Cosmetology in Singapore

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments to the skin, hair, and nails. It includes skincare, skin analysis, hair styling, cosmetics, manicure/pedicures, chemical hair treatment, non-permanent hair removal (such as sugaring and waxing), and permanent hair removal (such as electrology and intense pulsed light). Cosmetologists can also perform relaxation techniques, aromatherapies, reflexology, expert makeup applications, and theatrical applications.

Cosmetologists can be divided into several specialties, including hair color specialists, barber, skin care consultants, or more technical professions, such as Aestheticians who are licensed professionals who focus on treating skin-related issues, such as acne, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation. They are also trained to perform technical procedures, such as microdermabrasion, cosmetic electrotherapy treatments (galvanic current, high frequency), mechanical massage (g8 vibratory ad vacuum), ultrasound/ultrasonic treatments (low level), and microcurrent (also referred to as nonsurgical “facelifts). Aestheticians who undergo special training may be able to offer permanent makeup applications, laser hair removal, light chemical peels, microblading, electrology, and eyelash extensions as well.

How Long Should I Stay in Singapore?

After cosmetology procedures, you should be able to leave the cosmetologist office on the same day. You may even be allowed to leave for home during the same day of your cosmetology procedure. However, since some of the procedures, such as microdermabrasion, require several sessions you may want to stay in Singapore until your whole treatment plan is completed. Your medical travel team should be able to advise you on this matter. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most cosmetology procedures require little to no downtime and you should be able to go back to work immediately unless your cosmetologist says otherwise. You may experience some temporary side effects, but usually, nothing that requires bed rest. 

What Aftercare is Required? 

The aftercare will be different, depending on the type of procedure you underwent. In general, you need to take care of the area of skin where the procedure took place. For instance, you may need to stay out of the sun, use a rich moisturizer, avoid makeup, and keep yourself hydrated after microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and chemical peels. To maintain the results of your cosmetology procedure, you may need a touch up once or twice a year, depending on the treatment you undergo.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of cosmetology largely depends on the skills of your cosmetologist. However, given the advances in technology and understanding of the skin, nail, and hair, cosmetology procedures offer a high success rate and most people are satisfied with the results they get. Since almost all cosmetology procedures are noninvasive, the risks are also minimal. Some temporary side effects may include minor pain, discomfort, redness, and swelling. Rare, complications include infections, allergic reactions, burns, and severe pain. The key to avoiding these complications is to follow all instructions your cosmetologist gives you and also ensure that your cosmetologist is certified or licensed.

Are there Alternatives?

Alternatives to cosmetology depend on the type of procedure you underwent. If you go to a cosmetologist for a microcurrent to get a younger appearance, you can consider the surgical alternative to the procedure, which is a facelift. If you seek a cosmetologist help to regrow your thinning hair, you can get a hair transplant as the surgical alternative.

Cosmetology in and around Singapore

About Singapore

Singapore is a small, yet beautiful island city-state in South East Asia. The country's growth and prosperity in terms of infrastructure and economy are astounding and Singapore is affluent and tax-friendly and its GDP is on par with developed European nations.

Singapore is a global center for education, technology, tourism, trade, logistics, and healthcare. Medical expenses in Singapore are expensive when compared to Thailand and India. Yet, the country attracts medical tourists with its cleanliness, world-class medical infrastructure, and facilities. A C-section will cost anywhere between $6,048 and $11,267 in Singapore. Hip replacements can cost around $8,550-$12,850 and breast lump removal will cost you $5,459-$10,700 including a private room.

The country has 15 JCI accredited hospitals and medical centers, which offer a variety of services from orthopedics, dermatology, dental, cardiology, ophthalmology, and cosmetic procedures to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. English-speaking medical professionals are extremely skilled and experienced. The hospitals in Singapore have access to cutting edge technologies and it is the best country to treat life-threatening, complex conditions.

It is advisable for medical tourists to have an International Health Insurance Plan to cover surgical costs. Most of the reputed hospitals in Singapore will only admit foreign patients with health insurance.

