The Best Hairdressers in Sydney for Everything From Going Blonde to Curly Cuts
Whether your ride-or-die stylist moved overseas or you’ve simply never found someone who “gets” your wavy-not-curly mane, the hunt for the perfect hairdresser can be tough. With so many skilled ones to choose from in Sydney, we decided to share our picks for everything from going blond to getting a total mane makeover.
This is probably the chicest salon in Sydney. Think tonal interiors featuring leather-lined walnut joinery, speckled terrazzo floors, and gorgeous natural lighting that’s perfect for your next post-cut selfie. If you manage to score yourself a booking with co-owner John Pulitano, be sure to pick his brains about his experience working backstage at some of the biggest fashion shows in the world – he’s a regular on the styling circuit and has a ton of tips and tricks to share.
242 Oxford Street, Paddington
Shop 4/91–93 MacLeay Street, Potts Point
With a slew of industry awards, you can trust the stylists at Sloans to update your ‘do with a new cut or colour (the team either won or was nominated 25 times in 2019 alone). If you’re after hair extensions, these guys’ll sort you out – they use Great Lengths, which are regarded by many as the best in the biz for boosting volume or length with natural results.
119 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
3/141 Walker Street, North Sydney
Got stressed, frizzy or dry locks? Visit Element Aveda for its new botanical repair treatment. This plant-powered strengthening treatment aims to reinforce each individual hair from the inside out. It’s even meant to suit fine hair, leaving it bouncy, not weighed down.
You’re in good hands at this salon co-founded by Mary Alamine, the Australian ambassador for the Original & Mineral hair-care line. They team here seriously knows its way around a colour chart, so this is perfect spot to visit if you’re after unicorn or candy-inspired tones such as coral and pink.
Shop 361, Level 2, Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill
Shop 1016, Level 1, Westfield Shopping Centre, Hornsby
Shop 42, Cherrybrook Village, Cherrybrook
Shop 1520, Ground Floor, Warringah Mall, Brookvale
You don’t understand the true value of a great haircut until you get a really good one, which is exactly what the team at Raw delivers. From soft layers that can add volume to a blunt chop straight off a Paris runway, these guys are masters at perfecting new looks. If you need extra persuading, the heavenly massage chairs are worth a visit alone. We bet you’ll even fall asleep.
100 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Named one of the top colourists of the year by Elle in 2019, Amanda Tua is known for tailoring shades to each individual. She’s an expert at creamy blonds and unicorn colours such as lilac and peach, but her brunette work and ability to achieve dynamic, rich coppers or chocolate browns is unparalleled. You’ll love the space too – she works out of Usfin Atelier, a bright and airy former warehouse that’s won several design awards.
Suite 2.21, 75 Mary Street, St Peters
The first Franck Provost salon opened in Paris almost four decades ago, and these guys sure know how to make you feel like you’re sitting backstage at an international fashion show. But most of all, they really know how to work their magic with a round bristle brush and a hairdryer. This is your go-to for a big, bouncy blow-dry. Make a booking at the flagship location on Macquarie Street in the CBD, or try one of several other Sydney locations (including Bondi Beach, Rozelle and Mosman).
2/185 Macquarie Street, Sydney
If you live in Sydney’s southern suburbs, you’re in luck: Bixie is one of the best spots for foils, especially micro-fine ones that blend in with your base colour and look super natural.
Shop 3, 296–300 Kingsway, Caringbah
Mousey Browne is one of the pioneers of the craft of dry cutting – stylists here work with the natural texture of hair (as opposed to cutting wet hair post-shampoo). It’s a godsend for those with wavy, curly and Afro hair types, as the technique honours the natural texture and flow of your hair. Appointments are coveted and the salon is often booked up for months – follow them on Instagram for announcements of new bookings and be sure to jump in quick.
68 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
From creamy, buttery tones to platinum, Edwards and Co have made a name for itself as the go-to salon for blond in Sydney. The team here knows how to nail a natural, tonal finish, which is why it has a cult following. There are two locations in Surry Hills, plus an outpost in Byron Bay.