The Antidote to Bad Haircuts: Tom Yuen of Hummingbird Salon

Tiffany Wang | Jul 31, 2012 6:00 pm | 6 comments | 3972 reads

After waiting in vain for a cab for over 20 minutes, I decided to make the trip from Dawang Lu to Central Park by foot. Unfortunately, it started pouring midway through. By the time I reached the new Hair and Beauty by Hummingbird, I was very tardy and my hair was sopping wet.

“Your punishment for being late,” boomed creative director Tom Yuen, a coy smile on his face, “is a shampooing and a foot soak … AT THE SAME TIME.”

I could’ve kissed him.

Earlier this year Hummingbird opened up The Wellness Spa, also in Central Park. Many questioned the Singaporean owner’s decision, pointing out she might cannibalize her business. Turns out May Cheng had other plans in store. Two months ago she converted the original location into a hair salon, adding barber chairs and styling rooms, and putting celebrity hairdresser Tom Yuen (formerly of Cut Uncut) at the helm.

The benefit of getting your hair washed at a former spa is that the technicians know exactly what they’re doing. I received the best head massage of my life. No cold ceramic sinks against your neck or unskilled hands kneading your forehead; instead, you get invigorating rubs all the way down to your shoulders.

Once back in the hot seat, Tom surveyed my hair. I had never felt more comfortable and more assured of a hairdresser’s skill in China – and that is in half part due to his reputation, the other half due to the fact that he speaks perfect English. Tom carved out his name abroad by styling actors from Omar Sharif to Jane Seymour, and has been locally dubbed “Beijing Scissorhands” by his clients.

So when he advised me to leave my hair long, as it’s top-heavy and wavy, of course I agreed. For my ultra-dry and damaged locks, he prescribed a caviar conditioning treatment, which his attendants slicked onto my mane and left under a hood dryer for about half an hour.

Finally he returned, wielding his scissors with flair, confidence and a smile. With total concentration, he snipped and shaped. The whole cutting process took less than 15 minutes.

My tresses had never looked sleeker, felt softer or smelled better. Expats who are scared of getting your hair cut in Beijing, we've found your antidote.

Haircuts and styling start from RMB 320. Make an appointment by calling 6597 9119 (English/Chinese).

Also try: Catherine de France, Eric Paris Salon

Hair and Beauty by Hummingbird
 Daily 10am-8pm. Unit 103, Bldg 3, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6597 9119)
 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城国际3号楼103

Photos: Courtesy of Hummingbird Salon

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xueer's picture xueer Submitted by Guest on Wed, 08/01/2012 - 17:36

Well said Chuncky.

The topic of conversation is in the title of the article! If you don't want to read a review about a salon then just.. don't read it! It's that simple!

I've always been confused about readers who read an article for free, at their own free will, and then complain about it.

chuncky's picture chuncky Submitted by Guest on Tue, 07/31/2012 - 21:44

Elitism my arse, it's a bloody haircut.

Yes, there are obviously more pressing matters in the world but this is the Beijinger. It's an expat magazine and website that reviews and suggests places and events for it's readers. It is the 'AUTHOUR's (she has a name by the way) job to write about salons etc. If you want so-called "substance" why don't you go else where?

By the way, next time to feel just have to voice your opinion, try to sand down that chip on your shoulder first.

Jog on love.

jadarite's picture jadarite Submitted by Guest on Tue, 07/31/2012 - 18:34

Who cares about this article? I understand Beijing and Shanghai are threshold points for the rich and elite evian water drinkers.

However, normal people living day in and day out lives don't worry about haircut issues as much. It's as if the writer is making themselves a celebrity, someone with mucho bucks and an inconvenienced by reducing the time of their haircut session.

What? Starbucks isn't satisfying you these days with these gouging prices? You want to look elite and be superior?

Try going to a family run shop.

Yea, I know it is hard for you AUTHOR.

Who are you AUTHOR? Are you really concerned about your daily haircut needs or writing a SUN TIMES article to get some points instead.

I think I caught you in the corner. Let's see you write something of substance next time. Forget the elitism. Talk about something interesting next time.

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