Finding the perfect hairdresser in Brisbane is like discovering your favourite coffee spot - once you find them, you never let go. In a city where subtropical humidity can make or break your style, and where fashion ranges from corporate chic to coastal casual, having a trusted hair professional isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential.
Brisbane’s hair scene has evolved dramatically, with salons that rival Sydney and Melbourne’s best, yet maintain that distinctly Queensland warmth and accessibility. From the award-winning luxury of the CBD to the creative energy of Fortitude Valley and the boutique charm of Paddington, each neighbourhood offers its own unique hair experience.
Whether you’re chasing that perfect blonde that won’t turn brassy in the Queensland sun, need someone who understands curly hair in humidity, or simply want a stylist who listens and delivers, we’ve mapped out Brisbane’s finest. Let’s explore where to find the city’s most talented scissors, from river city icons to hidden suburban treasures.
Why Brisbane’s Hair Scene is Having Its Moment
The Perfect Storm of Talent
Brisbane’s hairdressing industry has reached a tipping point of excellence:
Award-Winning Excellence
The city boasts multiple Australian Hair Industry Award winners, including salons holding titles like ‘Australian Salon Of The Year’ and stylists crowned ‘Australian Hairdresser of the Year’. This isn’t just local pride - it’s national recognition.
The Lifestyle Factor
Brisbane’s unique lifestyle demands versatile hair that transitions from beach to boardroom, weekend markets to rooftop bars. Our hairdressers have mastered the art of creating styles that work with, not against, Queensland living.
Innovation Meets Tradition
While embracing international trends, Brisbane salons understand local needs - from humidity-proof styling to sun damage treatments. It’s this balance that sets them apart.
The Brisbane Difference
Unlike the sometimes intimidating salons of larger cities, Brisbane maintains that friendly, approachable vibe. You’re more likely to be offered a flat white than champagne, and that’s exactly how we like it.
Your Brisbane Hair Map: Where Excellence Lives
CBD: The Powerhouse Players
The Award Winner: Elysium Hair Brisbane stands as a multi-award-winning Brisbane City hair salon specialising in delightfully personalised hair experiences. As four-time winners of Australia’s Best Hair Salon, they’ve set the benchmark for excellence.
What makes Elysium special:
- People-first approach with personalised matching to your dream hairdresser
- Welcoming and inclusive culture
- World-class treatments with free consultations
- “We’re actually a really friendly bunch” - refreshingly unpretentious
The Fashion Authority: Co and Pace Salons brings international acclaim to Ann Street. Led by Justin Pace - AHIA Creative 2023: Australian Hairdresser of the Year Winner - this is where Brisbane meets global excellence.
Their credentials:
- Multiple award-winning team
- Mastered the art of blending classic, commercial and creative styles
- High-end boutique space with a lux-yet-relaxed vibe
- Guest-centric approach with escapism built in
The Blonde Specialists: Stefan Hair Fashions (91 Queen Street) has earned a reputation as true perfectionists when it comes to all things blonde. With 31 locations across Queensland, their Brisbane CBD flagship offers:
- Blonde enhancement consultations
- Aura smoothing for frizz control
- Stylecut packages tailored to lifestyle
- Extended Friday hours until 9:30pm
The Minimalist Luxury: Rixon Hair on Edward Street offers an impeccably curated experience. They take every detail into account - your face shape, features, and hair type - ensuring a refreshed and enhanced look that lasts.
Fortitude Valley: The Creative Quarter
The Industry Icon: Edwards and Co hidden behind warehouse walls has become the fashion set’s go-to for all things cut and colour. Helmed by Jaye Edwards, this is high-octane glamour with substance.
The Master’s Touch: Co and Pace Salons also maintains a presence in the Valley, bringing their award-winning expertise to the creative heart of Brisbane.
The Award Machine: Epic Hair Designs has multiple locations including Fortitude Valley. As winners of the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2020 for State Salon of the Year and voted Brisbane’s Best Blonde Hairdresser by Style Magazine:
- More master colourists than any other salon in Australia
- 16 locations across Brisbane and Gold Coast
- Innovative and trend-setting stylists
- Epic Memberships for regular maintenance
The Inner Suburbs: Boutique Excellence
The Multi-Location Marvel: Tigerlamb has become synonymous with beautiful, healthy hair across four thoughtfully designed locations:
- Coorparoo Square (AHIA 2019 Newcomer of the Year)
- King Street (flagship with salon beds)
- Portside
- West End
Each salon has its own personality while maintaining Tigerlamb’s signature warmth and exceptional service. They’re also committed to sustainability as members of the Sustainable Salons movement.
Paddington’s Finest: Multiple standouts call this suburb home:
- Bach Hair - 30+ years experience with owners Lee and Peter
- Mi Color - Award-winning colour specialists with curly hair expertise
- Verve - Where you can watch Netflix while getting your hair done
New Farm Chic: Lila Boheme stands as the cool-girl destination, known for no-bullshit approach and on-trend colour work.
