Best Hairdressers in Southampton: Top 10 Hair Salons

If you are hunting for the best hairdressers in Southampton, you are probably staring at grown-out roots, split ends or a fringe you regret cutting yourself and thinking, “I need a proper salon, now.” Between TikTok hair trends, balayage, curly cuts and pre-event blow-dries, picking the right place can feel like a full-time job.

The good news? Southampton has loads of options: luxe central salons for full colour transformations, relaxed Bedford Place spots where everyone seems to know your name, walk-in chains for quick tidy-ups, and neighbourhood gems that quietly collect five-star reviews. Some of the places below are colour specialists, others are perfect for a fast trim before a night out – and one of them, number 4 on this list, is my personal favourite.

Work your way through this guide and you’ll have a shortlist of best hairdressers in Southampton that actually match how you like to wear your hair – whether that’s lived-in balayage, sharp bobs, natural curls or just a reliable cut and blow-dry every six weeks.

Best hairdressers in Southampton: Quick Summary

1. Rush Hair Southampton (SO14 7DQ) – Big-name city-centre salon with a skilled team and lots of colour offers.
2. TONI&GUY Southampton (SO14 7DU) – Fashion-led, trend-focused salon on Above Bar Street with highly trained stylists.
3. Justice for Hair (SO15 2BY) – Gender-neutral salon in Bedford Place with length-based pricing and strong colour work.
4. Storm Hair (SO14 3DJ) – Contemporary Oxford Street salon with expertise in colour, smoothing systems and curly/afro hair.
5. Arcana Hair Southampton (SO15 2DG) – Multi-award-winning Bedford Place salon known for Davines products and creative cuts.
6. Gillian Reilly Hair & Beauty (SO14 1JW) – Central “London-style” salon experience with a full menu of hair and beauty services.
7. Rebecca H Salons (SO15 2DG) – Stylish Bedford Place salon led by an award-winning stylist, great for balayage and modern colour.
8. Daniel Wilson Hairdressing (SO15 2DG) – Friendly independent Bedford Place salon specialising in Wella colour and precision cuts.
9. Chique Hair & Beauty (SO16 4LJ) – Popular Shirley salon combining hair, occasion styling and a wide range of beauty treatments.
10. Supercuts Southampton – Marlands (SO14 7SJ) – Walk-in, budget-friendly salon in The Marlands shopping centre for quick trims and blow-dries.

Rush Hair Southampton – Above Bar Street

Right in the heart of the city centre, Rush Hair Southampton is often one of the first names mentioned when people talk about the best hairdressers in Southampton. It’s a well-known chain salon with a big team of stylists and colourists, plenty of late appointments and regular promotions on colour services.

Address

• 12–16 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DQ

Price level

• Mid-range – prices sit in the middle of the city-centre bracket, with standard cuts and colours typically costing less than top-end boutiques but more than walk-in budget salons. Look out for seasonal colour sales and new-client offers.

Best for

• All-round cutting and colouring in a familiar high-street brand
• People who like booking online and choosing from a big stylist team
• Colour changes, highlights and balayage with plenty of before-and-after inspo on social media

Tips

• Rush often runs 50% off colour when booked with a cut and finish or similar promotions – checking their site before you book can save a chunk of money.
• If you’re nervous about a big colour change, book a consultation first so you can meet the stylist and discuss options.

What people say

• Reviews praise friendly staff, good communication around colour choices and reliable results from long-standing stylists.
• Some comments mention that, like many busy chain salons, the experience can feel a bit rushed at peak times, so midweek slots can be calmer.

TONI&GUY Southampton – Above Bar Street

If you’re into fashion-forward hair and like the idea of being styled by a globally recognised brand, TONI&GUY Southampton is a strong contender for the best hairdressers in Southampton. It leans into trend-driven cuts, technical colouring and that polished “salon experience” vibe.

Address

• 134 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU

Price level

• Upper mid-range to premium – you’re paying for brand reputation, advanced training and city-centre convenience. Expect prices to be noticeably higher than budget chains but in line with other high-end salons.

Best for

• Trendy cuts, restyles and catwalk-inspired looks
• People who want detailed consultations and stylist recommendations
• Colour, technical work and hair that’s tailored very precisely to your face shape and lifestyle

Tips

• If you’re price-conscious, ask about stylist levels; booking with a newer stylist can be cheaper than with senior staff.
• Bring reference photos – TONI&GUY stylists are used to translating inspo pics into custom cuts.

What people say

• Customers highlight the professional, “pampered” feel and say stylists listen carefully before suggesting shapes and colours.
• A few note that it’s one of the pricier options in town, so it’s a better fit for people who see hair as a key splurge, not a quick errand.

