Tired of overpriced salons in Orchard or Bugis? Planning a short trip to Johor Bahru and thinking of getting a trim or colour while you’re at it? You’re not alone. Every week, hundreds of Singaporeans cross over via the Woodlands Checkpoint, many with one goal in mind: affordable, high-quality hair services near KSL City Mall.
But with so hair salon in JB, how do you choose the right salon—especially if you only have a few hours before heading back across the causeway? Let’s cut through the fluff.
Why Singaporeans Swear by KSL Hair Salons
Price: Haircuts start from RM60, which is less than SGD20—less than half of what you’d pay in Singapore.
Skill: Many stylists in JB are trained by Korean or Japanese academies.
Speed: Most services are walk-in friendly, especially on weekdays.
Products: Premium brands like L’Oréal, Shiseido, and Goldwell are standard.
So the real question isn’t whether JB salons are good—it’s which one is worth your time?
How We Evaluated Hair Salons Around KSL JB
To answer this, we compared 7 of the most-reviewed salons within walking or driving distance from KSL. Each was rated based on:
| Criteria | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Singaporean Reviews | 30% |
| Price Transparency | 20% |
| Stylist Skill & Trend Knowledge | 20% |
| Location Convenience | 15% |
| Interior & Cleanliness | 10% |
| Customer Service | 5% |
One salon stood out across every metric.
Top Pick: REDS Hair Salon KSL @ KSL City Mall
“Clean, professional, and no upselling nonsense. I walked in with brassy hair and left with the exact ash brown I asked for—RM188 with treatment. Worth every sen.”
— Jolene Y., Singapore (Google Review)
Location: L1-122, Level 1, KSL City Mall, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone: 011-8888 7643
What Makes REDS Stand Out?
Transparent pricing: RM60+ for men’s cuts, RM138+ for colouring, RM198+ for perms.
No hard-selling: You won’t get bombarded with product pushes.
Multi-lingual staff: English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese.
Popular with Singaporeans: Over 400+ five-star reviews, many specifically mention travel from Singapore.
Trendy techniques: Korean wave perms, balayage, organic colourings all available.
Best Days to Go?
Monday to Thursday, 11am–3pm. You’ll skip both the salon crowd and the causeway jam.
What Hair Services Are Most Booked by Singaporeans?
Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 most requested services at salons near KSL:
| Service | Avg. Price (RM) | Avg. Time | Popular With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Wave Perm | RM198++ | 2–3 hrs | Women 25–40 |
| Men’s Cut & Style | RM60++ | 30–45 mins | All ages |
| Balayage Hair Colour | RM238++ | 3–4 hrs | Women 20–35 |
| Root Touch-Up | RM120++ | 1.5 hrs | Women 35+ |
| Scalp Treatment | RM180++ | 1 hr | Men & Women |
💬 “Most Singaporeans ask for perm or colour packages. They love the ash, beige, and mocha tones,” says senior stylist Lynn at REDS Hair Salon.
Other Notable Hair Salons Near KSL JB
While REDS is our top pick, a few others are worth considering if slots are full:
1. Kim Hair Studio @ Taman Century
5 min walk from KSL
Known for budget-friendly Korean styles
Price: RM48+ for men’s cut, RM160+ for digital perm
2. JY Hair Studio @ Plaza Sentosa
7 min drive from KSL
Trusted for precision colour correction
Price: RM188+ for balayage
3. Hair Atelier @ Holiday Plaza
3 min drive from KSL
Popular with JB locals and expats
RM80+ for cuts, RM220+ for perms
❗Tip: Always WhatsApp or call ahead—even if walk-ins are allowed.
H2O or REDS? The Debate Among JB Regulars
If you’ve been in JB beauty groups, you’ll notice the constant REDS vs H2O debate. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | REDS Hair Salon | H2O Hair Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside KSL Mall | 5-min drive away |
| Popular With | Singapore tourists | Singapore locals |
| Haircut Price (M) | RM60++ | RM55++ |
| Specialty | Korean & Organic | Bleaching & Tone |
| Atmosphere | Chic, clean | Industrial, edgy |
Our take? REDS wins for first-timers who want a clean, professional experience inside KSL. H2O is great for returning customers with specific colour requests.
What Should I Know Before Booking a JB Hair Appointment?
Do I need to make a booking?
Not always. But weekends and public holidays get busy fast. Call or message ahead on WhatsApp if you can.
Is tipping expected?
It’s optional in JB. Most Singaporeans tip RM5–RM10 for longer services.
Can I pay in SGD?
Some salons accept SGD cash, but the rate is usually unfavourable. Best to use RM or e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go or GrabPay.
Will the stylist speak English?
Most salons near KSL cater to Singaporeans and have English-speaking staff.
Is parking easy at KSL?
Yes, there’s an underground carpark. First 2 hours are around RM2.
Final Verdict: Where’s the Best Hair Salon Near KSL JB for Singaporeans?
REDS Hair Salon at KSL City Mall ticks every box for cross-border travellers:
Convenient location inside the mall
Transparent pricing
High service quality
No gimmicks or hidden charges
Whether you’re just across the causeway for a weekend or planning monthly beauty trips to JB, REDS offers the best balance between value, quality, and ease.
“Why pay SGD200 in Tanjong Pagar when you can get the same results in JB for less than half the price?” — Michelle T., regular REDS customer from Bukit Timah
Get Your Hair Done Right—Without Breaking the Bank
The next time you’re headed to JB, don’t just shop or eat—treat your hair too. Just make sure you pick the right salon. And when in doubt? Go REDS.
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