Medical care in Singapore is not just about getting preventive care and treatments for medical conditions that one may have. Some of the health care centers in Singapore are super luxurious and you can even order your food and shop using wireless tablets provided and make use of the nearby spas. Popular Hospitals and Clinics are the Farrer Park Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Thomson Medical Centre.

Popular parts of Singapore

Singapore is home to over 5.5 million people and its cultural diversity is displayed in the extensive ethnic cuisine and major festivals. Singapore ranks number ten in the world for skyscrapers.

• Sentosa: Each of Sentosa’s three beaches: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong—hold their own unique charms. Palawan beach’s islets and playgrounds are great spaces for families to unwind. Resorts World Sentosa is home to several amazing experiences. Take a movie-themed ride at Universal Studios Singapore, or immerse yourself in aquatic adventures at the S.E.A. Aquarium.
• Marina Bay: If you wish to explore the extravagant side of Singapore, visit the stunning, Marina Bay. The Nightlife is amazing with glittering lights, glitzy rooftop bars, and restaurants. Marina Bay is the central and the busiest district of Singapore.
• Chinatown: You can experience an impressive blend of traditional and modern Singapore in Chinatown. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums and plenty of opportunities to soak up the busy streets which are full of old shophouses. It is the perfect location for traditional cuisine and you will be spoilt for choice.
• Orchard: The 2 km long Orchard Road is a shopper’s paradise as you will find large shopping malls and designer’s stores. Singapore’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Botanical Garden lies at the corner of Orchard Road.
• Joo Chiat: This neighborhood is more residential and you will find an amazing range of housing options.
• Little India: is the center of the Indian community within Singapore and is filled with multicolored shop-houses that line the streets, and various mosques and temples, and enjoy the aromas that infuse the night air when the demand for food is at its peak.

Weather and Climate in Singapore

Singapore lies close to the equator in the Southern Hemisphere. The island country has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year which has led to a steady inflow of tourists all year round.

Singapore receives an annual rainfall of 2430 mm. An average of 167 days receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Two different monsoons: Northeast (December to March) and Southwest monsoon (May to September) accounts for the rainfall. Thunderstorms are quite common during the Southwest monsoon.

The average temperature is 31°C during the day. It is most likely that the temperature can drop to 19°C during the hours of darkness.

Getting around in Singapore

Rated as the world's best airport by Skytrax, Singapore Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in the World. The airport serves around 100 airlines, flying to 400 cities across 100 countries. You can hire a taxi or use the MRT to reach downtown Singapore.

The transport system is efficient due to the systematic and comprehensive network of roadways. The Land Transport Authority controls private vehicles and minimizes traffic congestion. Some of the common forms of transportation are:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT has a total of five lines. You can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass or EZ Link card which allows you to use the railways any number of times for two or three days. A single journey costs 0.58 USD and a train arrives every 2-3 minutes during the peak hours.
• Public buses: There are over 300 public buses to serve the locals and tourists and bus fares range from 0.58 USD to 2.07 USD.
• Taxis: are widespread in Singapore and are less expensive and metered. It can cost you 2.63 USD per km.
• Water taxis: Will take you across the beautiful River Singapore. You can visit a few tourist spots via water taxis and view the downtown from a different angle. A single journey will cost 5 USD.

Tourist Visa in Singapore

Citizens of India, China and Russia require a valid tourist visa to enter the territory of Singapore. The visa processing time is just 5 days and it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You are allowed to stay here for a maximum of 30 days.

People from the European Union, US, Norway, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand can enter and stay for 90 days in Singapore visa-free.

Additional Information

1. Singapore dollar (S$) is the official currency of Singapore. 1 USD is equivalent to 1.36 Singapore dollars.
2. You can find ATMs close to banks, shopping malls and almost every tourist location. You can also pay by using credit and debit cards.
3. Malay is the national language of Singapore. Mandarin, English, Malay, and Tamil are the four other official languages of the country. So, almost all the locals are fluent in English.
4. Singapore is home to 10 religions. 33% of the total population practice Buddhism, followed by Christianity and Islam.
5. New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, Labour’s day, Good Friday, Deepavali, Vesak day, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas are some of the public holidays in Singapore.