Hairdresser

Hairdresser in South Africa

Updated 31 October 2026

Hairdressing in South Africa costs about R 200 to R 500 per service today: a kiddies cut from about R 200, a ladies cut from R 250 and a wash, cut and blow-dry around R 500. For current rates in your area and specialty, post a request on BlaBlaPrice: the AI asks for the details it needs and looks through local salons' price lists and websites.

Licences and qualifications

You do not need a specific salon licence to start, according to one local guide, but many municipalities run their own business licensing, and fees and requirements vary from one municipality to another. The only nationally recognised hairdressing qualification named in the results is the Red Seal Trade Test Certificate. A standards body for hairdressing and beauty also lists a minimum of two years' practical experience among its requirements. Ask any hairdresser to show the certificate and the experience behind it.

Season and demand

Summer, from December to February, is the busiest time for events and holidays, so bookings fill first. October is spring, with steady demand. Winter, June to August, is usually quieter, which suits a trial period or a course. Plan your schedule around the festive season if you work for a salon or want a full client list.

How services are priced here

Salons quote a price per service, not per hour: a cut, a wash and blow-dry, a children's cut and a weave installation are listed separately. Prices are in rand, and the price lists do not say whether VAT is included, so ask before you book. Home visits are usually agreed separately. A home-based salon can start from about R 3,000 to R 15,000, according to one start-up guide, and the cost depends on the location.

What to put in your request

Name the specialisation (cuts, colour, braiding, weave or children's hair), the workplace (salon, home visit or freelance), the schedule you need and your budget per service or per month. If you are hiring, state the client base you expect, your work experience and whether you need branded uniform. Add your city: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha.

Get offers through BlaBlaPrice by describing the work in your own words in the chat, and a photo of the style you want helps. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their own price and terms, and your contact details stay hidden until you decide to share them. If you also need related services, see beautician or nail technician.