In Surry Hills, the Hairdresser professionals listed here also serve the nearby towns of City of Sydney, Sydney, Pyrmont, Zetland. Contact any of them directly on WhatsApp — no middleman, no commission.
About Hairdresser
Red Flags When Choosing a Hairdresser
Red flags include rushed consultations under 3 minutes, no patch test offered, and reused colour bowls. Pricing should appear in writing, not quoted verbally at the sink. If the stylist avoids eye contact or cannot name the brand of dye they are mixing, leave before the colour is applied.
Booking Your First Visit to a Hairdresser
Book your first appointment with a 10 to 15 minute buffer before and after the service. Allow 45 minutes for a basic cut, 90 to 120 minutes for colour, and up to 180 minutes for full highlights with toner. Confirm the stylist's experience with your hair type before the day, not at the chair.
What affects the cost of colouring and highlights
Colour price depends on the technique used, the number of colours applied, and whether bleach is needed. Full highlights take around 2 to 3 hours, while balayage can take 3 to 4 hours. Bleach is the most expensive product and is needed for lightening dark hair. Ask which brand and shade line the salon uses before booking.
Hygiene Standards at a Hairdresser
Scissors should be wiped with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol between clients, and capes must be freshly laundered. Combs and brushes go into a closed jar with disinfectant, not left soaking in open bowls. Check that single-use gloves are worn during colour application, especially if you have scalp sensitivity.
How to maintain your colour between appointments
Use sulphate-free shampoo and wash with cool water to slow fading. Wash every 2 to 3 days instead of daily to protect the colour. Heat styling strips pigment faster, so use a heat protectant and keep tools below 180 degrees. A purple shampoo once a week tones blonde and grey shades. Avoid chlorine, which turns colour green quickly.
What a hairdresser appointment usually covers
A standard hairdresser appointment includes a consultation, shampoo, cut, and blow-dry. Colouring, perming, and chemical straightening are add-on services priced separately. Most appointments take between 30 minutes and 90 minutes depending on hair length, thickness, and style. Always confirm exactly what is included before you book so you are not charged for extras.
Reading Reviews and Portfolios
Look for a portfolio with at least 20 before and after photos taken in the same lighting, without filters. Reviews mentioning density, curl pattern, or grey coverage are more useful than generic praise. Avoid profiles showing only one hair type, since versatility signals stronger training and steadier hand control.
How often you should get your hair cut
Short styles like bobs and pixies need a trim every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their shape. Medium-length hair looks fresh with a cut every 6 to 8 weeks. Long hair can wait 8 to 12 weeks if you are growing it out. Split ends travel up the shaft, so delaying cuts often causes more damage and extra work later.
Allergies and Patch Tests at a Hairdresser
Ask for a patch test 48 hours before any colour, permanent wave, or keratin service. The hairdresser applies a pea sized amount behind the ear or on the inner elbow and checks for redness, swelling, or itching after 30 minutes. Skipping this step risks contact dermatitis lasting 7 to 14 days.
Signs you should find a new hairdresser
Frequent split ends, breakage, or scalp irritation after visits suggest poor technique or harsh products. A good stylist remembers your history, preferences, and previous colour formulas. If you have to repeat your instructions at every appointment, move on. Uneven colour, visible regrowth within 2 weeks, or rushed cutting are also red flags worth taking seriously.