Last Updated: July 2, 2025 | Reading Time: 15 minutes | Jump to Price Comparison Table
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Quick Answer: Melbourne Haircut Costs
Melbourne haircut prices range from $25-$350+ depending on:
- Budget salons: $25-$45
- Mid-range salons: $55-$120
- Premium salons: $120-$250+
- Celebrity stylists: $250-$350+
Average costs:
- Women: $65-$85 (cut only)
- Men: $35-$55 (cut only)
- Kids: $20-$35
Note: Prices vary significantly by location, with CBD salons charging 20-40% more than suburban salons.
Let’s face it – getting a haircut in Melbourne can feel like playing price roulette. One salon charges $35, another wants $250, and you’re left wondering if the expensive cut comes with magical hair-growing properties.
After surveying 50+ Melbourne salons across different suburbs and speaking with industry insiders, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand exactly what you’ll pay for a haircut in Melbourne – and more importantly, what you’re actually paying for.
In This Guide:
- Average Haircut Prices by Area
- Price Comparison Table
- What Affects Haircut Prices
- Hidden Costs to Watch For
- How to Save Money
- Best Value Salons
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Melbourne Haircut Price Comparison Table
Here’s what you can expect to pay across different salon types in Melbourne:
| Salon Type | Women’s Cut | Men’s Cut | Cut & Blow-dry | Cut & Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Chains | $25-$45 | $20-$35 | $45-$65 | $80-$120 |
| Shopping Centre Salons | $45-$75 | $30-$50 | $65-$95 | $120-$180 |
| Suburban Salons | $55-$95 | $35-$65 | $75-$115 | $150-$250 |
| CBD Mid-Range | $85-$150 | $55-$85 | $120-$180 | $200-$350 |
| Premium Salons | $150-$250 | $85-$120 | $180-$300 | $350-$600 |
| Celebrity Stylists | $250-$350+ | $120-$180 | $300-$450 | $500-$1000+ |
Prices as of July 2025. Add 15-25% for senior stylists or directors.
Melbourne Haircut Prices by Area
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CBD & Inner City ($$$)
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Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $95-$180
- Men’s cut: $65-$95
- Why it costs more: Premium rent, experienced stylists, luxury experience
Popular areas: Collins Street, Chapel Street, Lygon Street, Smith Street
Budget tip: Look for lunchtime specials or new talent nights offering 20-50% off
Eastern Suburbs ($$-$$$)
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Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $75-$140
- Men’s cut: $45-$75
- Character: Mix of boutique and chain salons
Popular areas: Camberwell, Hawthorn, Kew, Malvern
Best value: Local independent salons often offer quality cuts at 20% less than chains
Northern Suburbs ($$)
Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $65-$110
- Men’s cut: $35-$65
- Character: Great multicultural options, competitive pricing
Popular areas: Brunswick, Preston, Northcote, Coburg
Hidden gems: Cultural specialists (Turkish barbers, Korean salons) offer excellent value
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Western Suburbs ($-$$)
Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $55-$95
- Men’s cut: $30-$55
- Character: Most affordable area, growing quality options
Popular areas: Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee, Williamstown
Pro tip: Newer salons here often have CBD-trained stylists at suburban prices
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Southern & Bayside Suburbs ($$$)
Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $85-$160
- Men’s cut: $55-$85
- Character: Beach lifestyle pricing, established clientele
Popular areas: St Kilda, Brighton, Sandringham, Mentone
Save money: Visit during winter months for better deals
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Outer Suburbs ($-$$)
Average prices:
- Women’s cut: $45-$85
- Men’s cut: $25-$45
- Character: Best value in Melbourne
Popular areas: Dandenong, Frankston, Craigieburn, Pakenham
Smart choice: Many stylists here trained at top salons but charge half the price
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What Affects Haircut Prices in Melbourne?
