Huah Ah: 10 Hair Trends Singaporeans Are Booking This CNY

Key Takeaways

• 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, making fiery reds, copper blondes, and warm gold the most "Huat" colors for high energy.
• Balance missing elements by adding "Water" tones like cool ash, midnight blue, or jet black to stabilize financial luck in 2026.
• CNY Surcharges in Singapore typically range from $10 to $40, starting as early as mid-January, booking early is the safest bet to avoid peak fees.
• Non-bleach alternatives like "Woody Brown" and "Cherry Burgundy" are 2026 favorites for those prioritizing hair health and humidity resistance.
• Hair Botox and Scalp Detox are the trending "reset" treatments to ensure your festive style lasts through the humid visiting period.

With the Year of the Fire Horse arriving on February 17, 2026, Singapore’s top salons are already seeing a surge in bookings. 

This year is defined by intense "Fire" energy, but with "Water" completely missing from the lunar chart, the trend isn't just about looking good, it's about using hair color to balance your luck and survive the February heatwave with proper hair care tips.

Whether you're looking for a "Huat" red to impress your social media feeds or a low-maintenance "lived-in" blonde for the long weekend, here is the definitive guide to what’s trending in Singapore's salons this festive season.

CNY 2026 Salon & Trend Comparison

Trend / Service	Best For	Maintenance	Approx. Price (SGD)
Cyber Copper	High Energy / Bold	High (Toning req.)	$180 - $350
Midnight Blue	Wealth / Calm	Medium	$150 - $280
Cherry Burgundy	No-Bleach / Classy	Low	$120 - $220
Espresso Brown	Low Maintenance	Very Low	$110 - $190
Digital S-Perm	Volume / "Huat"	Medium	$220 - $380
Butterfly Cut	Face-Framing	Low (Style req.)	$60 - $120
Hydro-Bob	Humidity Control	Low	$80 - $150
Hair Botox	Frizz / Damage	Low	$160 - $450
Scalp Detox	Oily Scalp Reset	Low	$80 - $180
Glitter Ext.	Gen-Z / Festive	Very Low	$6 - $15 / strand

1. Copper & Strawberry Blonde

The ultimate 2026 power move for those born in Fire years. Since 2026 is a Fire Horse year, vibrant, warm tones are the primary "energy boosters." Salons are seeing a shift from cool platinums to warm strawberry blondes and Cyber Copper.

 These shades mimic movement and "vibrant chi," which is ideal for career-minded individuals looking to stand out during the reunion dinner circuit.

"For 2026, we are moving away from flat reds. We're using 'Color Melting' to blend deep copper roots into lighter strawberry ends to give the hair dimension that looks liquid under the sun." — Senior Stylist,REDS Hair Salon

2. Midnight Blue & Cool Ash 

Strategic color placement to attract financial flow and calm the fire.

Feng Shui experts note that 2026 lacks the "Water" element, which governs wealth. In Singapore, this translates to a high demand for Cool Ash Browns, Midnight Blues, and Jet Black glosses. 

These "cooling" tones help stabilize the volatile Fire energy of the year, making it a popular choice for those in finance or high-stress corporate roles.

It also looks cool, not a pun at all.

3. Cherry Burgundy (No-Bleach)

A festive favorite that offers a professional look without the damage.

Not everyone wants to spend 6 hours in a chair bleaching their hair and that’s okay.

Cherry Burgundy and Red-Copper Brown are the top no-bleach requests for CNY 2026. 

These shades are highly visible on dark Asian hair and fade gracefully into a natural brown, ensuring you don't look "messy" by the time the Chap Goh Mei (Day 15) rolls around.

4. "Expensive Brunette" with Gold Reflects

A sophisticated, high-shine look for the "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic.

Incorporating Gold (Metal) reflects into a rich chocolate base is a trend for 2026. Metal is the element that "refines" Fire. 

This look is achieved through a high-gloss toner that makes the hair look healthy and "expensive," matching the polished look often seen in the instagram fashion circuit groups.

5. Hair Botox: The Anti-Humidity Shield

The most booked treatment for surviving the CNY visiting heat.

With CNY 2026 falling in mid-February, the humidity is a major threat to any hairstyle. Hair Botox has overtaken traditional Keratin because it’s formaldehyde-free and preserves natural volume while killing 90% of frizz. 

It lasts up to 10 weeks so it's perfect for the entire month of festivities.

• Ideal For: Frizzy, bleached, or thinning hair.
• Price: $200 – $400 depending on hair length.
• Location Note: Highly popular in central salons like Wellaholic or Chez Vous.

