Top 9 Barbers and Hairdressers in Wellington

Black barber chair in front of salon mirror at Boar and Blade in Wellington

When it comes to looking your best, it helps to have a hairdresser you can trust. With so many options in the capital you might be overwhelmed by choice, so here is your guide to some of Wellington’s top hair professionals.

Words by: Maggie Worthington 

Photos by: Anna Briggs

With everything from cheetah-print wallpaper to shop dogs and options for those introverts out there who dread the salon small talk, read on and discover your hairstylist soulmate.

Refuge Hair Boutique

Services key icon.

17a Moxham Avenue, Hataitai, Wellington

The three women behind Refuge Hair Boutique were not content to open just another fast-paced salon where clients are rushed through and chemicals are tipped down the drains. At Refuge, bookings for cuts, colour, treatments and styling all include a thorough consultation so there is a real chance to communicate, connect and feel well taken care of during your time there. The vibe is young and fresh without being overwhelming, and babies and toddlers are more than welcome too, making the boutique a super accessible place for mothers needing some care of their own.

Blendtings Barbers

174a Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Opened in 2019 by award-winning barber Matt Reeves, Blendtings is an old school walk-in barbershop with a focus on classic cuts and razor shaves. These guys are all about exceptional service, always offering a friendly greeting when you enter and keeping you comfy while you wait. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet the shop pup Jethro!

Cuba Barbers

177 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A barbershop and dive bar in one, Cuba Barbers has got you covered with their “eclectic mix of music, art and style”. Owner Michael is joined by two other talented barbers on the tools, delivering quality classic and contemporary haircuts at competitive prices. If you’re a Cuba Street regular you’ll know Paxton “The Prince of Cuba Street” as the sweet-natured sidekick to barber Izaak, so be sure to give the pooch a pat and tell him he’s a good boy.

Mane Salon

62 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Escape the city noise and visit Mane Salon for a relaxing experience that won’t disappoint. Their ethos is “your hair should reflect who you are” and it’s clear that they really don’t do things by halves here. Whether you’re after a quick trim, sunkissed balayage or complete transformation, the service is impeccable, relaxing and welcoming. With a genuine focus on cruelty-free, sustainability and community at the heart of what they do, there are plenty of reasons to make your next appointment.

Boar and Blade

Services key icon.

32 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington

Located on Wellington’s Cambridge Terrace is a high-end barber shop catering to the capital’s most discerning clients. Whether you’re in need of a quick trim or a hot towel shave, the boys at Boar and Blade will have you looking your freshest in no time.

JAM Hair Co

44 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

If you’ve been in Wellington for more than about five minutes, you’ll recognise the JAM premises by the David Bowie mural by artist Xoë Hall which adorns the Ghuznee Street façade. Founded in the late 80s by renowned hairdresser Tony Barrett, Jam Hair Co. continues to reflect Tony’s uncompromisingly high standards of quality, integrity, and professionalism. Using sustainable products from top brands and with years of combined experience, there isn’t a look that they can’t achieve.

Matt Forsman Hair

32 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Objectively, Matt Forsman is one of the coolest salons in the capital. The gallery-esque space draws you in, where the staff will happily make you feel at home and well looked after. They pride themselves on their emphasis on your health and the health of our planet, offering a range of services and treatments to ensure you get the best care for your hair. It’s also an inclusive space, with non gender-specific pricing available too.

Mix Fox

45 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Just walking past Miss Fox is a mesmerising experience - it’s hard not to get sucked in by the eclectic smorgasbord of bold colours, indulgent textures and attractive aroma that makes this salon unlike any other. Every client is treated with the same level of care and attention, ensuring you always leave feeling your absolute best. The Miss Fox team really knows their stuff, and if you’re in the mood for a silent salon experience, just say the word and you’ll be left to recharge your social battery and enjoy the music instead.

Willis York

119 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington

With three decades of hairdressing in Wellington under their belts, Willis York can transform your look or maintain your style with confidence. They’re passionate about their craft, and with brilliantly experienced and talented stylists in their ranks they can execute your vision with finesse. From cuts to colour and hair advice, Willis York provides a high-end service you can rely on.

Neat Wellington Places

The Library

A booth beneath a shelves of books at The Library bar Wellington.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon.

Hidden behind an unassuming ground floor entrance, The Library is another well-known establishment that overlooks the go-go crowd of Courtenay Place.

Empire Cinema & Eatery

Serving tables in aprons.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

Empire is fitting for a cinema that pre-dated ‘talkies’ when it played its first reel in 1925, but as far as movie theatres go, this one is more for those who’d pick pinot over popcorn.

Wellington Apothecary

Close up of a herbal tea dispenser.
Place Wellington
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Find a complete range of botanical tonics, teas and skincare, all handmade in small batches at this local apothecary.

Shoe School

Students busy around the shared table at Shoe School, Wellington.
Place Wellington
Stay and explore key icon. Fashion key icon.

A school teaching you to make your own shoes from scratch.