The 10 Best Affordable Hair Salons in Vancouver

A fresh haircut can change the way you look, feel, and show up in the world. Vancouver is filled with talented stylists and beautiful salons, yet finding one that fits your budget and still delivers amazing results can feel overwhelming. Many people search for the best Vancouver hair salons but do not know where to start or which salons truly offer value for money. This guide brings together the most trusted, affordable, and highly rated salons to help you look your best without spending too much.

Finding the right salon raises important questions that many people often ask:

• Which salons offer great results at affordable prices?
• Where can I find the best Vancouver hair salons that understand my hair type?
• How can I choose a stylist who truly listens to what I want?
• Are there salons that provide student-friendly or budget-friendly services?

These concerns are very common, especially for students, newcomers, working professionals, and anyone trying to manage their cost of living in Vancouver.

This page gives clear answers and simple guidance you can trust. Each salon listed has been carefully reviewed for pricing, service quality, customer experience, and location. You will find options perfect for every lifestyle, whether you are a student moving through Platuni’s shared living communities, a young professional settling into the city, or someone looking for a reliable place to refresh your look. Platuni is committed to helping you enjoy a better, more connected life in Vancouver, and that includes helping you discover the best Vancouver hair salons that match your style and your budget.

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What is The Average Cost Hair Salons in Vancouver Charge?

The cost of visiting hair salons in Vancouver varies widely. Prices depend on the type of salon (budget, mid-range, or premium), the stylist’s experience, the service you want, and how long the service takes. Many recent sources show that Vancouver salon prices fall into predictable ranges, which helps you plan your budget before booking.

Women usually pay more than men because women’s services often include washing, styling, colouring, or treatments. Men’s services are usually simpler and take less time.

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General Haircut Prices in Vancouver

Women’s Haircuts

Women’s haircuts in Vancouver typically cost:

• CAD $40 – $80 for a basic wash, cut, and style in affordable or mid-range
• CAD $80 – $150+ in premium or highly rated salons
• CAD $120 – $250+ at luxury salons or with celebrity stylists

Men’s Haircuts

Men often pay less for haircuts due to shorter service time. Most salons charge:

• CAD $25 – $70, depending on shampooing, styling, and stylist experience

Colouring and Chemical Services

Hair colouring in Vancouver varies greatly based on technique, stylist expertise, hair length, and products used.

Typical prices include:

• Root touch-up: CAD $70 – $120
• Full colour: CAD $100 – $200+
• Balayage / Highlights: CAD $150 – $350+
• Blonde work or colour correction: CAD $300 – $600+ (More advanced services cost more due to time and skill required.)

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Hair Styling Services

Women who want styling without cutting or colouring usually pay:

• Blowout: CAD $40 – $65
• Silk press: CAD $70 – $120
• Special occasion styling / Updos: CAD $80 – $200+

Braids, Weaves & Protective Styles (Black Hair Salons)

Vancouver’s Black hair community continues to grow and offers a wide range of styling options.

Typical prices:

• Box braids: CAD $150 – $350+
• Knotless braids: CAD $200 – $450+
• Cornrows: CAD $40 – $120
• Sew-in weave install: CAD $120 – $250+
• Wig install: CAD $120 – $250+

(Prices increase with longer or fuller styles.)

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Hair Treatments for Women

Treatments help maintain healthy, strong hair:

• Deep conditioning: CAD $25 – $50
• Olaplex treatment: CAD $50 – $100
• Keratin smoothing treatment: CAD $250 – $450

How Much Do Hair Stylists Make in Vancouver?

Understanding stylist pay helps you understand salon pricing. Here’s what recent data shows for Vancouver (or broader BC):

• According to a labour market report, hairstylists in the Lower Mainland (which includes Vancouver) have a median hourly wage around CAD 23.00/hr, with a typical range going up to about CAD 33.75/hr depending on experience and salon.
• Another source shows a typical earnings range for hair stylists in Vancouver between roughly CAD 44,000 to CAD 130,000 per year, depending on seniority, clientele, and whether they are salaried or commission-based.
• Entry-level or less experienced stylists might earn less, while skilled or in-demand stylists working in well-regarded salons or offering specialty services tend to earn more.

