Love Thy Locks
The best hair salons in Austin for stellar cuts, color, and style
It’s safe to say that we’re all a little particular about our hair. Because of this, people get very attached to their hairdressers who then cultivate very loyal followings. But if you’re looking for a new place to try or want to switch it up for your next cut or color, we have some favorites to suggest. Here are the five best places in the Austin area to get your hair done.
Urban Betty
Located in the 26 Doors Shopping Center, Urban Betty’s floor-to-ceiling windows look out on a quiet courtyard providing a light and airy feel to the cozy space. Colorful blue accents, sage greens, and bright whites create a calming and laid-back vibe as your stylist works wonders on your tresses. The salon offers color, cuts, and styling at a variety of price points depending on type of service and provider experience; women’s cuts start at $43 and men’s cuts start at $33. Recently nominated for an Austin 40 Under 40 award, Urban Betty owner Chelle Neff has grown her salon from six chairs to 24 since opening in 2005. The salon also offers makeup services, brow shaping, and lip waxing.
Benjamin Beau Salon
One of the best first-time deals in the city, Benjamin Beau offers a cut and color package for $100 if you’ve never been in before. Once you visit you’ll be hooked, as the expert stylists at this Paul Mitchell salon are masters of their craft. Owned by Beau Boncutter, the salon is located in a modern space on South Lamar Boulevard. Our favorite service here is color because of the stations. Guests sit in a circle in the middle of the salon during application and processing, and conversation flows freely as if you’ve known the hairdressers and folks around you for years. Before you go, check out the salon’s Instagram page for hair inspiration and unbelievable before-and-afters for cuts, color, and style.
Vain
If you’re thinking of doing a drastic change, consider Vain. The East Austin salon and its talented team of stylists are housed in an adorable 1930s bungalow on Chicon Street. While hairdressers at Vain will keep your look traditional if desired, they also love pushing the envelope with edgy cuts and vibrant colors. Men’s haircuts begin at $35 and women’s start at $60. Color and highlights start around $80.
Blling Salon and Retail
Just outside the city you’ll find Blling Salon and Retail. Owned by April Kearney who operates alongside stylist Tiffany Nicole, the salon is considered by many to be the best salon in the area for natural and curly hair. Kearney loves to help women transition to natural, and has been servicing many of her clients for over 20 years. But the salon also offers color, braiding, extensions, and barber services at the location in downtown Pflugerville. Featuring an array of accessories and other fashion items, Blling has an extensive retail collection of beauty products and will help you decide which is best for your particular hair type and scalp needs.
Ruiz Salon
With a new location in the Seaholm development, Ruiz Salon’s two locales boast a stellar team of stylists who frequently win national awards for their creativity and skill. The prices are a little steep, but there’s a no gratuity policy so it’s fairly comparable to other places in town. On top of that, this Aveda salon gives fantastic head, neck, and hand massages and also offers a short facial service with men’s cuts. For the working gal and guy, the West End location (across from the downtown Whole Foods Market) is open seven days a week and has early morning and late-night appointment options. Sip on a cup of complimentary coffee, tea, or wine, and let your hairdresser give you your best hair day ever.