Cheap and Cheerful: Where to get your Hair and Nails done in Singapore’s CBD

When I first went back to work in 2011, I felt utterly distraught. Three years as a full-time mum had taken its toll on my looks — I’d gained 14 kilos, my hair was a mess and my nails…let’s not talk about just how terrible they looked!

When I entered Raffles Place and looked around at all the women with their perfectly manicured nails and blown-out locks, I asked my assistant how everyone could look so perfect when hair and nails services were so expensive in Singapore. She said I could either do it myself (not an option as I’m a total clutz!) or I could check out the cheap and cheerful places smack bang in the middle of the CBD!

Since then, doing my hair and nails has become much more affordable. I’ve found that the salons near my office are super friendly, efficient and accommodating – most likely because most of their customers are pressed for time! If you’re looking for the perfect place for a quick salon visit in the CBD, here are my best suggestions for all the busy mamas out there!

 

Hair at Work

The first blowout I had was here (their minty shampoo and conditioner is particularly addicting) and after a few visits, I also found out that they do good haircuts and highlights too! A friend of mine, who is particularly sensitive to chemical-based colours, loves their all-natural Italian line and is always pleased with the results. Look for Jack, who set up the place in 1994, and has been keeping Raffles Place regulars happy ever since!

#01-11 The Arcade, 11 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049317
Tel: (+65) 6223 6543

 

Hair Affair

Another find (although I will admit it’s a little bit more pricey than my first choice) is Hair Affair. Their hair treatments are fantastic, and I particularly like working with Catherine – she tamed my post-pregnancy Rapunzel locks at a time when I thought they couldn’t be saved! I later discovered this cute little hair salon is also a long-time Raffles Place favourite of both my Singaporean friends and friends who have been here for a long time.

#02-28 Chevron House, 30 Raffles Place, Singapore 048622
Tel: (+65) 6535 5007

 

 

Hair Inn

Cheap, cheerful and deliciously small, I go to Hair Inn for a quick and easy blowout before important meetings or events. The staff here are particularly friendly and are super accommodating when I’m in a rush (sound familiar mama?).

#02-08 The Arcade, 11 Collyer Quay, Singapore 048317
Tel: (+65) 6372 0073

 

Nail Bliss

My favourite nail salon in the CBD is actually one of three in the area (their OUB Centre branch is closed for renovation at the moment!). I mainly drop past their Chevron House branch because it’s small, and their efficient staff always do a great job! It does tend to get quite packed (a testament to the service they provide!), so a booking is always recommended.

#02-38 Chevron House, 30 Raffles Place, Singapore 048622
Tel: (+65) 6536 5868

 

Nail Passion

Hidden next to a kopitiam stall is Nail Passion, my new passion so-to-speak. A lovely quiet environment, this is the place to go for a relaxing lunch hour mani pedi – lie back on one of their easy arm chairs and catch up on your online magazine reading (well that’s what I do mama!). I’d definitely recommend adding on a nail mask treatment while you’re there – it’s done wonders for my hangnails! You can also get a little waxing done too (now that’s what I call time efficient).

#01-09 Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place, Singapore 048621
Tel: (+65) 6534 4276