A stylish hair cut that suits your face, colouring, personality and lifestyle is a major boost to your confidence.
If you’ve ever been to a hair salon that doesn’t cut it, you’ll understand the importance of choosing a skilled and experienced stylist who will make you look amazing. But with so many hair salons in Canberra, how do you know which one to choose?
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a hair salon, and share where to find the best in Canberra
What makes a great hair salon?
Choosing the right hair salon will get you the best cut and colour and take the stress out of worrying about how you’ll look. The stylists at the best hair salons will advise you on the best shape and colour for your hair.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a hair salon.
- Experience. Great hair salons have fully trained and experienced stylists who know how to achieve a look that flatters your features. They also have strong support staff who keep the salon running smoothly.
- Reputation. One way to gauge the quality of a salon is to read their website to see what credentials they hold, whether they’ve won awards and how long they’ve been in business. You can also check out reviews online.
- Price. You’ll want to choose a hair salon that suits your budget and gives you value-for-money.
- Technique. The best hair salons are skilled at cutting, colouring and styling, so you don’t have to head to multiple places to look fabulous.
- Hygiene. You’ll want a salon with excellent hygiene practices – one that is neat, tidy and super clean.
The best hair salons in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Franco of Canberra Hair Salon
Ever evolving and always delivering, Franco’s has been in business since 1956. Stylists work closely with clients to achieve their vision. The salon’s mission is to provide an open and ever-changing space in which stylists, artists and clients can work together to create not just better hair, but an overall better sense of purpose, self-worth and personal accomplishment.
Damian Lockett wrote on Google, “Wonderful salon, with very friendly staff. I had a very, very good haircut from Juan, who introduced the razor haircut. I can highly recommend Franco’s. ”
Antics Hair
Antics Hair focuses on cutting, colouring and styling, starting with excellent and realistic consultations. Indeed, the team at this highly regarded salon, believes consultation sparks the imagination and enables clients to get the style and haircut they’re looking for.
On Google, Jelena Milicevic wrote, “The ANTICS team are FABO and make you feel amazing inside and out. The extra touches and ambient is first class. I highly recommend!”
Shine Hairdressing
At the new location in Franklin, Emily and her team of exceptional hairdressers enjoy producing the best salon experience for all clients. With a focus on finer details and personalised services, the coffee you drink will be exactly how you like it.
Facebook reviewer Olivia says, “I love this salon and all the staff that work there. The wonderful team at Shine have been keeping my hair beautiful for the past 10 years.”
Axis Hairdressing
Axis Hairdressing strives to take the hairdressing experience to another level. Specialising in trendy to corporate styles, Axis caters to all types of clients.
On Google, Melissa Grinlinton wrote, “I called first thing on a Saturday morning following a hair disaster at another salon and Axis made the time to see me that day, came up with a plan to salvage my hair, had me booked in the following week to fix it, and sent me home with great advice …”
Off London
One of Canberra’s top ranked salons, Off London has been cutting and colouring hair since 1999. This leading salon has an energetic vibe and a reputation for delivering fashion-forward designs in a personalised, friendly atmosphere. To stay on top of market trends and techniques, Off London’s stylists continually upskill through training programs.
On RiotAct, Larissa wrote, “Off London is hands down, no debate, THE most pleasing hair experience!”
Anton's Hair Studio
Recognised in the hairdressing industry for more than 40 years, Anton’s Hair Studio is known for contemporary hair designs or the latest fashion styles. The salon has won a large number of industry awards and accolades for their cutting and colouring.
Ingrid Cucchi wrote on Google, “Have been coming to Anton’s for nearly 20 years – love the family, love the service, love the great hair styles. I always walk out feeling a million dollars and cared about.”
La Bimbi Canberra
For over 16 years Gess Mazis and her award-winning team have been cutting, styling and colouring the hair of the Canberra region. Gess encourages ongoing training to allow herself and staff to reach their full potential, allowing customers to reap the benefits.
Facebook reviewer Pat says, “Amazing service, price AND result! 100% happy!”
