Top Expat Hair Salons in Shanghai

Toni & Guy

• Address
  Shanghai Center, 2/F, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu
  南京西路1376号, 上海商城X楼, 近西康路
• Phone
  6279 8806

• Address
  Jing'an Kerry Centre, Suite E3-06B, 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Changde Lu
  南京西路1515号静安嘉里中心大厦东区商城E3-06B, 近常德路
• Phone
  5262 0388

Arguably the most well-known salon in Shanghai is Toni & Guy; they've been around internationally for over 40 years and claim to be the "most powerful hairdressing brand in the world." With their cutting edge image, Toni & Guy have secured their status as one of the most influential hairdressing companies in the city. There are several locations throughout Shanghai, but I checked out the one at Shanghai Center. With top stylists from Malaysia and Australia, they definitely offer quality and consistency.

Their prices for color and other permanent treatments are pretty standard for most high-end salons, but a basic shampoo and cut is a bit overpriced in my opinion. With that said, it might be worth it in order to receive international standards of hair care minus the accompanying episodes of panic and fear. After all, going to the salon is supposed to be a relaxing experience. The feedback I received about this salon is that their work is generally good and consistent, but very overpriced. On the other hand, I did have a friend who went to Toni & Guy wanting only her bangs trimmed, and they charged her for an entire cut! Toni & Guy offer a nail salon and feature products such as L'Oreal, Label.m, and their own line -- Toni & Guy.

Cut, Shampoo, & Finishing: 120-1000rmb
Color: 400-1200rmb
Hair Straightening: 1000-2000rmb
Permanent Waving: 800-1080rmb
No hair extensions

On the web: www.toniandguy.co.uk

Hip Hair Culture

208 Xinle Lu, near Donghu Lu. Phone: 5403 5827


Established in Hong Kong in 1999, the Hip Hair Culture Group has developed extensively in a short period of time, having just recently expanded to Shanghai. Hair Culture claims to focus not only on the salon industry, but are "actively involved as a leader in the creative direction of hair styling in media and entertainment."

Hip Hair Culture is located on charming Xinle Lu, and Cameron Lee, their leading Hong Kong stylist with over 20 years in the industry, was immediately friendly and eager to inform me about their services and overall vision. I was impressed by his laid-back demeanor as so often salons, or hair stylists can come across a slightly snobby. HHC is so the opposite! This salon is one of the less expensive options and doesn't shaft you on quality. They feature Paul Mitchell products which are fantastic and often difficult to find here. Manicures and pedicures are available as well as hair extensions by consultation only.

Cut, Shampoo, & Finishing: 70-280rmb
Color: 200-1200rmb
Hair Straightening: 500-1500rmb
Permanent Waving: 250-1500rmb
Hair Extensions: by consultation only

On the web: www.h-culture.com

Benson Salon

778 Jiangning Lu, near Haifang Lu. Phone: 62778778.
In my opinion, Benson Salon is the overall best value in Shanghai. I was lucky enough to meet Benson, the owner and top stylist, a couple of years ago while helping out with the initial opening of his salon, and I've been loyal ever since.

Boasting a staff of local stylists, they are trained in hair care for all different types of hair. Benson's initial education through Vidal Sassoon helped him develop into one of the best hair stylists in Shanghai. They've recently remodeled their salon and overall image, which now puts them on par with the best salons in the city. And for those of you seeking blond highlights, Benson is fantastic. He also has a gift for giving "the perfect cut". My boyfriend swears by Benson's technique and won't go anywhere else! Overall their prices are on par with HHC, but I recommend this salon for cuts and color. And ladies, if you're keen to try out hair extensions, they start at only 10rmb a piece which is the cheapest I've found yet. It's best to make an appointment during off-peak hours so you get full one-on-one attention (they're usually swamped on Saturdays, so plan ahead!). Benson Salon also offers basic nail care and use products by L'Oreal, Kerastase, and Tigi.

Cut, Shampoo, & Finishing: 68-280rmb
Color: 480-730rmb
Hair Straightening: 380-2400rmb
Permanent Waving: 380-880rmb
Hair Extensions: 10rmb/piece; whole head 1400-2000rmb

On the web: www.bensonsalon.com