You’ve got a party to prep for, but in between work, kids and all the other little things life throws at you, the clock is ticking by a lot faster than you’d anticipated. At times like these, it might be worth bringing in the professionals to work their magic in double-quick time – and sometimes it’s just more fun to hand the reins over to someone else for the night!
It’s taken a while for blow-dry bars to hit Hong Kong, but now they’re here, we’re wondering how we ever survived without them for party emergencies! Amika Hairdo Bar (www.amikahairdobar.com) has locations in Central and Admiralty, and will have your hair soirée-stunning in no time, with a simple blow-dry or styling session, either of which should have you in and out in around 20 minutes. If you’re in the market for something more spectacular, try one of their up-dos to totally transform your look. Available styles include the “Chic Chignon” and “Faux Hawk”, or their stylists can also go off-piste and tweak styles to your request.
A “Dry Martini” speed hair-styling session at AirPlay Blow Dry Bar (www.airplaybar.com) in Central affords you a quick but polished look from their cocktail-inspired range of ’dos – think “Sea Breeze” wavy tresses or “Sidecar” side-braids. That should also leave you time to take advantage of their similarly speedy “Party Delight” make-up service, which will freshen up your face in just 25 minutes. And all that comes with champers and sweets on tap to get you in the party mood!
Most cosmetics counters around town can also help you perfect your make-up pre-night out – which is especially convenient if you’re passing by any of the city’s major malls or department stores en route to your bash. A full make-up session with NARS (www.narscosmetics.co.uk/locations?Country=HK) costs $700 ($350 of which can be used towards buying products), whilst Shu Uemura’s (www.shu-uemura.com.hk) service costs $880 (and is fully redeemable against products). Simply tell your make-up artist what look you’re after and they’ll help choose the best products for your complexion. Shu Uemura’s service even includes application of their famous false eyelashes to truly finish off your look. These services both normally take between 30 to 45 minutes – just alert your make-up assistant in advance to hit the accelerator if necessary.
If it’s a super-speedy touch-up you’re after, Flawless Spa (www.flawless.hk.com), also in Central, offers a “Quick Fix” make-up session using Laura Mercier products that takes only 15 minutes – ideal if you’re running straight from work to play. Kill two beauty birds with one stone and add on their 30-minute Fast Manicure service, with a rainbow of nail polish colour choices from American salon favourite OPI.
However, the quickest manicure we’ve come across in the city so far has to be from LAKA (www.facebook.com/LAKAHongKong). With locations in Kowloon, this Israeli brand takes express to the max by giving you salon-perfect talons in only 15 to 20 minutes, without skimping on any vital mani stages. With hundreds of colours to choose from, you’re bound to find something to set off your outfit. Ready, set… party!
