*AFTER ABOUT 20 YEARS HERE, THESE GUYS ARE MOVING FROM HENRY PARK AT THE END OF AUGUST 2012. Their new address is as follows: Salon de Genesis, Block 8 Jalan Lempeng, #01-01 Park West, Singapore 128796. Call Michelle with enquiries: (+65) 6468 4128 or (+65) 9662 3507*

Yes, I do. I blow. Once weekly as a minimum (see, I told you I was not really an English, do-it-yourself kinda gal).  Henry Hairdressing and Beauty Salon is my economical secret that makes me think that out sourcing this basic task is not only justifiable financially but essential, as I can now never do it nearly as well as they do, myself at home.

These guys have been here in Henry Park for years, are amazing at making your hair bounce (it’s all down to the granny rollers, see picture!), have free parking right outside the salon AND – here’s the real scoop – it’s almost the only place in Singapore that is open at 8am.

I am writing this as I sit here under my 20 or so rollers with a delightfully retro hairdryer thing on my head, whirring away in an almost empty salon.  Timing is everything though, get here after 10am at your peril as you have to wait in line (no bookings taken) and Saturdays are generally to be avoided.  The Birkin bag brigade all come here to be coiffed, so don’t be fooled by the low-key atmosphere and the old fashioned decor (Queen Astrid Park is just around the corner).

I’ve been going here for about a year, but a word of warning to the new comer…it is a bit intimidating when you first walk in and it feels like there is a slight conspiracy to ignore you if you are not local.

On my first visit, they looked me up and down and shouted ‘What?’

Get over it though, because once you’ve broken the ice, they are as nice as pie, give great head massages and their blow dries last for a clear 5 days (in my hair, anyway) which makes them better value than some of the cheaper salons I have found, on the basis you don’t need to go nearly as often.

Their secret? It’s definitely in the granny style rollers.  I have long hair and pay a grand total of around $22 for my weekly dose of volume and bounce.  I say around because pricing is still quite random here and sometimes I’m charged $20, whereas other days it’s $23.  Bring your own shampoo which they will keep for you in your own named bag, and it’s generally knocked down to $20 a go (no one ever tells you this and it took me eight months before I cottoned onto this fact).

If they are not too busy, one of the girls here will also do you a mani/pedi starting at $20 for a mani, $24 for a pedi.  Their choice of colours is basically red or red, so it’s worth bringing your own polish as well as a quick dry top coat, although in the time it takes to get your blow, your talons should be touch dry anyway.

PS: Recently devastated to hear that Henry Park Cresent is now en-bloc.  I am hoping for a year’s grace before the shops are turfed out but I’m longing to hear where they will be moving to.

Henry Hairdressing & Beauty Salon is open from 8am-6pm daily (closed Sunday).