A curated list of the best hair salons in Sydney
IMAGE VIA SALON HER
WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY
Our favourite hairdressers in Sydney.
When was the last time you got a haircut? Tried a new colour? Took yourself to the salon for a taste of luxury and pampering? When life gets stressful, sitting down for an hour or two and letting an expert play Barbie doll with your hair can be remarkably soothing.
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But finding a hairdresser you can trust with your precious locks can be daunting. So we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most loved salons across Sydney, just for you.
Extra Silky
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Located in the inner west and frequented by some of our favourite Sydney creatives, Extra Silky is a cosy cool salon specialising in up-to-the-minute trend cuts, bold colours and everything a little out of the ordinary. The space and vibe are influenced by the ’90s and Y2K eras, and all pricing is gender-neutral.
426 Parramatta Road, Petersham
Rumbie & Co.
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Rumbie & Co. sets itself apart by zeroing in on curly and afro hair – and doing it very, very well. Stylists are experts in getting curls of all kinds looking their best, as well as helping clients discover their perfect care routine. The salon also offers specialty afro styling, including cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves and wig installation.
Retail One, Ground Floor 130 – 144, Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Amanda Tua Hair
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Originating from New Zealand, Ersikneville-based hairdresser Amanda Tua can do just about anything with your hair. From rainbow colours to bouncy curls and everything in between, Amanda’s top-salon training makes her a versatile hairdresser that will leave you feeling beautiful. She can also perform a tarot reading for you if you’d like a side of spirituality with your hair switch-up.
Shop 3, 654 King Street, Ersikneville
Mousey Browne
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Tara Walker at Mousey Browne specialises in curly and dry hair cutting. Born in 2015, this salon wants you to come in, get your hair professionally done quickly and be on your way feeling fantastic. Mousey Browne is all about low-maintenance, textured hair that’s easy to recreate at home – without all the fuss.
Headcase Hair
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Offering luxury treatment in a freshly renovated, aesthetically drool-worthy salon, Headcase Hair is all about lifting a customer’s confidence through a combination of perfect cuts and expert advice. Directed by leaders in the industry and thoroughly educated in the latest hair trends, the salon’s team of stylists specialise in bespoke colour and precision cutting techniques.
242 Oxford St, Paddington and Shop 4, 91 – 93 Macleay St, Potts Point
Laura Spinney
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Fondly referred to as ‘mullet mummy’, Laura Spinney has hairdressing in her blood – both her mother and godmother owned salons, and she grew up chatting to clients. A favourite of local creatives, she’s got the effortlessly cool mullet, wolf and shag cuts down pat, plus she has a genderless pricing structure (we love).
5/292 King Street, Newtown (enter via Erskinville Street)
Sloans
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Armed with a plethora of industry awards, Sloans is heavily inspired by international catwalk fashion. Stylists are dedicated to bringing a bit of high-fashion glamour into clients’ everyday lives through skilful execution and styles that are at least a season ahead of the curve.
119 Longueville Road, Lane Cove and Shop 3, 141 Walker Street, North Sydney
Shinka
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With branches in both Sydney and Japan, Shinka brings the best Japanese styles and products to our shores. With beautiful interior design, a relaxing atmosphere and the option to book with stylists who speak Japanese or Korean, the team aims to make every visit comfortable and exciting. Specialty services like Japanese straightening and digital perms are also on offer. Shinka has four locations to choose from in Sydney, too.
289 Clarence Street, Sydney
Element Aveda
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Combining hair styling and wellness treatment, Element Aveda uses ethical, plant-based and cruelty-free products from Aveda in all its cut, colour and styling appointments. Every cut is a relaxing, sensory experience and the in-house beauty retreat offers a full spa experience, making this the perfect spot for a ‘treat yourself’ day.
184 Oxford Street, Paddington
Royals
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For creative looks and a fun experience in the chair, visit one of the four Royals locations throughout NSW. Every colour appointment – from natural shades to vibrant, out-there rainbow looks – is treated with maximum care, starting with a comprehensive colour consultation to find the perfect hue that suits your vision. Expert cutting skills, extensive trend knowledge and warm service are all guaranteed. Royals also has salons in Hornsby, Cherrybrook and Brookvale.
Level 2, Shop 361, Castle Towers Shopping Centre
A Loft Story
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When you’re treating yourself to a day of pampering, the environment and vibe are almost as important as the end result. A Loft Story is filled from floor to ceiling with lush, vibrantly green plants. Sit back in the middle of this indoor jungle, let the experts work wonders on your hair and get the most aesthetic after photo possible before you leave.
