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17 of the best UK hair salons & hairdressers 2026 | Tried and tested
Not sure where to go for your new cut and colour? Look no further...
Finding the right hairdresser can be harder than finding a cute date (there's no Hinge for hair salon soulmates). And I don't know about you, but it's taken a whole lot of stress, deep conditioner and Tangle Teezers to get my hair in a place I'm happy not mad about, so the idea of giving someone carte blanche to chop and change my locks fills me with dread.
That's why the Cosmopolitan team has taken it upon ourselves to share a list of hair salons that are a cut above (soz) the rest. Each is known for pioneering the best-in-industry techniques, has received countless rave reviews, and has built up a chunky list of happy clients.
Visit one of the pit-stops below for a haircut or colour, and I can guarantee your hair will be in good hands...
Best hair salons 2026
Studio Studios, East London
Getting my haircut is somewhat of a sacred ritual. A rare hour or two to switch my brain off, surrender control and emerge feeling like an entirely different woman. Which is why I was so excited to step into Studio Studios: a salon tucked just beyond the chaos of Columbia Road, yet still feels worlds away from East London. Think: creamy stone walls, sweeping archways and the kind of effortlessly atmospheric environment usually reserved for boutique hotels in Santorini or people with a private members’ club membership. The salon’s founder is the mastermind behind the hair of Lola Young, Garbriette, Holly Humberstone and a growing roster of cool-girl clientele.
What they specialise in: Pretty much everything. I opted for a wash and cut (hello baby bangs worthy of a Clairo moodboard!), but if it’s colour you’re after, Studio Studios is where things get really interesting. Founder Jadah has an eye for shade and shape, whether that’s the perfect luxury brunette, a rich mocha brown or something far less conventional. Her portfolio reads like a hair trend forecast from the future: singed ends, calico colourwork, halo hair and other creations that make my Pinterest board look embarrassingly basic. That’s all to say, I’ve found my new favourite hair haven, and I will be returning!
Backstage Beauty Salon, Chelsea
Bubbly (or matcha – whatever your vibe!) on arrival? We think so! Situated in the heart of Chelsea on its iconic King's Road, Backstage is the kind of salon you pop into for a quick refresh and end up staying for the full works. With its effortlessly chic interiors and buzzy, fashion-insider feel, it's a one-stop beauty destination where hair, nails and glam all happen under one seriously polished roof – convenient, much?!
They're also a go-to for wedding parties (I visited while a full bridal group was getting ready – and yes, every single person looked stunning), which tells you everything you need to know about their level of trust.
What they specialise in: Backstage is all about high-impact results with maximum efficiency. I had my hair cut and tinted by stylist Raul – a long bob with face-framing bangs and a dark root touch-up, if you were wondering – and it's genuinely my favourite style I've ever had. Think glossy, expensive-looking colour, precision cuts and blow-dries that actually last! Raul listened to my every request and talked me through each stage, making me feel super comfortable about the entire process. Hair regrets? We don't know her.
P.S. Whatever you do, don’t skip the head massage – Raul really knows what he's doing...
Nicola Clarke Hair Salon, Oxford Circus
Founded by the endlessly charismatic colour wizard Nicola Clarke, who's been perfecting the tresses of Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett, and countless A‑list clients for decades, this central London spot feels like a backstage pass to hair greatness. With a team of seriously talented colour obsessives and stylists, the atmosphere is effortlessly chic yet never snooty. Every appointment is treated like a masterclass in style, and the results? Always glossy‑magazine worthy (welcome to the Cosmo-approval!) and full of shine, dimension, and wow factor.
What they specialise in: If hair colour were a sport, Nicola Clarke's salon would be Olympic-level. The team specialises in bespoke colour – think perfectly balanced blondes, multi-dimensional balayage, rich brunettes, and subtle, statement-making reds – all tailored to your skin tone, mood, and the season. They don't just apply dye; they sculpt with pigment, light, and shadow until your hair feels luminous from root to tip. Expect expert precision, clever tonal layering, and colour that truly comes alive.
