After spending over five years in Hong Kong, I’m surprised that us blondes still have such a hard time getting our hair done in this city. Many of the “expat salons” charge a small fortune to cut and color blonde hair (or any colored hair for that matter) and taking a chance on a cheaper/local salon can be risky. Though I’ve used a local salon for a few years, I was looking for something more higher-end to breathe some life back into my brassy hair. If you’re looking for a great hair salon in Central, especially if you’re a blonde, look no further than O2 Hair Studio on Wyndham Street.

O2 Hair Studio – Interior

I’ve walked past O2 Hair Studio multiple times thanks to its prime spot in Central, but never realized how big it actually is. Hands-down, it’s the largest hair salon I’ve seen in Hong Kong. Although the interior is a bit basic (the salon will be getting a complete makeover soon!), the staff are incredibly welcoming and I found the large space refreshing. While you’re getting pampered, you can enjoy a cappuccino or sip on a glass of bubbly.

Highlights and a cut

Owner and head hair stylist Rudy is exceptionally knowledgeable and has been working in Hong Kong for the past 22 years. Not only is he hilarious, he specializes in blondes and will work some serious magic on your hair.

I went into O2 Hair Studio desperate to get rid of my roots (I know: my hair looked tragic). I had previously gone to a different salon to have balayage done for the first time in hopes that when my hair grew out there wouldn’t be such a stark contrast between my roots and my colored hair. Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly grow out the way I had imagined (I was under the impression it was meant to not look so harsh when my roots grew out).

Rudy recommended highlighting mainly my roots to avoid build-up on my existing colored hair. He used two different shades of blonde (one lighter and one more natural) and then combed them through after I had spent some time under the heated contraption and the color had set.

As for the cut, I told him I loved my long hair and just wanted to get rid of the split ends. He respected what I wanted and didn’t press me to cut it shorter (despite later confessing he would have liked to chop a few more inches off) or give me more layers.

The results

I love everything about my cut and color. Rudy understood exactly what I wanted (a blunt cut and natural-looking highlights) and my hair came out looking fantastic. Because I don’t get my hair done often (it was literally almost a year since I had my hair cut last – terrible, I know), I try to stick to a natural look as much as possible. Rudy was able to blend the highlights he did at my roots with the previous color I already had in my hair perfectly, making me one happy customer.

After-care products

I’m always careful with what hair products I’m putting on my hair after I get it colored, since I want to preserve the color for as long as possible. O2 Hair Studio offers a range of products to keep your hair looking just as great months later. I’m currently using the PHYTO Paris intense hydration brilliance shampoo (PHYTOJOBA), the express conditioner (PHYTOBAUME), a repairing thermal protectant spray (PHYTOKERATINE), and Revlon’s blonde detangling leave-in conditioner. All of these products (and much more) can be found in the studio and the staff are able to recommend which products best fit your hair type.

Price

Highlights (full head) – HK$1800
Cut – HK$990
*Note: these prices are specific for my hair. Charges may vary depending on hair length, texture, stylist, etc.

O2 Hair Studio 
G/F, 38 Wyndham Street
Central
Hong Kong 

Tel: 2529 6289

O2 Hair Studio is open until 9:00 pm Monday – Friday (a rarity for salons in Hong Kong), making it easy to #treatyoself and get your hair done after a long day at work!