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The first one was Yan Jun, a very nice hairdresser who works for Toni & Guy hair salon in Parkland. Yan Jun has finished Toni & Guy hairdresser school in Hong Kong, worked in Japan for 6 years and is now a leading master in the salon. He uses three different brands for dying hair blonde: Wella, L’oreal and Paul Mitchell, which are specially designed for Western hair. According to salon’s price list, coloring costs about 580-880 RMB depending on the length of the hair. Doing highlights is around 580-980 RMB, and more difficult two-color dying is around 880 – 1280 RMB. Understanding customer service well, Yan Jun usually offers a 10% discount for your next visit, or at least a voucher for a free shampoo/conditioner treatment.

I found him through Heidi Thornberry, a gorgeous woman who moved to Dalian last year with her family. This is what she told me about Yan Jun: “One of my many concerns about moving to China was that I would have to sacrifice my blonde hair and become a brunette! And I did do just that after arriving last year. Needless to say, it didn't suite me. I spoke with some ladies who live in the same building as I do who said they go to T & G, and he can color us blonde gals. So I gave it a whirl. I have been making the trip downtown every 9 weeks (Heidi lives in DDA) to get my blonde locks colored just right. It has been worth it! The salon is clean, Yan Jun and his assistants are friendly, Yan Jun can speak English, there is music playing in the background, and I feel comfortable there. I am happy that I don’t have to take the time to get my hair done while visiting home, which frees up more time to spend with my family. It is nice to have found Yan Jun in Dalian and I can continue being a blonde!” Another master I found was CK, who used to work for Esprit Hair salon when it was open. He is now free lancing. CK is very popular with expat women and families in the Dalian Development Area. He is also famous with residents of the Dalian American International School Campus Village in Golden Pebble Beach Area, as he is very mobile and travels to your home to give haircuts or dye your hair. He actually spends whole Sundays on the campus as he usually gets a full day of appointments there. CK also uses Wella and L’oreal for dying hair blonde, as well as professional bleach for those who need it. His price range is from 400 RMB to 600 RMB, and can get a little higher depending on the complexity of dying or if he has to travel far. He usually asks his clients to call him one day in advance to book an appointment.