Justice for Hair – Bedford Place

Justice for Hair is regularly recommended in local groups and round-ups of the best hairdressers in Southampton, especially for people who care about inclusive, gender-neutral pricing. Cuts are priced by hair length rather than gender, and the team puts a big focus on consultation and colour.

Address

• 4A Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2BY

Price level

• Mid-range – a long cut and blow-dry is listed from around £41.50, with more for extra-long or thick hair and full restyles. Colour services like half-head highlights sit in the typical city range for quality salons.

Best for

• Inclusive, length-based pricing and a welcoming, relaxed vibe
• Blondes, balayage and creative colour with proper consultation time
• People who want one salon for both regular maintenance and bigger transformations

Tips

• Because pricing is based on hair length, make sure you describe your hair honestly when booking so timings and costs are accurate.
• Book well ahead for weekend blonding appointments – they’re often the first to fill.

What people say

• Long-term clients on review sites and social media praise the team’s listening skills and say they trust them with every big change.
• People especially mention feeling comfortable and welcome regardless of gender expression or style, which is a big plus if you’ve had awkward salon experiences before.

Storm Hair – Oxford Street (my personal favourite)

On the historic Oxford Street, Storm Hair is one of the most talked-about names when locals swap ideas about the best hairdressers in Southampton. It has a contemporary, boutique feel, focuses on colour, smoothing systems and is known for being good with afro and curly hair textures – which is why it’s my personal favourite on this list.

Address

• 24 Oxford Street, Southampton SO14 3DJ

Price level

• Mid-range – prices reflect a specialist, product-focused salon (L’Oréal stockist, Olaplex, Nano Keratin) rather than a basic walk-in, but they’re still accessible if you value technical colour and textured-hair expertise.

Best for

• Balayage, creative colour and modern blonding
• Afro, curly and textured hair needing stylists who actually understand it
• Smoothing and treatment services like Olaplex and keratin systems

Tips

• They offer complimentary consultations – use one if you’re planning a big colour shift or want advice on taming curls without frying them.
• Check opening days before you plan a midweek visit, as they’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

What people say

• Clients praise the friendly, relaxing atmosphere and say they feel listened to, not rushed, especially during colour work.
• Reviews often highlight impressive transformations and say prices feel fair for the time, products and expertise involved.

Arcana Hair Southampton – Bedford Place

Multi-award-winning Arcana Hair is another Bedford Place favourite and a regular on “best hairdressers in Southampton” lists. The salon uses Davines products, with a focus on sustainability, natural ingredients and eco-conscious styling.

Address

• 46 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG

Price level

• Mid-range to upper mid-range – prices reflect its award-winning status and high-end products, sitting somewhere between mainstream chains and luxury boutique salons.

Best for

• Clients who care about sustainable, ethical haircare brands
• Classic and contemporary cuts with a polished finish
• Regular maintenance with a more “grown-up” salon feel

Tips

• If you drive, Bedford Place has various parking options nearby – handy for longer colour appointments.
• Ask about Davines homecare recommendations to keep colour and condition looking good between visits.

What people say

• Review summaries describe Arcana as friendly, professional and consistent, with many repeat customers over several years.
• Clients often mention loving both the atmosphere and the way their hair grows out nicely between appointments.

Gillian Reilly Hair & Beauty – Hanover Buildings

If you want something that feels closer to a London salon experience, Gillian Reilly Hair & Beauty is a strong pick among the best hairdressers in Southampton. It’s part of the Sanrizz network, offering high-end hair and beauty services in central Southampton.

Address

• 6 Hanover Buildings, Southampton SO14 1JW

Price level

• Premium – positioned at the higher end of the local market, with prices reflecting a central location, advanced training and an upmarket, spa-like environment.

Best for

• Glossy, polished colour and precise, salon-perfect cuts
• Special-occasion hair combined with in-house beauty services
• People who enjoy a more luxurious setting and longer appointments

Tips

• This is a good choice if you want hair and beauty together (for example, wedding or event prep) – you can often coordinate both under one roof.
• Book ahead if you’re targeting late nights or Saturdays – these slots go quickly.

What people say

• Clients describe the salon as airy, relaxed and professional, with a “London quality” feel without London travel.
• A number of reviews say they’ve stuck with the same stylist here for years, which is always a good sign.

Rebecca H Salons – Bedford Place

Led by award-winning stylist Rebecca Hunt, Rebecca H Salons is a stylish Bedford Place spot that gets plenty of word-of-mouth love when people ask for the best hairdressers in Southampton, particularly for balayage, modern blondes and soft, lived-in colour.

