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 city. Next time you hit the road, consider making a stop to one of the country's highest-rated salons. It's the souvenir that keeps on giving.
See also: 19 of the Best Date Spots Across America
View this post on Instagram
10800 Alpharetta Highway Ste. / Website
Atlanta native Anthony Owen channels his artistic talents in his hairdressing, treating the hair as a canvas awaiting a masterpiece. A trained national Wella Educator and a Wella Master Color Expert, Anthony enjoys everything from Balayage to bold and bright colors. Brunettes who want dimension, this one’s for you. Looking for a quick blowout or a keratin treatment, too? Be sure to check the other five stellar salons on Atlanta's full list.
View this post on Instagram
600 E Main St #1 / Website
Sitting pretty on Main Street, Lather Salon Aspen redefines the service aspect of the local beauty industry. Owner and nationally acclaimed stylist Jeff Novak curated a salon where relaxation meets luxury. With skilled experts—all with a minimum of ten years experience—at your fingertips, choose between services from balayage and cutting edge hair cutting to styling, bridal wedding party services, waxing and more. Can't get an appointment on short notice? Check Aspen's full list for more incredible salon options.
View this post on Instagram
297 Newbury St. / Website
A visit to Cristina Viselli’s salon not only benefits hair health, but also Mother Earth. As a Green Circle Salon, Viselli Salon collects, recycles and repurposes 90% of their waste like hair clippings, foils, color tubes, papers, plastics and glass. They also use paraben and PPD-free color, which is allergy sensitive. With peace of mind for the planet, customers can enjoy their services, choosing from options like toner, extensions, balayage, conditioning and Cezanne keratin treatments. Be sure to check Boston's full list for beautiful wedding-day dos, award-winning stylist services and more.
View this post on Instagram
300 N. Elizabeth St., Ste. 201C / Website
Nestled in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood, this salon is an all-inclusive glamour solution from owner Daniel Janicek’s handpicked team of Chicago’s most talented artists. It's a must-see space, but so are the other nine salons on Chicago's full list.
View this post on Instagram
150 Manufacturing St. / Website
Calling all cool kids - Facture Salon is ready to give you a new look for the season. Owner extraordinaire Jessica Watts continues to dazzle each of her clients through myriad services including cuts and color galore. The fun doesn't stop there. Check Dallas' full list for more A-list salons.
View this post on Instagram
64 Park Place, East Hampton / 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.
View this post on Instagram
1451 S. King St. Ste. 202, Honolulu / Website
Run by Honolulu hair creative Jamie Keiko, Mika Haus is the destination for your hair transformation. Looking for a traditional cut or blowout? Mika Haus has all that and more, as the salon also features unique offerings for wedding and event styling, and even has a diverse palette of creative coloring. Whether you’re looking for a balayage or looking to branch out with a bright “fantasy color,” Mika Haus is ready to help you spice up your hairdo.
View this post on Instagram
2925 Richmond Ave.; 12505 Memorial Dr. / 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.
View this post on Instagram
3200 S Las Vegas Blvd., Website
Located at Fashion Show Mall Las Vegas, this upscale beauty destination is the brainchild of Claude Baruk, the go-to hair guy for world-class DJs, actors, models and VIPs ranging from Diplo and David Guetta to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Naomi Campbell. In 2018, he became the first Las Vegas-based hairstylist to be named the Celebrity Hairstylist of the Year at the annual Hollywood Beauty Awards, proving that Baruk is a cut above the rest. Vegas is full of incredible stylists, so be sure to check the full list.
View this post on Instagram
616 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood / 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 styles. 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.
View this post on Instagram
3930 NE 2nd Ave. / Website
Undeniably one of Miami’s trendiest hair salons, IGK Salon graces the Design District with its mastery of hair craft. The artsy decor and cheerful atmosphere of the shop serves as the perfect backdrop to fulfill your every hair desire. While the glamour hub sees its fair-share of celebrity clientele, expect all hairstylists to exude influencer-like personalities and fashion flair themselves. From simple trims to unrivaled hair coloring treatments, the salon is famed for topping off each client with effortless beach waves. Modern, trendy and versatile, IGK Salon has every guest walking out red carpet ready. You already know there's more fun to be had in the Magic City, so check the other nine salons on Miami's full list.
View this post on Instagram
754 Fifth Ave. / Website
Visited by the likes of Hillary Clinton, Judi Dench and Martha Stewart in its past life, the famed Salon at Bergdorf Goodman has started afresh, post its massive renovation. Longtime customer Carol Nappi stepped up as its new owner and has reconstructed the salon menu to offer luxe treatments such as scalp massages and aromatherapy before fashionable and ageless haircuts. As a fashion capital of the world, NYC is teeming with incredible stylists, so do check the city's full list.
View this post on Instagram
719 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine / Website
Irvine Spectrum Center’s eco-chic salon House of Lange is ready to lift your spirits—and those roots. Fashion director and owner Nic Lange and his talented team focus on providing a luxurious experience while producing almost zero waste, conserving water usage and utilizing plant-based and cruelty free products. Expect personalized offerings including haircuts, coloring, styling, extension services and blowouts featuring products by Kevin Murphy and Oribe. Ready for more? Try the other five salons on Orange County's full list.
View this post on Instagram
301 Australian Ave. / Website
Nestled inside Palm Beach’s famous The Brazilian Court hotel, The Brazilian Court Salon provides a luxe escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With an expert team of stylists led by hair veteran Pierre Matta, this pampering palace is fully equipped to execute a beautiful hair transformation. And for those looking for other ways to treat themselves, The Brazilian Court Salon also offers a menu of other cosmetic treatments, including facials, massages, manicures and more.
View this post on Instagram
308 S. 12th St. / Website
Owned by former “North American Hairstylist of the Year,” Giovanni Mele, this Midtown Village salon has been a consistent top spot for styling in Philly since it opened in 1997. Drop in for a cut and style, high-quality extensions, texturizing treatment, or color from their many options, including balayage, highlights, color gloss, corrective color and 10-minute hair color. If they’re good enough for Anderson Cooper, they're good enough for us. Still, there are even more amazing salons to try on Philly's full list.
View this post on Instagram
2636 Via De La Valle, Del Mar / Website
Educated in the Rusk style of cut and color placement, creator Kelly Trojnar set out in 2015 to create a modern hair salon where clients could receive innovative hairstyles from talented professionals. Clients can treat themselves to Capsyl Salon’s services of custom color, shaping and styling. For even more of your hair and even facial needs, check San Diego's full list.
View this post on Instagram
1808 Union St. / 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.
View this post on Instagram
7001 N. Scottsdale Rd. / 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 salon's on Scattsdale's full list.
View this post on Instagram
826 W. Dana St., Mountain View / 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.
View this post on Instagram
1425 K St NW Suite 102 / Website
Brazilian blowouts, hair extensions, Japanese straightening and coloring can all be found on INARI Salon’s menu. Make it a spa day with the salon’s other bustling menu of lash enhancements, manicures, plasma fibroblast and needle-free lip fillers and lifts. What's more, there are four other must-visit salons on D.C.'s full list.
Photography by: George Bohunicky / Unsplash
