28 of the best UK hair salons & hairdressers 2026 | Tried and tested

If you know good hair, you'll know Hershesons. Across their two salons in London (Belgravia and Fitzrovia) and Selfridges' blow-dry bar, they're responsible for the locks of many of London's cool girls - and it's not hard to see why. Hershesons has created an atmosphere that is so much more than just hair - although you can guarantee you'll leave looking great - with their spaces, thanks to nail, brow and coffee bars, so you don't get that straight-in-and-out feeling of some salons.

From blunt blonde bobs to enviable balayage, as well as the bounciest blowdries, you can expect a tailor-made experience. Specialist stylists work across cuts or colouring, so you know you're getting the best possible, while they even have their own range of products and tools. Their motto is 'great hair made easy' - what more could you want?

What they specialise in: Hair cuts and colours that feel like the best version of you - whatever that may look like. For me, it was a creamy-but-bright blonde lob, perfectly hitting the shoulders, with sliiight face framing pieces that don't take too much styling. Gorgeous!

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Tucked away in Mayfair (AKA London’s hub for high-end, influential hairdressing since the 60s and 70s), The Six is the kind of salon you could easily and comfortably spend an entire day in. Opened in March 2025, it lives inside a warm, welcoming Grade II listed townhouse, where beautiful interiors set the tone for a seriously elevated beauty experience. Founded by industry heavyweight Marcos Verissimo, whose decades-long career has taken him from red carpet events to global fashion weeks, The Six is about more than a great blow-dry. Alongside expert hair treatments, the extensive service list stretches far beyond the chair, making it a one-stop destination for looking — and feeling — your absolute best. Equal parts polished and personable, it’s already shaping up to be Mayfair’s new beauty address.

What they specialise in: The Six specialises in working with your hair. So, when I booked in for a cut and colour with Marcos himself, my appointment started with a thorough consultation, talking through exactly what I wanted from the visit — not just how I wanted my hair to look that day, but how I style it, live in it and want it to grow out. I can safely say it’s the best haircut I’ve ever had. Marcos used a dry-cut method to follow my hair’s natural movement, implementing his own tried and tested technique when it came to colour, too. With not a foil in sight, colour was hand-applied to my tresses with a painterly technique for a natural-looking result.

It’s a thoughtful and expert-led approach that demands you treat your beauty regime as the self-care ritual it is, dedicating a whole morning or afternoon to the process. With a fully staffed kitchen on site, there’s no risk of getting hungry, making the option to add on a manicure in the second-floor hand parlour incredibly tempting.

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HARI’s Salons are gearing up for their 50th birthday, and it’s no wonder – they’ve spent five decades perfecting the kind of hair transformations that boost your confidence in a single appointment.

I arrived at the South Kensington salon with an extremely fresh, extension-free head, and it’s safe to say, I was feeling a little sensitive. But creative colour director and general legend Francesca Dixon reassured me that I was in safe hands from the get-go. Having just celebrated 10 years at the salon herself, I trusted her instinct when it came to deciding on a colour. I opted for a cool dark brown, which looked much more natural than my previous box dye attempts.

When it comes to styling, many of us will be familiar with that feeling of leaving the salon having had more cut off than you wanted. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case at HARI’s. I expressed my long-term goal of growing my hair out, to which my stylist, Jake Schaverien, advised that I cut less off than I had initially proposed. The result? A gorgeous, silky lob, which made the transition into extension-free hair much easier than anticipated.

What they specialise in: Colour and styling! With dedicated colour directors and creative stylists, if you’re looking for a transformation, HARI’s Salon is the place for you. There’s the signature cut for a trim or tidy up here and there, and blow-dry packages to keep your hair looking salon-fresh in between. If you fancy something a little different, there’s also the energy haircut, which harnesses the power of trichotherapy to help release toxins and stimulate growth. There’s also a dedicated clean, treat and diffuse treatment for curly hair in need of volume upkeep, or a Wellaplex anti-breakage and protection for fragile hair that needs a little more TLC. With stylists having been there for 10, 20, and even 30 years, a highly bespoke and specialised service is a certainty.

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A stripped-back salon with good tunes and good vibes, Hadley Yates is a great choice for a cut and colour if you’re in need of an appointment in the West End. The team are attentive, friendly, and can so easily bring your hair vision to life. I walked into the salon knowing I wanted a deep, cool-toned brown, and I left with the best colour of my life. I fell completely in love with the shade they’d created, and they had done it so effortlessly. One look at an inspo picture, a quick mix-up of colour, and boom! My locks were transformed. The only problem? I’m going to have to keep going back, because this version of my hair has to be my favourite yet.

