Experts Reviews · 2026 Ratings

The Best Hair Salons

We graded 101 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.

$58typical jobMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).
100%say the price was fairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
4.82★average ratingPlain average of every Google star rating we collected for these companies.
2.9%bad jobs (1–2★, 2 yrs)Share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.

From 25,168 Google reviews of 101 top-rated hair salons nationwide. Updated October 29, 2026.

Find the right company for your job

Pick the job — we re-rank companies by how customers rated that exact job.

Best hair salons for custom cut

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1SmartStyle logoSmartStyle★ 4.97 on this job32 jobs reviewedusually $20–40How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Custom cut”:Stars on this job 55%4.97★Number of such jobs 25%32Overall Experts Score 20%77Job match= 91Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.82★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.91
2Haircutter in the Meadow logoHaircutter in the Meadow★ 5.00 on this job9 jobs reviewedusually $20–40How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Custom cut”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%9Overall Experts Score 20%60Job match= 77Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.82★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.77
3Palace Barber Shop logoPalace Barber Shop★ 5.00 on this job4 jobs reviewedusually $20–30How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Custom cut”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%4Overall Experts Score 20%96Job match= 76Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.82★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.76

Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Custom cut” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.

What customers said about custom cut

Gale3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
SmartStyle logoSmartStyle

Very capable hairstylist. Guess what you try to tell her so you end up getting you’re really looking for.👍

Paid $40–60Shampoo & conditioningBlowoutsCustom cut
AmrutaLocal Guide · 72 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Haircutter in the Meadow logoHaircutter in the Meadow

I visited Haircutter in the meadow when I lived in Secaucus. I used to get my hair done, color and cut. My driver's licence still has the photo of my hair from when I had gotten it done at the Haircutter in the meadow.

Custom cutBlowdryHair coloring
Alison9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★
Palace Barber Shop logoPalace Barber Shop

Tiffany and Morgan are both talented stylists! We have been pleased with every cut, wax, and tinsel service! You could not ask for better!

Paid $20–30Long haircutCustom cutHaircut
MaryLocal Guide · 62 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
SmartStyle logoSmartStyle

Jewel is awesome. Sara is very personable, and she was able to fit me in her schedule, Sara does amazing color always looks Beautiful

Paid $60–80Custom cutHaircutHairstyling
BrandyLocal Guide · 4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
SmartStyle logoSmartStyle

Jewel did an amazing job on my hair!! Been wanting this cut forever and after many visits to other salons..she is the only one who did it perfectly! Definitely give them a try.

Shampoo & conditioningCustom cut
Barbara8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
SmartStyle logoSmartStyle

I feel like a new person. Thank you so much, Jewel 😁 As always you worked your magic on my short haircut 💇

Paid $20–40Custom cutScissor cutHaircut

Overall ratings

Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of hair salons).

#CompanyScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown.FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20.★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps.Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
1Salon Rogue logoSalon RogueLouisville, KYA 100How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$194
2Haven and Hue Hair Salon logoHaven and Hue Hair SalonReno, NVA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$93
3Milani Salon & Suites logoMilani Salon & SuitesHastings, MNA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$61
4GloGal Sunless Tanning logoGloGal Sunless TanningHastings, MNA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%97+14.8Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00—
5Saru Eyebrow Threading Beauty SalonCastle Pines, COA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%96+29.5Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$24
6Citlali Cruz Haircut Specialist logoCitlali Cruz Haircut SpecialistEdinburg, TXA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
7Tammy Kiefer|Southern Serenity Salon and Spa logoTammy Kiefer|Southern Serenity Salon and SpaO'Fallon, ILA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%96+29.5Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$89
8Beautifully Crazy by Lizze B logoBeautifully Crazy by Lizze BHastings, MNA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$48
9Kindred Hair Space logoKindred Hair SpaceReno, NVA 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%94+28.9Experts Score= 97Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–4.98$195
10Jillian Rose - The Beauty Project logoJillian Rose - The Beauty ProjectReno, NVA 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%93+14.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00$103
11Reflections Hair and Day Spa logoReflections Hair and Day SpaCastle Pines, COA 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%95+29.2Experts Score= 97Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00$100
12The Green Bamboo Skin Spa & Education Center, Karin Besser LSCT logoThe Green Bamboo Skin Spa & Education Center, Karin Besser LSCTGreeneville, TNA 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%97+14.8Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00$69

What jobs cost

What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.

JobLow25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this.TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this.FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
Haircut$27$38$530%
Hairstyling$27$38$66100%
Hair coloring$101$146$2140%
Shampoo & conditioning$35$63$1360%
Hair highlighting$123$184$2140%
Blowouts$41$56$1090%
Balayage$190$282$4260%
Long haircut$25$30$350%
Pedicure$48$56$71100%
Kids' cuts$17$27$350%
Curly hair$30$43$580%
Manicure$45$56$730%

Hair Salons at a glance

How the 101 hair salons we rated compare, and what customers praise most.

Experts Score grades

A = score 80+, F = below 20.

  • Grade A6463%
  • Grade B3434%
  • Grade C11%
  • Grade D22%
  • Grade F00%

Google ratings

Average stars per company.

  • 4.90★ and up4747%
  • 4.80–4.89★2929%
  • 4.60–4.79★2323%
  • Below 4.60★22%

What customers praise

Share of Google review highlights.

  • Quality1,58630%
  • Professionalism1,66431%
  • Responsiveness00%
  • Punctuality1,04920%
  • Value1,07420%

Was the price fair?

All price verdicts left with reviews.

  • Great price650%
  • Reasonable650%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Price verdicts by year

Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.

2026

How we grade

Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.

Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.

Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.

Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.

Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.

Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.