Is there anything more invigorating than a total makeover? Change your hair, and it feels like you can start a whole new life.
Whether you’re looking to chop it off, change the color, shave a bit, add some curls or go for a full fantasy dye job, who you let touch your hair can make or break the whole experience. It can be scary looking for a new salon, or it can be an adventure.
We asked our editors across the country to tell us which salons are serving cutting-edge looks and reliable treatments in their cities. Next time you hit the road, consider making a stop at one of the country’s highest-rated salons. It’s the souvenir that keeps on giving.
Aspen - M Salon
Multiple Locations / Website
Serving as the ultimate destination for all beauty needs—which encompass hair, makeup, waxing and more—Salon Tullio has been a shining example of excellence for nearly three decades. “Both our salon locations hold stylists with years of experience behind the chair,” says owner Michael Tullio. “Ones who understand the lifestyle of seasonal changes and tailor to the aspen experience that visitors and locals admire.” Whether visiting its Basalt or Aspen locations, discover customized services that encompass everything from balayage and highlights to impeccable blowouts and sophisticated updos. Check Aspen’s full list for more incredible salon options.
Boston - Beaucage
Multiple Locations / Website
Founder Dean Boudreau is undoubtedly one of Newbury Street’s most accomplished stylists. If his nearly 35-year-old salon, Beaucage, is not enough of a testament to his success, Boudreau has also been featured in various luxury magazines and won awards for his team’s expert styling techniques. Whether customers seek the best haircut for their face shape, full Pintura highlights for curls or natural hair extensions, Boudreau and his stylists are prepared to bring each customer’s ideas to fruition. Be sure to check Boston’s full list for beautiful wedding-day dos, award-winning stylist services and more.
Chicago - Agnes O. Hair Design & Derma Spa
21 W. Elm St. / Website
This hidden Gold Coast gem offers a large array of services, from color services, hair extensions, spa treatments, waxing and makeup to wedding services and styling. In addition, the salon also has a reputation for personalized customer service and exceptional client experience. Looking for something closer to home? Check the other fine salons on Chicago's full list.
Dallas - Ceron Highland Park
30B Highland Park Village / Website
Each innovative stylist masterfully blends comforting, urbane guidance with stunning transformations. However, Ceron's brilliant charm stems from their selfless commitment to enhancing clients’ self‐image while uplifting spirits. Check Dallas’ full list for more A-list salons.
The Hamptons - Warren Tricomi
64 Park Place, East Hampton; 631-324-3036 / Website
Warren Tricomi's East Hampton post is another favorite, and for good reason. Their rejuvenating hair treatments paired with crisp colors and sleek cuts make lifetime customers out of their clients. There's no going wrong with an appointment at Warren Tricomi. With the high-profile locals The Hamptons is known for, you can be sure the rest of the salons on our full list are worth an appointment.
Hawai’i - 61 Barbershop
410 Atkinson Drive, 3rd Floor, Honolulu / Website
Upon entering the doors of this oasis, discover an ambiance that immediately puts the mind at ease. Custom-designed stations provide privacy yet promote togetherness among clients. The experts at Dada Salon strive to elevate your mood and appearance. Offering cutting-edge styles, each cut celebrates the unique aesthetic of the individual. Founded in 2015 by Richie Miao, his dedication to innovation has built Dada Spa, Salon & Cafe into an inspiring space where the team can express their aesthetic and culinary visions in ever-changing ways. Check Hawai’i’s full list for more wonderful salons.
Houston - Ceron Hair Studio
2925 Richmond Ave., 713-892-8330; 12505 Memorial Dr., 713-722-8330 / Website
Stylist to some of our favorite ‘dos around town, Ceron is constantly in high demand. With his storied spot in Uptown Park and now a happening hub in Kirby Grove, this style maven leaves you feeling your chicest of selves. That’s two great salons for the price of one, but there are even more great pamper spots on Houston’s full list.
Los Angeles - Andy Lecompte Salon
616 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood; 310.273.4100 / Website
Founded by Andy Lecompte in 2008, this West Hollywood hair salon is anything but basic. Each service is personalized and representative of each client’s personality and style. With exclusive clientele, this salon has been on L.A. natives’ radar since its opening. Services include everything from haircuts and blowouts to nails and make-up. As the home base for so many stars, L.A. boasts some truly incredible salons with powerful clientele and lots of privacy. Be sure to check the City of Angel’s fill list to get that movie star glow.