This means salon pricing reflects the cost of skilled labour, overhead, products, and service quality, which helps explain why haircuts in Vancouver can range from affordable to premium.

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How Much Should You Tip at a Vancouver Hair Salon?

Tipping is a common practice in Vancouver's salon culture. A common practice is:

• 15% – 20% of the service cost for regular haircuts or styling
• Higher tips for long sessions such as balayage, knotless braids, colour correction, or premium treatments

Tipping rewards skilled work and helps support stylists who rely on commissions.

Why Prices Vary So Much in Vancouver

Several factors influence salon prices, including:

• Salon level (budget vs luxury)
• Stylist experience and popularity
• Products used
• Hair length, thickness, and texture
• Type of service (simple cut vs full colour)
• Salon location (Downtown, Yaletown, Kitsilano, West Vancouver have higher rent)

Checking prices online or requesting a quote before booking helps avoid surprises.

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10 Best Affordable Hair Salons in Vancouver

#1. Express RÜT Bar +

Express RÜT Bar + focuses on fast, affordable services that suit busy people who still want tidy, modern results. The salon is popular for quick root touch-ups, simple cuts, blowouts and basic colour services. Many clients choose this salon when they need a reliable, low-cost visit without a long wait. This makes it a strong pick among the best Vancouver hair salons for value-conscious clients.

• Services: quick root touch-ups, wash + cut + style, blowouts, highlights, keratin treatments, children’s cuts.
• Address: 152 E 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1R7.
• Contact: (604) 707-9497

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#2. Empire Hair (local branches)

Empire Hair offers consistent, budget-friendly haircuts and basic colour work. The salon is known for fair pricing on routine services and occasional first-time discounts for new clients. That combination of predictable pricing and experienced stylists helps it rank among the best Vancouver hair salons for everyday cuts and simple styling.

• Services: men’s and women’s cuts, shampoo + blowdry, basic colour, braids and specialty services in some locations.
• Address: 4540 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 4E4
• Contact: +1 (778) 384-8333 (please confirm the exact Vancouver-area branch if needed).

#3. The Hairloft (Granville Island / Broadway area)

The Hairloft is a neighbourhood salon that serves a wide range of clients, including families and students. The Granville Island location has a relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere and offers careful, affordable cuts and basic colour services. This salon consistently appears in local guides as one of the best Vancouver hair salons when clients want friendly service without premium pricing.

• Services: women’s and men’s haircuts, children’s cuts, balayage, colouring, keratin treatments, styling and hair treatments.
• Address: The Hairloft, Granville Island Kids Market — 1496 Cartwright St (2nd floor), Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5.
• Contact: (604) 684-6177 (listed on salon and marketplace pages).

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#4. Express / Walk-in haircut options

Several local express haircut shops and walk-in salons offer very low prices and fast service. These places are ideal for simple trims or quick men’s haircuts. Pricing is usually at the low end of the Vancouver range, which makes them a good choice when you want an affordable, no-fuss visit among the best Vancouver hair salons for budget care.

• Services: quick men’s and women’s cuts, trims, simple styling; some locations offer colour touch-ups or basic treatments.
• Address: Hair Express, 609 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1W7
• Contact: +1 (604) 441-1873 (check hours and exact offerings before linking).

#5. Blo / Blow Dry Bars (Yaletown / South Granville)

Blow dry bars such as Blo (multiple Vancouver locations) specialise in styling, blowouts and event hair. These bars offer predictable pricing for blowouts and styling and are a good affordable option when you want salon polish without a full cut or colour. They are often included in lists of the best Vancouver hair salons for value and convenience.

• Services: blowouts, styling, extensions, event hair, and express treatments.
• Address (Yaletown example): Blo Yaletown, 1150 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2.
• Contact (Yaletown): +1 604-909-9495; other Blo locations (South Granville) use different local numbers, confirm the location before linking.

