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Koinonia Salon @ Tiong Bahru

Where To Find Them

"Praise Him for He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Ecclesiastes
3:11

Overview

New Instagrammable salon alert!

While cafe-hopping in the quaint and hipster Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, we stumbled across this new pastelicious shop in Blk 71. At first, we thought that it looked like a cafe from the outside but upon further inspection, realized that it is actually a hair salon!

Curious, we walked in and found an absolutely gorgeous salon with so many rustic touches everywhere that we can't stop snapping photos.

We must have been too distracted by the decor that we didn't immediately recognize the salon. It was only after we saw Shua that we realize that this isn't any new salon but the famed Koinonia Salon, previously located at Pacific Plaza!

Koinonia is founded by Shua, a Top Korean Hairstylist best known for her Korean-style haircuts, volume rebonding and perms. Aside from the many positive reviews that speak about how she manages to tame even the toughest of hair textures, Shua has been invited to share at hair seminars and conferences due to her high level of skill.

Just like how Shua transformed the shop from an aging hardware store to the homely and nostalgic salon that balances the old and new perfectly, Shua is hoping to bring out everyone's inner beauty with a customized hair service that is perfectly suited to them; this time, with a younger but still highly experienced stylist team to deliver a personalized experience.The entire experience begins from with staff greeting your name even before you say hi... because they already have your seat ready way before your appointment time.

Then, a detailed consultation follows where stylists take extra effort to listen to your preferences and understand your personality before designing your final hairstyle. They don't brush off your concerns but genuinely think about how they can accommodate your requests with a hairstyle that best suits you.

Thanks to the small touches here and there, we feel heard and especially pampered here at Koinonia.

Perhaps because of that, the end result is unsurprisingly, on point and very easy to manage. If you need some recommendations on what to try, Tokio de Sinka volume rebonding and haircuts are among the most popular here!

Overall, Koinonia is an Instagram-worthy salon that doesn't just look good, it delivers a memorable personalized hair experience that make you want to come back again and again for their awesome haircuts, volume rebonding and perms!

P.S. Aside from their Korean-style haircut and perms, Koinonia is also very popular for their ammonia-free hair colour Colour Herbe that achieves very good white hair coverage!

Featured In

* Student (local institutions only) Haircut & Chemical Services - 10% discount (Senior Stylist) * Add on services - 1 step hair/scalp treatment - $30~$50 * All Prices Quoted are in Singapore Dollars

Loves

  • Natural Low-damage Korean-Style Volume Rebonding and Perm
  • Charming, Rustic and Homely decor that ignites nostalgia within us and looks simply gorgeous!
  • The founders are very generous Christians who abide by a strong set of Christian principles in the way they run the salon, but don't worry, they don't evangelize or share the gospel actively here. Instead, they welcome people of all faiths and make sure that all customers are comfortable.
  • All stylists here have more than 10 years of experience and are genuinely very helpful and giving people
  • Personalized experience starting from preparation of each seat by name
  • Lots of personal space for each customer
  • Salon gives off a very restful vibe that allows us to completely relax within
  • The salon even has a play area for children at the back
  • Not difficult to find parking
  • Founders are very friendly and would not hesitate to recommend great restaurants and shops in the Tiong Bahru area
  • Stylists themselves are treated with respect so you won't see gossiping or negative behaviours among the stylists here.

Not-So-Happy-With

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Not the cheapest hair salon out there
  • 10 minutes walk to Tiong Bahru MRT
  • Tiong Bahru is a pretty popular place so traffic may be a little much at times.

What Other People Say

Loving It
27
Happy
So-so
1
Discontented
Disappointed

Yan Yin

March 22, 2021

Chill and relax Salon

Review for Shinice

I had a good experience here with Shinice. Good service and very professional hairstylist. Salon very comfortable and cosy.Definitely will back again ????

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Jolene

February 04, 2021

Thank you

Review for Shinice

Always having very pleasant experiences. Never have any negative experiences from all the past 3 hair appointments I had there. Extremely clean area and always greeted very warmly upon my entrance and seated almost immediately. Upon knowing that I didn't have my breakfast and it was almost lunch time, Shinice was kind enough to ask if I am hungry and bought me a slice of cake to fill my tummy. Thanks for making my hair looks healthier and nicer, Shinice (: May the Lord continue to bless you richly!

