How Hong Kong’s new balayage specialist empowers women through customised hair colour

It’s no secret that quality highlights are hard to find in Asia. Enter Blonde Boudoir, a centrally based salon that is overwhelmingly popular with expats. At the beginning of this year, creative director Felix Beck welcomed a new senior stylist, Bernie Lau, who trained in the US and has over 15 years of experience. Women are raving about his signature ‘look’; here’s why. 

Tell us about your work.

I specialise in foilyage. It’s basically a hair colouring method that combines the free-hand painting technique of balayage with using foils to achieve a more controlled, precise result. 

Champagne blonde is my signature look, a natural, soft blonde with a tint of cool. I strive for the perfect mixture of cool and warmth; warmth to bring  shine and coolness to enhance natural complexion. Sometimes when the hair colour is too cool, the client needs to wear heavier makeup to match the hair colour. Champagne blonde offers a cool shade that looks natural.

For some examples of my work, check out my Instagram.

How can clients go blonder while maintaining healthy hair? 

Maintaining the health of the hair is at the core of what we do at Blonde Boudoir. All of our colour services include a K18 mask, which coats the hair with extra peptides to prevent further damage. When it comes to mixing colours, we add Olaplex and collagen to help further nourish the hair. We rarely use the strongest strength of bleach, and we rinse the hair as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary damage. 

How often should we wash our hair in Hong Kong?

This depends on your hair type. Generally, once or twice per week is advisable. Hair is prone to stretching when wet. If overstretched, it will eventually snap, causing damage such as split ends, which is why we advise not to overwash. Chemical treatments (such as highlights, perms and relaxers can make your hair dry) in which case, you might want to wash your hair less often to avoid unnecessary damage and consider alternatives, such as a dry shampoo. 

How can we protect our hair from the sun and humidity? 

I recommend using a K18 hair mask at home once a week. Use a heat protection spray when you style your hair, and it goes without saying – keep your hair out of the sun where possible – wear a hat when in direct sunlight. 

Are any 2024/25 colour trends on the horizon?

When it comes to covering greys, new options are emerging. An increasing number of clients opt for more semi-permanent coverage – ‘blending’ the greys; that way, regrowth is less noticeable. 

Bernie Lau is a senior stylist at Blonde Boudoir, 8F, 13-17 Cochrane Street, Central. To book an appointment call 6804 5737 or visit blondeboudoir.sg/HK/home