Hairdressers

Your hair is your crowing glory. © Michelle Chaplow
Your hair is your crowing glory.

Hairdressing in Andalucia

By Dee McMath

There is no excuse for having a 'bad hair day' in Andalucia! Years ago, Andalucia and particularly the Costa del Sol, were primarily quaint Spanish resorts and not where you would expect much sophistication. Hairdressing and Beauty Salons have increased not only in quantity, but also in quality.

In Andalucía, finding a high-quality hair salon is a breeze.

 

 

Most towns boast top-notch salons offering the latest in sophisticated treatments. From organic conditioners to dermatological scalp treatments, you'll find a wide range of services to keep your hair looking its best. There are some salons which can offer the 'works' - a whole 'makeover'. If you have a special occasion coming up, such as a wedding, anniversary or other major celebration or party and you want to look a million dollars.

Along the Costa del Sol, and particularly in the main towns, such as Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Nerja, etc. not only will you most likely find English speaking hairdressers, but many will indeed be British and British trained. Other nationalities in the industry are Danish, German, French, etc. with all the artistic flair and good training background that you would expect of any top class hairdresser. The standards have also improved in the Spanish sector and training courses are more accessible, some with government funding to encourage young people into a long term sucsessful career path.

Some of the hairdressing salons in the Marbella and Puerto Banus area can be pricey and not always because they are any better than some of the more modest establishments. Also, some of the Luxury 5 star hotels, Spas and Golf Hotels have a hair and beauty salon, which is designed to make you feel special. The running of all these businesses carries a high premium and you pay for the privilege and comfort of the surroundings, as much as for the service provided. For some people, the experience is as important at the haircut and can be just as rejuvenating. So check out the price list as well as the reputation of the salon before commit to the cut.

However, if you prefer to look good and pay normal prices, then there are some excellent salons to choose from, where you image will remain intact and the price is often surprisingly reasonable. This can be especially true when it comes to colouring.

 

 

Recommendations

It is always best to check out the salon, rather than simply walk in off the street - especially if you are going for a major change or want to look good for a special occasion. If you are on holiday in the area, ask at your hotel or chat to someone who knows the area and ask for a recommendation and check out the online reviews.

Highlights 

If you agree with the adage that 'Blonds have more fun' and you are going to spend more time in Andalucia, especially in the summer months, blond highlights last longer and shine brighter than in colder climes. It is good to remember this when having highlights, since you may do well to have less than normal, knowing that the sun will bleach them even more. Too many blond highlights can lead to higher maintenance costs to cover up the dark roots. A good hairdresser will advise you on this and other tips on hair care in the sun.

Hair extensions

Some salons specialise in hair extensions, but since this is rather expensive and requires special expertise and training, it is especially important that you find out as much about the salon before you go for this option. As anyone who has ever had extensions will tell you, if you don't like the result and want to revert back to your old style, you might have a while to wait for your hair to grow back to its normal length again.

So much choice

In short, there are many good hairdressing salons to choose from and the luxury areas and surroundings will be reflected in the price. Along the coast, you should not have any trouble finding a well trained English speaking hairdresser and there are many to choose from. However, unless you enjoy living dangerously - if you find yourself in a more traditional Spanish town or village and you don't speak Spanish, it might be better to wait until you are in the coastal areas or in a large town for any drastic changes to your hairstyle. The Costa del Sol and major cities, have excellent options to choose from.

Barbershops

Most of the hairdressing salons in Andalucia are unisex. There has been a resurgence in barbershops, not only Spanish ones, but also Turkish and Moroccan ones too. 

Here, you'll find a range of grooming services tailored for men, from classic haircuts and sharp beard trims to luxurious shaves. Many establishments offer extras like hair coloring, scalp treatments, and refreshing facial massages. Enjoy personalized consultations to perfect your look, all while soaking in the friendly, community-focused atmosphere. Discover the artistry of professional grooming here in Southern Spain and leave feeling revitalized and impeccably styled

Living in Andalucia