I'm firmly convinced that there's a direct relationship between humidity and hair growth. No personal scientific research has been conducted, though I tend to find quickened hair (and nail) growth when residing in Asia or on the West Coast.
That being said, I took to making a (previously unplanned) hair appointment at Mauve Hair after flipping through this month's issue of KLIP.
That being said, I took to making a (previously unplanned) hair appointment at Mauve Hair after flipping through this month's issue of KLIP.
The Japanese salon is located just north of Brighouse station, with an unassuming entrance on Saba Road that's easy to miss should one not be intentionally trying to find it.
I arrived about five minutes prior to my appointment time and was greeted at the reception desk. Being a first-time customer, I was asked to complete a short questionnaire consisting of hair history questions (ie. Have you ever coloured your hair? Have you ever done a straight/wavy perm?). The slip also asked the method by which customer(s) discovered Mauve Hair; being recommended from friends that are existing customers apparently earned newcomers 10% off.
Those familiar with my germophobic ways shall understand that I am particularly picky with cleanliness and will go to extreme lengths to avoid contamination of my personal belongings. In line with other reviews, I must agree that Mauve was much cleaner than the average hair salon - likely the cleanest salon I've ever stepped foot in. The sweeping of fallen hair was constantly being conducted to maintain this immaculate environment.
I arrived about five minutes prior to my appointment time and was greeted at the reception desk. Being a first-time customer, I was asked to complete a short questionnaire consisting of hair history questions (ie. Have you ever coloured your hair? Have you ever done a straight/wavy perm?). The slip also asked the method by which customer(s) discovered Mauve Hair; being recommended from friends that are existing customers apparently earned newcomers 10% off.
Those familiar with my germophobic ways shall understand that I am particularly picky with cleanliness and will go to extreme lengths to avoid contamination of my personal belongings. In line with other reviews, I must agree that Mauve was much cleaner than the average hair salon - likely the cleanest salon I've ever stepped foot in. The sweeping of fallen hair was constantly being conducted to maintain this immaculate environment.
The salon itself wasn't very big, but it was spacious. A homey waiting area was situated opposite from the reception desk and away from the entrance as to prevent being an obstruction to those entering. Customers were seated on both sides of the active working area: one end was largely minimal, with only a full length mirror placed in front of the padded chairs, while the other featured a half-length mirror, shelf, small side table, and several outlets. Magazines lined a dark wooden shelf in the corner, all pristine and free from snipped strands.
I had not specified a hairstylist when making my initial appointment over the phone, but I was secretly hoping that I would taken to the side with outlets and a table given the incredulous amount of stuff I was carrying.
Shortly after filling in the provided form, I was led to one of the wide, comfy salon chairs of the more elaborate working area.
My appointment included Cut and Highlights. The hairstylist first discussed highlight options and hues with me before retreating to the reception desk to prepare a rough estimate of the cost of services. Only after this estimate was calculated did she return to inquire if it was acceptable to proceed. While discussing this, she even knelt down beside my chair to talk to me at eye-level, which really took me by surprise. I could clearly feel the level of respect in her actions.
She proceeded first with the trim, asking questions about previous hair-cutting history with genuine interest as she carefully blowdried sections of my wavy hair. The fact that she also asked whether I had a preference in the order that the services were provided (ie. cut before or after colour) was much appreciated.
The trim was meticulously executed with unbelievable precision. Her actions were swift, but also very delicate; while her polite demeanour did not display any explicit feelings of delight, it was obvious that she carried her passion in her work. Bangs are another tricky aspect to deal with, but she easily snipped them to my desired length and thickness.
Shortly after filling in the provided form, I was led to one of the wide, comfy salon chairs of the more elaborate working area.
My appointment included Cut and Highlights. The hairstylist first discussed highlight options and hues with me before retreating to the reception desk to prepare a rough estimate of the cost of services. Only after this estimate was calculated did she return to inquire if it was acceptable to proceed. While discussing this, she even knelt down beside my chair to talk to me at eye-level, which really took me by surprise. I could clearly feel the level of respect in her actions.