West End Wonder: David Murry Salon recently merged with Perci Salon to create the ultimate southside destination. Expect:
- Precision, artistry, and attention to detail
- Glass of bubbles and gourmet nibbles
- Blissful massage experiences
- Pure indulgence atmosphere
The Brisbane Hair Menu: What’s Hot in 2025
The Classics Reimagined
The Brisbane Blonde
Not just any blonde - one that survives pool chlorine, beach salt, and subtropical sun:
- Cool-toned to combat brassiness
- Low-maintenance grow-out
- Protected with bond treatments
- Price range: $200-500 depending on starting point
The Humidity-Proof Cut
Styles designed to work with Brisbane’s weather:
- Textured cuts that air-dry beautifully
- Strategic layering for movement
- Frizz-fighting techniques built in
- Perfect for our casual lifestyle
The Executive Edge
For CBD professionals who need polish:
- Sharp, structured cuts
- Subtle dimensional colour
- Quick styling for busy mornings
- Lunchtime maintenance options
The 2025 Trends Taking Over Brisbane
Lived-In Luxury
- Expensive-looking hair with minimal maintenance
- Rich, multidimensional brunettes
- Soft, blended highlights
- Perfect for busy Brisbane lifestyles
The Modern Shag
- Updated 70s inspiration
- Works with natural texture
- Grows out gracefully
- Ideal for creative industries
Sustainable Colour
- Longer-lasting techniques
- Eco-friendly products
- Less frequent salon visits
- Aligned with Brisbane’s environmental consciousness
Real Talk: Brisbane Salon Pricing
Understanding the investment for quality hair in Brisbane:
Cuts That Deliver
- Basic trim: $50-80
- Designer cut: $80-150
- Director/Master stylist: $120-200+
- Children’s cuts: $25-50
Colour Excellence
- Root touch-up: $80-120
- Full head colour: $150-250
- Balayage/Highlights: $200-400+
- Colour correction: $300-600+
- Fashion colours: $250-500
Treatments & Extras
- Blow dry: $50-80
- Treatment add-on: $30-80
- Keratin/smoothing: $300-500
- Olaplex/bond treatments: $50-100
Value Adds Many Brisbane salons offer:
- Complimentary consultations
- Loyalty programs
- Package deals
- Student/senior discounts
- Referral rewards
Navigating Brisbane’s Salon Scene Like a Local
Booking Strategy
Peak Times to Avoid
- Thursday evenings (late night shopping)
- Saturday mornings
- Before major events (races, festivals)
- School formal season
Best Booking Times
- Tuesday-Wednesday for promotions
- Early morning appointments
- Late night Thursday (some CBD salons)
- Sunday (selected salons open)
Getting There
CBD Access
- Most salons near Central or bus stops
- Limited street parking - use public transport
- Some offer validation for nearby car parks
- Consider CityCycle for inner suburb salons
Suburban Gems
- Usually better parking
- Often near shopping precincts
- More relaxed timing
- Community feel
The Brisbane Salon Experience
What to expect:
- Genuine friendliness (no attitude)
- Quality coffee or tea
- Honest consultations
- Weather-appropriate advice
- Often pet-friendly
Finding Your Perfect Brisbane Match
If You Want Award-Winning Excellence
Your match: Elysium Hair Brisbane or Co and Pace Salons for proven expertise
If You’re a Blonde Perfectionist
Your match: Epic Hair Designs or Stefan Hair Fashions for specialized blonde services
If You Love Boutique Experiences
Your match: Tigerlamb or David Murry Salon for intimate, luxurious service
If You’re After Creative Edge
Your match: Edwards and Co or Lila Boheme for fashion-forward styles
If Sustainability Matters
Your match: Salons using O&M products or Sustainable Salons members
If You Need Convenience
Your match: Multi-location groups like Epic or Stefan for flexibility
The Specialist Services
For Curly Hair
- Mi Color in Paddington
- Salons advertising curl-specific training
- Stylists who cut dry
- DevaCurl certified professionals
For Extensions
- Salons offering multiple methods
- Consultation essential
- Expect to pay $400-1500
- Maintenance every 6-8 weeks
For Corrective Colour
- Book consultations first
- Be honest about hair history
- Budget for multiple sessions
- Trust the process
The Bottom Line: Your Brisbane Hair Journey
Brisbane’s hairdressing scene has matured into something special - world-class talent with down-to-earth service. Whether you’re power-lunching in the CBD or brunching in Paddington, there’s a salon that speaks your language and understands your lifestyle.
Our Top 10 Brisbane Hairdressers for 2025:
- Elysium Hair Brisbane - For award-winning excellence and personalised service
- Co and Pace Salons - For international expertise with Brisbane warmth
- Tigerlamb - For beautiful salons and consistent quality across locations
- Epic Hair Designs - For blonde perfection and colour mastery
- David Murry Salon - For southside luxury and indulgence
- Edwards and Co - For fashion-forward creativity
- Stefan Hair Fashions - For accessible excellence and blonde expertise
- Lila Boheme - For effortless cool-girl hair
- Mi Color - For colour awards and curly expertise
- Bach Hair - For decades of trusted experience
The beauty of Brisbane’s hair scene lies not just in the technical excellence, but in how these salons understand the Queensland lifestyle. They create hair that works whether you’re dealing with a storm rolling in from Moreton Bay or enjoying perfect winter sunshine.
Your perfect hair day is waiting in Brisbane. The only question is: which talented team will you trust with your transformation?
P.S. - New to Brisbane? Most salons offer complimentary consultations. It’s the perfect way to find your hair home without commitment.
P.P.S. - Visiting for an event? Book well in advance - Brisbane’s best stylists fill up quickly, especially during spring racing and wedding season.
P.P.P.S. - Don’t forget to ask about product recommendations for Brisbane’s climate. The right products make all the difference between salon-perfect and humidity-havoc.
This guide reflects Brisbane’s hairdressing scene as of June 2025. Prices and services may vary. The subtropical climate remains constant - plan your hair accordingly!