Those with curly, coily or wavy hair will be familiar with the struggle of finding a hair stylist who is capable of tackling textured locks. Even in Melbourne, a city brimming with beauty salons, it can be difficult to ascertain the hairdressers who are worth your while—and won’t damage your precious curls.
There’s nothing worse than leaving a salon with a mane full of products that aren’t manufactured for curly hair, or with your bouncy ringlets hacked into coarse clumps.
Despite the diversity of cultures that make up our city, there were actually very few (if any) curl-specific salons in Melbourne prior to 2010.
Neel Morley, founder of the popular exclusively curly Fitzroy salon Neel Loves Curls, was one of the vanguards in bringing dedicated spaces for textured hair to Melbourne in 2014.
“It’s basically a safe space for guests who’ve been burnt going to regular salons and end up with a wet straight cut for their natural texture,” Morley tells us.
“When we first started we would teach our guests how to look after their curls and most of [them] had no idea … the information online was limited.
“It wasn't until five years ago that we noticed more salons in Australia being interested in curls.”
Now with the wealth of information available among online curl communities, curls, coils and waves are finally seeing the representation they deserve. We even have a plethora of dedicated curly salons and specialists across the city who are educated in treating different textures — and most importantly, won’t butcher your locks.
We want you to be the first in the know. Join Urban List Insiders, we’ll shoot you all Melbourne’s best things to eat, drink and do every week.
Below, find our guide to the best curly hairdressers in Melbourne in 2025:
Tom Zappala Haircutting
Level 1/94 Smith Street, Collingwood
Image: Tom Zappala Hairdressing | Supplied
Stylist Tom Zappala’s eponymous salon offers a point of difference when it comes to cutting curly hair — Zappala himself has been living and working with curls for over 30 years, from his luscious rockstar-style mane in the 80s to the short locks he sports today. In addition to cutting and styling, his salon offers expert curly advice, and won’t try to upsell you on products. Instead, it focuses on educating clients on the fundamental principles of curly hair shaping, all within a calming, sensory-friendly studio in Melbourne’s inner-north.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Tom Zappala Haircutting is a welcoming and safe one-on-one space exclusively for women, including those who are neurodivergent, anxious, or otherwise find conventional salons emotionally or physically overwhelming. Just make sure not to arrive wearing perfume, as the scent can easily linger in the studio for other guests.
-
When you visit, your booking will begin with a seated (and reasonably distanced) face-to-face consultation where the team will learn more about your hair texture and history. No reference pics necessary!
-
A 90-minute curly cut will set you back a flat rate of $300 and includes a comprehensive consultation, haircutting, basin work, education, and styling. (Plus, Wabi Sabi is just downstairs, so you can pop in for a bento box post-appointment).
Delilah Hair Studio
2/414 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Image: Delilah Hair Studio | Supplied
In the heart of Lygon Street, this intimate and contemporary salon is all about curl education and nourishing your hair in the way it deserves. Though it doesn’t exclusively cut curly hair, curls are its speciality. Founded by stylist Mr. D, Delilah is all about ‘intentional tizz’ — that is, embracing the beauty of frizz and celebrating your hair's natural movement in a one-hour curly cutting service.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Sneak out on your lunch break for a one-hour express curly cut, or indulge in a three to four-hour cut and colour session.
-
Every appointment is complete with a complementary head massage, so you can sit back, relax and let the Delilah team take care of you and your locks — all with a glass of bubbles, wine, beer, or a barista-grade coffee in hand. Bottoms up!
-
If you’re unsure as to which products to use on your hair, Delilah also offers its own line of in-house developed curl creams and sprays. Just ask the team what works best for your curl pattern and texture.
Neel Loves Curls
399B Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image: Neel Loves Curls | Supplied
It’s safe to say Neel Loves Curls knows a thing or two about curly cutting — the Fitzroy salon has been leading the way in Melbourne’s curly community for 10 years now. Upon entering the Brunswick Street shopfront, you’ll be greeted with an instant hit of dopamine thanks to the vibrant wall murals and handmade kaleidoscopic cutting gowns draped over each guest. Founder Neel Morley was actually trained by Lorriane Massey who wrote the wildly popular Curly Girl handbook (AKA the holy grail for curlies and what beginners will usually stumble upon at the beginning of their curly journey). You’ll even receive a personalised hair care guide to take home!
INSIDER INTEL
-
Curly cuts typically take about one hour, but bookings for super long, thick or afro hair can take about three hours, so plan accordingly.
-
Every appointment comes with an ultra relaxing, complementary scalp scrub.
-
Got a little one with a head of curls? The Neel Loves Curls team cuts all kids curls (under 10) on a unicorn to make the experience all the more fun! They also host free events educating parents with children and teenagers how to manage curly hair.