She proceeded first with the trim, asking questions about previous hair-cutting history with genuine interest as she carefully blowdried sections of my wavy hair. The fact that she also asked whether I had a preference in the order that the services were provided (ie. cut before or after colour) was much appreciated.
The trim was meticulously executed with unbelievable precision. Her actions were swift, but also very delicate; while her polite demeanour did not display any explicit feelings of delight, it was obvious that she carried her passion in her work. Bangs are another tricky aspect to deal with, but she easily snipped them to my desired length and thickness.
Fast-forward some thirty minutes later was the colour treatment. I was once again asked the specifics of the highlights: strand thickness, layering style, and density of colour. We agreed on layering the selected colours from bottom to top, with the exception of a thin portion of the top-most section of hair.
Initially, I had sectioned off a large portion of the top layer for colour exclusion, though she pointed out that the highlight hues would not be seen clearly if I opted to go forward with that decision. She recommended to section off a smaller portion, such that root growth could still be covered and allow the colours to shine through. It is crucial to note that "This is my recommendation, but it is your business after all." was stated, meaning that she would make aware her professional opinions to the customers to yield a more desirable result, yet would still carry out the final decision of the customer should he or she conclude otherwise.
Initially, I had sectioned off a large portion of the top layer for colour exclusion, though she pointed out that the highlight hues would not be seen clearly if I opted to go forward with that decision. She recommended to section off a smaller portion, such that root growth could still be covered and allow the colours to shine through. It is crucial to note that "This is my recommendation, but it is your business after all." was stated, meaning that she would make aware her professional opinions to the customers to yield a more desirable result, yet would still carry out the final decision of the customer should he or she conclude otherwise.
At this point, I had pulled out my laptop to watch a recently-aired episode of Weekly Idol and then follow up with a brief period of editing. Upon the unveling of my collection of electronic devices, another hairstylist offered one of the small side tables for me to work on. (At the beginning of my appointment, an outlet had also been offered to me to charge my phone.) The side tables were intended for the placement of magazines and/or hairstyling equipment, yet the staff at Mauve were kind enough to offer them for personal use to ensure that I was thoroughly enjoying my experience.
The colouring process was completed quite quickly in my opinion: the rectangular pieces of tin foil were removed after approximately thirty minutes, and I was soon led over to the hairwashing station. The chairs were especially cool in that they assumed an almost chair-like 110 degree angle in their stationary position, but could then be lifted to a full 180 after customers are settled in. Hairwashing was another pleasant experience as there was no rough scrubbing of my scalp nor scalding hot water nor water being directly deposited into my ears.
The colouring process was completed quite quickly in my opinion: the rectangular pieces of tin foil were removed after approximately thirty minutes, and I was soon led over to the hairwashing station. The chairs were especially cool in that they assumed an almost chair-like 110 degree angle in their stationary position, but could then be lifted to a full 180 after customers are settled in. Hairwashing was another pleasant experience as there was no rough scrubbing of my scalp nor scalding hot water nor water being directly deposited into my ears.
When blowdrying ceased, the lovely blend of highlights came into view. Underneath the topmost layer was the most intricate layering of red, brown, and light brown I've witnessed in my hair - the results were even better than expected! The finish was natural, but the details spoke for themselves. Gone was the messy mob of split ends and uneven, frizzy strands; in its place was a sleek, shoulder-length cut with an eye-catching medley of vibrant brown tones.
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I relinquished their much-deserved fees for service before packing my things and heading on my way. My hairstylist had performed an amazing job and it's a shame that I can't return more frequently to request her again. On my way out, the entire group of hairstylists called out goodbye and "Thank you!" in unison. (Actually, it was their ritual for every customer.)
(For the sake of privacy, I've opted out of mentioning names. However, please drop a comment should you wish to locate the same fantastic stylist that served me on this visit!)
(For the sake of privacy, I've opted out of mentioning names. However, please drop a comment should you wish to locate the same fantastic stylist that served me on this visit!)
The appointment lasted a total of three hours, so it was only reasonable that I found myself starving while heading towards the SkyTrain station. We sank ourselves into Sugarholic's spongy chairs just in time to take advantage of the 11-AM-to-3-PM Lunch Special.