6. Scalp Detox & "Snow-Free" Shoulders

Pre-festive maintenance for those wearing dark traditional outfits.

Nothing ruins a new Cheongsam like dandruff.

 With the rise in "Scalp Care is Skincare" awareness, Singaporeans are booking Scalp Detox sessions 1 week before CNY. This treatment removes sebum build-up caused by our tropical climate, ensuring a clean "base" for any festive updo.

7. The Face-Framing "Horse Mane" Layers

A haircut trend focused on movement and "Lived-in" texture.

The 2026 cut is all about Butterfly Layers and Curtain Bangs. 

These styles allow for high movement and are easy to style with a simple Dyson Airwrap or hot brush before heading out for house visits.

8. Emerald Green Accents (Hidden Peek-a-Boo)

The balancing Wood element for steady growth.

For the bold, Emerald Green (Wood) is a lucky color for 2026 that feeds the Fire element. Many are opting for "Peek-a-Boo" highlights or "Ear-loop" colors in deep forest greens, providing a lucky pop of color that can be hidden for work.

9. Soft "Milk Tea" Grey-Brown

The Gen-Z favorite for a soft, aesthetic look.

The Milk Tea trend remains a staple in 2026 but with a "greyer" undertone. 

This neutral palette suits most Singaporean skin tones and works perfectly with the "Emerald and Gold" fashion trends predicted for the year.

10. The 24-Hour "Huat" Perm

Adding volume for a "fuller" and more prosperous appearance.

In local styling culture, flat hair is often seen as lacking presence or vitality. As a result, soft digital perms with natural, bouncy waves are making a strong comeback. 

When styled with a warm brown base, the look feels healthy, abundant, and effortless, offering movement that lasts throughout the day without appearing overly styled.

What Salon-Goers Need to Know Before Booking Your Appointment

To enjoy your festive glow-up without last-minute stress, it helps to plan around peak salon logistics during the CNY period.

• Festive Surcharge Period
  Most salons apply CNY surcharges from 15 January to 15 February 2026, especially well-known chains and premium neighbourhood salons.
  
  
• Expected Surcharge Rates
  Additional fees typically range from $10 to $25 per service. Some higher-end salons apply a flat festive surcharge of 10–20% instead.
  
  
• Booking Cut-Off Reality
  Director-level and senior stylists are often fully booked. Booking later usually means limited time slots or walk-in-only availability at smaller salons.
  
  
• Deposits Are Standard Practice
  During peak weeks, many salons require a $20–$50 deposit via PayNow to confirm your appointment, especially between 1–16 February.

Planning ahead not only saves money, it also gives you better access to experienced stylists and preferred time slots.

Conclusion: Plan Early, Glow Confidently

A great festive hair look is never just about the colour or perm. It comes down to timing, preparation, and how well you care for your hair before and after your salon visit. 

To keep your hair looking fresh, healthy, and camera-ready throughout the CNY period, Top Secret offers a curated range of hair care products designed for coloured, permed, and heat-styled hair. 

From nourishing shampoos to repair treatments, they make it easier to maintain salon results at home.

Here’s wishing you great hair days and a festive season filled with “huat and happy prosperity."

Frequently Asked Questions About Your CNY 2026 Hair Questions Answered

What are the lucky hair colors for 2026?

The 2026 Year of the Fire Horse favors Red, Copper, and Gold (Fire/Metal). However, because Water is missing, Blues and Blacks are highly recommended to balance financial luck.

When should I dye my hair for CNY to make it last?

The "Sweet Spot" is 7 to 10 days before Day 1 (Feb 17). This allows the color to settle and gives you time to do a final "Hair Botox" or treatment for maximum shine on Day 1.

Are there salons in Singapore with no CNY surcharge?

Generally, only "Express" cut franchises (like QB House) or very small neighborhood salons might skip the surcharge. Most full-service salons will have one to cover higher seasonal labor costs.

Can I do Hair Botox and color at the same time?

Yes, but it is recommended to do the color first, followed by the Botox treatment. The treatment seals the cuticle, which actually helps "lock in" your new festive color and prevents fading.

What is the "lucky" haircut for the Year of the Horse?

Styles that emphasize movement and volume (like long layers or bouncy perms) are considered lucky as they represent the active, forward-moving energy of the Horse.

How Do I Avoid "Hot" Scalp During The CNY Period?

Avoid back-to-back chemical services. If you are doing a heavy bleach job, request a scalp protector and follow up with a hydrating scalp mask to counter the February heat.