Understanding pricing helps you decide where to splurge and where to save:
1. Location, Location, Location
Rent impacts everything. A salon paying $15,000/month on Collins Street needs to charge more than one paying $3,000/month in Sunshine.
Price difference: CBD salons charge 30-50% more than suburban equivalents
2. Stylist Experience Levels
| Level | Years Experience | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | 0-2 years | 50-70% of base |
| Graduate Stylist | 2-4 years | 80-100% of base |
| Senior Stylist | 4-8 years | 100-120% of base |
| Style Director | 8+ years | 120-150% of base |
| Creative Director | 10+ years | 150-200% of base |
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3. Salon Atmosphere & Extras
What you’re paying for at premium salons:
- Luxury hair wash experience
- Premium coffee/champagne
- Head massage included
- High-end products
- Longer appointment times
- Instagram-worthy interiors
Budget salons save money by:
- Quick, efficient service
- Basic products
- Minimal extras
- Higher client turnover
- Simple fit-outs
4. Time Investment
Average appointment times:
- Budget salon: 30-45 minutes
- Mid-range: 45-75 minutes
- Premium: 60-120 minutes
Remember: You’re paying for time as much as skill
Hidden Haircut Costs to Watch For
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The Sneaky Add-Ons
Common surprise charges:
- Toner after highlights: +$30-$80
- Treatment (often “recommended”): +$40-$95
- Style/blow-dry (sometimes separate): +$30-$60
- Long hair surcharge: +$20-$40
- Thick hair surcharge: +$15-$30
Always ask: “Is blow-dry included in the cut price?”
Product Pressure
The salon retail trap:
- Stylists often have sales targets
- Products cost 50-100% more than retail
- “Professional only” claims rarely true
Polite decline: “I’ll think about it and come back if I need it”
Booking Fees
New trend alert:
- Some salons charge booking fees: $10-$25
- “No-show insurance”: $20-$50
- Peak time surcharges: 10-20% extra
Avoid by: Booking directly and asking about all fees upfront
Salon Types: Where to Go for What
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Budget Chains ($25-$45)
Examples: Just Cuts, Quick Cuts, Hair House
Perfect for:
- Simple trims
- Kids’ cuts
- When you know exactly what you want
- Budget-conscious regular cuts
Avoid for:
- Major transformations
- Colour corrections
- Special occasions
- If you want styling advice
Shopping Centre Salons ($45-$95)
Examples: Most Westfield salons, regional chains
Perfect for:
- Convenience
- Walk-ins welcome
- Reliable results
- Standard cuts and colours
Avoid for:
- Cutting-edge trends
- Complex colour work
- If you want the same stylist
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Independent Suburban Salons ($65-$120)
The sweet spot for many Melburnians
Perfect for:
- Building a relationship with one stylist
- Personalised service
- Good quality at fair prices
- Supporting local business
Best value: Often offer package deals for regular clients
Premium Salons ($150-$350+)
Examples: Edwards & Co, Rokk Ebony, Stephen Marr
Perfect for:
- Special occasions
- Complete transformations
- Trend-setting styles
- Treating yourself
- Complex colour work
Worth it when:
- You have specific hair challenges
- You want education with your cut
- Instagram-worthy results matter
- The experience is part of the value
How to Save Money on Haircuts in Melbourne
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1. Model Nights & Training Discounts
Where to find them:
- BIBA Academy: 50-80% off with students
- Erin Bigg Hair Academy: Free to $20
- Premium salons: Often offer model nights at 50% off
The catch: Appointments take longer, less choice in style
2. New Talent Programs
Many top salons offer reduced prices with newer stylists:
- Usually 20-40% cheaper
- Still supervised by senior staff
- Great for colour services
3. Package Deals
Best value packages:
- Buy 4 cuts, get 5th free
- Colour + cut packages
- Membership programs
- Refer-a-friend discounts
4. Timing Your Visits
