YOU DON’T HAVE to be a beauty guru to know the power of a great hairdresser. They’re the difference between a glossy blonde and grimy, brassy hair (trust me — I’ve been there, done that); a chic, French-style chop or Willy Wonka-esque bob (also been there, done that); and Jane Birkin bangs and an I-will-be-wearing-hats-for-the-next-month fringe (also been there, done that).
If any of your salon experiences have fallen into any of the latter, you’re probably in the market for a new hairdresser. Or perhaps, you’re new to the city and in desperate need of a quick trim or root touch-up. Regardless, we’ve got you covered. We’ve asked around the BAZAAR office to compile a growing list of the very best hairdressers in the Sydney CBD and surrounds. Ahead, in no particular order, discover the Sydney salons that are tried, tested and trusted by BAZAAR Editors.
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Edwards + Co
Surry Hills
There’s a reason everyone raves about Edwards + Co. Founded by colour expert and educator Jaye Edwards, the salon is most renowned for its impeccable colour services (this writer went from brassy to bright blonde in one session) but has been praised for its style cuts and Matilda Djerf-style blowouts, too.
Edwards + Co has several outposts across Australia but its Kippax Street salon in Sydney is arguably its most famous. Step into the bright, beautifully decorated industrial space and escape the buzz of the city with a relaxing cut, colour, treatment or blowdry.
Darlinghurst
Salon HER has dubbed itself “the home of transformation” — a title they are most certainly deserving of. Founded by leading colour specialist and renowned industry educator Michael Kelly, the inner-city salon is devoted to bespoke styling and the delivery of a full-service experience. From styling and cutting to colour, correction or treatments, they do it all.
With dedicated, personalised service from a team of standout professionals on hand to help, you’ll be sure to leave the salon with the ‘do of your dreams. It’s only an added benefit that the salon space is something of a mid-century dreamscape.
Darlinghurst
When practically all of Sydney’s It-girls get their hair coloured somewhere, you can be pretty certain it’s good. From Mia Healey to Jadé Tunchy, the city’s style set is obsessed with Darlinghurst’s Que Colour.
While they do offer cuts and treatments, with their TikTok transformation videos regularly racking up millions of views, colour is evidently Que’s specialty. Trained by acclaimed Colour Director Monique McMahon, the Que team are some of the best in the business.
Book in for one of their TikTok-famous colours — a chocolate glaze or Scandinavian hairline, perhaps — or pop by for one of their signature bouncy blowouts.
Chippendale
As one of Australia’s most famous curly girl companies, it’s only natural Rumbie & Co’s flagship salon is the Mecca of all things curly, wavy and afro hair.
The company began as a braiding and weave boutique in founder Rumbie Mutsiwa’s loungeroom when she was 17, before evolving into a stand-alone salon in 2015. Today, Mutsiwa is the proud owner of one of Sydney’s favourite salons, a line of curl products and an academy designed to upskill hairdressers in the art of curls. So, with 16 years of experience and almost 5000 clients — including celebrities, brides and models — under her belt, it’s safe to say she knows what she’s talking about.
For anyone with curls, waves or coils, there truly is no salon to trust more.
Paddington
It has a celebrity clientele including Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Coolidge, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Toni Collette — need we say more?
Hidden away in a quaint Paddington sidestreet is one of Sydney’s most beautiful beauty spots, Valonz Haircutters. Helmed by creative director Renya Xydis, the renowned hair salon is a one-stop-shop for cuts, colour and styling of the highest calibre.
Valonz is a Wella Professionals salon, so the Wella Professionals product range and services are available for all customers, including the luxe SHINEFINITY in-salon treatment.Xydis — who’s also Australian Hairdresser of the Year, no big deal — is the company’s Global Top Artist and Australia & New Zealand Ambassador, so you’re most certainly in good hands with her and her team.
Paddington and Pott’s Point
Since its doors first opened in 1997, Headcase Hair’s Paddington outpost has been a leader in Sydney’s salon space. Founded by John Pulitano and Vincent Nobile, who combined their talents in hair cutting, editorial styling and designer colour, Headcase specialises in bespoke colour and precision cutting techniques. Their cuts are tailored to enhance the features of the client and enhanced by signature colouring techniques— all while conserving the condition of the hair. For any high-maintenance blondes, this may as well be a saving grace.