Miami - Peter Alexander Salon
1614 Alton Rd., Ste. 201, Miami Beach / Website
Haircare expert and 20-year industry veteran Peter Moodley has recently debuted his glossy Miami Beach salon, Peter Alexander Named after his furry friend Alexander, Moodley welcomes clients into his salon the same way he would welcome guests into his home. The salon’s light-filled design was meticulously conceptualized in partnership with Danny Cubes of Creative Design Studio, so that clients feel their best selves while in the chair and navigating between stations. Moodley’s staff is comprised of talented stylists who have worked celebrity editorials and fashion shows alongside well-known stylists. Miami salon's know how to serve looks, so be sure to check the other spots on Miami’s full list.
NYC - Adel Atelier
231 E. 58th St.; 917-257-9080 / Website
Adel Atelier is one of the go-to colorists for celebrities. Adel offers each client a more detailed hair-design menu, including color highlights, dry cuts and oil treatments. Special products include the Milbon and vegan lines with no sulphates or parabens. As a fashion capital of the world, NYC is teeming with incredible stylists, so do check the city’s full list.
Orange County - DKW Styling Salon
4020 Birch St., Ste. 102, Newport Beach, 949.660.1750 / Website
For over two decades, Cindy Borella—owner and founder of Addicted to Hair—has been at the forefront of the hair extension industry, finding ways to enhance extensions in the safest way possible. As the master trainer of the Addicted To Hair Academy and the creator of the FlatTracs System, Borella creates beautiful extensions that are made to last by sewing in a thin section to the natural hair in a horseshoe-like area. After your free consultation, choose from one or two rows of 100% human hair extensions that enhance your look with fullness and length. Addicted to Hair also offers state-of-the-art services from cuts to color, root touch-ups and balayage, for a perfect look every time. Try the other salons on Orange County’s full list.
Philadelphia - Adolf Biecker Salon
Multiple locations / Website
Since 1933, Jean Kurland and Madeline Brown have styled the tresses of Philly’s finest at Adolf Biecker Salon. The Center City, Main Line and Blue Bell locations leave every client looking and feeling their best with services like highlights, balayage, conditioning treatments, hair extensions and more. Still, there are even more amazing salons to try on Philly’s full list.
San Francisco - SF Color Collective
1808 Union St.; 415-529-1861 / Website
In partnership with Green Circle Salons, SF Color Collective provides an eco-friendly and high-quality experience for its clients. While guests enjoy professional styling and coloring, this trendy salon is turning plastic and cotton into energy and turning hair clippings into mats for oil spills. Acting as a salon as well as a place for hair education, Color Collective will leave customers feeling just as good on the inside as the outside. That's not all, because SF boasts for more fantastic spots on its full list.
Scottsdale - Rumors Salon
7001 N. Scottsdale Rd.; 480-998-1888 / Website
Complete your look with the professional stylists at Rumors Salon. From nails to hair to makeup, sit back and let their creative team make your style dreams come true using the latest techniques. Do make sure to check out the other salons on Scottsdale's full list.
Silicon Valley - Essence Salon
826 W. Dana St., Mountain View; 650-988-8822 / Website
Founder and creative director of Essence Salon Jennifer Lei's goal is to bring out her customers' inner beauty by creating "happiness through hairstyling." In an environment that feels like a family home where customers are treated like guests, this award-winning salon will turn your hair fantasies into reality. Jennifer's stylists, many of whom have decades of experience, bring their technical skills and friendly attitudes to make the customer's treatment seamless and enjoyable. Even more knock-out styles await on Silicon Valley's full list.
Washington, D.C. - Color Creep Aesthetics
2465 Mandeville Lane, Ste. 240, Alexandria, Va. / Website
Helmed by blonding and extension expert Samantha Malandrino, Color Creep Aesthetics specializes in custom color services, Brazilian blowouts and extension services. What’s more, there are four other must-visit salons on DC's full list.
Looking for even more beauty upgrades? Check our list of luxe advent calendars for the beauty-obsessed in your life, yourself included.
