Finding the right hairdresser can be as difficult as finding true love. It’s a lifelong journey and not one to be taken lightly. Rest assured, Christchurch has plenty of exceptional stylists that have mastered their craft. From a simple trim, to flawless balayage or for a more dramatic cut, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to go for the best hair in town. Leave it to the pros, these are the best hairdressers in Christchurch…
Balayage
Addington
Stepping into Balayage Hair, you’re immediately greeted by each stylist with a friendly smile and a chorus of hellos. The minimalist salon is immaculately designed with white walls, leafy plants and beautifully arranged shelves. It’s sleek without being clinical and carefully considered without taking itself too seriously. This atmosphere translates well into the type of experience you can expect at Balayage Hair. Here, you’re in safe hands with owner, Tom Ujihara and expert stylists Sammy Downes, Michele Robertson and Beck Leppard. Tom is a detail-oriented stylist with next-level balayage skills (hence the name). Tom listens intently before he begins his work, ensuring he knows exactly what you’re wanting. This meticulous level of care is the norm at Balayage Hair. Tom’s clients don’t leave until they are completely satisfied with the finished result.
Mod’s Hair
Merivale
Mod's Hair was founded in Paris over 50 years ago and since then, it has evolved into a style empire with salons all around the world, including one in Christchurch. All Mod’s stylists are trained in Paris and constantly update their technical skills to ensure Christchurch clients have access to a high level of expertise and trend setting styles. If you’re looking for somewhere to get pampered while enjoying an after work drink, Mod’s is our go-to. Their bespoke Perrier Jouët Champagne bar is the first of its kind in New Zealand and offers a luxe experience to enjoy with a friend or colleague.
True Grit
Christchurch Central
Christchurch’s multi-award-winning, True Grit is one of New Zealand’s leading hair salons. Synonymous with effortless style, the talented team is passionate about their craft and at the forefront of the latest in hair innovations, trends and styling. Located centrally on Manchester Street, True Grit is popular with local creatives and nearby office workers. It’s a great spot to pop in after work or during your lunch break. The salon’s success comes down to trust, commitment and industry-leading hairdressing expertise. Stylists work with their clients to find the style that best enhances their personality. And they’re known for offering an extensive list of services, from styling, colouring, straightening and hair beauty treatments. Book in a haircut and expect excellent head massages, fresh C4 espresso, local wines and leave feeling your best.
Pure Hair and Body
Sydenham
Pure Hair is Christchurch’s leading natural, sustainable and organic hair salon. The team focuses on reducing chemical overload and offering a range of services including colouring, styling, barbering and beauty therapy without the stress. The salon itself is spacious and modern, ideal for taking some time out to relax. If you’re short on time, you can book in to get your nails done or have other beauty treatments while your colour sets.
Chère Cherie
Christchurch Central
Chère Chérie is a group of friends, with over 55 years of collective hairdressing experience, who came together with the promise of creating uncompromised beauty. The focus here is on bespoke hair colour and cuts suited to each individual. The team uses modern techniques and environmentally friendly products like Davines, O&M and Oribe. They’ve worked globally in cities from New York and Los Angeles to London and Auckland. Here you can expect an inspiring experience where you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.
GM Hair Gallery
Christchurch
An international award-winning hair salon in the heart of Christchurch, stylists at GM Hair Gallery have trained worldwide. The sleek, industrial space with high ceilings would feel at home in New York’s Soho District and owners, Mike and Glynis Hamel bring international training and experience to Christchurch, having styled hair for some of the biggest fashion shows and international fashion weeks around the world and worked on editorial photoshoots, film and music videos. GM Hair cares just as much about your health as they do your hair, using products natural and carcinogenic free products.
Fox Hair
Christchurch Central
Fox Hair is a collection of independent leading professional hairstylists. They collaborate, support and work together to ensure the best results for their customers in a highly creative space, which is a self-described, “basement lair” in inner-city Christchurch. The space itself is located in the NG building, which is one of the few remaining Victorian and Edwardian style warehouses that characterised the city in the late 19th and early 20th Century. It’s home to a handful of interesting tenants. The team all work different hours, so bookings are essential. Here, your hair is in good hands and you can expect the highest standard of service.
Why not show off your new do with a night on the tiles? Find the best things to do in Christchurch after dark.
Image credit: True Grit, Chère Chérie, Anastasiya Lobanovskaya