As Fleabag put it: “Hair is everything.” Dramatic, yes, but with more than a grain of truth. We know that having good hair makes us feel so much better in all manner of ways – it gives us confidence, a psychological lift. One wise doctor I know says that it’s one way you know that a patient is on the mend – when they start putting on make-up again and paying attention to their hair after an illness.

It all means that now we have them back, we appreciate our experts all the more. We have compiled a wishlist of some of the best stylists in Dublin. It’s by no means exhaustive – but these are tried-and-trusted stalwarts who we know for a fact can give you a style overhaul for summer.

Who have we missed out? Please do tell us about your own favourite city stylists and why you rate them…

Discover the best hairdressers in Dublin below 

1 Brown Sugar

With over 15 years in the business, Mark O’Keeffe’s Brown Sugar has long been recognised as a reliable luxury experience. Cuts start from €115 (€55 men); blowdries from €48. There are also make-up services, from lashes to application (€60). Very popular with guys, too. Follow @brownsugardub and visit them in South William Street, Blackrock and Ranelagh. See also Sugar Daddy, in Dublin 2 and Blackrock, and Sugar Coated for nails. It’s not just about the cupcakes.

BOOK: 01 616 9967; www.brownsugar.ie

2 Dylan Bradshaw

Dylan Bradshaw is a great spokesman for his industry –particularly throughout the pandemic – as well as an award-winning stylist (from €250) and Dyson ambassador (TIP: buy your Dyson drier or styler here and they’ll give you a tutorial on how to use it properly). His salon is a one-stop shop for nails (manicure from €22), lashes and brows, make-up and hairdressing courses as well as expert cut and colour. Blowdries from €50. You’ll leave South William Street with a spring in your step. There’s a full services for brides too.

BOOK: 01 671 9353; www.dylanbradshaw.com

3 Jim Hatton

Jim Hatton and his team have multitudes of loyal customers at his Rathgar base (Highfield Road). A caring consultation and reliably good service is part of the local experience. Cuts from €70, blowdries from €30, or from €84 for both with Jim himself. We know many people who won’t consider going anywhere else. Check out the R+Co haircare range stocked here.

BOOK: 01 497 6840; www.jimhatton.ie

4 H by Gareth Bromell

Gareth Bromell opened his salon in Harvey Nichols at the end of last year. It’s a big draw into the store as you can watch the team at work, like the chef’s table in a top restaurant. Scoring an appointment here is beauty nirvana. You’re looking at €250 for a slot with the man himself (from €100 with one of his team, or from €43 for shampoo and finish; colour from €95) – and you’ll be thrilled with the results. Treat yourself to highlights with colour director Stephanie Stevie Maher, @the_sober_colourist). Look out for Bromell’s own hair range launching soon –it’s going to be a stunner. At Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre.

BOOK: 012 910 442 / 0857246091; www.hbygarethbromell.com

5 SitStil

Fabulously located in the city centre, Mark Doherty’s SitStil is a stylish, friendly spot to get your hair sorted. Cuts (women) start from €65. Keep an eye on @sitstilhair for appointments. Note the 20 per cent student discount.

BOOK: 01 616 8887 / 616 8898; www.sitstil.ie 

6 Keville Hair

In Wexford and Naas as well as Dublin (opened in 2011), Alan Keville and Alex Reid’s salons offer a cut above. The spacious Dublin salon is up high in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, and is both convenient and classy. Blowdries from €35, cuts from €70, colour from €90.

BOOK: 01 675 0022; www.kevillehair.com

7 The Space

Carla Rose McQuillan’s Drumcondra salon is a breath of fresh air. Using Kevin Murphy products, including hair colour (PETA approved, cruelty-free), it has principles as well as expertise. You can also try and shop US brand Virtue (a celeb-favourite keratin-based hair range) here. Good for brides. Cuts from €84; blowdries from €39; colour services from €69; extension consultation €50. Fresh, modern and fun.

BOOK: 01 441 1877; www.thespace.ie

8 Mane

If you’re blonde, visit Andrew Dunne at Mane, high up above The Grooming Rooms on South William Street. The process takes hours – he is a perfectionist, and your treatment will be entirely bespoke – but your blonde will never be better. His team are expert too, and it’s an entirely friendly, unintimidating experience. They are advocates of Nioxin, which you can buy here. Blowdries from €45, colour from €110 (full head with Andrew, €210).

BOOK: 01 6725177; www.hairbymane.ie

9 Aidan Darcy

For catwalk-worthy hair, call Aidan Darcy, a freelance stylist based between Dublin and London; his work features in magazines internationally, and he’s in particular demand for weddings.

BOOK: 086 346 0064; www.aidandarcy.com

10 Zeba

Family-owned Zeba has been in business nearly 30 years so you know you’re in experienced hands in their four salons (South William Street, Maynooth, Sandymount and Arnotts). Cuts from €71.50 (gents from €47); blowdries from €32. They’re good on extensions, too. Stock up here on Morrocanoil.

BOOK: 01 671 6444; www.zeba.ie

11 Romina Daniel

This friendly local Sandyford salon (also at Palmerstown) works mighty hard at being as environmentally friendly as possible. Cuts from €53, and from €24 for a blowdry. They use the gorgeous Davines haircare range (also available to shop online – we highly recommend their Love range for curly hair, and Solu Sea Salt Cleanser; in fact the entire range is excellent). Open late Thursday and Fridays until 9pm, and early mornings Saturday from 8.30am. They do a good cappuccino, too.

BOOK: 01 564 9926; www.rominadaniel.ie

12 The Spa at the Shelbourne

The elegant Salon at the Shelbourne offers bespoke hair and beauty – including manicures (from €45), pedicures, lashes and brows, and make-up application – in a calm space bang in the centre of town. It’s a very beautiful place to get your hair done, overlooking the Green: we feel like Anna Wintour when we book the Executive pre-work blowdry (Monday-Friday 7-11am, including coffee and pastry), €40. For a pre-holiday treat, it has to be the Perfectly Polished package, which includes a manicure, pedicure, haircut and blowdry plus glass of bubbly, €165 (approx two hours 15 minutes). Blowdries from €37, cuts from €75. Open from 7am weekdays (Sat & Sun 9am-6pm).

BOOK: 01 663 4685; www.theshelbourne.com

13 Peter Mark

If you’re worried about thinning hair, you’re not the only one. It’s often a result of stress, along with other causes, such as hormonal issues, pregnancy or menopause – and a good first step is to head to your local Peter Mark. Every PM salon nationwide has a Nioxin specialist, plus a consultation tool to assess the health of your scalp. Nioxin specialise in thinning hair and the products are much-rated by stylists (we know Mane salon, above, are big advocates also). A study carried out by Peter Mark earlier this year showed that 35 per cent of women surveyed have issues with thinning hair, many were worried about breakage, and 76 per cent of them noticed hair loss during periods of stress.

BOOK: www.petermark.ie 

14 Conlemany

Natural, organic haircare in Dun Laoghaire by Italian experts. Using all plant-based products, even colour, Ivana Margarini’s attractive salon, relocated from Dalkey, is all about going chemical-free. Cut and blowdry from €85, colour from €135. Friendly, different and all about the power of plants. Italian-style coffee, too.

BOOK: 087 719 4495; www.conlemany.com

See our guide to the best beauty salons in Dublin HERE