Cataldo's Salon
Cataldo’s, a multi award-winning hair salon established in 1965, is visionary in approach and attitude. The salon is inspired by the world’s dynamic fashion industry and committed to the perfect style for each and every client. The team of stylists believes hair is and individual statement, a form of expression, style and art.
Alexsandra Patrizi wrote on Google, “Always a lovely experience with a great crew! Professional, quick, a nice chat and a coffee/tea. I love having my hair cut!”
Rare Hair
Rare Hair’s precision styling works with the natural fall of each client’s hair, the shape of their face, their lifestyle and fashion sense. Cutting and colouring services are offered in a boutique environment. Rare is owned by Adam Noble, the only Canberran to have won the title “Australian Hairdresser of the Year”.
On Facebook, Graham Rendoth wrote, “Best styl’n haircut ever … went in with an old surfie look, thought I’d maybe get close to mid-length Robert De Nero, walked out looking like Steve McQueen!”
If you’re looking for more information on beauty treatments in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best eyelash extension salons, best nail salons and best beauty salons Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with hair salons in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the hair salons listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
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I would’ve thought most of the women who visit this site would just get their mullets done at home.
the hairdresser down at jamison shops is awful and snobby, I can tell you that much.
strange but the best I have found is Nitesh at belconnen.
The Hairdressing in the City. They are in that awful downmarket building St James apartments – but don’t let that put you off. Darren is a brilliant hairdresser. And they’re super friendly, no Attitude. Just don’t let them sell you too much product, the cuts are expensive enough already!
I try not to get my hair cut in Canberra. $80 to cut my hair just isnt juistifiable to me anymore. Ah, the curses of being a female with long hair.
I also go to The. $90 may seem a lot, but my cuts always grow out well, and I still get compliments twelve weeks later.
Edge at O’connor shops is also very good, Sally is an excellent colourist.
I get Pat and Guy to cut my hair at Time Hair Gungahlin.
A fair few of the Raiders go there as well so Pat picks up a lot of good gossip.
If you don’t want anything too fancy-schmancy, I’ve never had a problem with John Brennan Hair at Belco (the one near Westpac). Something like $35 for a women’s cut.
Having been ripped off $190(!!!) for a trim and a touch up on my foils at EPIC in Woden the other week, I’m VERY interested in this…
Cataldo’s. On the expensive side, but definitely not the most expensive in Canberra. They always do a fantastic job on my colour. Mary and Raylene at Woden are lovely.
For a cheap cut though, you can’t beat any of the Just Cuts stores. But you’re definitely getting what you’re paying for (or not paying for :).
I get my hair cut once every year or two, but I like the Ainslie Hair Inn. Reasonable prices, good cuts.
Ora Hair in Woden: they offer a glass of wine or coffee, the best haircut I have ever had, fantastic prices and great people!
Mest in Manuka are great too.
But I second Schmerica’s sentiments – until I moved to Canberra I never realised there could be a 2 week waiting list for the privilege of paying eighty bucks for a haircut.
have to say gianni ciacia is canberra’s best cutter, at his ‘axis’ salon in barry drive. dunno why anyone’d go anywhere else.
must say, it can be devestating when your haircutter leaves you…
i solved the rip off hair cut problem by doing it myself, pretty easy and not actually as bad as I know you are all thinking!
martinos hair for men behind king omalleys in civic.
always an excellent haircut.
i was talked into just cuts ONCE. shocking haircut, which i had to get repaired the next weekend at martinos.
25 bucks for a cut is good as well.
disturbingly i noticed a candle and some zen rocks in there last weekend though.
I wish I could cut my own hair… its just long enough to be awkward.
My big birthday is arriving… I’m turning 21. I desperately need a haircut for my party, so does anyone know of anywhere in Woden that specialises in Womens cuts?
Gianni Ciaccia – AXIS he is molto fresco (very Cool)
Shi in Kingston is the way to go
On the pricey side, but you get what you pay for
Q Hair at Ainslie. They are the best salon I’ve ever found. Great cuts, reasonable prices and good colourists. Plus, they’re all really nice people. That’s important when someone is holding an instrument for spraying hot water right near your face.