Katy RosserThe first time I went for a blonde balayage, I had a Pinterest board full of inspiration that I was ready to show the stylist. I strolled into the salon, convinced that they could work magic with my locks.
Spoiler alert: They didn’t.
I walked out with a shade resembling a sun-bleached straw hat more than a chic blonde goddess. I felt crushed—my hair was a disaster, and I had just wasted precious time and money.
But here’s the silver lining: that experience made me determined never to be a victim of a bad hair experience again.
With the rest of the Auckland Magazine team, we explored salon portfolios, combed through reviews, and even spoke with different stylists and their clients. After much work, here’s who made it onto our list of the top salons in the city!
How much does it cost to get your hair done at a hair salon in Auckland?
It costs at least 30 NZD to get your hair done at a hair salon in Auckland.
The total price will vary depending on the salon you choose, the hairstyle, and the treatments you get done.
How We Chose
1. ASC Salon
Address: ASC Salon 209 Parnell Road, Parnell
Contact details: +6493361239
Operating hours:
- Tuesday & Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday & Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
We visited ASC Salon personally to gather authentic feedback, and we have plenty to share about our experience!
Upon entering, we were welcomed by luxe velvet sofas and a selection of drinks, including wine. We also appreciate that they offer Wi-Fi, iPads, and a collection of magazines to entertain customers while they’re waiting.
Since we went undercover, we weren’t given any special treatment, so you can expect the same experience.
During our complimentary consultation, we found that they specialise in the AGI One Smoothing Treatment. According to the customers we interviewed, this was quite helpful in getting rid of frizz and enhancing shine.
Fortunately, it’s also not too harsh on their scalp, unlike traditional keratin treatments.
Additionally, others loved that their Olaplex Ritual Express effectively repairs damaged hair by rebuilding broken bonds. It transformed their locks into silky smoothness in half the time of a full treatment.
It’s also important to note that the salon exclusively uses cruelty-free brands like Original & Mineral and Oway, which are known for their safety and effectiveness.
Despite the positives, some people we interviewed expressed a desire for a bit more volume in their haircuts.
Helped me to achieve the hairstyle I was after
“Just had the most amazing experience with Yama at ASC salon. She was considerate in her consultation and helped me to achieve the hairstyle I was after. I’m new to styling and she took the time to help me learn what products to use and how to do it. I’ve also had multiple cuts with Kane and he is RAD. Make sure to take them up on Andrea’s fudge if it’s offered. Highly recommend this salon in every way.”
–Kiri Taylor, Google Reviews
I walked out of the salon with a big smile
“Right from my initial consult with Rebekah I felt at ease and inspired and the resulting cut and highlights were all I hoped for and more!
Everyone at ASC Salon made the whole experience enjoyable, easy, straightforward – and fun! I’d been a bit nervous and I walked out of the salon with a big smile and bounce in my step (and a haircut and colour that felt perfectly wonderful and very me).
The salon space was relaxing and a delight – great for both focus and/or daydreaming.
A huge huge huge thank you to Andrea for all of the help and organisation with booking (and for your patience with the back and forth!), Rebekah for the incredible consult, cut, colour (along with Sabine) and for just making my day. What a great team. If there was the option for more then 5 stars I would award them.”
–Natasha Younger, Google Reviews
2. ANCO STUDIO Hair Salon
Address: 1A/120 Customs Street West
Contact details: +64272257002
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Anco Studio Hair Salon is all about the eco-friendly vibe. It uses cruelty-free and vegan products, and the atmosphere is relaxing.
The full-body massage chairs they use totally elevate the hair-washing experience; we wanted to live in those chairs! And for anyone who can’t unplug, they’ve got free WiFi.
Now, if you’re into blonde transformations, you’re in the right place. They nailed the art of lifting dark bases.
We watched the stylists work their magic with Olaplex and Lakmē products, which really help keep hair healthy post-colour. Many clients were left with stunning, shiny blonde hair and couldn’t stop raving about how soft it felt.
The cuts here are just as impressive, including trendy fades and classic bobs. Regulars swear their stylists have feather-light hands and a keen eye for detail.
And let’s not forget the Evo treatments that leave your hair looking fabulous! They’re really good for dryness, damage, and colour protection.
Just a heads up, though—their customer service can be a bit hit-or-miss during busy times.
Attentive, kind and clearly very skilled
“I had the pleasure of Flo cutting and styling my hair and I absolutely loved it! She was attentive, kind and clearly very skilled at her work. The whole experience was lovely. I drove up from Hamilton and would happily come up again to get my hair cut by Flo. Thanks heaps, Flo!”
–Sarah Park, Google Reviews
Truly appreciate the extra care and attention he gave
“I had a great experience at ANCO Studio Hair Salon with Aone. He did my haircut and perm, and knew exactly what to do when I showed him my reference photos. His friendly service and advice on what would look best on me made the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Aone also provided helpful guidance on how to take care of my perm and shared useful tips for styling my hair since it was my first time getting a perm. I truly appreciate the extra care and attention he gave. The free drinks/tea and massage chair was also amazing! Thank you!”