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Oscar

June 30, 2020

Excellent service and hair cut/treatment! shinice was patient in explaining my hair issues and discussed with me on the look I wanted. Pricing was also transparent. Will recommend

Review for Shinice

Excellent service and hair cut/treatment! shinice was patient in explaining my hair issues and discussed with me on the look I wanted. Pricing was also transparent. Will recommend

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Ryel

February 24, 2020

I always have a very superb experience each time i visit..

Review for Shinice

I always come out very happy and contented with all the service .. shinice is very kind accommodating and accomplished.. she knows what she is doing and also what i want even when i don’t specifically tell her what i want .. love her .. will definitely comeback .. Kudos and Me will be forever grateful.

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MDM HO

February 23, 2020

makeup and hairstyle

Review for Shinice

i loved the makeup Shinice did for me. she is a careful makeup artist. shinice was communicate well with me before making decision. comfortable environment and kindness boss. thank you koinonia

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Amely

February 23, 2020

Bridal makeup and hairstyling

Review for Shinice

Experience makeup artist and hairstylist. Nice ambience and friendly staff The makeup and hairstyle match with my wedding gown. Thank You and Awesome!!?

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Geok Lem

January 14, 2020

Pleasantly surprised

Review for Shinice

As a Singaporean who’s worked away for 10+ years and finding a stylist you can trust after not knowing for so many years is not an easy task and quite daunting, it’s can be a hit or a miss. Shinice has made my 3 experiences very pleasant. Thank you.

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Selvi

December 30, 2019

Excellent Service

Review for Shinice

From the moment I stepped in, I was made to feel very welcome. My stylist Shinice spent time to go through with me on what I wanted and walked me through the process, which made me very assured. On top of the impeccable service, my hair turned out better than expected. Thank you Shinice, for working your magic!

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Alexander Teo

December 16, 2019

Excellent

Review for Shinice

As I was only free after 6:30, I had to call in to make an appointment that was beyond the last appointment timing. It was really nice that Shinice took up the appointment timing despite having to OT, and I really appreciate it her for going the extra mile. I bleached my hair 3 times before dying my hair Ash grey. Although Shinice warned me several times about my scalp hurting, it did not hurt throughout the process as she did it with tremendous amount of care. Furthermore, she constantly checks in to ensure that I was not in any discomfort which shows their concern. It was a lengthy process but it was definitely worth the money and time as the end result surpass my expectations. Would recommend anyone that appreciate good service and professionalism.

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JOANNA

December 16, 2019

Great hair, chat, and ambience!

Had a haircut w Shinice- curled and trimmed. Shinice was friendly, and skilful! Haircut was good & made better w small personal touches- with my name and Korean green tea on the counter, their remembering my last cut, and also the lovely ambience music, colours and wall props. Would recommend to anyone looking for a stylish cut and a place to rest. It doesn’t disappoint (:

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carmen

September 13, 2019

Haircut

Great service offered with lovely atmosphere? Nice to have a great hair cut who is very good at her professional. Really pleased with my style and did exactly what I wanted and really made a difference to my hair, thanks alot❤️

 

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John

May 24, 2019

Sincere Service and a Rare Talent from Taiwan

Review for Elin

Elin Chang has been my hairstylist for couple years for a good reason. She produced consistency in quality hairstyling and proved to be a stayer if you desire 1 that you want to go back to. Talented in her cuts and also able to offer suggestions with calculated risks and a stylish finesse with a cool subtlety. Highly recommended too if you're like a cozy environment in Tiong Bahru that makes you feel at home!