Address

• 37 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG

Price level

• Mid-range to upper mid-range – prices reflect a specialist colour salon with an experienced director, sitting in a similar bracket to other central independents.

Best for

• Balayage, blonding and on-trend colour work
• People who like a more boutique, intimate salon atmosphere
• Clients wanting add-on aesthetic treatments (there’s also a medspa presence in the building)

Tips

• Check their social media or lookbook to find the stylist whose work matches your vibe, then request them when booking.
• As with most high-demand colour salons, evening and weekend appointments book out quickly – planning ahead pays off.

What people say

• Reviews describe the salon as friendly, stylish and welcoming, with many people saying they won’t go anywhere else now.
• Clients particularly praise the time taken to discuss colours and the way hair still looks good as it grows out.

Daniel Wilson Hairdressing – Bedford Place

Daniel Wilson Hairdressing is a friendly independent salon that often pops up when locals share their favourite cuts and colours and talk about the best hairdressers in Southampton. The team specialise in Wella colour and precision cutting, with a focus on personalised consultations.

Address

• 42 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG

Price level

• Mid-range – prices are typical for a quality independent salon in Bedford Place, sitting comfortably between budget chains and high-end luxury.

Best for

• Clients who prefer a more personal, independent-salon feel
• Wella colour services, from subtle tweaks to full transformations
• Precision cutting and full “start to finish” attention from one stylist

Tips

• If you like a particular stylist, rebook with them as you leave – diaries can fill quickly, especially for late-night slots.
• Check opening hours before dropping by; like many independents, they’re closed Mondays.

What people say

• Reviews and directory summaries mention a welcoming vibe, experienced staff and consistent results that keep regulars coming back.
• Clients also highlight clear advice on colour maintenance and at-home care, which is handy if you’re trying to grow your hair in better condition.

Chique Hair & Beauty – Oakley Road, Shirley

Out in Shirley, Chique Hair & Beauty is a popular neighbourhood option that often gets recommended for people wanting a mix of hair and pampering in one place. It’s a friendly salon covering cuts, colour and a wide range of beauty services, so it fits nicely into any list of the best hairdressers in Southampton if you’re based on the west side.

Address

• 84A Oakley Road, Southampton SO16 4LJ

Price level

• Mostly mid-range – cheaper than many central high-street names, but still very much a full-service salon rather than a bargain walk-in.

Best for

• Locals in Shirley wanting a regular cut-and-colour spot
• Occasion hair (weddings, proms, nights out) plus makeup and beauty in one visit
• People who like building a relationship with a small, friendly team

Tips

• Because they also do beauty, Saturdays can be busy with event prep – midweek appointments may feel calmer.
• If you want complex colour plus nails or makeup, mention everything when booking so they can allow enough time.

What people say

• Reviews highlight a welcoming atmosphere, chatty stylists and professional service, with many people returning regularly.
• Clients mention feeling well looked after for big events like weddings, which is reassuring if you’re trusting them with your “big day” hair.

Supercuts Southampton – The Marlands

For quick trims, fringe fixes and budget-friendly blow-dries, Supercuts Southampton in The Marlands shopping centre is a go-to option that often gets included in more affordable takes on the best hairdressers in Southampton. It’s walk-in friendly and designed for people who don’t want to plan their hair weeks ahead.

Address

• Unit 10, The Marlands Shopping Centre, Civic Centre Road, Southampton SO14 7SJ

Price level

• Budget – haircuts start from about £14.95, with colour slices and blow-dries priced clearly on a national price list, making it one of the cheapest central options.

Best for

• Walk-in trims and tidy-ups when you’re already in town
• Kids’ cuts and simple styles
• People who prioritise speed and price over a long, luxury experience

Tips

• You usually don’t need an appointment, but there can still be queues at peak shopping times – going early or on quieter weekdays helps.
• Because it’s a high-turnover salon, bring a photo and be clear about how much you want off to avoid miscommunication.

What people say

• Reviews praise Supercuts for friendly stylists, quick service and very decent results for the price – especially for straightforward cuts.
• Some guests note that it’s basic in terms of surroundings and extras, but that’s expected at this price point and doesn’t stop them returning.

How to Choose the Right Hairdresser in Southampton for You

Having a big list of the best hairdressers in Southampton is great – but how do you actually narrow it down to one salon and one stylist? Before you hit “book now”, it’s worth thinking about what really matters to you day to day, not just which salon has the prettiest Instagram grid.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your new go-to.

1. Be honest about your hair goals

Start with what you actually want your hair to do over the next 6–12 months.

