Edinburgh’s Top 10 Hair Salons & Hairdressers
BESTSALONS.COM
Best Hair Salons in Edinburgh
A good appointment is one thing; a consistently excellent provider is another. For that reason, this guide to the Top 10 Best Hair Salons in Edinburgh, UK is shaped around quality, local relevance and service standards. Rather than treating Edinburgh as a name to drop into a template, this guide uses landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and Stockbridge to give each page a stronger sense of place.
A page like this has to reward substance over simple exposure. The comparison weighs the consultation, the result, the environment, attention to detail and reliability. Those signals create a stronger guide for people who care about both the experience and the result.
For clients who care about finish, comfort and reputation, the shortlist offers a practical place to begin. By referencing Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and Stockbridge, the page avoids a flat, one size fits all approach. The page gives readers a more confident route into the best local options. For more carefully curated local guides, visit BestSalons.com.
Also in Edinburgh: Barber Shops · Beauty Salons · Hair Extensions · Nail Salons · Spas & Wellness
Hair Salons in other cities: Ely · Enniskillen · Exeter · Exmouth
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The Profile
Cheynes Hairdressing was founded in Edinburgh in 1976 and remains firmly rooted in the city’s central hair scene, operating salons on George Street, Lothian Road and Bruntsfield Avenue; the group’s longevity informs a consistent approach to cuts and finishing that has developed across almost five decades of work.
Cheynes places emphasis on wearable, shape-led hairdressing and stocks specialist brands such as GLOWWA and Nioxin to support hair health; their journal and seasonal promotions, including recurring colour offers, show a sustained programme of client-facing education and value-driven campaigns across the salon group.
Cheynes combines a measured consultation process with strong finishing detail and approachable salon spaces, and the three-city locations provide easy access to central and south Edinburgh clients; phone contacts are listed per site, reinforcing a networked presence rather than a single standalone salon.
Why It Made the List and Why It’s Our Top Pick
Cheynes tops this list for its rare combination of historic presence in Edinburgh, multiple conveniently placed city locations and a consistent editorial approach to cutting and finish that is backed up by stocked hair-health brands and recurring promotional programmes which together deliver dependable results for a wide range of clients.
Good to Know
Cheynes operate three Edinburgh sites, George Street, Lothian Road and Bruntsfield Avenue, each with its own contact number; check the specific salon page for opening hours and to book online or by phone, especially during promotional periods such as the February Colour Promotion.
The Profile
Medusa Hair Salons operate six locations across Edinburgh and East Lothian, with four city-centre sites and one in Stockbridge plus a Musselburgh salon; the group presents itself as creatively led and offers a full service menu from precision cutting to advanced colour work at scale across multiple teams.
Medusa is an award-winning collective with a strong focus on creative colour and a clearly stated student discount and new-client offer programme; they require skin testing for all colour services and run frequent promotions alongside an emphasis on a hospitality-led client experience that includes complimentary refreshments.
Why It Made the List
Medusa stands out for its combination of scale and creative credentials: multiple city locations, a history of industry recognition and a structured approach to client care and promotion that supports consistent creative colour and cutting services across several salon teams in and around Edinburgh.
Good to Know
Medusa require a skin test for every colour service at least 48 hours before the appointment; the test takes under two minutes, can be done at any Medusa salon and is valid for up to three weeks, so plan your test in advance of any full colour booking.
The Profile
TONI&GUY Edinburgh is the local branch of a long-established international salon brand, located; the salon highlights specialist services including hair extensions, Keratin smoothing and Olaplex treatments together with a team that blends creative direction and technical styling.
The salon emphasises education and backstage experience, citing staff who have worked at Fashion Weeks and industry shoots and it operates a range of client offers including discounts for under-12s and student and NHS discounts during specified days, reflecting its larger-group operational model and reward schemes.
Why It Made the List
TONI&GUY’s distinctive merit lies in its professional education focus and industry links: stylists with runway and editorial experience work alongside a structured rewards and discount programme, making it a practical choice for clients seeking both technical expertise and the reassurance of a major salon group.
Good to Know
TONI&GUY recommend a complimentary consultation before booking to discuss hair goals and stylist level; check the salon’s opening hours and bring relevant ID to redeem student or NHS discounts where applicable.
The Profile
McGills Hairdressing operates from a boutique salon in Tollcross and promotes an eco-conscious ethos, using Davines products as part of its sustainability commitment; that approach threads through its service offering and product selection while supporting a client experience that emphasises responsible beauty.
McGills runs a dedicated Scalp Clinic led by a qualified trichologist to diagnose and treat scalp concerns including hair loss and dandruff and combines precision cutting and contemporary colour work with treatments and homecare recommendations tailored to scalp and hair health through an evidence-informed programme.
Why It Made the List
McGills’ standout quality is its integrated scalp and trichology work within a mainstream salon environment: clients concerned with scalp health can access a specialist clinic alongside standard cutting and colouring which creates a combined cosmetic and medical-aware pathway not commonly offered at typical high-street salons.
Good to Know
McGills is based in Tollcross and offers online booking and gift vouchers; if you have scalp concerns consider booking the Scalp Clinic appointment in advance and ask about Davines product recommendations for ongoing homecare.
The Profile
Muse Hair is a Leith-based salon that publishes a detailed price guide covering stylist levels, balayage, foiling and specialist services; their online price list explains how timing, stylist experience and prior colour history affect cost, which helps clients choose the correct booking category and stylist level.