What they specialise in: The team at Hadley Yates are known for their skill with extensions. Whilst I didn’t get any fitted during my appointment, they offer a range of bespoke extension services and provide a safe pair of hands if you’ve never tried extensions before. They will consult, colour-match, cut, and style your extensions so you leave the salon feeling like a whole new person. The types of extensions they fit are either keratin bond extensions or tape extensions, and if you’re unsure which is best for your hair type, the team are more than happy to help guide you through the pros and cons of both.

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Visionary hairdresser Vidal Sassoon launched the salon over 70 years ago, and it's safe to say it's been iconic ever since, with locations in London, Manchester and all over the world. Specialists in both cuts and colour, you've probably seen their sharp hair 'dos all over your timelines, while celebrities like Twiggy and Jane Fonda have also been clients.

The London salon is also home to the Academy, the globally recognised place for hairdressers to train and earn their stripes. The salon itself is welcoming and warm - the atmosphere really is like one big family, full of regulars and new faces (which can only be a good sign.)

What they specialise in: One word: Bobs! If you're ready for the chop and want to try out a new haircut, look no further than Sassoon. This is the most reliable place for experimenting with a shoulder length 'do, whether you're channelling something angular and sharp or a classic soft lob. I experimented with a slightly wolf-like, feathered look, to help balance out some previous bleach breakage, while my colourist really took my highlight desires on board.

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When it comes to neighbourhood hair salons, they don’t get more personal and stylish than Buller And Rice. With a few locations dotted around North London, it’s clear to see they’ve made a name for themselves in the leafier districts of Newington Green, Walthamstow, and Wanstead. I mean, is there a better way to spend an idle Sunday than grabbing a pastry from Jolene and heading to Buller & Rice for a haircut and colour? (No, no there isn’t.)

Expect to be truly taken care of in these salon chairs. No request is too much of an ask, and advice is always readily available from the team. Umming and ahhing about going for a warmer shade of brown over a cooler one? The staff at B&R are right there debating the decision with you, and led by their expertise, you’ll undoubtedly leave the salon feeling the best version of yourself. I had a lot of auburn and coppery tones in my hair that the team expertly hid with darker and cooler shades of brown. I was instantly in love – and they hadn’t even blow-dried it yet!

What they specialise in: Their sustainability efforts are what really set them apart, though. As the first sustainable salon in London, they offer refill services on shampoos and conditioners so you can get that fresh-out-of-the-salon feeling from the comfort of your own home (and be eco-conscious about it too)!

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Brooks & Brooks is home to many award-winning hairstylists, who genuinely know their stuff. Whether you're after a trim, a full colour transformation or just a gorgeous blowdry, a quick consultation will reveal their deep knowledge and understanding of what you're looking for. Think: actual tangible advice (if you want it!), rather than blindly asking for what you think might look good.

Their salon is welcoming and friendly, and in the heart of Covent Garden - perfect for a quick post-work appointment or incorporating into a girls' day in Central London.

What they specialise in: Honestly, everything! Each member of the team has expertise in different areas, so they can cater to all hair types, ages and more. I had a brilliant experience with Charlie, who helped to colour correct some previous lowlights (which had stemmed into red territory rather than brunette) and change the undertone of my blonde from ashy to something with more depth. It's subtle, but took my hair from dull to Scandi in a matter of hours - the dream style for any blonde heading into summer. If you know, you know, as they say.

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As a blondie, I am *very particular* about my hair colour and am always hesitant about booking in with someone new, for fear they do not get the exact honey-butter champagne look I’m after. However, the minute I stepped inside Arkive’s Covent Garden salon, founded by the legend that is Adam Reed, I knew I was in safe hands. There’s a warm family feel to the salon, helped in part by the incredibly welcoming team, the soft spa-like music playing and the arrival of s tylist Luke’s dog, Athena.

Now onto the actual hair, one thing I noticed more than anything about Arkive is the focus on how my end look was going to make me feel. When showing my stylist Luke images of my hair inspo, he asked me what it was about those particular images that drew me to them before even beginning to pick up the scissors. He knew exactly how I wanted to look before I did, guided me on the best bob length without pressuring me to go shorter and created the perfect champagne shade I’m now obsessed with.

What do they specialise in: Well, everything. Adam does not like to be pigeonholed, nor the looks that can be created at his salon. So whether you’re after a drastic new look or simply a trim and colour refresh, head to Arkive, you won’t regret it.

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On one of the quieter roads off the back of Oxford Street is the small but mighty Haug London. Run by power couple Philipp and Siobhan, who specialise in cuts and colour respectively, there’s no request too big or too small that can’t be accommodated. Their hairdressing philosophy is built on teaching and education, meaning every decision in the chair is thought through personally for each client. With that in mind, Siobhan took my dull tresses from mousy brown to dark, sleek, and (dare I say it) sexy, whilst Phillip knew exactly the right cut for my face shape without me having to say a word. Come to Haug for a pampering, a natter, and most of all, to walk out with London’s best locks.

