Hair Perming at Act Point Salon

IMPORTANT UPDATE at the end of the post!

Act Point is the only place that I will visit for hair perming services. For the past 3 years, I've been heading over once a year for my yearly perm and I totally trust my stylist (Anson) to give me the result I want. Prior to Act Point, I've tried perming my hair at two other salons, but the curls just didn't last on my hair. I came to know of Act Point when I was searching online for the best salon for hair perming services. It came up on several forums, mostly raving about its affordable services and experienced stylists. So I picked up the phone and made a reservation with Anson (also highly recommended on forums), and that was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made for my hair.

The following is my experience at Act Point Salon (International Building) when I permed my hair last week. The entire experience was pretty consistent with my past 2 visits. 

Anson is really very popular, so please call to reserve before visiting. I could only get the 11am slot because he was fully booked in the afternoon.

Usually before we start the treatment, Anson will take a while to understand my history with hair chemical processes (eg did I dye my hair in the past year) and the outcome I was looking for (large/small curl, thick/thin ends). I think he has some basic information of my hair stored in their computer system, but he just needed to double check. The quality of my hair will determine the type of chemicals he can use.

Btw, they have very new magazines like May edition of Style, Cleo etc and they gave each customers a thick stack of magazines to read. They also serve tea!

Hi my love <3

Spotted a nice bag!

During the treatment process, Anson will also briefly describe what each chemical does, and what effect it has on the hair. Even though I've already heard the same thing for 3 years, he still does it every single time.

And I shall attempt to summarize them for you. 

1.  Apply 'softener' to soften the hair. For my hair, he had to do 2 different types of softener-a stronger one for my new grown hair and a mild one for the ends of my hair which went through a perm last year. The healthier your hair, the longer it will take for the softener to penetrate into the hair. 

Shiseido products for chemical proceses

2. Apply rollers. Anson helped me to put in a mixture of curls. For my outer layer, he mixed large and medium curls, and for the inner layer, he did small curls(because the inner layer gets loose faster than the outer layers). I think the different types of curls really help to add dimension to the entire look, so that it doesn't look flat and boring. My curls started at the ears level so that it creates an illusion of a rounder face (because I have quite thin and long face).

I love my new cat app

3. Wire the rollers. The stylists attached wires to the rollers in my hair and that's where my hair gets 'digitally permed'. It got pretty hot because of the heat, but there were sponges between my scalp and the rollers, so it was still manageable. I remember last year when I did my perm, the heat was too much for me and the stylists had to use hair dryers to blow cold air into my hair (quite shiok actually).

4. Neutralizer. The chemicals used during the treatment process were all alkaline in nature. So they need to sprinkle some mild acid to neutralize the whole procedure and to lock in the curls. 

Freakishly tight curls

5. Treatment. After they washed off the neutralizer, I was given a simple treatment (just a mask, nothing fancy) to round up the entire process. There's also a partition between the washing area and the main service area, so that customers can enjoy some privacy when getting their hair washed.

One thing I really appreciate about Act Point is that there was no hard selling unlike other hair salons that I’ve patronized before, which made the entire process much more comfortable. Anson will remind customers to use products on their hair (eg serum, masks etc) but he will never promote the products they sell (unless you ask him to recommend).

Speaking of products, Anson commented that my hair was super healthy!!!(:(:(: I think the weekly hair mask sessions helps! He looked quite pleased with me when I told him I'll still apply serum before I head out. And I felt like a model student. Oh but he also said I should stop plucking my white hair because it's not good for the scalp. He recommended that I cut them for now, but if they start appearing everywhere then maybe can consider trying some ammonia-free dye. 

This is my before and after!

I think I look younger with straighter hair. Hahahaa, anyway it's normal to look auntie for the first few days, because fresh curls are always tighter. With a couple washes, these curls are going to loosen up nicely. 

Maintenance:
Contrary to popular belief, I don't think permed hair requires high maintenance. The only thing I do to  maintain my curls is to twirl my hair into a couple of spirals and let it air dry after I bathe. The entire process of twirling takes like 1-2mins? Aside from that, I'll apply serum whenever I go out and do my weekly hair mask (in replacement of a conditioner)! But thats my normal hair routine (I'll still do it even without my curls). So the only extra thing to do when I perm my hair is to twirl them after I bathe. 

Of cos it's always good to apply some hair products (eg. Potion 9) to enhance the longevity of the curls. However, I usually bathe at night, and I don't want my hair to have products in it when I go to bed, so I'll just skip the step. My curls/waves usually last me for about 10-12months, which I think is quite good!

Price: 
SGD195 nett, inclusive of digital perm, treatment and cut. The prices vary for different hairstylist. Anson is the director of the salon, so he charges a higher price. I suggest calling to check if they are running any promotions (sometimes they do).

Will be visiting Japan for GRAD TRIP tml!!! So excited, can't wait!! That means 2 weeks of hiatus for me. Hahaha, But I will be updating this blog with my JAPAN TRIP!!(:

IMPORTANT UPDATE!
My stylist Anson will be opening his own salon at the end of July 2013!
Address:
D'sire Hair
14 Scotts Road
Far East Plaza #02-04
Spore 228213
Hp: 90066052
If you're interested in his service, do call or sms him directly for an appointment as he is no longer with Actpoint!
And yes, I'll still be going back to him for hair services!