Does this sound familiar? After admiring your gorgeous new hairdo in the stylist’s chair, you step out into the Hong Kong humidity and see it turn to frizz before you even reach home. It’s disappointing and, frankly, a waste of time! Here, the team from Glow Spa & Salon runs us through four anti-frizz and hair smoothing treatments that really work.
#1 Bhave smooth PLUS & Bhave smoothe XT Hair Smoothing Treatments
Bhave is an Aussie brand whose haircare range uses fully bioactive keratin protein naturally derived and extracted from the wool of New Zealand sheep. This keratin binds to damaged hair, while the amino acids penetrates the hair, rebuilding the internal structure and restoring strength, elasticity and shine.
Bhave comes in two formulations: Bhave Smoothe PLUS and Smoothe XT. Each provides beautiful smooth hair; the one you choose will depend on your hair condition, how much curl you want to retain, and when you want to show off your new, wonderfully manageable hair.
At-home maintenance is easy: apply heat after each wash, either blow-dry and style, or air dry to 85 percent dry and finish with a five-minute blow-dry and a couple of passes with a straightener.
#2 Goldwell Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment
The power of the new Kerasilk with Keratransform Technology comes from three special ingredients: engineered keratin, lightweight silk and an advanced ingredient inspired by the skincare scene. Together, they help to provide added beauty, strength and protection to hair.
Goldwell Kerasilk consists of customisable in-salon services that provide long-lasting results; there are four different options according to how much curl, wave or body you’d like to leave in your hair. It’s suitable for all hair types, and the treatment takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s recommended that you don’t tie your hair back for 48 hours; however, you can wash it again that same day or the next if you choose.
#3 The Original Brazilian Blowout
A popular alternative to permanent straightening, Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatments use bonding technology to create a protective protein layer around the hair shaft and eliminate frizz. Brazilian Blowouts are customisable; so you can keep and define your curls, or go for a sleek, smooth look. They’re suitable for all hair types (those with frizzy, damaged or processed hair are great candidates), and can be completed in the salon. You can wash your hair the same day, tie it back to exercise, and use styling products.
Typically, the effects last 12 weeks; at Glow, we recommend you use the Brazilian Blowout Açai home-care shampoo and conditioners for longer-lasting results.
#4 BBO-Express
Developed by the people behind the original Brazilian Blowout, the BBO-Express is a style maintainer and extender, rather than a traditional hair smoothing treatment. A single treatment helps maintain a smooth, frizz-free blow-dry for around four weeks.
After completing any cut and colour services, your stylist applies the creamy BBO-Express treatment to smooth and cleanse the hair in one step, dramatically reducing the processing time required of traditional smoothers. Next, they blow-dry and flat-iron your hair, effectively sealing the product into the hair shaft. After a quick rinse and a final dry and style, you’re good to go! The treatment typically takes just 60 to 90 minutes – easy to fit into your busy schedule, or a smart add-on to help prolong your cut and colour. There’s no downtime to your hair routine at home too.
About the stylists
Glow gives us the inside scoop on a handful of the salon’s talented team.
Tracey Au-yeung, Senior Stylist
Tracey is a down-to earth, talented and experienced stylist with a wealth of knowledge and a great eye for colour. Originally from the UK, where she trained and honed her skills, she moved to Asia to live and travel in recent years, arriving finally in Hong Kong where she has quickly cultivated a large following of loyal clients. Tracey is an experienced senior stylist, adept at handling colour, highlights and balayage; she’s also committed to finding your perfect colour!
Sarahann Mcgill, Senior Stylist
Sarahann has worked in a number of the UK’s top salons. She initially apprenticed at Taylor Ferguson Salon, the goto place for Scotland’s celebrity clients. She then switched from salon floor to education, working as an instructor for private academies and as a lecturer in Glasgow. Sarahann made her mark styling backstage guests at various high-profile awards shows, before launching her own salon in 2007. She started her Asian adventure in 2016. Sarahann is a highly talented senior stylist, a Davines Colour Specialist and a specialist in Bridal Styles.
Ari Wong, Creative Stylist
Ari has been part of the Glow family since it opened. He started his career, like most hairdressers, as a salon junior in one of Hong Kong’s most highly respected salons. Training with Toni&Guy, he was fortunate to be spotted by a top hairdresser, and taken under his wing as an apprentice. With a quiet, determined passion and methodical approach, Ari has followed his interest in hair extensions, mastering the technique and developing a loyal client following. He’s also Glow’s Brazilian Blowout/ Bhave treatment master!
Rex Wong, Senior Stylist
Rex has had an exciting and progressive career in three of the most highly regarded salons in Hong Kong. After training with one of HK’s leading stylists, Phillip George, he joined Glow in 2016. His meticulous approach and enviable reputation for balayage make Rex one of Glow’s most sought-after stylists. He is also a regular behind-the-scenes stylist when Glow is engaged in photo shoots and at fashion shows.
Glow Spa & Salon is located 8/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central 2525 5198 | glowspa.hk
This article first appeared in the Summer issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