#6. Roots Hair Salon

Roots Hair Salon is a good choice for people who want quality colour work at reasonable prices. The salon offers fair rates for root touch-ups, trims, and simple styling, which makes it popular among students and young professionals. Many clients say they enjoy the calm environment and friendly service. These strengths make Roots Hair Salon a dependable pick among the best Vancouver hair salons for affordable colouring and regular maintenance.

• Services: women’s and men’s haircuts, blow-drying, root touch-ups, full colour, highlights, simple styling.
• Address: 1165 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
• Contact: +1 (604) 687-8008

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#7. Clover Hair Studio

Clover Hair Studio gives a boutique-style experience at a friendly price. Many clients love the relaxed atmosphere and the stylists’ patience when handling different hair types. The salon offers clean, modern cuts and soft colour results without the heavy cost of premium salons. These qualities help Clover stand out among the best Vancouver hair salons for people who want quality and comfort at a simpler price.

• Services: haircuts for all genders, colouring, balayage, glossing, treatments, and basic styling.
• Address: 1736 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3
• Contact: +1 (604) 255-2822

#8. Ann’s Hair Salon

Ann’s Hair Salon is one of those local places people trust for straightforward and affordable hair care. The salon has served the neighbourhood for many years, offering consistent results for trims, short haircuts, and simple colour requests. Many clients choose Ann’s when they want a smart cut without paying high downtown prices. These strengths keep Ann’s Hair Salon on lists of the best Vancouver hair salons for affordability and reliability.

• Services: trims, haircuts, colouring, shampoo + style, simple blowouts, men’s cuts.
• Address: 3432 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C4
• Contact: +1 (604) 872-1528

#9. Miyoko’s Beauty Salon

Miyoko’s Beauty Salon is a practical option for people who want a haircut that looks neat without spending too much. The salon is known for its fair pricing and gentle approach to customer care. Many newcomers and students appreciate how easy it is to walk in, get a clean cut, and leave satisfied. This makes Miyoko’s a helpful addition to the best Vancouver hair salons for simple, affordable hair care.

• Services: women’s and men’s cuts, trims, colouring, perms, basic styling.
• Address: 3466 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C2
• Contact: +1 (604) 872-3181

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#10. Hair Schools & Student Training Salons

Hair schools and training salons in Vancouver offer some of the lowest prices while still delivering good results under professional supervision. Clients often pay far less for full haircuts, colouring, highlights, or treatments. The process can take longer, yet the value is unbeatable for people on a tight budget. These training salons remain among the best Vancouver hair salons for anyone who wants premium-level services at student-friendly prices.

• Services: haircuts, colouring, highlights, root touch-ups, styling, treatments (all performed by students supervised by licensed professionals).
• Address: Examples include Blanche Macdonald Centre (460 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B5), other schools exist across the city.
• Contact: +1 (604) 685-0347 (Blanche Macdonald Beauty School Salon)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Vancouver Hair Salons

What makes a salon part of the best Vancouver hair salons?

A salon becomes one of the best Vancouver hair salons when it offers great service, friendly staff, clean spaces, and fair prices. Customers always look for stylists who listen, understand their hair needs, and deliver results that match their expectations. Many top salons also use high-quality hair products and offer modern hair techniques that help you look your best.

How much do hair stylists make in Vancouver?

Hair stylists in Vancouver usually earn between $20 to $30 per hour, and many also earn tips. Experienced stylists or those working in busy locations can earn more. Some stylists work on commission, so their income increases when they serve more clients.

Do the best Vancouver hair salons accept walk-ins?

Some salons accept walk-ins, especially the affordable ones. Popular salons may require appointments since they get booked quickly. It is always safer to call or book online, especially on weekends.

Can I book online?

Yes, most of the best Vancouver hair salons allow you to book directly from their website or through booking platforms. Online booking is fast, stress-free, and gives you the chance to choose the perfect time and stylist.