By Mei Kuan
Located along Jalan Theatre, Team Florence Hair Design is a unisex hair salon established in 2002.
Upon entering the space with a burnt orange and mustard yellow colour palette, one would be greeted by an eye-catching gallery wall displaying pictures of milestones, artistic hair expressions and visits from celebrities like Hong Kong-based actress, Angie Cheong Wai-Yee.
Welcoming you would either be Florence Siew, the owner or Bee Ng, a long-serving right-hand person to Florence. The ever amiable duo is always spotted in the most trendy garb and hairstyles so you know you are in good hands.
Keeping their prices the same as before MCO (as displayed proudly on a signboard), the salon has regular customers of all ethnicities and ages including one-month old babies getting their first haircut.
The services offered are hair wash, blow, cut, colour, perm, straightening, treatment and highlight among others.
The Ipoh girl with over 30 years of experience explained, “Most of the customers especially like to perm and highlight their hair with us. The type of perm available here, which I named the ‘water perm’, is less drying for the tresses as it makes use of steam and requires less rinsing throughout the process. Our salon makes use of the signature products of various established haircare brands which we have personally tried and tested to ensure each is suitable and effective.”
She had worked in Singapore for about 7 years prior to establishing Team Florence.
“Like a designer, I’m happiest when I create an image that is well-loved by the customers. Having been working in this field for so long, making profits is secondary to creating successful transformation for clients,” she enthused.
Florence also provides make-up services in-house. Meanwhile, her equally talented daughter, Joey Chun offers the ultimate convenience of having expert makeup artists come directly to your home.
Crowned as Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen International in 2018, Joey shared with Ipoh Echo, “Makeup is a passion of mine since the age of 18. I started off by doing makeup for film shoots and productions. For instance, I worked on the set of Marco Polo, an American drama web television series by Netflix, which was filmed in Johor. There, I got to work with famous Hollywood celebrities makeup artists and special-effect makeup artists. Currently, my forte is bridal makeup and hair styling.”
Based in Kuala Lumpur, she runs a freelance makeup service with her partner, Gabriel Cheah. Thus, booking in advance is required especially for interested Ipohites.
When asked what motivates her to keep doing what she is doing, she expressed, “The best part of my job is post-makeup, when the beautiful transformation boosts someone’s confidence. As I also conduct personal makeup classes, it gives me joy when participants learn of the right use for relevant products and sport their new looks proudly.”
Team Florence Hair Design is located at 79, Jalan Theatre, 30300 Ipoh, Perak. Operating from 10am till 6pm (close on Sunday), readers can call 05 2422782 for further inquiries. Check out their Facebook and Instagram as well!
Meanwhile, Joey can be reached on Facebook (Makeup By Joey Chun) and Instagram (makeupbyjoeychun). Plus, one can contact her at 012 4876299.
Recently, Joey and Gabriel worked their makeover magic on the younger Ipoh Echo crew including this scribe and the first-hand reviews are as follows:
“My experience with Joey was a pleasant one. She was very patient while working on my face and mostly left me to my own devices while she worked, which I really appreciated. It was also good to know that she disinfects her brushes between each of her clients and uses disposable applicators where possible. Joey gave me a look that I was admittedly not too used to as I do not usually wear makeup, but I liked the way she styled my hair. The way she added volume through natural curls is perhaps something I should consider learning for myself. It was overall a painless, professional procedure and a new experience. Florence and her team had also been very gracious and welcoming when we visited. I would recommend their services for those who’d like to change up their looks but have no idea where to begin.”
Jia Huey
“On my first visit, I found them a ton of fun to be around as they took care to listen to my wishes and were always warm. Therefore, I was totally at ease from the very beginning of the makeover. Besides attention to detail, they have a keen eye for colour and current trends to complement one’s complexion. Plus, they take great pride in their work. The outcome of hair and makeup was lovely. Needless to say, I would choose them again and again!”
Mei Kuan
“It was an eye-opening experience, for I’ve never done full face makeup. I was curious and nervous, but it turned out great. It’s a new look that I never thought I’d try. Might even start putting on makeup now! Having my eyebrows shaved for the first time was indeed exciting. I was worried that the makeup artist might accidentally shave my skin (don’t worry, Gabriel didn’t). Not only did he delicately shape my eyebrows, but he also made sure I was not in any pain. I went back for a haircut which was done by Florence herself. As she was cutting my hair, she shared some helpful insights on hair care. It didn’t take her long to trim my hair. I was so happy with the result! I’m glad to have the opportunity to work with Team Florence.”
Gisele Soo
