You know what sounds like a thing of the past? Lunch time. Gone are the days of escaping the office for an hour-long pow wow with colleagues over some good ol’ hawker fare with a side of gossip. Today, many of us eat where we work, work where we sleep, and sleep where we shop, socialise and stay entertained from our various screens, having been confined to our homes on WFH mode for almost 20 months now. Some don’t even have 60-minutes to themselves anymore, having to manage Zoom meetings and deadlines with kids’ home-based learning, all while juggling roles like parent, teacher, chef and caregiver 24/7, blurring any semblance of a work-life balance. 60-minute beauty treatments
Well, this is your reminder to take a moment for yourself—that you deserve quick but pampering 60-minute beauty treatments to keep your self-care and sanity in check. We’ll be updating this round-up of beauty treatments fortnightly, but for now, why not tick these off your “me time” list:
Papilla Haircare’s DNA Activator for healthier hair growth
Stress, poor nutrition, chemical damage and lack of thorough hair care are some of the key causes of hair loss, often due to the scalp being clogged or sensitised and unable to receive sufficient nutrients—contributing to the degeneration of regeneration cycles. At Papilla Haircare, Korean dermatologist-backed treatments harness a patented source of culture cells and non-invasive, state-of-the-art delivery systems to activate and nutrify the scalp for healthier hair growth.
How it works: Like batteries for your scalp, Papilla Haircare’s DNA Activator treatment focuses on cell nutrition therapy to help target hair loss, thinning and greying from deep within the roots. Referred to as a Double i-i protocol, this scientifically proven method combines iontophoresis and ionization—the former activating dormant and weakened dermal papilla to regulate the hair growth and pigmentation process, while the latter effectively balancing out the pH of scalps to improve the condition of the environment. Steps wise, this 60-minute treatment also includes a micro bubble generator to purify scalps and dissolve impurities lodged deep inside pores; scalp acupressure and a massage using galvanic ions to boost circulation; and an airbrush spraying mechanism to infuse a cocktail of growth factors, potent cells, vitamins and minerals.
The results: Beyond essential deep cleansing and boosting circulation, this treatment delivers a potent dose of growth factors and nutrients directly into the hair follicle, instantly rejuvenating new hair cell regeneration processes that if done consistently, will produce thicker, denser and stronger hair over time.
Price: Papilla Haircare’s DNA Activator Treatment is $59 for first-time visits only
IDS Aesthetics’ Pep.Blu DEEP Treatment for a rejuvenated complexion
Clinical facials might not be as soul-soothing as spa treatments, but this certainly delivers on the skin rejuvenation front, with complexions coming out thoroughly refreshed with a boost of radiance, and replenished on a much deeper level with the help of cutting-edge product delivery systems.
How it works: This 60-minute treatment starts off with a gentle double cleanse and water dermabrasion using a multi-mineral solution to completely slough away product build-up, dead skin cells and impurities lodged in pores, clearing the way for optimum absorption of preceding products. Next up, the therapist wields a machine that uses DEEP electroporation technology to further “unlock new pathways”, accelerating the penetration of IDS’ proprietary Pep.Blue Serum deeper into the skin with electrocurrent—this is non-invasive and all you’ll feel are light snaps and a touch of heat. The serum is packed with high concentrations of brightening and cell-stimulating ingredients—from growth factors and peptides to vitamin B9 and acetylated glutamine—that boost collagen, fibroblast and elastic production. Finally, a Pep.Blu mask follows for a final dose of nourishing hydration with the help of LED light to enhance skin recovery and rejuvenation, before a slick of moisturiser and sunscreen and you’re ready to go.
The results: Skin is visibly lifted and brightened, with a glow that doesn’t just look but feels fresh, plump and hydrated from the inside out. This is especially good to do a day or two before an important event.
Price: IDS Aesthetics’ Pep.Blu DEEP Treatment is $320 (before GST)
Chez Vous’ Sugar Hair Lamination for silky, shiny locks
If you’ve tried every de-frizzing, hair-smoothing treatment, product or tool out there and still can’t find a solution that works with your habits, lifestyle and hair texture (like curls or waves), why not opt for this semi-permanent solution that keeps hair silky smooth for three to six months after a single 60-minute salon session.
How it works: Mention “lamination” and one immediately thinks of a protective coating for paper documents—Advanced Sugar Hair Lamination is inspired by this. Chez Vous uses a proprietary thin layer of laminate made up of ceramides, collagen, hydrolysed silk and natural oils that externally, help repair and restore the defensive layer on our hair, acting as a protective barrier against further heat or harsh chemical damage from daily styling habits or environmental aggressors. Internally, this sugar-based treatment strengthens hair shafts with a host of actives including a hyaluronic acid complex, camu camu fruit extract and bixa orellana seed extract that richly condition, tame frizz, and improve strands’ smoothness and elasticity from root to tip.
The results: Compared to other Keratin treatments, this one manages to seal and smooth hair while retaining waves, with results that last up to 12 months. Expect curls to loosen a tad but keep their bounce and waves with renewed health and shine. For everyone else, expect improved strand elasticity and easier-to-manage tresses that stay silky even in the face of heat and humidity.
Price: Chez Vous’ Sugar Hair Lamination starts from $305
