Best Hair Salons in Edinburgh

Neville, with its Edinburgh outpost near George Street, is a long-established name in Edinburgh premium hairdressing. Cut and colour, full colour services, treatments – the kind of salon that does bridal hair and a Friday afternoon blowout with equal commitment. Priced accordingly. Stylists here tend to stay put, which means you can actually build a relationship with one over time – valuable if you’re in Edinburgh long-term.

Hacker & Brown in Marchmont is the kind of small, serious salon that Edinburgh does particularly well. Strong on cut and colour, not interested in selling you products you don’t need, and genuinely skilled with both straight and textured hair. The kind of place that doesn’t have a flashy shopfront but has a waiting list, which is usually a better recommendation than either.

Joey Hair has operated in Edinburgh for years – the Bruntsfield area salon has a loyal following across the South Side and Morningside. Particularly known for colour work and for stylists who actually listen to what you want rather than defaulting to their current favourite look. Consultations before colour services are the norm rather than an afterthought.

The Charles Worthington salon brand has an Edinburgh outpost with a full service menu. Reliable, professional, consistent – the advantages of a well-run group salon without the worst of chain homogeneity. Good for all-inclusive cut and blow-dry or colour services, with staff training that tends to be current.

Edinburgh’s salons specialising in Afro and textured hair are fewer than the city needs for its diverse population, but options exist. Afrobeats Hair Salon and similar specialist shops along Leith Walk and in the city centre cater properly to natural hair, protective styles and relaxers. Worth specifically seeking out a specialist rather than trusting a general salon that claims to do everything – the difference in outcome justifies the research.

Edinburgh salons book up quickly for weekends – two weeks’ lead time for a busy independent is not unusual. Most now use Treatwell, Fresha or their own online booking. Friday and Saturday afternoon slots at popular salons in Bruntsfield or the New Town can book out a month ahead during the Festival period. Mid-week appointments are usually much easier and sometimes cheaper.