Categories > Other Services

hair-salon-port-elizabeth

The best hair salons in Port Elizabeth will keep you fab w/o breaking the bank!

Expertise: Salons with accredited stylists were favoured, particularly those holding qualifications such as SETA- SAQA-, or academy-accredited training, all verified through membership statuses and direct confirmation from schools/organisations.

We also considered longevity and awards.

Service Range: Based on service lists, interviews, and direct contact, we narrowed this list to salons that offer the following: cutting, colouring, and styling. Having more services, especially specialised ones such as keratin or detox treatments, resulted in higher scores.

Atmosphere: Cleanliness, aesthetics, and “overall vibe” were primarily gauged using personal visits and interviews. Feedback and galleries mattered as well.

Customer Service: We quantified responsiveness, friendliness, aftercare, and consultation quality through personal experience and interviews. Extras, like free food, drinks, and/or massages, also swayed the grades.

Pricing: Prices were compared against service quality and the products used. Beyond that, we stuck to picks within Port Elizabeth’s general pricing range, with those rolling out transparent discounts and packages getting our favour.

Looking good doesn’t always mean emptying a month’s worth of savings. I, for example, can flaunt gorgeous cuts and colours without settling for cup noodles for a month.

We’ve got tons of hacks to achieve that, but my go-to will always be these stylists and hair salons that serve head-turning looks without the eye-popping tags.

If you need proof (and deets), I laid them out all below, with the help of my equally hair-crazed teammates, of course.

Passion Hair & Beauty

passion-hair-beauty

Address: Buffelsfontein Rd, Greenshields Park

Contact Details: +27 41 367 1724

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 8 am to 5 pm
  • Fri – 8 am to 6 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 2 pm
Google review score4.8/5
Fresha review score4.8/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Expertise4.5/5
Service Range4.4/5
Salon Atmosphere4.6/5
Customer Service4.5/5
Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees)4.4/5

The feel of Passion Hair & Beauty allowed me to chill for a moment. Folks there were sociable (especially Orette and Elmarie), and freebies like coffee and tea lifted the vibe even more.

Facility-wise, I’ll describe it as modern, so expect a dead clean, spruced-up, and properly lit interior. There was also enough room to breathe, and I swung by on a rather busy Friday.

If I could add one thing, it’d be an app. Personally, booking via an app is handier than calling or waiting for a reply on Instagram.

Quotes could be made more polished, too. Though uncommon, pricing mix-ups have occurred in the past.

The upside? Passion’s prices are generally fair for Port Elizabeth’s standards, mainly their cutting, shampooing, colouring, and blow-drying rates.

We didn’t pay extra for the consultations either. It’s wrapped up within the cost, and the bubbly yet professional approach was noteworthy (felt like a catch-up with a friend).

Pros

  • Open for over 7 years
  • Wide range of services
  • Only 15 mins from the city centre
  • Uses high-end products like Redken

Cons

  • No app
  • History of wrong pricing

Beautiful Experience

The best salon I’ve been to, by far! I had a hair emergency and they fit me in immediately. When I arrived everyone was so lovely, it felt like I was sitting down with friends for a catch up. Bailey, who worked on my hair, is amazing! Her consult was so thorough, talking me through the whole process of what she was going to do. Passion Hair & Beauty turned my entire day around. Thank you for such a beautiful experience, I’m so happy to have found my new spot. I can’t wait to go back! 🙂

Dale McBirnie, Google Review

So Happy with the Way My Hair Turned Out

My friend Tamera recommended Jeandri at Passion after my hair got botched at a different salon in Walmer in December 2024 and after 2 failed attempts at a different salon to fix it (Dec 2024 and Feb 2025).

I decided to pop by there today for a consultation as I didn’t have an appointment to see if my hair was even fixable at this point. She gave me a consultation and she was able to also cut my hair today and fix it as best as possible (keeping in mind there was gaps in my hair and my hair is layered).

I am so happy with the way my hair turned out. This was my 4th hair cut since December and although I didn’t want such a short hair style it is at least better than my botched hair style. From this whole ordeal I’ve lost 25cm of hair length.

