Navigating the glitzy landscape of the United Arab Emirates often conjures images of lavish spending, yet you’d be pleasantly surprised to discover that looking your best doesn’t always require a royal budget. Finding affordable hair salons in the UAE is entirely possible, offering excellent services that keep your hair looking fabulous without breaking the bank, a true testament to the country’s diverse and accessible beauty scene for every budget.
Dubai: Budget-Friendly Beauty Finds
While Dubai is synonymous with luxury, it also has a thriving ecosystem of budget-friendly hair salons catering to a wide range of customers. The key is knowing where to look beyond the high-end mall establishments.
Areas like Al Barsha Heights (Tecom), Discovery Gardens, International City, and parts of Deira are often hubs for more affordably priced salons. These neighborhoods have a high population density and cater to a diverse expatriate community, leading to competitive pricing. For instance, Mimosa Beauty Lounge (mimosabeautylounge.com) in Barsha Heights is known for offering affordable hair and beauty services with professional staff and quality products. They often run discounts for new clients and have membership options that can help you save on regular services.
Another popular choice is Simply Beauty Salon (simplybeautysalon.ae), which has multiple branches across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. They pride themselves on offering a full range of professional hair, nail, and beauty services at competitive prices, making them a go-to for many residents seeking value. Their branches in bustling areas like Al Nahda and near Mega Mall in Sharjah are particularly popular for their accessibility and consistent service.
When searching for affordable haircuts in Dubai, you might find men’s haircuts starting from around AED 30-70 in local barber shops. For women, a basic haircut can range from AED 70-150 in budget-friendly salons, while a wash and blow-dry might start from around AED 50-100, depending on hair length and complexity. Colouring services like full hair colour or highlights will naturally be more expensive, typically starting from AED 250-500 at more affordable establishments.
Online platforms and apps like Fresha.com are incredibly useful tools for discovering affordable hair salons across Dubai. You can filter by service, price range, and location, and often find special deals or introductory offers. Reading reviews on these platforms can also give you a good idea of service quality and customer satisfaction at different price points.
Abu Dhabi: Value and Quality in the Capital
Abu Dhabi, like Dubai, offers a good selection of affordable hair salons once you know where to search. Focus on residential areas and local community centers rather than major luxury malls.
For example, Victoria’s Hair Salon (thevictoriaspa.com) in Abu Dhabi offers a clear price list for various services, including haircuts, blow-dries, and coloring, often at more accessible rates compared to high-end hotel salons. A basic cut might be around AED 130, while a wash and blow-dry could start from AED 100. They provide a transparent overview of their services, which is always helpful when budgeting.
Similarly, Fresha.com lists numerous hair salons in Abu Dhabi with varying price points. You can find places like Elated, Hola Ladies Beauty Center, and Blossom District Ladies Salon that offer a range of services from haircuts to styling, with prices often more palatable than premium salons. For instance, a hair cut with blow dry might be around AED 150 at some of these places. It’s wise to explore their service menus online or call ahead to get a clear idea of costs.
Keep an eye out for promotions and packages. Many salons in Abu Dhabi, especially those catering to a broader market, offer seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, or bundled services (e.g., haircut + blow-dry + treatment) that provide better value. Local community newspapers and online forums for expatriates in Abu Dhabi can also be excellent sources for finding recommendations for budget-friendly salons.

Sharjah: Practical and Accessible Choices
Sharjah is well-known for its practical and accessible service options, and affordable hair salons are no exception. The emirate has a strong local community focus, which often translates to competitive pricing.
Simply Beauty Salon (simplybeautysalon.ae) has a significant presence in Sharjah, with multiple branches in areas like Al Nahda, Bu Daniq, and King Faisal Street. Their widespread locations and consistent pricing make them a reliable choice for residents seeking good value for their hair care needs.
Other salons like Polished Spa (fresha.com) and Oak Spa in Sharjah (fresha.com) offer affordable haircuts starting from around AED 70 or even AED 60 for a trim, with blow-dries typically in the AED 50-70 range. These salons are often smaller, community-focused establishments that prioritize regular clientele and straightforward services.
Look for independent beauty centers and local salons in residential areas. These often rely on word-of-mouth and repeat business, ensuring they maintain competitive prices while still delivering quality service. Social media groups for Sharjah residents can also be a goldmine for recommendations for specific affordable hair salons that locals trust.
Ajman and Northern Emirates: Uncovering Hidden Gems
The Northern Emirates, including Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, often offer even more competitive pricing for hair salon services compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making them excellent places to find truly affordable options.
In Ajman, you can find salons like Tajriba Mithaliya Men Personal Care (fresha.com), which offers men’s haircuts from around AED 40. For ladies, salons like Blooming Lounge Beauty Salon (fresha.com) offer blow-dries starting from around AED 80, and root colors for approximately AED 195. Many smaller, independent salons also operate in Ajman, particularly in bustling residential districts, offering great value.
Ras Al Khaimah also has options for budget-conscious individuals. Harper Hair & Beauty (https://www.google.com/search?q=harperhairandbeauty.com), an Irish-owned salon in Marjan Island, prides itself on offering affordable, luxury hair and beauty services with high-quality products. While they aim for a luxurious experience, their pricing is often more accessible than similar salons in larger cities. You can find options for blow-dries, highlights, and various beauty treatments. Other salons like Riviera Beauty Center LLC and various local barber shops listed on Fresha.com also offer basic haircuts and blow-dries at competitive prices.
In Fujairah, Nayomi Beauty Salon (nayomisalon.com) is a well-known chain with a branch in Lulu Mall, offering professional hair treatments, cuts, and styling at what they describe as “affordable prices.” Similarly, Pink & White Salon and NH Beauty Salon are highlighted as top-rated salons in Fujairah known for their excellent haircare services at budget-friendly rates. These salons are often located within popular shopping centers or easily accessible areas, making them convenient choices for residents.
Tips for Finding and Enjoying Affordable Hair Salons in the UAE
- Read Reviews: Always check online reviews on platforms like Google Maps, Fresha, or social media groups. They offer insights into service quality, cleanliness, and overall customer experience at different price points.
- Look for Deals and Promotions: Many salons, especially newer ones or those looking to attract more clients, offer introductory discounts, seasonal promotions, or loyalty programs. Keep an eye on their social media pages or sign up for their newsletters.
- Consider Local Salons: Don’t shy away from smaller, independent salons in residential areas. They often provide excellent service at competitive prices due to lower overheads and a focus on building a loyal local clientele.
- Be Specific: Clearly communicate your desired service and ask for a price estimate upfront to avoid any surprises. If you’re unsure, ask for a consultation beforehand.
- Opt for Basic Services: If you’re on a tight budget, sometimes opting for a basic haircut or blow-dry rather than a full style or complex treatment can significantly reduce the cost.
- Check Group Deals: Websites like Groupon UAE or Cobone often feature deals for beauty services, including haircuts and treatments, at a discounted rate. This can be a great way to try out a new salon at a lower cost.
The www.few.ae team understands that maintaining your style shouldn’t be a financial burden. With a little research and a keen eye for value, you can certainly find affordable hair salons in the UAE that provide quality services, helping you look and feel your best without overspending. What kind of hair service are you looking for, perhaps we can help you narrow it down further?