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As one of the most popular hair services globally, balayage has made waves in all haircare menus, celebrated for its natural-looking, fuss-free finish. With regular hair dye trends starting to fade out, women are seeking longer-lasting solutions to getting lush locks, without having to return on a regular basis to fix roots. The globally-renowned Toni & Guy’s sister salon, essensuals by Toni & Guy specialises in the artful technique. We arrived at the salon with long-overdue dye residue and dry roots, for a reparative balayage treatment.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Boutique space
Located on the second floor within On Lan Street, essensuals Toni & Guy is spread out over two floors, both rather intimate but spacious, with a contemporary two-tone palette aesthetic. Guests are welcomed to check in on the second floor and can take the lift up to the third floor for the private salon experience.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The Treatment
Marcus Lam and Hei Lee were my stylists for the treatment. The co-owners specialise in hair cutting and balayage, respectively, so each was delegated to perform what they’re best at, during my experience.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Marcus began with a hair analysis—he found different ways to shape and sculpt my face and we agreed on a sleek, well-framed face with long bangs to enable a bouncy and versatile look to my locks. Meanwhile, I was presented with a simple beverage menu which included coffee, tea and even wine to sip on during the salon experience—I, of course, opted for a latte.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
After a soothing wash—one of my favourite parts of being at the salon—I sat back down and Marcus trimmed my hair to help shape my face better. An expert with over 15 years of experience in hairdressing, Marcus helped to redefine my overall look—I knew I was in good hands. Having hair cut before any treatment at essensuals is crucial, Marcus told me, as it helps to complement the next stage of the process.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
I walked in knowing that I had one crucial request—for my hair to be ash-toned, as opposed to ginger/chrome tones which are frequently inflicted by inexperienced hair salons. Hei Lee took note of this and the balayage began. Each step was meticulously applied, using a hairdryer for each strand to enhance the result.
Results
After countless unsatisfactory experiences with balayage treatments at hair salons, essensuals delivered exactly what I wanted—a natural, ash-tone complexion that will blend easily with my roots once they start to grow out. Styled with curls (pictured), my locks looked healthy and rejuvenated, after years of trying to get the perfect colour. Having recently learned to navigate the Dyson Airwrap, I will be curling my hair more often to bring out the beautiful tones, while the refined haircut elegantly frames my face.
A personalised approach
essensuals continues to pursue Toni & Guy’s legacy with its high-end services and customised service. There are private pods and rooms for those looking for a more intimate experience, or the spacious lower deck for a quick stopover service. From haircuts and styling to hair colouring and wedding hair, essensuals provides stellar service and a well-curated menu of bespoke services for the urban city dwellers.
essensuals Toni & Guy Hair Salon, 2/F, 2 On Lan St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2191 9819, essensuals.hk
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