A great hairdresser is worth holding onto, someone who listens, gets your cut and colour right, and keeps your hair healthy. Christchurch has plenty of salons, from busy city studios to relaxed neighbourhood ones, so it helps to start with a shortlist of proven names.
We have rounded up five of Christchurch's most trusted hairdressers, focused on skilled results, a great range of services and a welcoming experience.
The top 4 hairdressers in Christchurch are 1. Surreal Hair, 2. Friends + Co, 3. Mod's Hair, 4. True Grit. Below we explain why each made the list, compare them at a glance, and share how to choose.
This featured position sits above the editorial Top 4 and is clearly labelled. It does not influence the rankings below.
A CBD boutique salon led by Michelle Marsh with over 25 years' expertise, Surreal Hair hold Gold Standard Salon status, one of only nine in New Zealand.
A trusted Christchurch salon for expert cuts, precision colour and specialist haircare, Friends + Co are also home to a leading curly-hair specialist.
On Aikmans Road in Merivale, Mod's Hair was founded in Paris over 50 years ago, with stylists who appreciate all natural textures and tones.
Award-winning hair stylists centrally located in the Christchurch CBD, True Grit cover cuts, colour and styling.
A quick comparison of our Top 4 picks.
| Hair Salon | Best for |
|---|---|
| Surreal Hair | Award-winning cuts and colour |
| Friends + Co | Cuts, colour and curly hair |
| Mod's Hair | Paris-style cuts and colour |
| True Grit | Award-winning city salon |
Independent, editorial, and reviewed regularly.
TopChoice rankings are editorially curated by our New Zealand team and reviewed periodically. We don't host our own reviews. Our shortlists draw on public reputation signals from Google and other platforms, alongside our own research into each hair salon. We weigh up a combination of:
We don't accept payment in exchange for a place in the Top 4. Featured placements are separate and always clearly labelled. Rankings may change over time as businesses evolve.
Start with what you want. A precision cut, all-over colour, balayage or foils, curly-hair expertise, extensions or a special-occasion style are different specialties, so look for a salon whose work matches what you are after.
Browse their recent work on social media and read reviews for consistency, not just one good photo. A good salon offers a consultation, talks honestly about what will suit you and your hair, and quotes before they start.
Consider the practical things too, location and parking, how far ahead you need to book, whether they use brands you like, and the overall vibe. The right fit is a stylist you can return to.
A women's cut and finish often runs around $60 to $120, a men's cut around $35 to $60, and colour services from roughly $120 upwards depending on length and technique. Always ask for a quote at your consultation.
For a regular cut, a week or two is usually fine, but popular stylists and busy periods like before Christmas and the wedding season book out further ahead. A colour appointment often needs more notice.
Yes, especially for a big change, going lighter, or correcting previous colour. A consultation lets the stylist assess your hair, set realistic expectations and give an accurate price and time.
Most full-service salons offer balayage, foils, all-over colour and corrective work, though colour correction is specialist and priced accordingly. Check the salon has experience with the look you want.
Many salons offer hair extensions and up-styling for weddings, balls and events. These are often booked separately and may include a trial, so enquire early.
Reputable Christchurch salons want you to leave happy and will usually adjust a cut or tweak colour within a reasonable window. Raise it politely and promptly so they can put it right.
Editorial disclosure: TopChoice is an independent editorial platform. Some pages may include clearly labelled featured placements for additional visibility. Featured placements do not influence rankings within our Top 4 lists.
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