Hues Hair Salon
211 Swan Street, Richmond
Founded in 2016 by experienced hair stylist Jamie Hughes, Hues Hair provides an intimate, calming and aesthetically-pleasing space for all hair types—including curly hair. Located in the heart of Richmond on Swan Street, each appointment begins with an extensive consultation before your stylist gets to work on your locks in a private cubicle-style nook. Simply sit back, enjoy an Industry Beans brew or a Love Tea cuppa, and indulge in the experience of having your hair cut and cared for by stylists trained to deal with curly hair, all within an architecturally-designed studio.
READ MORE
INSIDER INTEL
-
Book in with Jamie himself, or stylist Monica Fernandez for the best curly cutting experience.
-
As far as curly cuts go, Hues Hair is on the affordable side with a cut and style costing from $95 to $160, depending on the length and texture of your hair.
-
Hues exclusively uses Australian hair care products with a focus on natural ingredients, sans any harsh chemicals that are likely to damage your curl pattern.
Juniper Salon
82 Patterson Road, Bentleigh
Southside curlies rejoice: Juniper Salon is a hidden gem for all of your curly, coily and wavy hair needs, nestled in the heart of Bentleigh’s Patterson Road shopping strip. The homely, vintage-style salon uses cruelty-free, sustainable products and 90 per cent of the staff boast curly locks themselves, so you’ll know you’re in good hands. Vibey tunes are a guarantee.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Your first curly cut and finish at Juniper will set you back $187, while restyles cost from $165, or $152 for a maintenance cut and finish. Short curly cuts are even more affordable from just $80.
-
Juniper stylist Vicky is renowned and loved by the local community after cutting hair (including curls!) in the area for more than 25 years. But you’ll have to book waaay in advance to see her, as she’s highly in demand.
-
Juniper is open for bookings on Mondays from 10.30am to 6pm; Tuesdays from 9.30am to 2.30pm; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 8.30pm; Fridays from 9.30am to 6pm; and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.
Cherry Bomb
366 Smith Street, Collingwood
From the vibrant atmosphere to the eclectic interiors clad with exposed brick and black-and-white murals of pop culture icons, Cherry Bomb truly encapsulates the vibe of Collingwood’s Smith Street. It’s also a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and SW people alike, being owned and operated by members of Melbourne’s queer community. And of course, curly girls, boys and theys are more than welcome. All curly hair is cut dry to ensure the shape, length and structure of your curls stay true to form after washing.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Cherry bomb offers sensory-sensitive bookings. Just book the ‘silent treatment’ and let the team know in the notes or on arrival if you need the space to be quieter, and they’ll happily turn the tunes down and chill.
-
All students and pensioners get 10 per cent off. Plus, enjoy a glass of bubbly while the experts work on your precious mane.
-
While getting your hair washed or styled, you might be lucky enough to receive a visit from resident Cherry Bomb pup Judi or cool cat Gomez. Judi may even jump up on your lap!
Saka Hair Studio
612B Moreland Road, Brunswick West
Image: Saka Hair Studio | Supplied
Saka caters to all hair types, but its speciality is servicing Black hair — from cutting to styling, to braids, cornrows, silk presses, weaves, custom wigs and more. Its most popular treatment for curly hair is the hydration hair treatment, which uses a range of premium hair care products designed to nourish and protect your hair, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant. The team have even worked on A-listers like our very own Aisha Dee.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Saka aims to make every visit special, and offers complimentary beverages and snacks with each service.
-
A little known fact about the salon is that it also offers a styling service for special occasions, from birthdays to formals, weddings or special events.
-
Saka will soon offer a client loyalty program which will allow regular clients to benefit from discounts, special offers and early access to services and new products. Stay tuned!
SO Haircutters
159 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill
Image: SO Haircutters Salon | Supplied
Located in a luxe salon along the bustling Queens Parade strip of Clifton Hill, SO Haircutters’ ethos is all about celebrating and transforming curly hair of all textures. With more than 35 years of experience caring for curls, founder and creative director Phillip Calcagno was one of the first curly specialists in Melbourne and inspires every salon guest to celebrate the uniqueness of their locks. The salon offers both dry cutting and wet styling, plus deep conditioning and protein treatments, wash-and-go styles, curly bridal styling and more.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Relax and enjoy a complimentary scalp massage with every full curly cut and dry service. Allow one and a half to two hours for a full appointment.
-
The SO team includes specialists who are highly trained in global curly hair techniques and trends, ensuring you receive only the best care and advice specific to your hair pattern and texture.
-
Regular clients can benefit from an exclusive loyalty program with special discounts.
Hair By Cami
32/456 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Image: Hair By Cami | Supplied
In a central location on St Kilda Road, Hair By Cami is an exclusively curly hair salon offering a range of treatments by founder and stylist Camila Lima. Having afro hair herself, Cami relates to her clients and their hair journeys in a way only those with textured hair can. The salon was born out of her desire to provide access to curly specialists after growing up without any, and she offers treatments to curlies of all ages, including toddlers and kids.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Hair By Cami is a safe space for everyone, including Hijabis and kids.