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Vee Lee

May 24, 2019

Finally a salon with skilled stylists that can replicate what I envisioned

Review for Elin

23rd May 2019. Just (finally) got my hair done today at Koinonia hair salon. It’s my second time here, actually. First time was by chance, as I happen to live nearby in the vicinity. As a busy mom with a million errands and chores to tend to, I appreciate somewhere convenient. My first time at this quaint salon in The eclectic Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, I had my hair cut my one of their senior stylist- Elin. She’s a Taiwanese, based in Singapore. Now, I am very particular about how my hair is cut, because the styles I like (French/European romantic vintage but effortless) are not commonly sought after in Singapore, where stylists and clients usually go for Korean or Japanese looks. So, armed with a few screenshots of my ideal hairstyles, I showed Elin. She patiently talked me through the styles to know more, and also my lifestyle and habits (lazy, no or low maintenance haha!) so as to give me the cut that suits my life and face shape. This, she did splendidly and I was happy with the shoulder length lob cut and French style vintage curtain fringe. How do I know it was a good cut? Well, cuz my hair still looks great grown out after 3 months, albeit longer and slightly heavier. The shape is still there and I’m not hating it. So fast forward a few months (busy mom here) and I’m back at this salon. Itching for a change and perm (I’ve always loved curls since my youth). So, once again, with my trusty photo references.. I showed Elin what I would like to have, but also want what works for my face shape, while being easy to style and maintain (I’m hopeless with hair styling). It’s a tall order, but Elin reassured me that she will try her best to replicate my wishes. I did a digital ceramic perm, had my hair trimmed and extra weight snipped off for airy (but not wispy) curls, and she included a treatment while perming my hair. I also permed my fringe for volume and to save me from trying to get the curls right when at home. The end result- A head of romantic medium to loose curls and waves, with the tricky French wave 60s curtain fringe that I love! Not frizzy, not wispy, very vintage (my vibe) and still pretty. It was spot on and I couldn’t be happier. And because of the treatment, my hair feels super soft too, despite the perming procedure. Price wise, I would say this salon is on the pricier side (comparable with the more upscale salons in prime town mall and CBD locations) but they are well worth it, if you appreciate good haircuts and quality treatments. So cost per wear is actually ok, if like me, you don’t visit the salon very often due to busy schedule. That being said, they run regular monthly promotions and also quick to respond to appointments and queries over SMS and email. I’ve used a $20 voucher (that I got last time) for my second visit and it was my stylist who kindly reminded me I could use that. After my perm, Elin also showed me how to style my hair after washing, so I can replicate and do it myself. I had a go at it too, hands on.. so that I know what to do when on my own. (We’ve all been there- coming out of salon with fabulously-styled hair, only to have “meh” style because we don’t know how to do it like the stylist did for us at salon haha) Conclusion: This eclectic salon has wonderful and calming ambience, very Instagrammable, cozy yet you feel relaxed due to its layout and bright airy natural light streaming in through the ceiling windows at parts of the salon. Tastefully decorated too, like visiting a very hip and quirky creative director’s home. More importantly, beyond the facade.. the skills and quality of service of the hairstylists at this salon speaks for itself. They are a bunch with heart, not eyes on money.. which is something we can all appreciate. Happy to have finally found a go-to salon after years of hapless searching, trial and error. Bonus for me- it’s so near where I live ;) Sincerely, Vee. (Note: I’m not in any way paid, affiliated or sponsored to do this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own, thank you very much)

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Te ling Chang

March 16, 2019

Great service and super cozy environment

Review for Elin

Elin Chang和 老闆的服務極佳。 從一開始很熱情歡迎我,到討論頭髮造型都給予很周到的建議。 非常推薦大家來這裡剪髮,環境也很舒適!適合待上一個下午來做一個新造型!

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Fiona Lee

March 15, 2019

Quality perm

Review for Elin

Very good customer service and the perm was exactly what I had requested for

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Shen

March 09, 2019

讓死掉的頭髮 起死回生

Review for Elin

感謝Elin 把我從地獄拉回人間 她把我被燙壞的頭髮 重拾生命 選對髮型設計師 很重要 很重要 從此以後 我只相信她弄我的頭髮

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Wang Yi Lin

March 02, 2019

Starring, delightful experience

Review for Shua Cho

I’ve been visiting Koinonia since the old location back then at Pacific Plaza. Gladly, have not changed the salon at all because in all trust and faith, especially when I know my hair and the condition (thick, natural ‘stubborn’ curls) can be a not-easy, challenging feat to manage or on any hairdo change, until I met one of the stylists, Shua Cho (I call her Shua), following on. Been a huge fan of her:) Shua is very down to earth personality, isn’t hard not noticing this sense of humble in the salon despite the accumulating professionalism backgrounds (Toni & Guy as one, as we chatted). Used to share with Shua and discuss together the type of hairstyle that i will like to. Conventional it would have been and having heard positive reviews of my hair (volume rebonding) from friends at each visit (e.g. easy to manage day-to-day, beautiful curls etc), legit not (going) to change. For the past rounds of visit, guards have been off, knowing that my hair have all along great care by her. The entrust of hair to Shua for the design of new styles and looks, she pulls them off well! Got really excited, anxious for each of my visit thereafter, yay. As I’m writing, shared this anecdote. I chose and fixed the month end for salon visit, after Shua’s full slots this weekend (2nd Mar, my original intent). My surprise, I got able to when one of her clients’ rearrange of later. Thank you Shua, this attentive, kind gesture. It is this heartwarming as well that I like about her, and every reason for my come back to this salon time and again. Very cool team she has too.

