celestial: 2015

Saturday, June 20, 2015

The Ultimate Luxury @ Branché Hair & Nail Salon

Some places leave you feeling like a million bucks. Branché Hair & Nail Salon, at the new Capitol Piazza, is one such haven.

It was by sheer luck that two girlfriends and I got invited by the Salon Director /Top Stylist, Kensuke Kai-san, to a free trial of their hair spa and styling. I was initially hesitant but (thankfully) signed up for an appointment with Kai anyway - turned out to be one of my best impromptu decisions ever!

Stepping into Branché on a Saturday afternoon in May 2015, first thing that struck was how serene and peaceful the place was. None of that hair-dryer noise, busy chatters, hustle and bustle you'd find at a typical hair salon. In fact, there wasn't even that mish-mesh of chemical smells, just a pleasant, calming atmosphere. The ambience here is a little formal - bright, posh, spacious - and everyone were so polite and friendly, puts one instantly at ease.

Newly opened in March 2015, Branché offers hair and nail services under one roof, helmed by a team of true-blue Japanese stylists and nailists, each with over 10 years of experience. A successful chain with 20 outlets in Japan, 3-month-old Branché at Capitol Piazza is its first overseas establishment, as Kai explained.

The service here is IMPECCABLE - and so are the stylists' sense of style ;) It's not just about the hair, it's the entire customer experience in play - nothing but made-in-Japan best quality, products and services, and just that extra bit of attention to details too. Subtle but certainly noticeable. I was truly blown away! I received undivided attention from my skilled and very patient stylist, Kai, from the point of arrival, through the 1.5-hrs of pampering hair treatments, delicate care, seriously to-die-for head and shoulder massages, and beyond. Nothing about the customer is insignificant here. I felt truly valued, respected, and pampered like a princess. An experience unlike any I've had before, and one that inevitably won my heart over. Even the selection of drinks offered, and the (very Japanese) way they're presented, left me in awe - just check out that picture below of my delicious Matcha Latte!

The prices here are, of course, not for the faint-hearted. Expect to pay around S$200 for a haircut with scalp analysis, wash and style. But what you pay is what you get. In fact, I believe you're getting way better service and value here than what you'd get at some of the larger salon chains, for the same price. As you can tell, I'm quite a convert now ;)

I've since recommended several colleagues and personal friends, and everyone has only good things to say about Kai and Branché. In my opinion, a treasure cove, and an indulge (even if it's a guilty one) worth splurging on.

Branché Hair & Nail Salon

13 Stamford Road, #B1-33 Capitol Piazza, Singapore 178905.

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 8:00pm Daily

For Appointments, call: +65 6702-3036 (Recommended Top Stylist/Director: Kai)