10 best budget hair salons in London: expert guide (2025)
Finding an affordable yet high-quality hair salon in London can be challenging. This comprehensive guide reveals the top budget-friendly hair salons across the capital, helping you achieve great hair without breaking the bank.
Top affordable hair salons in central London
Central London offers several excellent options for budget-conscious clients seeking professional hair services. Here are some of the most recommended affordable salons in the heart of the city:
Muse of London, Fitzrovia
Located on Mortimer Street, Muse of London offers high-quality services at reasonable prices. Their cut and blow-dry services start from £51, while a full head of permanent colour begins at £68. The salon is particularly known for its expertise in balayage and experimental hair styles, attracting celebrities like Millie Mackintosh.
3thirty, Shoreditch
Specialising in natural and curly hair, 3thirty on Old Street has earned its reputation as the Best Afro Hair Salon in London. Their services include curly cuts, weaves, twists, and relaxers, with cut and blow-dry starting from £45. The salon’s experienced staff are trained to work with various hair types, including Afro, Asian, and European textures.
Beauty Access, Tolworth
Though technically not in central London, Beauty Access deserves mention for its exceptional value. Located near Tolworth station, they offer men’s haircuts from £17-27 and women’s cut and style from £40-60. The salon uses premium brands like Wella, L’Oreal, and Olaplex while maintaining affordable prices.
Live True London, Soho
This modern salon chain offers competitive prices for central London, with blow-dries starting from £37 and cut and blow-dry services from £74. They’re particularly known for their colour services, including balayage and highlights, and offer a loyalty program where clients can get their fifth root tint free after four visits.
Vidal Sassoon Academy
For those willing to trust trainee stylists, the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Soho provides significantly discounted services. While prices vary depending on the service and stylist level, you can expect to pay considerably less than standard salon rates. All work is supervised by experienced instructors, ensuring quality results despite the lower prices.
These central London salons demonstrate that quality haircare doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Each offers unique specialties and services while maintaining affordability, making professional hair care accessible to budget-conscious clients in the heart of the city.
London hair salon prices: complete guide
Understanding hair salon prices in London can help you make informed decisions about where to get your next haircut or styling service. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay at different types of salons across the city.
Basic haircut prices
The cost of a basic haircut in London varies significantly depending on the salon’s location and expertise level:
- Budget salons and barber shops: £10-25
- Mid-range salons: £25-50
- High-end salons: £50-100+
For women’s services, prices typically include a wash, cut, and blow-dry. Men’s cuts are generally cheaper, with prices ranging from £17-40 at most affordable salons.
Coloring service prices
Hair coloring services represent some of the most variable pricing in London salons. At Live True London, a popular mid-range salon chain, expect to pay:
- Root touch-up: £45-65
- Full head color: £65-95
- Highlights (full head): £85-145
- Balayage: £120-180
Styling and treatment costs
Additional services like styling and treatments come with their own price points. At most affordable London salons, you’ll find:
- Blow-dry: £25-40
- Hair treatments: £15-45
- Special occasion styling: £35-60
- Keratin treatments: £150-300
Location impact on pricing
Salon prices can vary significantly based on location. According to Hairdressr, central London locations typically charge 20-30% more than outer areas. For example, a basic women’s cut and blow-dry might cost:
- Central London (Zones 1-2): £40-60
- Outer London (Zones 3-4): £30-45
- Greater London (Zones 5-6): £25-40
Ways to save money
Several strategies can help reduce your salon expenses:
- Book with trainee stylists (30-50% cheaper)
- Visit salons during off-peak hours
- Look for new client offers
- Use loyalty programs
- Book through discount beauty platforms
Remember that these prices are averages, and individual salons may charge differently based on factors such as stylist experience, specific techniques used, and hair length or thickness.
Best budget hairdressers by London area
London’s diverse neighborhoods offer a variety of affordable hair salons, each with its unique specialties and price points. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best budget-friendly options across different areas of the city.
Central London
The heart of London houses several excellent yet affordable options. Muse of London, located on Mortimer Street in Fitzrovia, offers cuts starting from £51 and full head coloring from £68. Their skilled stylists are known for creating trendy, contemporary looks while maintaining reasonable prices. The salon has gained popularity among fashion-conscious Londoners seeking quality services without the luxury price tag.
East London
East London is home to some of the city’s most creative and affordable hair salons. 3thirty in Shoreditch stands out for its expertise in natural and curly hair, with cut and blow-dry services starting from £45. The salon has earned recognition as the Best Afro Hair Salon in London, offering specialized services for various hair types including Afro, Asian, and European textures.
