Overview
Some treat their hair like a creative expression, others wear it like a security blanket. From bold, experimental studios to esteemed celebrity-approved salons, Melbourne's hairdressers make the case for both.
Excellent salons are everywhere, but some spaces offer specialised services. A Hawthorn-based colourist is known for taking Asian hair blonde, and there's a studio offering African-style braids. For glossy refreshes that won't blow the budget, head to a Southeast suburb.
Sure, you could always go the DIY route, but nothing beats that million-dollar feeling after a salon-grade hair transformation — even if it's just a fresh blowout. Here are 18 of the best hair salons in Melbourne (and barbershops, too) to book into.
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Saka Hair Studio, Brunswick West
Saka opened in 2017, when founder Aggy Saka transitioned her home-based operation into a brick shopfront in Brunswick West. From natural hairstyles to a menu of braids, cornrows and weaves, all types of "curly, coily and kinky" hair are cared for.
Spot Saka's work in music videos from local artistes like Zambian singers Sampa the Great and Mwanje, hip-hop duo Remi and dance-pop artist Akosia.
612B Moreland Road
Stache Hair Salon, Brunswick East
The Troye Sivan-approved salon is a museum of face-framing layers, and that's because it embraces natural hair. With tools from custom stainless steel carts, the Stache's effortlessly cool stylists shape waves and texture into hairstyles that turn heads – ponytails can be donated to wig-makers after the cut. The business is also zero-carbon and proud.
1/158 Lygon Street
Berry Hair, Abbotsford
Want to support a socially-conscious business? Berry's stylists offer free haircuts to refugees and asylum seekers – customers can 'pay it forward' to the cause. Every haircut here comes with a free fringe trim redeemable within two months of the visit, and you can sneak in a 15-minute scalp massage and mask for extra self-care.
344 Johnston Street
Everyday Salon, Brunswick
As its name suggests, Stache's sibling is dedicated to everyday hair colours. The approach is "natural and minimal", but never boring — just take it from this fabulously wearable copper ombre. Just kick back with a glass from local winery Noisy Ritual and let the stylists work their magic.
169 Sydney Road
Tom Zappala Haircutting, Collingwood
Tom Zappala's studio is a rare pull in Melbourne: there are no photos of his work anywhere. It's a safe space for women who have complicated relationships with their hair. With over 35 years of haircutting experience (and curly hair himself), Tom provides intelligent and long-lasting solutions that cut through the marketing tactics aimed at so-called challenging hair types.
Level 1/94 Smith St
Frankie Salon, Richmond and South Yarra
Frankie's Richmond salon fits right into the architectural Jacques building, and its second outpost is just as charming. Tucked into South Yarra's backstreets, the shop has been a quiet fixture of the neighbourhood through its many lives — it was originally a butcher, then an art gallery and another hair boutique.
Frankie carries that legacy forward with the top-notch service that has made it the highest-reviewed salon in Melbourne.
4 Dyer Street, Richmond, and 3 Powell Street, South Yarra
GAG Hairdressing, Fitzroy
All that matters is that you "feel and look hot and sexy" at this cheeky studio. The feeling may manifest as a baby pink strip, a severe bleach blonde bob, or a spin on the Y2K raccoon tail look. The team of creative stylists are pros at bringing wacky visions to life with Wella products — though you can argue that it's Nugget, the resident chihuahua, who really runs the place.
236 Brunswick Street
S&J Glamz, Springvale
A treasure trove of food and shopping, Springvale is also home to a number of wallet-friendly hairdressers. Backed by five-star Google Reviews, S&J Glamz keeps balayage, ombre, colour correction and playful "fashion colours" under $150; foils and toner start at $89. After, head up to VK Shoes, a viral shoe store for deadstock vintage.
66 View Road
Madison's World, North Melbourne
Made from real hair, Madison's dyed key rings capture the essence of her world: fun, fashionable and slightly outrageous. Enter for vibrant cuts and colours by four experienced stylists, including Frank, the co-founder of FUR Hairdressing.
506 Queensberry Street
By Vanessa, Hawthorn
Lightening Asian hair is tricky. It's prone to brassiness, and a misstep (or several) can lead to damage and even major breakage. Shade specialist Vanessa has a knack for lifting and toning Asian locks into low-maintenance blondes and light browns that grow out beautifully.
432 Burwood Road
EdwardsandCo, Fitzroy and Prahran
Sydney-born EdwardsandCo is probably Australia's biggest salon. Both Melbourne outposts, one on each side of the Yarra, are housed in sunny, industrial-chic warehouses. From creamy blonde shades, lacquered brunette tones and bronde hybrids for the indecisive, the hairdresser has earned cult status for its high-quality natural 'dos.
230 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, and 26 Saint Edmonds Road, Prahran
Joey Scandizzo, South Yarra
Housed in a 19th-century building with a gorgeous black facade, Joey Scandizzo Salon is a legendary Toorak Road fixture. Joey prioritises individualised care over trends, which is why tastemakers trust him; he's styled the likes of Anna Wintour's sharp bob, Paris Hilton's bleach-blonde head and Solange Knowles' natural curls. If you're prepping for a red carpet moment, first-timers get $25 off the service of their choosing.
168 Toorak Road
Charlene Fernandez, Armadale
If Charlene Fernandez can be trusted with Gigi Hadid's golden tresses at New York Fashion Week, there's a high chance she can be trusted with your locks, too. You can access her expert hairdressing at Reign Salon, a warm and inclusive retreat that merges hair and wellness. Rounded furniture and architecture welcome feminine energy into the space, and a girl-power playlist plays in the background. Pop in for your hair appointment, then stay for a massage or somatic healing facial.
1256 High Street
Cream, Fitzroy
On the first floor of the original Fitzroy Post Office is Cream Melbourne. Owners Lee Scott and Richard Tucker have been serving the eclectic Fitzroy community for the past 20 years with an effective ethos: 'Let's make it work'. Come prepared with inspiration. Nothing's too crazy; the insanely talented team once dyed sakura flowers onto a buzzcut.
296 Brunswick Street
Heading Out, Fitzroy and Balwyn North
Heading Out? You might want to drop by this Fitzroy hair salon for a boost of colour (particularly reds and blondes) or extensions, but it doesn't stop at the hair on your head. Heading Out takes care of brows and lashes (bleach, lift, tint, and lamination services are all on the table) and removes fuzz with sugaring or waxing. With resident makeup and nail artists in the salon, you can step out completely gussied up.
225 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, and 74 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North
Area Studio, Melbourne CBD
A clean cut is the equivalent of a flawless eyeliner wing. Housed in a residential building on Franklin Street, Area is one of the best hair salons in Melbourne for very short (like, close to the scalp short) styles. From mod-ish crops to cheeky mullets, these barbers execute precision crops with edge and intent.
257 Franklin Street
Telleish Hair Studio, South Melbourne
Tucked within the backstreets of South Melbourne is Telleish, a contemporary hair studio with a '70s New York loft vibe. As one of the best blonde hair salons in Melbourne, you can count on the colourists here to nail that trending niche shade Like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-esque buttery locks, or a lived-in blonde as we transition into the colder months.
89 Gladstone Street
Co-Studio, Collingwood
Co-Studio aims to break from the mould of traditional hair salons and foster collaboration between hair professionals. The co-working salon was launched by hair colourist Ellen Does Hair in 2020, and it's currently shared between a lash tech, a cosmetic tattooist and two hairdressers — Asha works magic with textured hair and Sharne Rizzo specialises in low-maintenance balayage.
159 Johnston Street
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