Australian hair salons editors rely on for quality service

Your hairdresser really has the power to seriously affect your mood, because whether we care to admit it or not, we’re always just one bad hair day away from crashing out. 

These experts in hair are our first port of call of when we want to try a new hair trend — like the ever pervasive bob hair cut à la Sofia Richie Grainge.

They always have the best advice when we’re trying to figure out what the best hair cut for an oval face shape is, and they talk sense into us when we briefly toy with the idea of a cut better suited to someone with a strong jawline. 

Plus, they always find an affordable solution to make our hair dreams come true, despite the sobering realities of trying to pay for regular salon appointments in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. 

Haven’t quite mastered an in-salon blow out with your Dyson Airwrap, looking for a life-changing hair cut, or ready to transform your hair colour? Here, BEAUTYcrew’s editors share the Australian hair salons they can rely on for quality service. 

USFIN Atelier

“Prior to finding USFIN Atelier I was shaving my own head, or delegating the job to a barber for $50. But once I decided to start growing my hair out I knew I needed to find a hairdresser that understood how to execute a cut that would be forgiving in the lengthy grow-out process. I’ve been annoying Yuta, the salon’s store manager and master stylist, with my strange demands and Pinterest boards every three months for over a year now, and he gets it right every time. In fact, my hair cut frequently gets complimented by other hairdressers in other salons when I’m indulging in a blow out. At the moment I’m playing it safe with a shoulder-length bob that I’m praying grows past my collarbones in the not too distant future. But USFIN offers a wide range of bespoke genderless cuts, colour services, and even perming, so it’s the perfect spot to book an appointment if you’re open to experimenting with your style like I am.” — Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew’s Beauty Editor

Price: $130 for a hair cut with Yuta

Location: 5/591 George Street, Sydney

Book an appointment online at usfin.com.au

RAW by Anthony Nader

“In my first year as a beauty writer, I was given the gift of experiencing a blow out at the hands of RAW Anthony Nader founder Anthony Nader himself. It set a blow dry benchmark impossible to beat, and I assure you, you’ll feel the same way. Along with some insights into finding my best colour fit (I was a black-brown brunette at the time and have since gone golden blonde to better flatter my features), Nader blessed me with a style I’ve tried to recreate in my bathroom mirror every day since. It was smooth, long-lasting and the ideal level of bouncy but not too bouncy — with thick hair, I can look a little pageant-y after blowouts, but this was pure ’90s blow-wave magic. The stunning Surry Hills salon also houses a hair wash space with head massages and reclining chairs so relaxing you’ll feel as if you managed to fit in a little spa visit.” — Delaney Loane, BEAUTYcrew’s Editor

Price: $195 for a blow dry with Anthony

Location: 100 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

Book an appointment online at rawhair.com.au

Salon HER

“As someone who has worn their hair well past shoulder length their entire lives, you’d assume I’m diligent with a regular trim. However, that’s not the case in the slightest, with my hair going mainly unattended for year long stints for the better part of my teens and twenties (yikes, I know). It wasn’t until I became a beauty writer that I realised the importance of a good haircut, especially for maintaining healthy long tresses. Salon HER’s Nasser gave me a sensational, easy-to-wear cut that allowed for minimal styling later on, because let’s be real, I’m lazy. My go-to for a ‘treat yourself’ cut, colour, or style, I’m always greeted with a glass of rosé on arrival — the perfect touch to an already impeccable experience.” — Emma Allcock, BEAUTYcrew’s Content Producer

Price: $203 for a hair cut with Nasser

Location: Level One, 227 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 

Book an appointment online at salonher.com

Que Colour

“I had the best blow dry of my life at Que in Darlinghurst — my hair has honestly never looked so shiny and smooth — I walked out feeling like I’d just stepped off a magazine shoot. The team was so welcoming, and they really listened to what I wanted. Plus, the style lasted days without losing its bounce, which is a miracle for my hair. If you’re after a salon that actually delivers, Que is it.” — Kiera Sylvester, BEAUTYcrew’s Social Editor

Price: $80 for The Bounce Blow-Dry

Location: 178 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst

Book an appointment online at quecolour.com

Sable Salon

“For the Shire girls, or anyone willing to travel, I always recommend Sable. The vibe of the salon is so lovely, and the team couldn’t be more welcoming. I regularly visit and have Jayde look after my hair, and she nails it every time. My first visit a few years ago was when I was having a copper-to-blonde transformation, and I’ve been going back ever since. Whether I’ve had foils to stay a light, bright blonde, or booked in for a root shadow and toner (for a more natural shade), I always walk out feeling like a new person.” — Maddy Wilson, BEAUTYcrew’s Shopping Content Producer

Price: $90 for a hair cut with Jayde

Location: 1 Adelong St, Sutherland

Book an appointment online at sablesalonandspa.com.au

Main image credit: @sofia_salonher