Hairdressing

Hairdressing in South Africa: salon prices and rules

Updated 31 October 2026

A standard women's cut in South Africa starts from around R 140 in general listings, while salon price lists show about R 480 to R 495 for short and medium cuts, and balayage runs from R 730 to R 2,700. For a current quote for your hair and district, send a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Rules: licences and qualifications

The Red Seal Trade Test Certificate is the only nationally recognised hairdressing qualification in South Africa, so ask whether your stylist holds it. Some municipalities license salons: one published notice sets a flat fee of R707.70 per salon per year, plus VAT, so it is worth asking whether the salon you use is licensed. Some industry courses are fully funded by the Services SETA, which is a useful check when a stylist describes their training.

Season and timing

Summer (December to February) brings strong sun and heat, while winter (June to August) is cooler, and both change hair condition, which is why sellers ask how your hair is now. October is spring, a good month to book colour and treatments before the warm months. Book a few weeks ahead for colour, because it takes longer than a cut.

How services are priced and booked here

Prices are in rand for each service. Some salons quote colour, highlights, straightening and smoothing only on request or after a consultation, so ask for a price before you book. Stylists work in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, and many can come to a home in a chosen district. Ask whether a home visit costs more than a salon appointment.

What to write in your request

Give the details a stylist needs to quote correctly:

• the service and the date you want
• hair length and its current condition
• whether the stylist brings the products
• salon or home visit, and your district
• who the service is for, the experience you want, and your budget in rand

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