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Sharmini D Raman

February 19, 2019

A hairstylist that is passionate at her job.

Review for Shua Cho

I’ve been seeing Shua for years.... and i have never been dissatisfied or disappointed at all. I followed her when she moved from her previous location to her (even though its further from home for me) because she and her team of hairstylists are professionals who understands your hair, its texture. She advices accordingly. My hair has natural curls that sadly doesn’t curl in a good way, and it doesn’t help that I’ve fine hair. She listens to what you want, and if there is anything that she thinks the hair can’t handle, she will highlight those concerns to you. She is very passionate in her profession. She is an honest and kind, straightforward person. Shua has many years of experience and it shows. Thank you Koinonia Salon and thank you Shua.

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Jean

July 28, 2018

Amazing care and service

Review for Shua Cho

Shua is a wonderful hairstylist and she gives much attention, patience and care. She always understands what I want and suggests great ideas for colouring and style. Highly recommend!

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Jane Tor

July 19, 2018

A salon that combines expertise and passion

Review for Sarah Kim

I love the set up of the salon. The decor is tastefully done, everything from the furniture to the lights seem carefully handpicked. When you come in they offer tea, coffee or any beverage, and they're always making sure you're comfortable! Sarah was my hair stylist and she spent 8 hours over 2 days painting every strand of my hair until it was what I wanted. She was patient and very meticulous, and dyed my hair as if it were an art piece. She's warm and friendly, and her techniques are of a experienced professional.

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Diana Lee

July 18, 2018

Patient, Excellent and professional service rendered!

Review for Sarah Kim

I went to Koinonia Salon and was greeted with a great smile by Sarah! The salon ambience makes you feel homely and welcomed! Sarah takes effort in understanding what you are looking out for and would provide her recommendations as a professional! She is always sincere in what she recommends and constantly check on us to ensure that we are happy with her recommendation. Needless to say, sincerity and professionalism plays the greatest role in making the entire experience with Koinonia Salon a great one! I would highly recommend because every penny spent is worth when you walk out feeling good and happy!

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Jane Tor

July 18, 2018

Sarah rocks!

Review for Sarah Kim

Sarah dyed my hair the exact way I requested for it. She spent 8 hours over 2 days patiently painting every strand of my hair. I loved it. She also did my hair for a Gala dinner, it was quickly done and just the way I needed it to be! She's the best!

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Ang

January 18, 2015

Got ripped off

Had a haircut, perm, and Mucota & Demi hair treatment done. Turned out fine. Staff was friendly.

Only caveat: double check the price of your procedures before starting. I got charged $400 for doing a perm on "extra long hair" (the longest strands of my hair barely grazes the top edge of my bra strap). This doesn't coincide with the latest price list (as of this posting) they have available on their Facebook page, which states that a perm for extra long hair costs 300 bucks. Additionally, I was denied a student discount as I study in an overseas university. My dear, what is the logic behind this policy? Even if I study in a university overseas, I still do not have my own income. Whatever resource I have is finite. If a student discount has been made available to attract new customers in hopes of retaining them beyond school and after graduation when they are working adults, why does it matter where I school? Moreover, competing salons I've been to previously have accepted my student ID without question. Thus, I easily could have gotten similar results elsewhere for cheaper. TLDR; Got ripped off. Will definitely not return.

 

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Dear Ang,

Thank you for trying out Koinonia Hair Salon!

We are glad to note that you are happy with our service and the outcome for your hair.

