A guide to hairdressers in Edinburgh

The ‘Edinburgh Fringe’ may be the world’s largest arts festival rather than a chic celebrity hairstyle, but there’s no shortage of cutting-edge hairdressers in Scotland’s beautiful capital city. Whether you need unisex or Afro hairdressing, or a glamorous up-do for a special occasion, this article will give your hair the wow factor.

Unisex cuts

Look no further than Medusa Hairdressing if you want to look and feel fantastic. Their artistic team's work is regularly featured in national and international media. Colin McAndrew, the creative director, hosts training seminars across Scotland and raises funds for a Romanian orphanage. Medusa Hair has salons in Teviot Place, Bread St, South Clerk St and in Musselburgh. At HIM Grooming, a cheerfully informal men's hairdresser on Queen Street, you can chill out and watch the game on TV while enjoying a great haircut. Cheynes, Edinburgh, has seven salons across the city, including George St.South Bridge and Bruntsfield Avenue. When you walk in, expect a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a staff who can cut and colour to leave you feeling fabulous. They even ‘rescue’ hair that needs special attention. It’s the kind of place that you will want to tell your friends about.

Afro hairdressing

A Touch of Silk Afro-Caribbean hair salon is based in Gilmore Place which is near the city’s lush Meadows Park. It specialises in weaves, cornrows, dreadlocks and extensions as well as in wigs and beauty products. For latch-hook and skin-weft weaving, kinky twists and hair extensions, pop into Eva’s Hair and Salon on Newington’s Clerk Street. Regulars will tell you that it was set up by a Kenyan lady who tied the knot with a Scotsman.

More than just a haircut

The Bannatyne Spa, located on Newcraighall Road, just off the Edinburgh bypass, is equipped with a Wella professional hair salon as well as with an array of spa and beauty treatments. Luxuriate in candlelight and soothing music as you wind down from a frantic day at work, or if you are preparing for a night out on the town. If you fancy easing away the strains of life in colour therapy rooms after your hair appointment, try Dian Ward Hair & Beauty Spa in the Corstorphine area of the city. Hot stone therapies and manicures are also on hand.

No need to travel

Would you prefer that your hairdresser comes to you? Penicuik-based Hair At Home is a mobile service specialising in wedding styling in the Edinburgh area. Its owner, Ann Quin, who trained with Toni & Guy in London, offers more than 20 years of professional expertise. Whatever your style, Edinburgh has a huge range of hairdressers to suit every circumstance.