• Big change or small tweak?
  If you’re planning a full colour transformation, colour correction or going from long to a sharp bob, you’ll probably be happier in a salon that’s known for technical work and in-depth consultations (think TONI&GUY, Storm, Justice for Hair, Rebecca H, Daniel Wilson, etc.).
• Maintenance mode?
  If you just want regular trims and root touch-ups without a huge price tag, somewhere mid-range or local like Chique, Arcana or Rush might fit better – or even Supercuts if you’re mainly after tidy-ups.
• Growing your hair out?
  Look for reviews mentioning advice on hair health, good product recommendations and cuts that grow out well rather than needing constant reshaping.

Knowing whether you’re in full-transformation mode or “keep it neat and wearable” mode helps you match your expectations to the right type of salon.

2. Decide your budget (and how often you’ll go)

The “best” hairdresser in Southampton for you is the one you can afford to visit as often as your style needs.

• High-end salons (like Gillian Reilly or TONI&GUY) are brilliant for occasional splurges, big restyles and when you want more of a luxury experience.
• Mid-range independents (like Justice for Hair, Storm, Arcana, Rebecca H, Daniel Wilson) often balance quality with more manageable pricing for regular visits.
• Budget-friendly spots (like Supercuts) are ideal if you prefer low-commitment trims and don’t want to spend a fortune to keep your fringe under control.

Also think about how often your chosen look needs maintenance. A high-contrast blonde with visible roots is going to need more frequent trips than a soft, lived-in balayage – and that affects what “affordable” really means for you.

3. Think about atmosphere and comfort

You’re going to be sat in that chair for at least 45 minutes – sometimes several hours – so how a place feels matters.

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer a buzzy city-centre salon where lots is going on, or a smaller, more chilled space where everyone knows each other?
• Would you feel more relaxed in an inclusive, clearly gender-neutral salon (like Justice for Hair), especially if traditional “ladies/gents” menus don’t fit you?
• Do you want a spa-like, pampering vibe (Gillian Reilly, for example) or are you happy with something more straightforward and functional as long as the cut is good?

Reading a mix of reviews and checking salon photos online can give you a feel for whether the vibe matches your personality.

4. Match the salon to your hair type

Not every stylist is a master of every hair type, and that’s okay – you’re allowed to be picky.

• Curly or afro hair: Look for salons and stylists who specifically mention curls, coils, textured or afro hair in their bios and reviews (Storm is a good example).
• Blondes and balayage: Names that regularly showcase blonding and balayage work on social media – Justice for Hair, Storm, Rebecca H, Rush, TONI&GUY – are usually a safer bet than a salon whose feed is mostly blow-dries.
• Low-maintenance cuts: If you’re not a fan of styling your hair every morning, look for reviews saying things like “grows out nicely” or “still looked good weeks later”.

If you have any hair “complications” (very thick hair, cowlicks, previous colour build-up, breakage, scalp sensitivity), mention them when you book or at consultation so you can be sure the stylist is confident working with them.

5. Stalk their socials (a little bit)

Most of the best hairdressers in Southampton are active on Instagram or Facebook, and this is where you’ll get the most honest sense of their style.

Look out for:

• Before-and-afters on hair similar to yours
• Captions that explain what service was done (balayage, highlights, root smudge, toner, etc.)
• Consistency – do all their blondes look beautiful and healthy? Are their bobs sharp and polished? Are curls left defined rather than frizzy?

If you love a particular stylist’s work, save a couple of their posts and show them at your appointment. It gives them a really clear idea of what you’re drawn to.

6. Start with a consultation or “test” appointment

If you’re nervous, you don’t have to dive straight into a three-hour colour appointment with a brand-new salon.

You could:

• Book a consultation only (many salons offer these free or at low cost).
• Start with a blow-dry or tidy-up trim to see how they handle your hair and whether you connect with the stylist.
• Use a smaller colour service (like a gloss or toner refresh) to test how well they understand your goals.

If you walk out feeling listened to, respected and happy with your hair, you’ve probably found somewhere worth going back to.

Final Thoughts

If you have read this far, you’re probably already screenshotting a few names and planning your next appointment. Whether you want a full blonding marathon, a low-maintenance bob, a curly cut that actually respects your curls or just a quick tidy-up before a night out, these ten salons cover most of the bases for the best hairdressers in Southampton.

Try a couple over time – maybe a budget trim at Supercuts, a colour session at Justice for Hair or Storm, and a splurge cut at TONI&GUY or Gillian Reilly – and you’ll quickly figure out which chair feels like “yours.” Once you have found that stylist, keeping your hair looking how you like it suddenly gets a lot easier.

Want more tried-and-tested local picks? Explore The Best in Southampton section to find hand-picked favourites for food, beauty, nightlife and more – all in one place.