contests!

*****

ErucA

Website

www.eruca.sg

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/erucasingapore/

ToliV Hair Salon by Michelle Soh

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Svenson Hair Centre Scalp Treatment & Hair Myths Busted!

Thursday, September 03, 2015

Purple Balayage Hair & Tips to Maintain Your Hair Colour

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Svenson Trichology Hair Products Review

Monday, May 25, 2015

[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen's Haven.]

Isn't it true that hair completes a look? Perhaps that's why we always bemoan bad hair days, as we instinctively feel the difference that great hair makes us look and feel.

It was therefore a pleasure to learn more about hair care and hair health from Svenson, the leading expert in solutions in hair and scalp problems with over 40 years of trichological expertise and knowledge. The scalp is actually an extension of our skin, so just as we spend lots of time and effort on our facial care and body care, we should not neglect our scalp. And indeed we'll be thankful for it later when we do not need to battle hair loss problems, but enjoy the benefits of luscious, healthy, shiny hair!

Debunking Hair Myths

During the Svenson expert talk, they did a careful analysis of my hair and scalp, and also shared many professional tips that debunk hair myths we might have believed in.

Did you know that it is recommended to use combs with wooden bristles, as plastic bristles cause greater static and frizz? When applying styling products, you should also avoid getting them onto the scalp. Also, always wash your hair daily, especially in our hot and humid weather.

I have to admit that many years of hair dye and perms have inevitably caused damage to my hair. More importantly, I also need to continue to take care of my scalp to ensure my hair follicles can grow healthily.

That explained why I was really excited to try the treatments and shampoos, and immediately tried the entire regime as soon as I got home after the Svenson event.

Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Firstly, I applied the Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment to unwashed scalp, section by section. Then I used my fingertips to gently massage it into my scalp, left it for 2 minutes, and rinsed it off. So simple!

During the 2 minutes, what did I do? I was reading the label (I really like reading up on products): Svenson products are a concentrated blend of carefully selected botanicals and protective herbs combined with advanced bio-chemical technology, designed to help you achieve healthy scalp and strong beautiful hair. Sounds promising.

Svenson Volumizing Shampoo

Next, I started my hair wash. All it took was a small amount (around 50 cent size) of the Volumizing Shampoo rubbed in palm to create a very nice lather that I massaged through from scalp to ends, then washed.

I loved how the rich lather thoroughly cleansed my hair and scalp without stripping my hair of its natural oils.

Svenson PLGA Total Solution

And finally, the crowning jewel : Svenson's PLGA Total Solution!

It is one of Svenson's best-selling hair care treatments, and is a breakthrough Do-It-Yourself home treatment that combines remarkable properties of the rare Loquat leaf and nanotechnology to produce noticeably thicker, fuller-looking hair for those suffering from thinning hair.

The key active compound extracted from the Loquat leaf is Corosolic acid, traditionally used as a herbal medicine. It encourages better blood circulation and manages testosterone level, often the primary cause of hair loss.

The PLGA Total Solution is to be applied daily after hair wash using a light head massage on problem areas, and a typical complete treatment process will take six months of consistent application. But the great news is, from as early as two months, a gradual increase in fine hair growth at alopecia neurotic areas might start to appear.

Do the products work?

Every time after I wash my hair, I experience a huge amount of hair fall. When I shared my concerns with the Svenson Expert, I was assured that hair fall after each hair wash is normal. We should not be afraid to wash our hair daily simply because we are worried about the amount of hair fall each time. After all, as they shared, the hair would fall, regardless of wash or not. Instead, washing daily and then applying the treatment is the proper way to treat and regain healthy scalp and hair. This was indeed reassuring to hear!

And the results speak for themselves. After I finished washing my hair and treating my scalp that night, I did my daily blow dry (remember not to sleep with a wet scalp), and I was so excited with the results that I immediately texted my friend to say it was amazing how my hair felt so light and bouncy. I could truly feel the difference. It was such a pity that night to sleep with my happy-looking hair (or rather, I was happy, haha!). I have been faithfully using the products these 3 weeks, and I can attest to the great results.

Besides using these products, I have been religiously following the Svenson 5-Step Massage to increase circulation, facilitate absorption and release tension.

Remember, do not hesitate to kick-start a good hair and scalp regime. You will certainly reap the benefits for a long time to come!

****

About the writer Isabelle:

An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity.

****

Healthy Hair with Beijing 101 (Giveaway Included!)

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

To have healthy hair, you first need to have a healthy scalp. I can attest to this from experience. I used to have sensitive scalp that itches from time to time, but after regular scalp treatments over time and through the use of suitable hair care products, this has since become a thing of the past.

I am a firm believer of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chinese herbs for scalp care because they truly work for me, hence when Beijing 101 invited me to their workshop at their Century Square outlet to find out more about their services, I said yes.

One common myth about hair care centres is that they are meant for the older generation, especially those with hair loss problems. Hair loss can occur at any age due to a variety of factors such as stress, changes in environment, illness, oily scalp or dandruff.

Hair care centres like Beijing 101 can help to keep your hair and scalp in the pink of health by diagnosing and treating scalp and hair problems. As we all know, prevention is always better than cure and the first step to preventing hair loss is to take good care of your scalp.

For 41 years, Beijing 101 has been solving hair problems by using treatments based on TCM principles. As Chinese herbs are able to treat the root of your hair problems and are gentle to the scalp, only premium Chinese herbs such as Dang Gui, Ginseng and He Shou Wu are used in Beijing 101's treatments. These herbs are specially grown and harvested under highly regulated conditions. Beijing 101's products are currently sold in over 60 countries including USA, England and Japan.