Cheapest times:
- Tuesday-Thursday mornings
- January (post-holiday quiet period)
- End of financial year promotions
- During major sporting events
Most expensive:
- Saturdays
- Before Christmas
- Melbourne Cup week
- School holiday periods
5. Stretch Between Cuts
Make cuts last longer:
- Invest in good styling tools
- Learn basic trimming for fringes
- Use quality products (but buy elsewhere)
- Choose low-maintenance styles
Best Value Haircuts in Melbourne
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For Women
Budget Champion:
- Stevie English (CBD) - Cuts from $49
- Modern styles, great reviews
- Online booking available
Mid-Range Winner:
- The Basin (Fitzroy) - Cuts from $70
- Sustainable salon
- Excellent for creative cuts
Suburban Gem:
- Petite Salon (Various) - Cuts from $65
- Consistently good across locations
- Great colour work
For Men
Budget Barber:
- Bourke Street Barbers - From $28
- Quick, reliable cuts
- Multiple locations
Best Traditional:
- Rocket Barber (Richmond) - From $40
- Old-school service
- Hot towel shaves
Premium Value:
- Kings Domain (South Yarra) - From $65
- Includes wash and style
- Great atmosphere
For Kids
Best Chain:
- Biba - From $25
- Quick service
- Kid-friendly staff
Fun Experience:
- Cookies Kids Cuts - From $28
- Entertainment included
- No-tears guarantee
Questions to Ask Before Booking
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The Essential Five
-
“What’s included in the price?”
- Wash, cut, blow-dry should be standard
- Some charge extra for styling
-
“Do you charge extra for long/thick hair?”
- Can add $20-$40 to the bill
- Always confirm upfront
-
“How long will the appointment take?”
- Helps you plan your day
- Indicates service level
-
“Can I book with a specific stylist?”
- Important for consistency
- May affect price
-
“What’s your cancellation policy?”
- Some charge 50-100% for late cancellations
- 24-48 hours notice usually required
The Melbourne Hair Calendar
When Prices Peak
- December: Pre-Christmas rush (+10-20%)
- October: Spring Racing Carnival
- February: Back-to-work rush
- April: Pre-winter style changes
Best Discount Periods
- July: Winter quiet season
- January: Post-holiday lull
- June: End of financial year
- September: Spring promotion season
Making Your Decision: Price vs Value
When to Pay More
- You have difficult hair
- You want a dramatic change
- It’s a special occasion
- You value the experience
- You’re investing in education
When to Save
- You’re maintaining a simple style
- You get frequent cuts
- You know exactly what you want
- Budget is the priority
- You’re between major changes
The Bottom Line
Melbourne haircut prices vary wildly, but understanding what drives these differences helps you make smart choices. Whether you’re after a $25 trim or a $250 transformation, Melbourne has options for every budget.
Key takeaways:
- Average women’s cut: $65-$85
- Average men’s cut: $35-$55
- CBD costs 30-50% more than suburbs
- Hidden costs can add 20-40%
- Best value: Independent suburban salons
Remember: The most expensive cut isn’t always the best, and the cheapest isn’t always poor quality. Find a stylist who understands your hair, fits your budget, and makes you feel fabulous.
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Quick Reference: Melbourne Haircut Prices
By Budget
- Under $50: Just Cuts, Quick Cuts, suburban barbers
- $50-$100: Most suburban salons, shopping centres
- $100-$200: CBD salons, experienced stylists
- $200+: Celebrity stylists, luxury salons
By Area
- Cheapest: Western suburbs, outer suburbs
- Best Value: Northern suburbs, eastern suburbs
- Most Expensive: CBD, bayside suburbs
By Service
- Basic trim: $25-$65
- Restyle: $65-$150
- Colour services: Add $80-$300
- Treatments: Add $40-$95
Your Turn!
Found a great value haircut in Melbourne? Had a salon experience worth sharing? Drop a comment below or tag us on social with #LocalGlowGuide
Prices researched July 2025. Individual salon prices may vary. Always confirm current pricing when booking.