8 people with great hair share how much they spend at the hairdressers
IMAGE VIA @michellebanares/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
“I have an idea of what I want and the team there builds on that concept. Every time I’ve gotten my hair done there it’s turned out better than I would’ve imagined.”
Avoiding that horrible, tear-jerking feeling of hating a new hairdo but having to pay an arm and a leg for it can be challenging. Finding the right hairdresser to work within your budget can be an even more difficult task.
Having seriously neglected my hair since returning from overseas, I’m on the hunt for a special someone to entrust with my precious follicles at a price that works for me and my dwindling savings.
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To help you (and I) avoid a disappointing hair appointment, I asked some of our favourite creators (whose hair I’m frankly obsessed with) where they go and how much they typically spend.
Elsa Rae, she/her, content producer
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This might sound bad but I’m a disloyal hair customer! I kind of shop around and like to try new places. I really haven’t solidified any one salon that holds my heart (just yet). I normally get a scalp bleach to retouch my roots to a bright blonde.
On average my root touch-up scalp bleach sits at around $300. It’s definitely a considerable amount to spend every six weeks or so, but for me, it’s 100 per cent worth it. I love my blonde and I feel like it’s such a big part of my personal style, so I don’t mind spending too much on it!
Coco Star Sims, she/her, tattoo artist
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Madison by Madison Finn [is where I go]. Madison[‘s] salon is very colourful and fun. Her assistants Caitlin and Rose are the best! They are all so lovely and professional. I like that I can just let Madison go for it and trust that she will come up with something special. She is very talented. Thank you Madison, Caitlin and Rose! I get my hair cut, bleached and coloured and Madison charges $400 to $500 for cut and colour. It is currently affordable for me.
Cindy, she/her, model
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I’ve been getting my hair done by Tenielle at Academie Salon in Annandale and it’s been awesome! She’s able to keep my hair looking platinum blonde while keeping it healthy. Usually, I get bleach, tone and bonding treatment done. I’ve got this arrangement with them where they take care of my hair, and in exchange, they book me for photoshoots and I don’t charge them. It’s been awesome and I feel super lucky to have it.
Michelle Banares, she/her, content creator and creative
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In Melbourne, it has always been Elly (@ellyhairpaynter if you want to give her work a fun little stalk!). She’s located in South Yarra and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m very selective with who I let touch my hair and Elly just knows! If you’re looking for a colourist who loves to experiment with colour, style and cut, she is the one to go to.
For the past few visits, we’ve been experimenting and playing around with copper. Elly just knows how to do colour so well that I trust her with the outcome. For the cut, we love playing around with the layers… which I love for face-framing! Funnily enough, as I write this out, I’m sitting in her chair tomorrow and we’re actually doing something major. I’m lucky enough to work alongside Elly and we keep my visits as low-key as possible. So, I’ll only come see her if I’ve got a big event (like PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival) otherwise I’m seeing her every three to four months a year.
Nikki Chen, she/her, PR and social media assistant
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I’ve recently started going to Stache in Brunswick. I’m obsessed with the space and the people and the hair! What I love most about the Stache experience is that it always feels like a creative collaboration. I have an idea of what I want and the team there builds on that concept. Every time I’ve gotten my hair done there it’s turned out better than I would’ve imagined.
I’ve been loving colour lately. In my recent visit, I had grown out brown hair but wanted to go a coppery shade. I ended up getting bright copper on top and a plum layer and halo underneath. I’m obsessed! [It costs me around $300 to $400] but [it] depends on what I’m getting done! It’s definitely something I have to budget around, but I’m honestly happy to save up if it means I can get my hair done somewhere I trust. I also love what Stache stands for – they’re the first carbon-neutral salon in Melbourne. For me, it feels great to get my hair done knowing that I’m also being environmentally respectful.
Lucinda McGarrity, she/her, project manager and digital creator
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I go to Donna Sheridan for cuts and have recently started seeing Elly Paynter for colour. I really appreciate their laidback approach to hair, ensuring it’s low maintenance and wearable, whilst still creating a look that’s elevated and cool. The most valuable trait I seek in a hairdresser (and something both hairdressers have) is someone that is willing to tell me ‘no’. I’m sure a lot of us are guilty of showing our stylist inspiration pics of someone with a completely different hair type to us and being left disappointed with the outcome. Finding a hairdresser that is prepared to tell you that and workshop something else through with you is so important to me.
For a haircut, I get a fringe trim and layers… I don’t usually take much off the length. For colour, I get a full head of balayage. It may sound counterproductive but for colour to appear natural/seamless, you often have to get more done. I like my colour to be super subtle, essentially an elevated version of my natural colour. For cuts, I spend $150, and colour is usually around $400.
Colour especially is something I set some money aside for, however, as someone who has been dying their hair for nearly a decade, I know that going to a good hairdresser and spending a little more on the visit will actually mean I don’t have to go as often. I think it’s also important to note that I do invest in good quality haircare products which have been the biggest game changer for my hair and [they help] extend the life of my colour. I usually spend $40 each for a bottle [of] shampoo or conditioner.
Bianca Beers, she/her, artist, designer and content creator
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I get my hair done at Wildlife in Milsons Point! I love it, they’re a great team that really makes you feel welcome, the cuts are amazing and the location is beautiful. I have short hair, so I tend to change my cuts a lot. I usually get some type of styled cut (as opposed to a trim). I spend $180, which is a lot for short hair because it grows back so fast. But I tend to wait at least six weeks as opposed to four. I only pay for things I can afford but it still smarts a little!
Jaida White, she/her, fashion model and stylist
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I get my hair done [by] Amanda Tua Hair. It’s amazing! She’s become one of my good friends and it’s just such a relaxing and comforting experience. I got a gloss to make my hair a dark brown almost black colour but I change my hair constantly. I was red before this! I spend $200 per appointment. This is affordable for my lifestyle as I don’t go in very often.
For advice on how to find a good hairdresser, head here.
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