It can be argued that the myriad of advancements in technology is a double-edged sword. With heightened convenience and efficacy comes job displacements brought about by the advent of A.I. tech; ethical concerns surrounding online privacy; and even a dehumanisation of certain services and interactions. And while the relationship between tech and the beauty realm proves to be just as layered and complex, there is something to be said about the innovations, devices, treatments, and that have emerged within the realm as of late. From full-body muscle relaxation utilising specific colour waves to decadent scalp spas, it is safe to say that 2024 is brimming with promise when it comes to massages, facial treatments, and the like. Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore‘s editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the best procedures designed to address a variety of concerns.
This month, we look two highly buzzed-about scalp services that aim to address hair loss. First up: Freia Medical’s Hair Exosomes Therapy, which employs formidable exosomes to increase the density of your tresses and fortify weak, brittle hair cuticles. Tricholab, on the other hand, places a larger focus on exfoliating and cleansing using gentle peels to ensure reinforced strand growth. And that’s far from all—the Vogue Singapore beauty team also experienced a plethora of facial-related services from Spa Esprit, Skin Lab, and more. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive, sagging, or dry skin, or simply craving a well-deserved sensorial scalp pampering session for the day, peruse the best beauty treatments and more to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore’s beauty desk.
1 / 7
Freia Medical Exosomes Hair Therapy Luxe, $850 for 75 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Folks dealing with hair loss or thinning strands.
Vogue’s review: It’s safe to say that the regenerative powers of exosomes are well-recognised amongst beauty buffs. And while plenty of us have heard of exosomes being incorporated into skincare treatments, its utilisation in a hair growth procedure feels rather novel. After receiving a brief breakdown of what the treatment entails by the friendly receptionist, I was escorted into a dimly-lit room for a deep cleanse and scalp massage. A delicate nano mist was then spritzed over my head. Enriched with follicle-nourishing properties, the aforementioned mist is said to open up my hair cuticles to allow for the infusion of hydrating minerals and vitamins.
After a quick blow dry, I was instructed to lie back for the microneedling portion of this treatment. And while the initial sensation of micro-fine needles against my scalp felt discomfiting, there was no pain involved and I quickly got used to the feeling. I am told that this form of controlled trauma promotes overall blood circulation that facilitates hair growth, and also allows for the purest exosome serums to seep in efficiently. The last step: a Revage 670 Laser. This rotating device emits laser diodes that are said to stimulate blood flow to thinning hair follicles, thus strengthening them. On my end, results were noticeable after two weeks—where I noticed the growth of new baby hairs along my hairline.
Freia Medical, 101 Irrawaddy Rd, #14-11/12/13/14, Singapore 329565. Tel: 8223 0609
2 / 7
The St. Regis Spa's Organic Healing Facial, $200 for 60 minutes before GST
Who it’s catered for: Those in need of a nourishing, yet deeply relaxing facial experience
Vogue’s review: The St. Regis Spa, one of the most luxe spas within the Orchard Road precinct received a facelift this year and what better way to immerse ourselves in their updated menu than with the Organic Healing Facial. Performed with Charme D’Orient products from France, the 60-minute treatment lavishes honey enriched with healing nigelle oil, shea butter, soothing allantoin and natural ceramides to support and hydrate even the most sensitive skin types. Driving all this pro-youth goodness into the skin is the lymphatic, sculpting facial massage techniques of the therapist who also employs the use of a clear crystal wand to boost and balance the skin’s energy and blood flow within. Given this hands-on facial, performed on a cloud-like bed is that relaxing, we can’t promise that you will be awake to remember half of it.
We recommend heading to the spa ahead of your treatment to take advantage of its signature complimentary experiences such as sauna, warm plunge bath and overall serene surrounds.
The St. Regis Spa Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, The St. Regis Singapore, Singapore 247911. Tel: 6506 6896
3 / 7
Tricholab TrichoLuxe Heavenly Head Spa, $298 for 90 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Anyone who is suffering from scalp issues. Think inflammatory conditions such as itch, redness, and/or dandruff. Do note that this treatment is not suitable for expecting or nursing women.
Vogue’s review: The newly refurbished Tricholab is located at a quiet corner in Wheelock Place; a serene space awash in shades of pastel pink and cream that is a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. Upon entry, I am given a tour of the facility which now encompasses treatment rooms designed specifically to cater to the needs of Muslim customers. Think window blinds and a fully-enclosed space to ensure privacy for hijabi-sporting individuals. I am then told that the spa experience will take place in one of the aforementioned private rooms after a comprehensive scalp analysis. At Tricholab, there are four distinct types of head spa options: Earth focuses on hair growth; Water is hydration-centred procedure; Air aims to restore ageing scalps to their former glory; while Fire is perfect for those looking to rejuvenate and refresh their noggin.
A detailed scan of my scalp revealed that it was in severe need of moisture, and so I was recommended the Water treatment. To kick things off, a soothing massage. An immunolock serum hydration nano machine was employed after to send a concentrated dose of my moisture down my hair line, paired alongside a potent combination of hyaluronic acid peels and an atomising steam to remove all manner of build-up and debris. A relaxing shoulder massage followed soon after, and I was informed by my therapist that TrichoLab uses a rotation of Aesop body products to exfoliate and hydrate. The final step: yet another massage of the scalp, though it is acupressure-focused and complemented with an ice-cold roller and compress. The skilled hands of my therapist alone is reason enough to make a return trip, but the reduced dryness and flakiness I experienced over the next few days is what truly sealed the deal.
Tricholab, 501 Orchard Rd, #04-07A Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880. Tel: 6235 4998
4 / 7
SkinLab Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling Treatment, $588 for 90 minutes
Who it’s catered for: If you’re looking for a treatment that improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of acne scars, this is it. Do note that is not for anyone who is diabetic or has hypersensitive skin.