Hershesons, London
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!
The Six, London
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.
HARI's Hair, London
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.
Hadley Yates, Covent Garden
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.
Sassoon, Soho
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.
Arkive by Adam Reed, Covent Garden
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.
Haug London Haus, Soho
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.
Cobella, Kensington
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.
Neil Moodie Studio, Old Spitalfields Market
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.
Samantha Cusick, Liverpool Street, Fitzrovia, and Notting Hill
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.
Larry King, West London
Session stylist, Larry King, has worked with a-list stars across the world, including the likes of Jared Leto, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and the Delevingne sisters.
Larry opened his flagship hair salon in South Kensington, in January 2017, and it's since become one of the most popular hair spots in London. Now, there are three Larry King outposts to pick from– South Kensington, Notting Hill and the newly-opened Marylebone branch, all delivering the same great service.
What they specialise in: Pretty much everything, tbh. Cuts, colour, you name it. But if you're ever in the market for luxury hair extensions (think model-like lengths, with zero TOWIE vibes), then book in for a consultation with Vicky Demetriou, she's possibly the best hair extensionist in London, tending the manes of the likes of Kristen Stewart and Alicia Vikander.
Lush Hair Lab, Brighton
Did you know that Lush Cosmetics have their very own hair salon? Well, neither did I until earlier this year when I discovered the brand had branched out into the world of cutting and dyeing with its very first standalone flagship salon in Brighton! So, as one does, I headed down to the seaside town to experience all that they had to offer…
What they specialise in: The lab, as they call it, offers a range of treatments including botanical hair washing with hard and soft water selections, herbal head spa experiences, hair cuts, henna dye treatments and styling. Plus, it's also an exclusive hair product retail shop and café!
When I attended, not only did I receive the best f*ck ass bob haircut I've ever had – courtesy of Yo Alexxi Kruiz – but I was also treated to my very first herbal head spa treatment by Junu Ye (spoiler: the dreamy 90-minute session had me falling asleep with rain music playing and head, leg and arm massages... aka, the works!).
To say this hair appointment changed my life would be an understatement... how ever will I go back to a regular cut and colour sesh?!
Bleach London, East and South London
If you’re anything like us, you would know Bleach London as a leading box-colour brand in the drugstore. *War flashbacks of my experimental (yet still temporary!) lilac hair phase circa 2013* However, not only do they provide professional standard at-home colour kits, but Bleach London also hosts two IRL salons in London where you can get your hair bleached, dyed and/or cut! The OG flagship is located in Dalson and the second is south of the river in Brixton.
What they specialise in: Whether you want to go neon green or are after more of a natural brunette hue, no shade is off limits when it comes to London’s no.1 colour salon. Though, professionally speaking, the team will always readvise if your hair health is likely to be compromised in doing so – which we, ofc, always appreciate!
Now, while Bleach is known for its bleach (duh) and colouring products, the expert stylists in-house are well-versed in cutting and styling hair, too. Tom Gear was the genius behind my summer hair colour refresh, making sure to cater to my every need when styling my lengths. In other words, he created a ~whole~ Pinterest mood board to ensure my every textured bob fantasy was fulfilled. You're doing God's work, Tom.
So, if you’re after the full shebang, look no further. Plus, all colour services include a toner, Plex treatment and blow dry for the very best results! Winning!
MO ISO, Croydon
If you want curls with flair (and then some) you need to head to MO ISO. One of the founding salons of the Antidote Street Manifesto - which if you aren't familiar with it, is an agreement between a handful of London's best afro hair salons, committing to improve the quality of service for all their clients.
With oh-so-many services on offer, from silk presses to protective styles, it's well worth stopping by.
What they specialise in: Not only are MO ISO raising the bar when it comes to service, but they're also bringing so much creativity to both colouring and styling. Check their Instagram feed and I guarantee you'll be impressed by the ah-mazing transformations.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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