Where are the best hair salons in Canberra? Photo: Adam Winger.
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.
Polychroma Hair Colour Specialists
Award-winning Polychroma Hair Colour Specialists is, as its name implies, a premier colour specialist salon. Indeed, ‘polychroma’ means to execute a work of art in several colours.
Experts in all things colour—blondes, brunettes, balayages and brights—Polychroma also provides clients with the best salon experience, in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
Polychroma services clients based on individual needs. Staff are fully trained and experienced in hair colour, hair cutting and hair styling.
The salon’s neutral lighting means clients know that what they see (in the mirror) is what they get. Polychroma has comfortable reclining basin chairs and provides iPads with reading material.
Polychroma is a sustainable salon, aligning with the best hair brands in the market.
Hannah Tonks wrote on Google, “Best in Canberra, hands down. They take the time to hear what you want to achieve , provide their expert knowledge, and then make it so.”
Eden Hair Energy
Eden Hair Energy offers ethical, sustainable hairdressing in the heart of Dickson, DKSN building. Passionate and experienced hair stylists are experts at cuts, colours, styling, treatments (smoothing and perms) and hair extensions. They specialise in blonde and colour correction.
As a sustainable hair salon, Eden Hair Energy focuses on being gentle to both clients and the environment. It recycles up to 95 per cent of salon waste. Eden Hair Energy’s collection of brands and products have been handpicked with a focus on ethical, natural-based products (not tested on animals). All services and take-home care products include vegan options.
Eden Hair Energy’s brands include Davines, Pure Haircare, Vitaplex, NaturalTech, Cezanne and Amazing Hair Australia.
Anna Morrissey wrote on Google, ‘Have been going to Eden for years, and not once have I left feeling less then glamorous! They are amazing will colour and work with what suits your face best!’
Narsha Hair
Narsha Hair brings happiness. A beautiful waterfront salon in Gungahlin, Yerrabi Pond, Narsha Hair has a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere and provides high-quality services.
Stylists consider each client’s needs before creating the perfect cut and colour, for short, medium, long and extra-long hair. Services include excellent cuts, styling to suit individual looks, a range of treatments including keratin treatment services. Colour and highlight services are tailored to client personalities and lifestyles. Stylists excel at bouncy curls, glamour blowdrys, waves, smooth and sleek as well as up-styles.
Narsha Hair is a Keune salon. All products are made from the best ingredients, providing the best performance and avoiding irritation (no animal testing).
On Google, Laura Ware wrote, “The best part is sitting in the comfy chairs getting a head massage … I was given tea to drink, biscuits to eat and enjoyed a beautiful the view of the lake.”
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."
121 Hair
121 Hair has provided high-quality, professional hairdressing for more than 15 years, in a stylish, progressive, inviting environment. The dedicated team at 121 Hair helps clients realise their style vision, whether it be cutting edge or classic.
On Facebook, Eva Winbank wrote, “I can't go anywhere else. Everyone at 121 is amazing! I'm always so well taken care of. Jess does my hair wonderfully every time … 100% recommend.”
If you’re looking for hairdressers in your area, you might like our articles on the best hairdressers and salons in Tuggeranong, best hairdressers in Queanbeyan and best hairdressers and salons in Belconnen.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my hair cut and coloured?
The cost varies depending on factors like the type of hair you have, the style you're after and what services you want. With colouring, for example, adding foils to your hair will increase the cost. Check to see if your salon offers a free consultation session and ask for a specific quote then.
How do I determine what hairstyle is best for my face shape?
Stylists at quality salons are trained to help you determine the best hairstyle for your face shape. They’ll also consider other factors like the texture of your hair, your personality and your lifestyle.
Which colour will work best for me?
Choosing colour is an art in and of itself and a quality colourist will talk you through options based on factors like your eye colour, skin tone and even the best colour for the season.
What happens if I’m not happy with my cut and colour?
Check the salon’s policy before you visit the salon to see what will happen if you’re not happy with the end result. If the salon did exactly what you asked for, but you don’t like what you see, you may not get a full refund. If the salon didn’t do what they agreed to, you can push for a full refund or ask if the salon will fix your hair for free.
Can I just take a photo from a magazine in and ask for that look?
You can take a photo in, but a quality stylist will give you advice on whether it’s realistic to achieve that look. Sometimes clients (who aren’t experts in cutting and colouring) don’t understand that a certain cut and colour – even though they love it – might not work for their type of hair or the shape of their face.
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