Vogue’s review: First things first, Iyashi exosomes are pure-grade bioactive synthetic structures sourced from the most reputable labs in Japan—specifically designed to send signals between cells and kickstart cellular processes. Think cell regeneration, hair growth and overall skin repair. With SkinLab’s latest nanoneedling treatment then, the healing process of visible acne scars and lessening of fine lines is par for the course, after an extensive process of double cleansing and exfoliating the skin to a butter-soft state.
Pre-numbing the skin, a revitalising concoction of plant enzymes, gold antioxidant nanoparticles and copper tripeptide is utilised to slough away dead skin and catalyse the reparative skin state. A light extraction follows, but despite the invasive process, the numbing cream slathered on afterwards does not sting and all but a lukewarm feeling takes over. After the numbing cream takes effect, the main part of the treatment begins: a dermaroller is administered, allowing EMS microcurrents to stimulate and ready the skin, just as the Iyashi Exosome Serum is simultaneously applied for maximum absorption.
Whilst redness is to be expected during the healing process, my post-treatment skin the day after already gleaned a certain glow, welcoming high praise from my fellow colleagues. Eventually, it was the reward of a near-spotless, lifted visage—reduced acne scars and all—that really cemented my growing need for a potential return trip.
SkinLab The Medical Spa, Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road, #04-04 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880. Tel: 6235 3246
5 / 7
Spa Esprit House Bungalow, $330 for 80 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Individuals that have noticed sagging and skin laxity, as well as a dull, sallow complexion.
Vogue’s review: Ultrasound therapy has been picking up traction as of late so it comes as no surprise that aesthetic conglomerate, Spa Esprit, would have their own interpretation of this popular anti-ageing procedure. The House Bungalow facial kicks off with a thorough double cleanse, which is quickly followed by a light round of extraction as well as a neck and shoulder massage. My therapist then wheeled out an ultrasound device after she had declared all my tense knots sufficiently rolled out. A cooling gel was slathered onto my visage, before a wand was passed over my face. There was no sensation beyond a gentle warmth—I’m told that the higher temperature is meant to stimulate blood circulation, bringing with it more oxygen and nutrients so as to aid in skin healing. Another benefit of increased blood circulation? Enhanced lymph circulation, where it is able to eliminate toxins and waste more efficiently. The treatment ended off with a personalised face mask—my iteration cooled off my slightly-flushed cheeks and provided a potent jolt of hydration along dry areas. The end result: a brighter complexion, and a jaw that appeared tighter and more chiselled than before.
Spa Esprit, 252 North Bridge Road, #B2-24, Singapore 179103. Tel: 6333 9350
6 / 7
Ksisters’s Phytopecia+ Head Spa at Suchehwa by Ted, $250 for 70 minutes
Who it’s catered for: For anyone who is taking active steps towards a healthier, more rejuvenated scalp or individuals suffering from hair loss
Vogue’s review: The best of K-beauty culminates in Ksisters’s latest collaboration with Suchehwa by Ted: the Phytopecia Head Spa. Upping the ante on scalp care, the all-inclusive experience (that now holds certain virality on the Internet) has been meticulously curated even further—from a pre and post-treatment scalp analysis to the restful luxury of a waterfall head spa.
Kicking off with an in-depth microscopic look at my scalp, flaky spots of dryness amid more densely, clogged areas proved to be the direct cause of sporadic yet persistent itches. A full-blown cleanse followed, as Phytopecia+’s game-changing Hair Boosting Shampoo was deftly massaged in; a formulation known for its cell regeneration properties and effective removal of dead skin cells. But anyone who’s experienced Suchehwa by Ted’s head spas would know: it is the waterfall treatment that includes an overhead stream of continuous water flow which truly seals the deal. Freshly infused with Jung Beauty’s 7 Second Instant Nourish Water Treatment, I walked out of the wash room with my tresses feeling thoroughly invigorated, its minty, ice-cold sensation pointing to a fully-cleansed, re-balanced scalp. All whilst the somatic stresses that come with the regular midweek life had been spectacularly lulled away, after an intensely delightful head, neck and hand massage.
To finish the treatment, the reparative and nourishing effects of Phytopecia+’s Hair Tonic and Jung Beauty’s No Wash Keratin Hair Treatment Essence are worked skilfully into my scalp—as a frequency comb meant to remove any remaining bacteria does the legwork. A quick post-treatment analysis was all I needed: my healthier, refreshed scalp was noticeably less red and flake-free.
Suchehwa by Ted Salon, 9 Penang Road, #02-01, Singapore 238459. Tel: 8831 979
7 / 7
The Spa at The Singapore Edition's Hydrating Skin Repair Facial, $280 for 60 minutes before GST
Who it’s catered for: City-dwellers and jet-setters with ultra-stressed skin
Vogue’s review: Entering The Spa at The Singapore Edition’s minimalist, zen-like space offers an instant shift. Here, weary travellers and stressheads can downregulate, moving from fight or flight mode to calm as they navigate the spa’s warren-like surrounds. As the name suggests, the Hydrating Skin Repair Facial will take your complexion from fatigued and dehydrated to supple and renewed.
Using Swiss beauty label, Cellcosmet (sister to La Prairie), highlights of the multi-step treatment include use of the Gel Activateur to further drive active ingredients into the skin and a soothing licorice and rose extract-infused Anti-Stress Mask—great for comforting skin while reducing redness and excess sebum. If you can swing it, head to the spa ahead of your treatment to take advantage of its sauna and heated plunge pool.
The Spa at the Singapore Edition, 38 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249731. Tel: 6329 5033