Chelsea Caston, Google Review

Shag High Voltage Hair

shag-high-voltage-hair

Address: 14 Lower Valley Rd, South End

Contact Details: +27 41 363 5540

Operating Hours:

  • Tue to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

Facebook

Google review score4.8/5
Facebook review score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency5/5
Expertise4.6/5
Service Range4.5/5
Salon Atmosphere4.5/5
Customer Service4.5/5
Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees)4.5/5

Calling Shag High Voltage “unique” is putting it mildly. This Corinne Ward and Fabio Macchia creation is situated in a roomy, “container-style” establishment, so yes, elbowing the next client is unlikely.

Being set inside a former industrial space also gives it an edgier, steampunk-ish look. The interior’s tones are pretty rustic, with natural light seeping into massive windows (and a motorcycle to boot).

As for services, it’s cuts, colouring, and styling they truly ace. If you’ve seen Corinne’s bouncy blond afro, which bagged a win in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy finals, you’d get the hype.

Last-minute bookings can be tough, though. They’re quite popular.

In addition, Shag’s dark, industrial interior and high-energy might not be too “intense or loud” for clients who prefer a calmer, minimalist salon.

Training isn’t a problem, thankfully. They’re big on keeping the team polished and up to date.

Better yet, prices are competitive, and they occasionally sweeten them up with discounts.

Pros

  • Open since 2010
  • Award-winning
  • Offers discounts
  • Livelier vibe

Cons

  • Tendency to get booked out
  • Aesthetics might not be relaxing to some

Very Happy Client

Corine took the time to get to know me and how I blow dry my hair myself. Not only did she listened and took in what I said, she also acted on exactly what I expected from her. Walked out a very happy client 😜😅 THX Corine….. Hope I’ve got your name right 🙈

Nicky de la Mare, Google Review

Always Friendly

Awesome place to get my hair cut! Had it cut and styled from incredibly long past my chest length and short cuts. Always great service, always friendly. Sick vibe, the place is so cool to be in. I’ve never been disappointed with any of my cuts and they also have decent prices.

Shawn Marsh, Google Review

Elite Hair & Beauty

elite-hair-beauty

Address: 254 Main Rd, Walmer

Contact Details: +27 41 581 0090

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 8 am to 5 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

Website

Google review score4.9/5
Facebook review score4.9/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency4.9/5
Expertise4.6/5
Service Range4.6/5
Salon Atmosphere4.6/5
Customer Service4.5/5
Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees)4.6/5

Started by stylist Carla and her husband, Dyland, Elite Hair & Beauty has been jazzing clients up since 2014.

I went there for a balayage, and the vibe was more laid-back than loud. They even handed me free drinks (the cappuccino was fab), personalised cards, and my fave—a shoulder massage.

The products are luxe (think Moroccanoil, Wella, and Kadus), but the prices stay fair. My bill matched what you’d expect locally, and many say the same, chiefly for services like precision cuts and Brazilian blowouts.

However, they’ve had a few scheduling blunders. Booking only one person, when the whole group was meant to be in, is the most glaring example.

Elite’s popularity can be a hitch as well, seeing as they can get quite busy.

If you’re fine with that, they’re spot-on, especially if you need other beauty treatments (e.g. manis and pedis) or services for special events.

Pros

  • Open since 2014
  • Has freebies like massage and drinks
  • Luxe but fairly priced products
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • History of booking errors
  • Can get booked out

Friendly and Caring

Searched on Google for a hairsalon near me and picked this one….and it was perfect! Loved the tiny detail of my name on a plaque, a little sweetie, and a flower decoration in my coffee of choice taken from a “menu”. The offer of free wifi, because who doesn’t have their phone wherever they venture?! The stylists are amazing. So friendly and caring. Without any expectation, a shoulder massage while the colouring set, and then a combined head massage and rinse…all while enjoying a vibrating chair massage 💆‍♀️ 😀 Today, even though it was only for a short time, it felt like I was in heaven…Thank you, Girls for a memorable day 😀 😊 Outstanding service!

Rochelle Shepherd, Google Review

Winning Team

I found Elite on google ,read the reviews and decided to give them a try a month ago on a rainy Thursday afternoon . Their prices also seemed more reasonable than other establishments. It was my first time at Elite and it was a pleasurable,pampering experience indeed . Upon entering ,I was greeted by friendly staff and my stylist was there immediately to chat to me . Brittany listened to exactly what I wanted ( have thin hair and needed a style that created volume ) and delivered . I loved the little touches of my name on a plaque at the hair station ,a menu to choose a beverage from ,little treats to eat,being offered wifi and being walked to my car with an umbrella as it was raining . I would definitely recommend them and will definitely go back. Even the experience of having my hair washed was amazing with a head massage and the washer was just as friendly . Winning team indeed