South London
Beauty Access in Tolworth offers exceptional value with men’s haircuts from £17-27 and women’s cut and style from £40-60. They use premium products from brands like Wella and L’Oreal while maintaining affordable prices. The salon is easily accessible via public transport and has built a strong reputation for consistent quality and friendly service.
West London
In the western part of the city, Jo Blu Salon provides professional services at competitive prices. Their pricing structure includes ladies’ cuts from £52-£72 and men’s cuts from £32-£38. They’ve gained recognition for their Cezanne smoothing treatment, a formaldehyde-free option that reduces styling time. The salon offers a comprehensive range of technical services, including toner, semi-permanent color, and balayage treatments.
North London
Greyhound Barbers near Tufnell Park station represents excellent value with haircuts at £28 and wash, cut, and dry services from £30-35. They’ve earned praise for their eco-conscious approach, featuring a refill station for hair products and using cruelty-free brands like Mr. Muk and London Beard Company.
- Look for salons outside central London for better prices
- Consider booking with junior stylists for additional savings
- Many salons offer student discounts and early-week specials
- Check online booking platforms for promotional deals
Cheap hair coloring and styling services
Looking for affordable hair coloring and styling services in London? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay at budget-friendly salons across the city.
Hair coloring services
Basic color treatments at affordable London salons typically start from £40, with prices varying based on hair length and the specific service required. For example, at Live True London in Soho, you can get a full head of permanent color starting from £68, while balayage treatments begin at £145.
For more specialized coloring services, here are some average price ranges you can expect:
- Root touch-ups: £40-60
- Full head tint: £65-85
- Half head highlights: £75-95
- Full head highlights: £95-145
- Balayage/Ombre: £120-180
Styling services
Many affordable London salons offer competitive pricing for styling services. At establishments like Beauty Access and Crowning Glory Hair Salon, you can find these common styling services at budget-friendly rates:
- Blow dry: £25-35
- Wash and blow dry: £30-40
- Special occasion styling: £45-65
- Hair up: £40-60
Hair treatments
For those seeking professional hair treatments, several affordable options are available across London. Many budget-friendly salons, like Jo Blu Salon, offer various treatment options including:
- Deep conditioning treatments: £15-25
- Keratin treatments: £150-200
- Olaplex treatments: £25-35
- Anti-frizz treatments: £40-60
Money-saving tips for hair services
To maximize savings on hair coloring and styling services in London, consider these strategies:
- Book appointments with junior stylists for reduced rates
- Look for mid-week special offers (many salons offer Tuesday and Wednesday discounts)
- Take advantage of new client promotions
- Check salon comparison sites for the best deals in your area
- Sign up for salon newsletters to receive exclusive offers
Consider visiting training academies like Vidal Sassoon Academy or Toni & Guy Academy, where services are performed by supervised students at significantly reduced prices. These academies often offer color services at 40-60% less than standard salon prices while maintaining high-quality results.
Tips for finding budget-friendly hair salons
Finding an affordable yet quality hair salon in London doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are proven strategies to help you locate budget-friendly hairdressers without compromising on service quality:
Visit hair academies and training schools
One of the best ways to get professional haircuts at significantly reduced prices is to visit renowned hair academies. Places like Vidal Sassoon Academy in Soho offer cuts from as low as £3 for men and £15 for women, with highlights starting at £40. While trainees perform the services, experienced instructors closely supervise all work.
Book during off-peak times
Many salons offer special rates during quieter periods:
- Early morning appointments (before 11 AM)
- Mid-week bookings (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Late evening slots
- Student discount days
Look for new customer deals
Take advantage of introductory offers and first-time customer discounts:
- First-visit discounts (typically 10-50% off)
- Package deals combining multiple services
- Seasonal promotions
- Loyalty program enrollment bonuses
Consider location strategically
Salon prices can vary significantly based on location. Central London salons tend to charge premium rates, while those in outer zones often offer more competitive pricing. Consider traveling a bit further for better deals, especially if you’re looking for regular appointments.
Use deal platforms wisely
Monitor deal sites and booking platforms for special offers:
- Treatwell often features salon discounts
- Groupon deals for new salons
- LastMinute salon bookings
- Social media promotional offers
Book with junior stylists
Many high-end salons offer services with junior stylists at reduced rates. These professionals are fully qualified but still building their client base, often charging 30-50% less than senior stylists while maintaining high standards.
Look for inclusive pricing
Some salons advertise low base prices but add charges for every additional service. Look for places that offer transparent, inclusive pricing packages that combine washing, cutting, and styling in one fee.