Summer Special: Hair care👩🏻💇🏻in the heat and humidity of Hong Kong
'Spoilt for choice’ is an understatement when you consider the options of hair salons and hairdressers in Hong Kong. But, finding a hairdresser is almost like finding a life partner - once you’ve got a good one, you’d want to stick with them.
Many salons hinge on the credentials of a name. And, the most well-known salons are talked about at length in conversations over brunch and on Facebook groups. But, even when you have entered a salon lauded for its impressive hair transformations, beautiful ‘baby lights’ and blended balayage, you are essentially in the hands of the specific hairdresser. So, how do you pick one?
Jess Ong has all the makings of an excellent hairdresser in Hong Kong. She has been performing hair miracles in Hong Kong for over 17 years now and has a loyal following of clients.
Jess isn’t just a hairdresser - she is a businesswoman. After training at the well-acclaimed Toni & Guy in the UK, perfecting her craft there, and practising it at Toni & Guy in Hong Kong, Jess decided that working as a freelance hairdresser is better suited to her lifestyle. As such, her time is more flexible and she gets to focus on her own loyal following of clients. One of our Localhood volunteers decided to try Jess out and is super thrilled with the magic done by Jess.
Jess has also kindly sponsored her hairstyling service for Localhood’s recent “Tranquility in the moment” photo competition. Additionally, we asked the ace hair stylist some question about haircare in Hong Kong’s specific summer weather.
1) LocalHood: What is the difference between moisturizing and hydrating your hair? If I have an oily scalp do I still need to do this?
Jesse: We always need hydration. The amount of moisture needed differs based on our skin type. If your hair is extremely dry or becomes dry quickly, then it is most likely dehydrated. If your hair is tangled and feels dry, it needs to be moisturized.
2) LocalHood: Should you oil your hair? Even if my scalp is oily?
Jesse: Some people dye their hair and the hair will get dry as the result. So, you can apply some
serum on the ends of the hair but not on the roots or on the scalp. There are special treatments available to control oily scalp.
3) LocalHood: Why does when hair becomes frizzy and dull in hot and humid Hong Kong weather? How can I manage/maintain/care for it?
Jesse: When your hair is dry, the cuticle is rough, and when the weather is humid, it's the perfect recipe for frizz. The outer layer of the hair takes in the moisture from the air, causing the hair to swell and frizz.
You can get some products to control the frizzy hair.
4) LocalHood: Should you tie your hair in a pony?
Jesse: Truth is that regularly wearing your hair in a high, tight pony can result in hair damage – and in some extreme cases, permanent hair loss. A loose pony tail is also a good way to beat the heat with people with longer hair.
5) LocalHood: Coloring for recently graying hair? Should you go for organic or the regular ones?
Jesse: Natural and organic hair products are greatly beneficial for your hair because they are gentler on your hair and will not strip your hair of its protective oils. You may not see it immediately, but over time the organic products will repair your hair and provide it with sustained nourishment.
6) LocalHood: Is it ok to use a hair dryer/hair press on my hair? At what frequency?
Jesse: Unfortunately, ANY amount of heat is damaging to hair, so using a blow dryer (or flat iron, or curling wand) every day is a bad idea. Daily heat exposure can ruin hair by stripping the hair's natural oils, drying out the cuticle and causing breakage and frizz. Gently blow drying with the right hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting until it is
90 percent dry, is actually better for the hair than air-drying.
Thank you, Jesse ONG, for all the tips!
Photo Credits: Jesse ONG and Sze Yeen
Jess Ong has all the makings of an excellent hairdresser in Hong Kong. She has been performing hair miracles in Hong Kong for over 17 years now and has a loyal following of clients.
Jess isn’t just a hairdresser - she is a businesswoman. After training at the well-acclaimed Toni & Guy in the UK, perfecting her craft there, and practicing it at Toni & Guy in Hong Kong, Jess decided that working as a freelance hairdresser is better suited to her lifestyle. As such, her time is more flexible, and she gets to focus with her own loyal following of clients. One of our Localhood volunteers decided to try Jess out and is super thrilled with the magic done by Jess.
Photos of Sze
Jess has also kindly sponsored her hairstyling service for Localhood’s recent “Tranquility in the moment” photo competition. Additionally, we ask the ace hair stylist some question on Haircare in Hong Kong’s very specific weather.
1) LocalHood: What is the difference between moisturing and hydrating your hair? If I have an oily scalp do I still need to do this?
Jesse: We always need hydration. The amount of moisture needed are different based on our skin type If your hair is experiencing extreme dryness or becomes dry quickly, then your hair is most likely dehydrated. If your hair is tangled and feels dry, your hair needs to be moisturized.
2) LocalHood: Should you oil your hair? Even if my scalp is oily?
Jesse: Some people dye their hair and the hair will get dry so you still can put some
serum on the end of the hair but not on the scope
They have a special treatment to controlling Oily scalp.
3) LOCALHOOD: Why does when hair becomes frizzy and dull in Hot and Humid Hong Kong and How can you manage/maintain/care for it?
Jesse: When your hair is dry, the cuticle is rough, and when the weather is humid, it's the perfect recipe for frizz. The outer layer of the hair takes in the moisture from the air, causing the hair to swell and frizz.
You can get some products to control the frizzy hair.
4) LocalHood: Should you tie your hair in a pony?
Jesse: Truth is that regularly wearing your hair in a high, tight pony can result in hair damage – and in some extreme cases, permanent hair loss.
5) LocalHood: Coloring for recently graying hair? Should you go for organic or the regular ones?
Jesse: Natural and organic hair products are greatly beneficial for your hair because it is gentler and will not strip your hair of its protective oils. You may not see it immediately, but over time the organic products will repair your hair and provide it sustained nourishment.
6) LocalHood: Is it ok to use a hair dryer/hair press on my hair? At what frequency?
Jesse: Unfortunately, ANY amount of heat is damaging to hair, so using a blow dryer (or flat iron, or curling wand) every day is a bad idea. Daily heat exposure can ruin hair by stripping the hair's natural oils, drying out the cuticle and causing breakage and frizz. Gently blow drying with the right hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting until it is
90 percent dry, is actually better for the hair than air-drying.
Thank you, Jesse ONG, for all the tips!!
Photos: