emmanuel f.: Hong Kong’s luxury, eco-friendly organic hair and beauty sanctuary.

Jun 30

Jun 30 emmanuel f.: Hong Kong’s luxury, eco-friendly organic hair and beauty sanctuary.

Located in the heart of Sheung Wan in The Pemberton, emmanuel f. is a certified organic salon & spa that offers luxury treatments with eco-friendly practices. Since 2003, the salon has been Hong Kong’s first one-stop certified organic hair and beauty concept gaining awards as the Best Eco Salon (2010), Favourite Hair Salon Hong Kong (2018) and Top 5 Hair Salon Hong Kong (2019).

The idea for holistic beauty started when co-founder Emmanuel was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. He reviewed all the potentially toxic chemicals he had been exposed to for years of working in the hair and beauty industry. It was then he decided to make a change and embarked on physical, emotional and spiritual journey that was to have a profound effect on his health, his ethos and his business practices. Not only for himself, but he wanted all his staff and clients to also enjoy the eco-benefits he was benefiting from. After much research, he was able to introduce holistic and eco-conscious professional-grade products into his salon and spa and boutique. All the products emmanuel f. uses are ethically-sourced and is a combination of pure, natural and organic ingredients.

I visited emmanuel f. for a cut and balayage colour and was lucky enough to have my hair done by the Artistic Director himself, Emmanuel. Prior to my arrival I had sent Emmanuel some photos of what I wanted my balayage to look like which already made me feel very comfortable in his hands. What I really appreciated is that instead of just agreeing to it, he was very realistic with me and mentioned depending on my current hair condition and my hair he would see what he could do with this look.

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Upon my arrival at the salon I was shown to my seat in their VIP private room and we discussed what I wanted to achieve today and what was possible with my hair. Emmanuel talked me through the whole process including the colouring products he was going to use. The salon uses Organic Colour Systems, which is long lasting ammonia-free hair colour with certified organic ingredients and 100% natural fragrances. They are made up of 60% organic and 95% naturally derived ingredients. They also are dermatologically tested permanent hair colour, covers grey, cruelty free and even gluten and GMO free! Their care range albeit minimal is very effective, they offer 5 different products catering to every hair type.

*Some of the Organic Colour System products*

I was then taken to get a hair wash in a zen-like starry room with relaxing music which already made me feel extremely relaxed. My hair was almost all one length and feeling and looking very heavy and dead. Emmanuel suggested trimming the length and creating soft layers to refresh my hair, frame my face and bring out the colour we were about to do. After my haircut I could already notice a huge difference. My hair felt lighter and looked immensely better and transformed to say the least - this was the best hair cut I had ever had! I was amazed at how a great haircut could make all the difference and really enhance your features and change up your look.

After that it was time to begin the balayage. I wanted to go to a slight light brown for summer and Emmanuel notified me that he would first make my hair lighter using the balayage technique and if needed, add a toner on top to darken/add a little more ash to the colour depending on my preference. During the balayage, Emmanuel used recyclable paper to secure the layers instead of foil or plastic. All the towels used were also organic cotton and the refreshments were also all natural and organic! The balayage took about 20 minutes and after it was done I was taken to put some heat on it, before having another hair wash. I was also given a colour book to decide if I wanted to go slightly darker or a little more ash. Emmanuel gave me his honest opinion on what he thought would look best for me and we went with making the colour slightly more ash with a toner.

It was then time for my final hair wash. The private hair wash area in the private room allowed me to have full privacy and wind down even more. The hair wash was very relaxing and also included a mini head and neck massage which almost put me to sleep! The level of luxury you feel at emmanuel f. is none like any other as all staff go out of their way to make you feel the most comfortable and pampered. After drying my hair, Emmanuel used a curling tong to create some textured waves to highlight my new colour even more!

My final result was exactly what I wanted but even better. I loved my hair and the whole experience that came with it. Best of all, I was at ease knowing that all the products used on me were organic and that I was not surrounded by any chemicals. This would be a definite recommendation to anyone who is looking to get a haircut, and/or colour service - hands down the best haircut I've ever had and my new favourite colour treatment!

The salon also offers a final touch of make-up after your haircut that features professionally certified organic make-up with products made from 98-100% natural ingredients in sustainable packaging. Along with this, clients can also enjoy the eco Spa which offers an extensive range of facials, massages & body therapies. You can also maximise your time by ‘blending’ hair and spa services – enjoy your facial, massage, waxing, nails and more, while your hair colour or hair treatment is in process!