36 Lennox Street, Newtown
Raw
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A truly great salon will always attract repeat customers, and Raw’s reviews paint a picture of well-earned loyalty. 25 years of operation, more awards than we can count and a creative director with extensive runway and editorial experience means nobody leaves the salon unsatisfied.
100 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Tooth and Nail
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Listing ‘welcoming’ as one of its major values, Tooth and Nail prioritise being gender-neutral and LGBTQ+-friendly. Enjoy a warm vintage aesthetic and the affections of resident pup Brando while you’re treated to a cut, colour or shave. Instead of being dictated by gender, all appointments are priced according to the time you spend in the chair.
373 Enmore Road, Marrickville
Mr Burrows
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The bar-inspired vibe at Mr Burrows is a real treat for the senses. Settle into leather armchairs to get your hair washed, hang out in the upstairs ‘relaxation station’ (complete with cheese boards, wine and the occasional spritz) and leave with the hair of your dreams. As a Sustainable Salons partner, Mr Burrows also works to minimise its environmental footprint at every opportunity.
242 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Academie
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Located in a refurbished 19th-century chapel, Academie combines the look and feel of a hidden gem with an unshakeable reputation that attracts many a local celebrity. Don’t let the salon’s impressive clientele scare you, though. Every customer who walks through the door is treated like a superstar, with the team determined to boost the city’s confidence one cut and colour at a time.
110 Johnston Lane, Annandale
Koda Cutters
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Endlessly cool and fashion-forward, Koda Cutters specialises in editorial-worthy cuts with a recognisable Bondi flair. While the salon is renowned for its focus on texture and volume – and its signature K-Blow Wave – personalised customer care means every client leaves with a new look that’s uniquely them.
Shop 10, Level 1/180-186, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
EdwardsAndCo
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EdwardsandCo is one of Sydney’s most popular – and most acclaimed – hair salons. Its salons are sleek and modern and, led by founder Jaye Edwards, EdwardsAndCo has pioneered a future-proof approach to colour. There are four more locations in Sydney, which you can find here.
Level 1, 586 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Lily Jackson Hair
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Situated in Potts Point, Lily Jackson hairdressers place the client at the centre of their hair ethos. The salon offers a range of hair services, including balayage, unconventional colours and soft, layer-focused cuts. There are also makeup services to choose from, so you can decide which direction you’d like your look to go. For the weary, the salon’s ‘happy hair guarantee’ means if you don’t like your cut, they’ll do it for you again, free of charge – as long as you come back within seven days.
Shop 3/91-93 Macleay Street, Potts Point
Valonz Haircutters
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Valonz hair salon has the contacts you want in your phonebook. One of Sydney’s go-to salons for influencers, editorial teams and fashion people, you can expect a well-polished and on-trend haircut from Valonz. Its loyal clientele attests to the salon’s long-standing presence in the city.
20/22 Elizabeth Street, Paddington
Salon Her
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Founded by leading colour specialist and renowned industry educator Michael Kelly, Darlinghurst-based Salon Her is “devoted to delivering a bespoke, full-service experience”. Aside from styling and cutting, its other areas of expertise include specialised colour and colour correction, and the salon itself is a dreamy, welcoming space packed with warm, autumn colours, Morrocan rugs and leafy potplants.
1/227 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Paloma Salon
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Paddington’s Paloma Salon is a calming presence amongst the inner-city suburbs’ hustle and bustle. Its goal is to bring harmony to hair by focusing on thoughtful, low-maintenance styling that works with your natural texture. The salon also offers a range of educational services to help you go back to basics with styling and maintain some seriously good hair.
320 Oxford Street, Paddington
Salon X by Renaxydis
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Salon X might be the younger sister of Valonz but it packs just as big of a punch. Directed by Rena Xydis, the salon aims to create a boutique experience by offering more editorial-focused styles. Think sharp chin-length bobs, bouncy curls and ultra-vibrant colour. There are also two private beauty parlours at the top of the salon if you want to take the hair and beauty pampering all the way.
86 William Street, Paddington
Usfin Atelier
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Usfin Atelier is a genderless hair salon specialising in bespoke, ready-to-wear cuts for every hair type. Its Instagram is packed with sleek, angular hairstyles, perfectly wispy layers and awe-inspiring colour, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Shop 5, 591 George Street
Audrey & Him
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Located in Newtown, Audrey & Him is a light-filled salon filled with lush plants. The salon’s co-owners, Danielle and Liz, have been friends since high school and worked in an array of salons together before opening up their own space and online reviews rave about the warm, intimate salon experience they’ve created.
281 Australia Street, Newtown
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