–Juztin, Google Reviews
3. Salon 1925
Address: 143/147 Newton Road, Eden Terrace
Contact details: +6492139575
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sundays – Appointment Only
Salon 1925 is a chic and classy L’ORÉAL Professional salon that exudes a clean vibe, instantly making you feel good as you step inside.
Whether you’re after a ladies’ or men’s cut, feedback from our interviews indicated a consistent satisfaction with the attention to detail provided by the stylists.
Many raved about the shampoo and blowdry, describing the experience as pure luxury.
During our consultation, we decided to try the Pureology Colour Fanatic Basin Mask treatment, and the results were remarkable—our hair felt rejuvenated!
Notably, the Pureology Hydrate Basin Mask treatment also received high praise. Multiple people highlighted its hydrating qualities, which are especially beneficial during the dry months.
In addition to these treatments, the salon’s expertise in balayage and creative colours truly stood out. It’s safe to say that the stylists here possess some serious talent.
However, the cost may not justify the visit if you’re simply looking for a quick root touch-up.
Everything is so positive about this place
“Incredible director, owner Craig, he knows without explaining and has outstanding experience. So happy I have found my place to go. Everything is so positive about this place. He really turned my hair around like no other. Have complete faith in him and his thinking. Eureka!!! 🙏🙌🤩”
–Milissa Vesnitch, Google Reviews
Perfect colour match!
“I received half head of highlights with the lovely Ceahna. Perfect colour match! The environment of the salon is really nice and you’re well looked after with complimentary tea/coffee and I walked away with a goodie bag with sample shampoo and conditioner. Lovely team with a tonne of experience.
Highly recommend.”
–I Am Yoga, Google Reviews
4. D&M Hair Design
Address: 1C Redmond Street, Ponsonby
Contact details: +6493763666
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
If you’re on the hunt for a hair salon that balances style with sustainability, D&M Hair Design might just be your new go-to.
They’re all about being eco-friendly, partnering with Davines Sustainable Beauty.
One of their standout offerings is the colour system, Mask with Vibrachrom. Not only is it 86% naturally derived, but it is also carbon neutral and quick to biodegrade.
As a bonus, it leaves your hair shiny and soft—it’s a win-win for both you and the environment.
Moreover, several people have raved about their balayage techniques, noting how natural the results looked. Many claimed it added a beautiful glow to their overall vibe.
Similarly, those who opted for a blonde transformation shared how the stylists genuinely understood their vision and executed it flawlessly. We observed people walk out with some seriously stunning blowwaves, further showcasing the talent of their team.
However, while the atmosphere is generally lively and inviting, it can get a bit crowded and hectic at times.
The skills and the eye to give such a stunning result
“If you want perfect blonde highlights, go see Luca. I’ve jumped from hairdresser to hairdresser to find someone who can do a beautiful blonde. I’m so pleased I’ve finally found someone who has the skills and the eye to give such a stunning result. I’m thrilled with my hair!”
–Pippa Homan, Google Reviews
The team are so attentive
“The number one salon. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The team are so attentive and the environment is perfect. I’m always incredibly happy with my hair.”
–Kirsten Price, Google Reviews
5. The Following Hair Co.
Address: 113 Parnell Road, Parnell
Contact details: +6493096657
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
The Following Hair Co. is specifically Redken-trained, which means their stylists really know their stuff when it comes to colour, cuts, and styling.
Many couldn’t stop raving about the Women’s Master Stylist service, where different hair services are all rolled into one. This includes cleansing, conditioning, cutting, and styling.
Balayage lovers also had great things to say. Their stylists really take the time to nail down what they want, and people love the stunning results.
Plus, they offer some cool treatments like the quick but effective Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment, which only takes 15 minutes!
If your hair’s a hot mess, the Redken ABC treatment combines citric acid and Redken’s Bonding Care Complex. This makes it a lifesaver for damaged hair, as it penetrates the hair cuticle, captures metal ions, and reinforces weakened bonds.
What caught our eye the most was their work with extensions. Their Keratin Bond Hair Extensions are designed to move with you and last up to six months.
They’ll give you so much volume and length without the pinching and damage. What’s more, they’re also made from eco-friendly and ethical Remy hair!
However, like any other salon, we encountered some downsides. Several people we interviewed had issues with online bookings and last-minute cancellations.
While we didn’t have the same experience, it’s still something worth noting.
Absolutely blown away with my colour
“Absolutely blown away with my colour from the amazing Emily. She nailed my gorgeous copper and money pieces. The friendliest and loving personality and she puts so much pride and care into her work. Couldn’t recommend her more!”
–Shavaun Cheal, Google Reviews
The staff are lovely and attentive
“I have been going here now for the last 2 years, and always had an amazing experience. The staff are lovely and attentive. Nicole has been my go-to person, and I always feel beautifully transformed when I leave. Nicole has made such an effort to make a connection with me so that I feel welcome and important. She’s a superstar, and I can highly recommend her.”
–Hannah Boocock, Google Reviews
