Overview
Where Philippine hair artistry reaches its highest expression.
David's Salon was founded in 1980 by David Cruz, who trained under some of Europe's most celebrated hair artists before returning to Manila to build what would become the country's most influential salon brand. The Premier division, launched in 2008, represents the pinnacle of that four-decade journey.
The Premier salon on Ayala Avenue occupies two floors of a heritage-adjacent building, designed with exposed brick, warm walnut cabinetry, and the kind of lighting that makes every client look like they've just stepped out of a fashion editorial. The team of 35 stylists are individually certified in their specialties — balayage, Japanese straightening, Olaplex bonding, and precision cutting.
The signature "David's Color Session" is a 3-hour immersive experience that begins with a scalp health analysis, moves through custom color formulation, and ends with a styling session that teaches clients how to replicate their look at home. Bridal packages are booked months in advance.
Est. 1980
Vetted
4.7 / 5.0
Signature Services
Precision Cut
60 min
Balayage (Full)
240 min
Olaplex Treatment
90 min
Japanese Straightening
300 min
David's Color Session
180 min
Bridal Package
360 min
Prices are indicative. Contact the establishment for current rates and availability.
Editor's Note
Sofia Reyes, Editorial Director — Manila Beauty Guide
“Ask for Senior Colorist Jana — her balayage work on dark Asian hair is genuinely world-class. Book at least 3 weeks ahead for weekend slots.”
Location
G/F & 2/F, One Ayala Avenue, Makati CBD, Metro Manila
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Editorial Guide
David's Salon Premier is part of Manila's thriving premium hair salon sector — a market that has matured considerably over the past decade, with internationally trained colourists, Sassoon-certified cutters, and specialist extension technicians now operating across BGC, Makati, and Rockwell. The Philippines' hair texture — predominantly medium-to-coarse with natural wave to straight characteristics — requires specific technical expertise, particularly for chemical services like balayage, keratin smoothing, and bleach-based lightening on dark base tones.
Colour services represent the most technically demanding and most sought-after premium services in Manila hair salons. Achieving the lived-in blonde, mushroom brown, and dimensional copper tones popular with Manila clients requires a deep understanding of melanin removal on Filipino hair — a skill that separates average colourists from exceptional ones. When evaluating a salon, ask specifically about the colourist's experience with your target shade on dark natural bases, and request to see their personal portfolio rather than manufacturer marketing materials.
Treatment services have expanded significantly beyond traditional keratin smoothing. Japanese straightening (thermal reconditioning), Brazilian Blowout, and bond-building treatments (Olaplex, K18, Wellaplex) are now widely available. Premium salons use authentic professional-grade products — always confirm the brand and formulation before agreeing to a chemical service, as the Philippine market contains counterfeit professional products that can cause serious damage at salon-tier pricing.
Ask to see the colourist's personal social media portfolio, not the salon's account. Look for examples of their work on dark-base Filipino hair similar to yours. Internationally trained colourists (Sassoon, Wella Master, L'Oréal Professionnel) bring systematic technical grounding.
Professional colour, keratin, and treatment products should come in professional-grade packaging with proper labelling. Ask about the specific product brand for any chemical service. Authentic Olaplex, K18, Redken, and Wella Professional products have consistent pricing — unusually cheap chemical services often indicate diluted or substitute products.
Any reputable colourist will perform a strand test before applying bleach or permanent colour to assess hair porosity, elasticity, and likely colour outcome. Refusing a strand test or dismissing the request is a red flag for inexperience.
A quality colourist provides specific at-home care recommendations matched to your service — colour-protecting shampoo, bond-strengthening treatments, appropriate wash frequency. Generic or absent aftercare guidance suggests the technician is more focused on throughput than outcome longevity.
Full balayage at a premium BGC or Makati salon ranges from ₱5,500 to ₱18,000 depending on hair length, technique complexity, and the colourist's experience tier. Packages including toning, glossing, and treatment are typically ₱9,000–₱22,000. Prices significantly below ₱5,000 for a full balayage at a premium salon should prompt questions about product quality and colourist experience.
Quality keratin smoothing treatments (Cadiveu, Brazilian Blowout, GKhair) are generally safe for Filipino hair and very effective at managing frizz and reducing styling time. Key safety considerations: formaldehyde content should be disclosed (formaldehyde-free formulas are safer for sensitive individuals), and the treatment requires a 2–3 day wash-free period post-application. Brazilian Blowout is not suitable during pregnancy.
Balayage on dark Filipino hair typically maintains its dimensional effect for 3–5 months before visible regrowth softening. Because balayage is designed to grow out naturally, it requires less frequent touch-ups than traditional highlights. Bond-building treatments (Olaplex) during and after colour application significantly extend the quality of the colour between salon visits.
Ask for the specific colourist or cutter who will service you (not just a general booking), request to see their personal portfolio, confirm the product brand for any chemical service, inquire about their experience with your specific hair texture and target result, and ask whether a consultation is included. Reputable salons welcome these questions; evasive responses are a warning sign.
Editorial Note
Your hair is a long-term investment — choosing the right salon and technician protects both your hair health and your budget over time. Take the time to evaluate properly before the first appointment.
Editorial Evaluation
Personally evaluated by our Editorial Director across practitioner qualification, treatment quality, facility standard, and service culture.
Quick Info
Area
Makati CBD
Price Range
₱₱
Hours
Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone
+63 2 8818 1600
@davidssalonph
Website
davidssalon.com
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