We note your feedback on the pricing and would like to clarify a little further.If we haven't gotten the wrong person, your visit was on 18 Jan 2015 for a Cut, Demi 4 Steps treatment and Digital Perm. The Cut was $85.The Hair Treatment was : $153 (15% OFF – Jan Promotion)

Digital Perm : $360 (10% OFF)

The perm price of $360 is higher than the suggested price reference on Facebook because of the hair condition before the perm. During the pre-service consultation, our stylists found that your hair was very long, thick and frizzy. In order for us to do a good job and not overprocess damaged areas, we had to do the chemical treatment in various stages. As the length of time taken to perm your hair was longer than usual, we had to charge a little more than the price reference of $300. We apologize if there was any misunderstanding on the price reference published on Facebook as it was meant more as a reference than an absolute maximum. We will definitely be more careful about our communications on Facebook in the future!

As for the student policy, we are sorry to say that the Management has decided to offer the discounts only to students from specified educational institutions for now. However, we will keep in mind your suggestion on expanding to other institutions if we review the policy in the future. Thank you for your feedback! 

Warm Regards,

Team of Koinonia Salon

Jan 20, 2015
 
N

NULL

Registered User

Maty

March 04, 2014

Excellent service throughout the experience

Review for Shua Cho

I just had the most wonderful experience at this salon. Staff are all attentive and efficient. Shua treated my hair and gave me the most wonderful cut and digiperm. When I was researching, I found that this is one of the few salons offering Mucota hair treatments, which I have tried before and my hair just loved. This treatment leaves my hair healthy for months in between treatments. Shua was the best! She really listens and tries to understand what I wanted and gave me more than what I expected. Excellent service through and through; and I will definitely go back! No hard selling of any kind and focus is on style and the HEALTH of your hair. Highly recommended!

 

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Eileen

January 28, 2014

Very friendly, personable and professional!

Review for Shua Cho

Chose Shua, who is the director to cut my hair.

She is very friendly, personable and professional! She is extremely skilled in hair cutting and listens patiently to her customers which I really appreciate. During our discussion, she gave me many advise on how to transform my hair so that it looks less frizzy. At the end of my haircut, she even style my hair and show me how volume rebonding will roughly look like on my hair. Really love the effect of it! I would definitely recommend Shua! Even though I just got a hair cut (not much change) because my hair was naturally quite frizzy and the change cannot be too dramatic, but I can feel that she really wants to make a change to my current hairstyle. I'm definitely going back to this salon if I want a change to my hair. Nonetheless, the price was an issue for me because it is quite expensive compared to the salons that I visited, but you really paid for what you get!

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Joelle

December 22, 2013

Loving the neatness & curls at the end

Cynthia Wong tames / styles my difficult to manage hair really well. It used to be a dreaded routine to straighten my hair. I've tried so many stylists that either makes me sit in that chair for half a day & / or makes my hair become really dry & tangled that I almost regret having my hair done.

Cynthia is truly amazing. Be it straightening or organic coloring, 2.5 hrs is all it takes to produce the result I want. Plus after the session, my hair is so soft, it makes me look forward to all my hair styling sessions. Recently, I've gotten my hair, volume rebonded. It's the in thing in town now. Loving the neatness & curls at the end. So natural :) What's more, she spends time understanding to create the hairstyle I like when I do have 1 in mind. Even if I don't, she recommends something that suits me.

No more cringing for half a day ever since.

Highly recommended, Cynthia my trusted hair stylist.

 

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eugenia

October 15, 2013

Definitely wont regret it

Review for Shua Cho

shua is hands down, the best hair stylist I ever had (and trust me, i've been to a lot). she is not only extremely skilled in hair cutting and styling techniques but also has an extremely good eye for what would suit your skin colour and face shape. she listens patiently to what you want before making her recommendations with detailed explanations so you understand why. she is not pushy and respects your ultimate decision and makes the best of it. what I admire most about her is that she is genuinely motivated by a great sense of pride in what she does. so yes, her charges might be a little on the high side for some people, but you definitely wont regret it. you get what you paid for.

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Kim

September 14, 2013

Very personable, charming and friendly

Review for Shua Cho

Shua, the salon director , is a very personable, charming and friendly lady who listens to your preference patiently and then offers very insightful advice regarding your hair texture and the best styles that become you. She patiently shows you the different hair styles in her iPad and recommends styles suitable to each individual person. When I went back for a second time a few days later to trim the back of my hair, she willing obliged me and served me very graciously and gave me a very good fitting cut. She had initially suggested that I trimmed the back of my hair shorter.

Also her assistant gave me a very relaxing head massage when washing my hair. The service that they offer is above par as everyone of the staff was very friendly, polite and professional.

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