-
Cami’s little pooch Cafe is almost always on site if you need some extra love and puppy cuddles during your booking.
-
Appointments typically include a dry cut, wash, complementary treatment, wet hair styling to achieve the best result (with or without volume and definition), and curly dry to ensure the hair cut respects your individual curl pattern. Cami is all about helping clients embrace their natural curls instead of fighting against it.
Billie Jean Hair
2 Rankins Lane, Melbourne
Image: Billie Jean Hair | Supplied
Just down Rankins Lane in the CBD, Billie Jean specialises in curly cuts, but can cater to all hair types. To ensure the most sleek results, it stocks products from some of the best in the business, including Kérastase, Olaplex, L’Oréal, and Cloud Nine. Did we mention it’s totally aesthetically pleasing? Soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and a lively atmosphere make this a comfortable studio space with a laneway warehouse aesthetic filled with lush plants.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Sustainability is a key part of the Billie Jean ethos, with 95 per cent of the salon’s waste materials diverted from landfill and recycled—including plastics, metals, hair and chemicals.
-
Billie Jean offers all guests a complimentary menu of hot drinks accompanied by a treat, plus wine and cheese snacks and a signature seasonal cocktail. You had us at wine and cheese.
-
All new clients receive a take-home gift, while regulars will receive a complimentary Evo product of their choice on their birthday. There’s also a loyalty program that gifts treatments and loyalty gift boxes.
Rhodes Hair & Spa
776 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
In line with its prime Hawthorn location, Rhodes is an ultra relaxing, luxe hair salon and day spa in one. While it’s not an exclusively curly salon, the team is trained to deal with textured hair. For the best curly treatment, be sure to book in with principal stylists Emma or Karly, or senior stylist Teejay—but your curls will still be in safe hands with any stylist.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Rhodes incorporates premium Aveda products infused with essential oils for the most relaxing treatment.
-
If you’re looking for some serious pampering, book in for a curly cut and follow it up with a spa treatment. There’s facials, deep tissue massages, chakra massages, stone massages, body wraps, manis, pedis, and more.
-
Rhodes is open for bookings on Tuesdays from 9am to 7.30pm; Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 8pm; Thursdays from 9am to 9pm; and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm.
Elvies Studios
158 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Image: Elvies Curl Studio | Supplied
Specialising in curly, afro and tight textured haircuts and styling, Elvies is an inclusive curly hair sanctuary for Melbourne's BIPOC community who may be yet to find a hairdresser they can trust. Personalised treatments include deep cleanses; dandruff and scalp care; moisture and stream treatments (AKA a calming head spa); hot oil and hair retention treatments; and Olaplex treatments for curl definition. Owner, director and Wamiran woman from Papua New Guinea Ella Benore Rowe is committed to decolonising the hair industry and acknowledging that hair trauma exists (as fellow curlies will know) while nurturing and uplifting natural texture in a way that respects cultural connections, lineage and ancestry.
INSIDER INTEL
-
The Elvies team will always ask for consent before touching your sacred hair, and might we add they offer some of the BEST head massages in the city.
-
If you’re lucky enough to visit the salon at the same time as the ‘Aunties’, you may be in store for a delicious Papua New Guinean feast! Depending on the day, you might even find yourself doing karaoke with Australia’s No. 1 soul singer.
-
Resident black-and-white cat Frizz ‘E’ Shimmering Mist may grace your lap for a nap, if you allow her to. The studio also offers a library of picture story books and YA fiction, as well as haircare books for the community to use as learning resources.
Your Guide To The Best Pilates Studios In Melbourne, 2025 Edition
We took it upon ourselves to track down Melbourne’s best pilates classes, all guaranteed to improve posture, shape your booty and engaging muscles you've long forgotten about!
Sweat It Out At Melbourne’s Best Boutique And Independent Gyms
Attention all gym junkies, Melbourne has some new gyms on the scene who are definitely showing their bulk compared to the chains. There are also plenty of small, boutique gyms that offer a more personalised approach than the giants. Maybe 2025 is the time for a change, whether that be joining a gym or swapping yours for a small business. Either way, we’ve got the scoop on Melbourne’s best boutique and independent gyms right here for you.
Find Balance At The Best Yoga Studios In Melbourne For 2025
Melbourne yoga studios have stepped up their game over the years. It used to be you just needed to do some basic stretches alongside some ambient tunes. But now we’ve got Bikram yoga, rooftop yoga, gorgeous Zen palaces and secret rooftop lofts, beer yoga, yoga sound baths and everything in between. If you want to know the best place to get your stretch on in Melbourne, assume Child’s Pose and get reading.