Do we really need to convince you why you should indulge in a spa treatment, amazing facial or relaxing massage? While some women’s pregnancy glow is enough to light up the room, for others the combination of weight gain and wardrobe shrink – not to mention tired, aching muscles, unexplained crying and constant nausea – is enough to leave even the most swanky types feeling like a bare-foot, hair-rollered trip to the 7-Eleven is completely acceptable. If you’re inching towards the latter end of the scale, it might be time to invest in a little self-love to help you back to human.
PS Feeling too tired to leave the house? Check out our little black book of mobile hair and beauty services in Singapore!
While everyone has their own opinion on what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to beauty treatments during pregnancy, we’ve compiled a list of some of the basics both you and your baby will love.
Prenatal massage in Singapore – the best part of pregnancy!
Why go? Good for circulation, aching backs and muscles, relaxation and just plain feeling good.
Why not? Most venues won’t offer massage before 12 weeks, and some won’t go past 32. Make sure you find one with a qualified prenatal masseuse who will make sure you’re positioned either sitting or on your side and knows to avoid any no-go pressure points.
So SPA Sentosa
For a real escape, head to Sentosa for a Mummy-to-be Cocoon Massage (second trimester only) then make a day of it by the pool, $180++ for 60 minutes.
SO SPA Sentosa, The Singapore Resort and Spa Sentosa, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa 099891, p. 6371 1288.
Beauty Mums & Babies by Bodywork Clinic
A rare mother-and-baby dedicated service that takes your confidence in prenatal massage to a whole new level (from week 25). $150+ for 60 minutes; home massage also available.
Beauty Mums & Babies, 290 Orchard Rd, #14-11/12 Paragon, Singapore 238859, p. 6235 0688.
Remède Spa
Prenatal bliss ($190++ for 60 minutes) conveniently located at the start of the shopping belt should you feel up to making the most of your new glow afterwards.
Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247911, p. 6506 6896.
Hair salon – if your hair looks good enough, no one will notice your outfit.
Why go? Hormones can make your hair grow thick and fast.
Why not? The same hormones can also stop colour taking as evenly as it usually would. Also, the smell – if you’re worried about chemicals, opt for highlights or balayage styles where the colour won’t touch your scalp. Or forego the colour treatments altogether and get a good old cut and blow-dry to leave you feeling fab.
Organic Hair Professional
Products are ammonia-free (meaning less smell) but still contain other chemicals. Try the oxygen scalp treatment for $108 for something different.
Organic Hair Professional, Block 1, Tanjong Pagar Plaza, No. 1-14, Singapore 082001, p. 6410 9373.
Fox Studio
Their Aveda product range is as close to natural as you can find, meaning fewer chemicals for you (and a better outcome for the environment – we’re all about feeling good, right?). Cut and blow dry options from $75 or try one of their Aveda Botanical Therapy rituals from $95.
Fox Studio, 111 Somerset Road, #01-01 B/C, Tripleone Somerset, Singapore 238164, p. 6235 7733.
Ecorganics
This salon’s raison d’être is low-allergen products – Simply Organic, and Australian range Original & Mineral fit the bill. A wash, cut and colour starts at $25; treatments start from $40.
Ecorganics, 1 Thomson Ridge, Singapore 574633, p. 6556 0521.
Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore
Facials – to bring back your glow
Why go? Hormones again – this time making you look like a teenager. And for the absolute, eyes-closed downtime.
Why not? Skin can be uber-sensitive during pregnancy, so choose the more relaxing options over deep extraction techniques. Ask for less abrasive products and try to avoid anything containing beta-hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.
Pure Tincture
A skin diagnosis will determine the best facial for you on the day; a Jasmin Vitalising Facial is $130 for 60 minutes.
Pure Tincture, 1 Coleman Street, #B1-10 The Adelphi, 179803, p. 6337 6411.
Auriga Spa
100 percent natural products by The Organic Pharmacy and absolutely indulgent surroundings. Go for the day or try their signature Rose Crystal facial, $170++ for 60 minutes.
Auriga Spa, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa 098297 p. 6591 5023.
The Tamarind Spa
Their Calming Sensitive Facial uses Babor products for super-sensitive skin. From $98 for 60 minutes.
The Tamarind Spa, 8A Kensington Park Rd, Serangoon Gardens Estate, Singapore 557260, p. 6285 2696.
Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore
Mani/pedis – for when none of your other accessories match (or fit)
Why go? You can’t reach your own toes.
Why not? The fumes can get pretty toxic, especially in salons that do acrylics. Try and find well-ventilated salons (ask for a mask if you feel safer) and limit the number you have if you’re concerned about the chemicals in the polish and remover. To be really safe, skip the massage to avoid pressing on labour-inducing acupressure points around your thumbs and ankles.
Remède Spa
Skip the varnish and let Bastien Gonzalez’s signature treatment bring your nails to a natural shine using mother-of-pearl. Manicure/pedicure $285 for 75 minutes – ridiculously expensive, yes, but trust us when we say we’ve tried it and it was worth it.
Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911, p. 6506 6896.
Hollywood Secrets
Their oversized chairs can accommodate both you and your mini-person in comfort – and their attention to detail on your nails means you can sit back and enjoy both the chairs and the experience. Combined mani/pedi from $52.
Hollywood Secrets, 1 Greendale Avenue, Singapore 289495, p. 6734 7517.
Buff and Rubz
For colour that lasts and staff that seem to care about your nails as much as you do.
Buff and Rubz, 7 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238215, p. 6884 6080.
Lead image: Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore
