Review: Balayage with Wesker Kong at Private I Salon – A Seamless, Scalp-Friendly Glow-Up in Hong Kong

HONG KONG

Balayage has long been my go-to for effortless, sun-kissed hair, but let’s be honest – it can be a serious time commitment, often stretching up to eight hours in the chair. Not to mention, hair dye has a habit of irritating my scalp, making the process feel more like endurance training than self-care. So, when I booked an appointment at Private I Central with top stylist Wesker Kong, I braced myself for the usual: long hours, a slightly sore scalp, and a much-needed colour refresh.

Instead, I walked out with perfectly blended highlights, a scalp that felt completely normal, and hair that looked healthier than it had in months – all in record time.

Before the balayage - my hair was dry and the roots had grown out.

A Natural Balayage

My roots had grown out significantly, but instead of fighting against them, Wesker worked with them. She selected a shade close to my base colour, blending it seamlessly with the new highlights. The result? A dimensional, soft balayage that looked intentional rather than overdue. The hand-painted highlights weren’t overly streaky or artificial but subtly placed to enhance movement and depth. It’s the kind of colour that grows out beautifully, meaning I won’t be back in the chair for a touch-up in six weeks. Low-maintenance but high impact – the ultimate goal for balayage.

For anyone who has sat through an eight-hour balayage session, you’ll understand how refreshing it is when a stylist moves efficiently without sacrificing precision. Wesker managed to complete the process in just four to five hours, making it one of the fastest balayage treatments I’ve ever had.

Even better, my scalp – which usually tingles, itches, or burns during colouring – felt completely fine. No irritation, no discomfort. Private I uses high-quality, scalp-friendly products, which made a noticeable difference.

What stood out most was how healthy my hair felt post-treatment. Colour treatments, especially those involving bleach, often leave hair feeling dry or brittle – but not this time. Before styling, Wesker gave my hair a much-needed trim to remove split ends, which further enhanced the dimension of the balayage.

To lock in moisture, add shine, and protect against heat, she used a combination of two standout treatments. The first was AYUNCHE Enhancing Silky Oil, a lightweight yet deeply nourishing oil that absorbs completely with no residue. Infused with fermented camellia oil, argan oil, and peach kernel oil, it moisturises without weighing the hair down. It also smooths the cuticle, which helps maintain the vividness of colour-treated hair while keeping strands soft and frizz-free. The fresh fruit-floral fragrance is subtle, elegant, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.

The second was Olaplex Strengthening Treatment, the holy grail of hair repair. Wesker incorporated the bond-building treatment into the colour mix, reinforcing the hair’s structure from within. Unlike surface-level conditioning treatments, this one actively rebuilds broken bonds, preventing breakage and extending the longevity of the colour. It also makes a difference in how the hair behaves – smoother, stronger, and far less prone to frizz.

Beyond the colour and treatment, Private I Central delivers a sleek, high-end experience. The space is modern and well-designed, striking the right balance between stylish and comfortable. The service is polished yet relaxed, with small but thoughtful touches – like unlimited coffee refills – that make a multi-hour appointment feel less like a chore and more like a moment of self-care.

Verdict

This balayage session ticked every box – a natural blend, no scalp irritation, a faster-than-expected process, and healthier hair than before I walked in. Wesker Kong at Private I Central has officially earned a spot on my go-to stylist list. If you’re looking for expertly blended, low-maintenance balayage that enhances your natural hair rather than fighting against it, this is where you want to book your next appointment.

Address: Multiple Locations | Website: psgroup.com.hk/private-i-salon-shoplist-1  | Phone: +852 2526 4488 | Email: privatei@psgroup.com.hk | Instagram: @privateisalon | Facebook: @PRIVATEiSALONpage