What they specialise in: Attention to detail! The staff at Haug London are masters of both cutting and colouring but what really sets them apart is the attention to detail and personalisation for every customer. Their decades of experience in both education and professional hair styling (from salons to runways!) means your hair is in the absolute best hands possible.

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As envious as it makes this British girl to say, Scandi girls have the best hairstyles. FACT. But ain't nobody got the time (nor money) to fly to Copenhagen for a quick chop... so, we sought out one of the best Scandi-influenced hair salons in the UK. Enter: STIL.

What they specialise in: Founded by Swedish colourist and one of London's leading blonde experts, Christel Barron-Hough, the salon is well-versed in all things hair transformation. From perfect pastels and copper red to vibrant blues and rich brunettes, Christel has every colour covered; all created with fashion trends and catwalk influence in mind. But the salon's talents don't stop at Christel, for she's enlisted a line-up of A1 styling experts.

Neale Rodger, who previously worked at Hershesons (a salon mentioned below), took on the task of refreshing my bob and adding some cool-girl midi bangs. He took my Pinterest inspo pic and nailed the assignment, alongside great chat and a menu of on-tap refreshments.

So, if you're after a cool cut for 2025, you know where to go.

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Cobella, located on High Street Kensington in London, is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional hair. Owned by the multi-award-winning Jordanna Cobella, this luxurious salon is known for its expert team, including Gabriel, whose styling skills are second to none. Plus, the in-house spa provides the perfect opportunity to unwind. With its welcoming vibe, cocktails and coffees on offer mid-treatment, and unrivalled expertise, Cobella truly sets the standard for top-tier salons in London.

What they specialise in: Offering everything from classic cuts and colouring to hair extensions and innovative hair loss treatments, Cobella caters to all your needs under one roof.

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Hair consultations can sometimes feel a bit of a box-ticking exercise. As if the stylist has already made their mind up about what they’re going to do with your hair, and therefore isn’t really listening. That is definitely not the case at Hare & Bone, a chic salon in Fitzrovia that specialises in making sure that each customer gets a truly personalised hair cut, that’s both trend-led but also everyday wearable.

I was seen by Sophia, who has specialised training in curly hair so I felt in super safe hands, as she talked me through the cut and colour. She also offered genuinely useful advice for how to maintain the style, in between appointments that wasn’t just upselling products. I’ve been washing my hair way too much it turns out, oops. I left with copper-red curls and was complimented almost straight away, leaving the salon. The entire team has been picked by Creative Director and award-winning hairstylist Sam Burnett, whose vision has been shaped by his own work with global brands on international campaigns. This has resulted in a friendly team who are continually trained on the latest styles and trends, but who also get to know their clients' lives and personalities and combine the two so everyone leaves feeling like they got the hairstyle that’s right for them.

What they specialise in: Personalisation. Consultations consider everything from the bone structure of the face, to what sort of lifestyle you lead (Sophia spotted that I’m a bit of a hippy and needed my hair to match that.)

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Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of South Kensington station lies an oasis of calm in GA Salon. Founded by Gennaro Dell’Aquila and staffed by a team of warm and knowledgeable Italian stylists, every snip, flick and flourish lets you know that you’re in exceptionally capable hands indeed. GA, who now have six boutique salons across London, Rome and Jeddah, are completely guided by nature in their treatments.

They don’t just pay lip service to the idea of chemical-free, they practice it. From their pioneering 100% organic dyes (yes, really!), to innovative treatments handcrafted from herbs, roots and flowers, everything is about harnessing the power of nature to heal your hair and scalp. Plus, they firmly believe in enhancing natural beauty; so while they can absolutely deliver on a trendsetting style that you’ve saved from Instagram, you can be sure that they’ll tailor the trim to suit.

Paolo Cappato, the masterful art director at GA South Kensington, has over 15 years’ experience in the industry, and a discerning eye for style. After a relaxing hair wash and scalp massage, I sipped freshly brewed tea while he transformed my lacklustre curls into a long bob with artful layers for texture. Then, I was treated to a therapeutic hair spa, in which he mixed a nourishing treatment made from amla and baobab by hand to restore elasticity and hydration to my thirsty strands. I felt like an Italian nonna with my head wrapped in a silk scarf; but mark my words: my hair genuinely felt like silk for days afterwards. Proof that mother nature and an experienced Italian stylist never lets you down!

What they specialise in: Natural, curative treatments and bespoke hairstyles delivered by top-tier hairdressing experts.

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From the moment you step through the door of the Old Spitalfields Market salon, you’ll feel incredibly pampered. The ethos is simple – fabulous hair and an equally fabulous, luxe experience. Hair icon and salon founder Neil Moodie and team want the stylish mid-century modern salon to be accessible to all, and for appointments to not feel out of reach or, equally, like something you simply have to do every 12 weeks to maintain your mane. From the massage chairs while you get your hair washed to the TV conveniently located in the bathroom, no expense has been spared when it comes to comfort.