All hair care consultants at Beijing 101 are trained in TCM and are able to solve hair issues that affect both men and women. Through a detailed hair and scalp analysis, the hair care consultants are able to customize hair treatments that are tailored to your needs. You can also be assured of the quality of the treatments as a resident TCM physician can be found in every Beijing 101 outlet.

During the workshop, I was taken on a tour of the branch, where I had the opportunity to take a look at the individual consultation rooms, hair and scalp treatment areas.

Typical Consultation Room at Beijing 101

Different Hair Loss Patterns

Hair and Scalp Treatment Area

Hair Wash Area

VIP rooms

I was also treated to a complimentary scalp scan at the end of the tour. While scalp scans are not new to me, this was the first time that my scalp scan results actually turned out better than expected.

Look, no more clogged hair follicles! Even then, I know I can't afford to rest on my laurels and the only way to maintain a healthy scalp is to take good care of it. I was also told to go to bed earlier at night as there was some redness in my scalp.

Beijing 101's Herbal Scalp Treatment

Beijing 101's Herbal Scalp Treatment helps to soothe and eliminate itchiness in your scalp while it cleanses deep within hair follicles to unclog impurities.

If you're interested in Beijing 101's Herbal Scalp Treatment, you can give it a try at just S$38 (UP $296).

Win a Beijing 101 voucher worth S$188!

Thanks to Beijing 101's generosity, 1 lucky reader will also stand to win a voucher worth S$188!

To find out how you can be a winner:

Follow me on my Instagram account (@reginachow_sg)

&

Like my Facebook page !

Fashion Fridays: Of Pink Highlights and Goodbyes

Friday, April 03, 2015

While I generally favour neutral colours and monochromatic tones, there are times when I shake up my wardrobe by injecting a splash of colours and bold prints. The same principle applies to my hair colour. I've never steered away from shades of ash, brown and blonde, but every now and then, I'll take the plunge and go for colourful highlights. I had purple highlights about a year ago but this time, pink beckoned.

My hairstylist, Michelle Soh, from Jeric Salon at Bugis, gave me vibrant pink highlights without bleaching and as I am typing this post about 2 weeks on, my highlights are not showing any signs of fading. What I love about Jeric Salon is that only Aveda products and hair dyes are used. Unlike most brands, Aveda uses naturally-derived ingredients to ensure that your hair and scalp are well taken care of. With Aveda, I can now achieve beautiful colours without exposing my scalp to harsh chemicals and bleach. Killing two birds with one stone has never been easier!

I love my pink highlights so much that I decided to dedicate today's edition of Fashion Fridays to an all pink ensemble that spells fun without compromising on femininity. I usually find midi skirts a little too formal for the weekend, but the whimsical prints on this 2-piece set takes the fun factor up a notch and makes it a great weekend outfit.

I wore this eye-catching set out to run some errands before meeting up with my family and visiting my grandmother at her home in Tanjong Pagar. As age catches up on me, my priorities change and I see myself seizing every opportunity to spend time with my family and close friends.

On a more personal note, the month of April also marks the death anniversary of a close friend whom I lost to an accident many years ago. Goodbyes are never easy, but saying goodbye is not the hardest part of losing someone. Having to continue living your life without them is always the hardest. That feeling of emptiness, that very void that is impossible to fill.

Unfortunately, losing our loved ones is part and parcel of life, and something that we have absolutely no control over. Cherish every moment and treasure every person that you love, because you'll never know when they'll take their last breaths.

If you haven't made any plans this long weekend, perhaps you'll like to make some time for your family and loved ones?

2 piece set from Smooch The Label

Bag from Valentino

Hair by Michelle Soh of Jeric Salon (Bugis)

Jeric Salon: Ash Brown Hair with Aveda

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Ash brown under indoor lighting/minimal light

A new year calls for a new hair sponsor, except that Jeric Salon is no stranger to me, given that I have had my hair done at the salon on several occasions previously. I've had some of the most flattering haircuts and hair colours by Director Michelle Soh, hence I knew for sure that I would be in good hands.

If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would have seen my latest perm done by Michelle just a couple of days ago. I will share more details about that separately.

Before my recent perm, Michelle gave me a trim and a fresh coat of colour to welcome the new year. I love how the colour looks ash brown indoors or under minimal light and golden brown under sunlight or stronger light. It adds movement and dimension to my hair without going over the top. Most importantly, the final look is fuss-free, stylish yet work appropriate, exactly what I need.

Golden brown under sunlight/stronger light

As I colour my hair frequently, I prefer hair dyes that are derived from natural sources instead of petrochemicals that dry out my hair and pose risks to my health.

If you are like me, you will be happy to know that Jeric Salon uses Aveda products which are formulated from plants, non-petroleum minerals and water. It is also free from parabens, nitro dyes and animal-derived ingredients.

All Aveda products are made from organic botanical oils such as sunflower, jojoba and castor. Its full spectrum deep permanent hair colour is 99% derived from plants and contains organic babassu oil, processed from nuts gathered by the women in Maranhao, Brazil. Through the brand's purchase of organic babassu oil, it also supports the families in Maranhao and protects the rainforest ecosystem from climate change.

I love how vibrant colours are now achievable without the accompanying health risks. By supporting Aveda, I am also indirectly giving back to society and the environment.

Besides in-salon treatments, suitable home care products are necessary to keep your hair and scalp in the pink of health. I am currently using the Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment to strengthen my hair and Be Curly Style Prep to tame my baby hair and to keep my curls moisturized all day long.