Over the years they’ve built a team of talented and passionate hairdressers who are equipped with the latest products and knowledge, and in 2021, opened their second salon a hop, skip and jump away in Pott’s Point.
Pyrmont
Upon arrival at Studio Muse, you’ll discover quite quickly that you’re not in for a regular salon experience. First and foremost, the salon — nestled just up off of a wharf in Pyrmont — boasts sprawling views of the city and harbour. We’re talking glistening water, golden-hour views of the city skyline and glimpses of Barangaroo’s waterfront. It is quite simply, stunning. Secondly, your session will begin with a relaxing head and neck massage and an offering of tea, coffee or Margarita. What’s not to love?
In all seriousness, with a mission statement anchored in sustainability and experience elevated by the luxurious salon space, it’s no wonder Studio Muse is one of the city’s top salons. Founded by artistic director Laura Kim, who has 20 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, the salon specialises in creating beautiful hair using vegan,organic, sustainable and biodynamic hair colour and products. Book in for one of Kim’s signature ‘lived in’ colours, or let your hair be transformed thanks to the team’s dedication to personalised hair design.
Bondi Beach and QVB
One of Bondi’s most renowned salons, Diane Gorgievski’s KODA hair prides itself on having perfected undone ease. Offering a personalised experience for every client, the beachside salon made a name thanks to its signature K-Blow Wave — and, of course, its top-tier cut and colour.
“I wanted KODA to bring a sense of fashion and session styling to the salon chair, while providing the latest in colour services — all personalised to the client,” says Gorgievski, whose resumé also includes a role as a REDKEN Hair Director, an array of editorial clients and runways in Paris, Milan, London and more.
The salon’s success is only underscored by the recent opening of its city store, located in the QVB. Here, guests can enjoy Sydney’s first-ever ‘hair facial,’ a Five Step Davines Natural TECH treatment that includes a Five Step Davines Natural TECH treatment, head massage, clay purifying mask and keratin booster.
For those who take their hair care seriously, it really is the one-stop-shop.
Newtown
When BAZAAR’s Senior Writer Dani Maher — who has had her hair complimented by MAY-A and Carly Rae Jepsen —recommends a salon, you know it must be good.
Tucked away in a heritage-listed building (the former Newtown Post Office, to be precise), the Newtown space is a contemporary hair, beauty and lifestyle salon stacked with a team of award-winning independent stylists (including Maher’s go-to, the curl wizard that is Florence Oka).
The team are attentive, working with you to create a look to suit your lifestyle, factoring in maintenance, manageability and what is going to make you feel amazing. As an added bonus, the salon is spacious and light-filled — zen, even — making for a relaxing experience all-round. Whatever your brief, you’re most certainly in good hands.
St. Peters
If cool cuts or fabulous colours are what you’re after, it’s certainly worth the trip to St. Peters to get your ‘do done at Kawada Hair Studio.
Founded by Romain Charles Lambert (aka ‘Kawada’), who began his career in France back in 2003, and staffed by Educator, Manager and Stylist Sam Jupp, and stylist Ellie Jang, the salon is small but homely, with a proven track record of top results. From pink, orange and blue dye jobs to creamy blondes — they can do it all.
Further, while some of us treat our cuts and colours like a make-shift therapy session (guilty), others may not enjoy the chit-chat often expected at the salon. The introverts among us will be glad to know that at Kawada, you’ll find “Talk” and “No Talk” signs at the front desk, to indicate whether you want to chat or simply enjoy your treatment in peace.
Double Bay
Tucked away just off Double Bay’s main drag, Cole Hair Studio is a contemporary gem in the city’s East. Helmed by leading hair expert Mariah Rota, the salon is staffed by a team of experienced stylists and colourists, who have worked with a range of fashion and celebrity clientele — so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands.
Cole’s specialty lies in bespoke colour and hair extensions but there is also a range of treatments, blowdry packages and haircutting services on offer.
Kick back and relax with a tea or coffee in the light, spacious salon, which boasts a distinctly youthful energy that makes for an all-round enjoyable salon experience.