Chantal Davecharran, Google Review

The Fountain Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics 

the-fountain-hair-beauty-and-aesthetics

Address: 35 6th Ave, Walmer

Contact Details: +27 41 581 2568

Operating Hours:

  • Mon – 8 am to 4 pm
  • Tue to Wed – 8 am to 5 pm
  • Fri – 8 am to 6 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

Website

Google review score4.6/5
Facebook review score5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency4.6/5
Expertise4.5/5
Service Range4.6/5
Salon Atmosphere4.3/5
Customer Service4.2/5
Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees)4.4/5

The Fountain is a safe bet for anyone with Asian or Caucasian locks. They’ve been colouring and styling such hair types for over 7 years now.

What’s neat is that they’re open for mobile bookings, which is a time-saver. We’re not against popping by the salon, though; its stylish look and casual energy are a plus in our books.

The same thing applies to the prices. While rates aren’t the cheapest, they’re not robberies either, with week-long discounts on certain months and dates (like the salon’s anniversary).

Past that, The Fountain is a full-service spot. You can get your hair, make-up, and other beauty needs, including hair botox treatments and facials, done under one roof.

The downside is, the vibe doesn’t click with everyone. Some clients complained about the noise, chattiness, and the receptionist’s “lack of effort” in spotting an opening.

Their cuts don’t seem to wow many people either.

Pros

  • Open for over 7 years
  • Has freebies like coffee
  • Specialises in colouring Asian and Caucasian hair
  • Offers mobile services

Cons

  • Noise and “unhelpful receptionist” complaints
  • Not-so-glowing haircut record

Talented and Genuinely Cares

I cannot recommend David enough! I came in with a total hair disaster from another salon. David worked his magic and completely transformed it into a beautiful masterpiece. He took the time to listen to what I wanted, explained what would work best for my hair, and delivered results far beyond my expectations. I walked out feeling like a brand-new person. If you’re looking for a stylist who is both talented and genuinely cares about his clients, David is the one!

Marizza Kachelhoffer, Google Review

Can’t Wait for My Next Appointment

I had the most incredible experience—truly relaxing from start to finish. You can genuinely feel the love, care, and passion Janique pours into her work. I’ve never felt more pampered, and my hair has never looked better! Thank you for making me feel so beautiful and cared for. Can’t wait for my next appointment!

Monique Bester, Google Review

Jax Hair & Skincare

jax-hair-skincare

Address: 12 Matthew Ave, Springfield

Contact Details: +27 76 900 7789

Operating Hours:

  • Tue – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wed – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Thu to Fri – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sat – 8:30 am to 1 pm

Facebook

Google review score4.8/5
Facebook review score5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency4.7/5
Expertise4.7/5
Service Range4.6/5
Salon Atmosphere4.6/5
Customer Service4.5/5
Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees)4.5/5

If you ask Jax’s clients why they come back, they’ll probably tell you it’s the quality work and positive vibes. I mean, our interviewees raved about the results they got, as well as the charming staff always game for friendly banter.

They’re not short on services either. Basics are provided, with perms, children’s cuts, keratin treatments, and extensions as the extras.

Prices are also decent, and they chuck in little treats like massages and coffee (though if you really want heavenly brews, give my fave Jozi coffee shops a shot).

Now and then, bundled deals and discounts are rolled out too, usually on holidays and in March.

A tiny downside is that they clock off an hour earlier on Saturdays than most alternatives.

You also have to book in advance. Jax is far from being the largest team in Port Elizabeth.

That aside, we’ll give them extra scores for longevity. This one has nearly 15 years in their resume.

Pros

  • Nearly 15 years old
  • Offers discounts and bundles
  • Provides children’s cuts
  • Only 13 mins from the city centre

Cons

  • 1 pm Saturday closure
  • Advance booking is a must

Beautiful

I just had my hair done at Jax. I am so happy with the Belyage colour!!!! And the styling was done beautiful. I also loved the wash and massage that was given by the lovely Misa. I can recommend Jax to anyone who wants to look and feel fabulous!!!!!!!

Jolandi De Vos, Google Review

Fantastic Cut and Colour

Another fantastic cut and colour at Jax today. Thanks Misa for the wash and massage. Using booksy to schedule my appointment was so quick and easy.

Philippa Lascelles, Google Review

Related topics