The salon recently added premium Remi human hair extensions and emphasises transparent booking rules such as required deposits for colour work, a strict 72-hour cancellation policy and the legal requirement for colour clients to undertake a skin test at least 48 hours before application.
Why It Made the List
Muse’s distinctive strength is its transparent pricing and clear procedural rules: published guide prices by stylist level, upfront deposits for colour appointments and visible treatment policies create predictability for clients booking complex services like balayage, hand-painted work or hair extensions.
Good to Know
Muse require deposits to secure all colour appointments and operate a strict 72-hour cancellation policy; if you plan extensions or corrective colour work, allow time for a consultation and follow the skin-test requirement before booking.
The Profile
Trigg Hair Studio occupies a city-centre position and promotes a consultative, personalised service with particular expertise in curly hair plus professional colour; the salon highlights packages and a Redesign Service aimed at clients seeking larger transformations underpinned by careful planning.
The Trigg team train regularly with external colour specialists such as Eleven Australia and offer a service guarantee and a promise policy to support client confidence, with a stated commitment to delivering high-quality results from consultation through to finish.
Why It Made the List
Trigg’s defining merit is its targeted expertise for curly hair and its guarantee-backed approach: by combining specialist curly services, structured packages and ongoing professional training, Trigg offers clients a dependable route to consistently managed curly cuts and considered colour work.
Good to Know
Trigg Hair Studio publishes a booking line (0131 556 9349) and offers curated packages for transformations; the salon’s guarantee policy means you can discuss any concerns post-service, so confirm details at booking and arrive ready to discuss your redesign plan.
The Profile
Urban Edinburgh promotes a sustainability focus through in-salon fittings such as Eco Heads for reduced water use, biodegradable Scrummi Towels and Vegware cups, pairing environmental measures with everyday client comforts to reduce resource usage while maintaining a polished salon experience.
The salon lists a broad treatment menu and highlights Olaplex and K18 molecular repair among its repair and conditioning services; Urban also advertises later opening hours with appointments available up to 8pm Monday to Thursday to suit working clients who need evening slots for styling and treatments.
Why It Made the List
Urban’s particular appeal is the combination of eco-friendly fittings and flexible opening hours: clients concerned with both environmental impact and busy schedules benefit from late-week appointments alongside a clearly signposted menu of bond-repair and conditioning treatments.
Good to Know
Urban offers late appointments up to 8pm on weekdays and provides complimentary drinks and free Wi‑Fi; if you prefer evening styling slots, check availability in advance and mention any treatment time requirements at booking.
The Profile
Jasmin French is presented as a boutique Edinburgh salon operating a calm, client-focused appointment style where consultations and tailored cutting inform every service; the team prioritise getting the details right so results feel flattering and thoughtfully finished rather than rushed or generic.
The salon cultivates a polished, welcoming atmosphere and emphasises reliability and a measured approach to finish and consistency; that attention to considered styling and long-term wearability frames Jasmin French as a place for clients who value tailored, consultation-led appointments.
Why It Made the List
Jasmin French’s distinguishing merit is its steady, consultation-first approach: by prioritising careful discussion and attentive finishing the salon aims to deliver results that fit a client’s everyday routine, offering a reassuring environment for anyone seeking calm, personalised hairdressing.
Good to Know
Jasmin French focuses on consultation-led appointments, so allow extra time when booking to discuss aims and maintenance; clients are advised to book ahead to secure a tailored slot and to bring photos or notes to help the stylist during the consultation.
The Profile
Hot Head was established in 2005 by owners Lou and Stewart and remains an independent creative team based in Edinburgh’s vibrant south side, emphasising a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where experienced stylists and colourists serve a diverse local clientele.
The salon highlights long-term client relationships and a gallery presence on Instagram, positioning itself as a community-oriented business that values comfort and consistent service rather than rapid turnover, and the team emphasise approachable expertise across cutting and colour.
Why It Made the List
Hot Head’s merit is its independent, neighbourhood focus and longevity: having operated for many years in the south side, the salon offers an experienced in‑town alternative with a friendly, client-centred vibe and a creative team comfortable with both everyday and trend-led work.
Good to Know
Hot Head is located in Edinburgh’s south side and maintains an active Instagram gallery to show recent work; local clients will find easy access and a neighbourhood feel, so check the salon’s social feed for examples of stylist portfolios before booking.
The Profile
Charlie Miller Hairdressing operates multiple salons and an artist team with a strong creative remit; their published price lists cover cutting, specialist colour techniques and smoothing treatments, and the group emphasises technical services such as Keratin Revolution alongside creative collections and editorial work.
The business publishes operational rules including a cashless till policy and a requirement for a deposit at time of booking, and runs student and young-person discounts as well as carefully tiered pricing by stylist level, which helps clients choose the right treatment and stylist grade for their needs.
Why It Made the List
Charlie Miller’s defining quality is its professional infrastructure: multi-salon operations, a professionally produced price and offers list and formal booking terms such as deposits and cashless payments provide clarity for clients seeking established procedures and a wide range of technical services.
Good to Know
Charlie Miller requires a deposit for all appointments and operates cashless tills; student and Young Scot discounts are available with terms, so confirm deposit and discount details when booking and review the salon’s price tiering by stylist level.