A rather odd choice for Aberdeen, Sugarholic adopts a style reminiscent of English tea houses. From the baby blue walls to the fragile-looking light fixtures to the preppy uniforms of the waitstaff, the environment screams "Ladies' Day Out". It was a cute setup, though the placement of laminated English-Chinese menus was a definite indicator of unauthenticity.
< Pictured below: Wasabi Beef Brisket w/ Pasta, Stuffed Chicken Thigh in Tomato Sauce w/ Rice, Iced Earl Grey Tea, Iced Rose Tea >
< Pictured below: Wasabi Beef Brisket w/ Pasta, Stuffed Chicken Thigh in Tomato Sauce w/ Rice, Iced Earl Grey Tea, Iced Rose Tea >
The Lunch Special was priced at $13.50 and included an entree and beverage combo. Given that mediocre-looing Omelette Rice dishes and Salads were over ten dollars, I rushed to place my order within the last four minutes of the period.
Our waittress was friendly, albeit a tad odd with her habit of changing between languages when speaking with us. She reverted back and forth between Mandarin and English, uttering certain phrases at a rate which my dining partner-in-crime sometimes could not comprehend.
View the full album HERE !
Our waittress was friendly, albeit a tad odd with her habit of changing between languages when speaking with us. She reverted back and forth between Mandarin and English, uttering certain phrases at a rate which my dining partner-in-crime sometimes could not comprehend.
View the full album HERE !
Both plates arrived promptly, along with the sweetened iced teas. I had asked for a small pitcher of milk to accompany the Iced Earl Grey, but later found the drink acceptable enough to be consumed as is. Fruity and refreshing was the Iced Rose Tea, adding a nice contrast between the two.
We ended up sharing the two meals, since one fared exceptionally well while the other proved to be a disaster.
We ended up sharing the two meals, since one fared exceptionally well while the other proved to be a disaster.
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Wasabi sauce and spaghetti-style noodles is a essentially a no-fail combo when done right. The strength of the wasabi flavour was moderate but still utterly flavourful, thus making for a great pairing. An unexpected twist was that the dish was loaded with a generous portion of blanched beef slices. They hadn't been coated in the sauce beforehand; rather, the fatty hotpot-esque pieces were simply thrown into the dish before adding the final garnishes. I'm not complaining though: the fusion attempt made for a pretty tasty meal.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Stuffed Chicken Thigh on Rice. "Tomato Sauce" somehow morphed into Thousand Island salad dressing atop a bed of baby spinach, while "stuffed chicken thigh" took the taste and appearance of a sodium-packed, layered sausage. A bed of mushy white rice served as the base.
Frankly speaking, the dish was no better than a random mishmash of reheated leftovers. Not a single flavour complemented its neighbouring element!
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Stuffed Chicken Thigh on Rice. "Tomato Sauce" somehow morphed into Thousand Island salad dressing atop a bed of baby spinach, while "stuffed chicken thigh" took the taste and appearance of a sodium-packed, layered sausage. A bed of mushy white rice served as the base.
Frankly speaking, the dish was no better than a random mishmash of reheated leftovers. Not a single flavour complemented its neighbouring element!
Sugarholic, as the name denotes, is actually known to be quite popular for their towering Honey Toast and syrup-laden Toast Boxes. I'm not one to be easily impressed by these food coma-inducing carby dishes, so it didn't really occur to me that I ought to be trying those things out. The unfavourable aftertaste of the second entree wasn't exactly encouraging either.
We headed towards H-Mart and Yaohan afterwards. I picked up a regular milk tea and two Wheel Cakes from Little Bean Tea House in the food court, while a Mango Pomelo Sago drink was purchased from Juice King.
We headed towards H-Mart and Yaohan afterwards. I picked up a regular milk tea and two Wheel Cakes from Little Bean Tea House in the food court, while a Mango Pomelo Sago drink was purchased from Juice King.
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These wheel cakes were far superior to Tofu Hotpot's damp disgusting mess!
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Nature Republic was also in the vicinity. I made a quick stop for a highlighter, and crazily enough, emerged with a Kai fan!
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Thanks to tea.latte, I was also finally able to locate Honey Butter Chips at H-Mart!
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