The team of creative directors, stylists and colourists are hugely talented and offer services for all hair types, plus there’s a gender-neutral pricelist. They also have an in-house luxury manicurist, Jada Ellize, if you fancy doubling up on your pampering. As well as Chanel polishes, Jada uses HEMA Free gel polish by the Gel Co. London.

What they specialise in: Making you feel like a VIP. As mentioned above, the salon boasts a really skilled team who can nail any colour request from balayage to bleach, alongside your cut or treatment.

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Calling all barbies! If you love a family-run salon, run to Glo. Founded over 20 years ago in Fulham by Leah's mum Sinead and auntie Siobhan, Leah Buntin grew up in the salon. Now, she brings all her offerings from childhood to Wandsworth. Also… they’re OBSESSED with blonde. (Not naturally blonde btw, which makes it even better.)

The vibe is Scandi meets clean girl. Warm creams, open space, exposed concrete, marble countertops. It’s giving minimal & luxe. Natural light floods the studio; you can actually see your colour properly! (No surprises here.)

As a natural blonde, I had no idea how many shades even existed. Ash? Ice? Pearl? Nude? Champagne? Golden caramel?! The girls talked me through it, armed with their 1m screenshot references. I decided to trust their recommendation, and wow. I left with a bright, butter cream dimensional balayage, hand painted, with a soft grow out. (I'm low maintenance.) + Ultra-fine baby-light face framers. I left the salon glowy and slightly smug. Blondes really do have more fun!

What they specialise in: Although they absolutely own blonde colouring and balayage, they warmly welcome all hair types, textures and colour ways. They’ve got great Keratin and Olaplex offerings for gorgeous, healthy locks too. The Fulham salon also offers lashes, lash lifts and spray tans. Full glow-up pending!

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I’ve never wished that I lived in a hair salon until visiting Ena. Set in a *beautiful* Georgian townhouse with original stained glass windows, reclaimed furniture, and print photographs by one of their own stylists, it’s totally homely.

Owned by best friends Pedro and Johnny who both came through Vidal Sassoon, their four floors offer cutting, styling and colouring – the open display colour bar is a thing of beauty – plus, treatments. Eco-minded, it’s the UK flagship for sustainable brand Davines (they also offer Olaplex and K18 treatments, FYI). Not forgetting hair extensions, too. They basically do it all, and, in the prettiest of settings. Oh, and you can visit their in-house osteopath or book in a wax on the top floor. Ena Salon = ultimate self-care.

What they specialise in: If your hair is in need of a lil SOS (yes, hi, me) their treatments are the dream. I tried the recently launched and mega-popular Davines Naturaltech tailoring treatment which begins with a deep dive consultation to determine your primary and secondary hair concerns. Whether it’s hydration, volume, radiance, fortifying, blonde brightening (the list goes on) the treatment is catered to exactly what you need. Such a bespoke luxury. Months later and my moisturised locks are still feeling the effects.

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Samantha Cusick now has three vibrant locations across London - Liverpool Street, Fitzrovia, and Notting Hill. Tucked among trendy cafes and boutiques, each salon exudes Miami beach vibes, from the palm leaf wallpaper and Millennial pink accents to the rose gold pineapples and geo-framed mirrors. With influencers and TV stars frequently posting from the salon’s chic interiors, we can confirm the buzz is more than justified.

What they specialise in: Colour and balayage – especially for all you blondes out there – if you're craving a refresh, one look at their Instagram will have you rushing to book an appointment. Feeling a little extra? They can even add some sparkle with fun hair tinsel. Each salon also features its own cocktail bar, offering complimentary drinks while you sit back and let their talented team of stylists work their magic. Whether you’re after a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.

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Brought to life 15 years ago, Gielly Green's flagship store – located on George Street in Mayfair – is just as stylish and well-kempt as it once was, thanks to its co-founder, Shai Greenberg. Shai is a hands-on creative, still cutting on the shop floor and thanks to him, I'm now rocking the sharpest, most shiny bob haircut I've ever had.

However, if he's not available to book for an appointment, one of his talented team sure will be. Top tip: If you do visit the Gielly Green salon, request hair assistant, Nini's signature head massage... life-changing, truly.

What they specialise in: Other than the usual styling, colouring, treatments, extensions and bridal options (I mean, that's already a mammoth offering!), Gielly Green provides aesthetics treatments, massages and waxing as well as eyebrow and nail appointments, too. It's a big ol' salon, I'm telling ya!

The treatments are set out across three floors that centre around hair but divide off into sections.

Oh, and if you're feeling a bit peckish, they even have their own food bar and Italian chef on the ground floor. Walk out with a fresh cut, tamed brows and a full stomach. Winning!

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