Where can you go for a good haircut at an affordable price in Singapore? From lightning-fast express chains to diligent hairdressing schools, ultra-low-cost salons and reliable neighbourhood spots, there’s a budget haircut for almost everyone.
1. Express Haircut Chains
For those short on time and seeking a straightforward trim, express haircut chains offer a compelling choice. The focus is typically on maintaining an existing style rather than complex hair transformations.
i) QB House
Price: QB House currently lists its prices as SGD$14.00 for men and SGD$18.00 for women, inclusive of GST.
Service Model: Adheres to the 10-minute, cut-only model. No washing, blowing, or shaving is provided. Customers purchase tickets via a machine.
Perception/Reviews: Generally considered a reliable option for basic maintenance trims and simple cuts. It’s a popular choice for maintaining a presentable look for work or school.
Locations: Widely available with numerous outlets across Singapore.
ii) EC House
Price: The standard price is typically around $14.
Service Model: Similar to QB House, EC House emphasizes a 10-minute express cut using a ticketing system. They highlight “All-Range Cuts,” suggesting services cater to men, women, young, and old. Washing and blow-drying are not typically part of the standard service. Some outlets may feature parent-child concepts.
Perception/Reviews: Often mentioned alongside QB House and Kcuts as part of the express haircut category. Found in convenient locations like heartland malls.
Locations: Multiple outlets islandwide.
iii) Kcuts
Price: Similar to QB House and EC House, the price is also around $14.
Service Model: Offers a Korean-inspired 10-minute express haircut.
Perception/Reviews: Viewed as a reliable choice for basic trims, similar to QB House and EC House. Users suggest they handle simple requests like standard trims effectively.
Locations: Numerous outlets available.
Pros & Cons Of Express Chains
Pros
- Extremely fast and convenient
- Predictable results for simple trims
- Relatively affordable compared to full-service salons
Cons
- No washing or styling included
- Unsuitable for new styles and complex cuts
- Unsuitable for significant length changes
These express chains occupy a specific niche. They offer a standardized, predictable service that prioritizes speed and convenience. While not the absolute cheapest, the $14 to $18 price point is justified for many by the reliability and efficiency offered for basic hair maintenance, distinguishing them from the sub-$10 options where quality and experience can be far more variable and often involve upselling pressures.
2. Hairdressing Schools
For the budget-conscious who have time to spare, hairdressing schools present an intriguing option. Here, haircuts and other services are performed by trainees under the direct supervision of experienced instructors. The significant draw is the exceptionally low price for a full salon service, often including a wash, cut, and blow-dry.
i) Kimage Hairdressing School
Price: The more recent pricing indicates a Shampoo & Cut costs $8 when performed by students and $17 by graduates. Other services are also remarkably affordable, with cold perms starting from $27, single-shade colour from $29, and treatments from $14.
Service Model: Provides a full salon service, including wash and cut, performed by students or recent graduates supervised by instructors. Appointments are necessary and usually booked online, sometimes requiring prepayment. Expect the service to take longer than at a regular salon.
Perception/Reviews: Widely praised for its exceptional value for money. The supervision ensures a reasonable standard of quality, often exceeding expectations for the price. Users report positive experiences even for chemical services like perms. It’s seen as a much better deal compared to standard Kimage salons where cuts cost $40-$70.
Location: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-319, Singapore 039594.
Website: https://sch.kimage.com.sg/book-appointment
ii) KIMarie Hair & Beauty Training Centre
Price: Haircuts (likely including wash and blow-dry) are priced at $7 by students and $18 by instructors.
Service Model: Operates similarly to Kimage, with trainees providing services under supervision. The centre was founded by a certified hairstyling trainer.
Perception/Reviews: Receives positive online reviews. The experience is expected to be similar to Kimage, requiring time and an open mind, but offering good value.
Location: 10 Sinaran Drive, Square 2 #B1-134, Singapore, 307506
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KIMarieSquare2/about
Pros & Cons Of Hairdressing Schools
Pros
- Extremely low cost for a full service including wash and blow-dry
- Supports student learning
- Quality can be surprisingly good due to instructor supervision
Cons
- Requires a significant time commitment per appointment
- Trainee skill levels can vary
- Appointments are essential and availability might be limited, often restricted to weekdays
The value proposition here is the inverse of the express chains. Instead of paying more for speed, customers trade their time for substantial cost savings and receive a more comprehensive service that includes washing and basic drying/styling. The risk associated with trainee stylists is largely mitigated by the presence of supervisors, making it a good option for those seeking maximum value.
3. Ultra-Budget Hair Salon Chains
Occupying the absolute lowest tier of the price spectrum are the ultra-budget salon chains such as Snip Avenue, known for haircuts priced under $10, sometimes as low as $3.80. While the price is undeniably attractive, this segment comes with significant caveats, most notably a reputation for aggressive upselling tactics. Often, the rock-bottom advertised price is contingent on purchasing memberships or multi-session packages upfront.
i) Snip Avenue
Price: Advertised haircut prices range from $3.80 to $5.80. Achieving the lowest price often requires buying a package (e.g., $58 for 12 cuts, working out to $4.83 per cut). They also offer other services like digital perms/rebonding ($59.80) and treatments ($19.80) at similarly low prices.
Service Model: Functions as a full-service salon offering a wide range of treatments beyond basic cuts. Haircuts can be extremely fast and service quality is notoriously inconsistent.
Perception/Reviews: Reviews are highly polarized. Some find it acceptable for a basic trim though the most consistent feedback revolves around persistent hard-selling of expensive packages and treatments. Experiences also differ between outlets and stylists.
Locations: Multiple outlets in heartland areas.
ii) Other Budget Hair Salon Chains ( The One Salon / New Station / Salon One)
Price: These neighbourhood budget salons typically charge around $8 for a basic cut. Membership or package deals often bring the price down further to the $4-$5 range.
Service Model: Generally function as standard neighbourhood salons offering basic cuts, sometimes with additional nail or beauty services. Membership/package models are prevalent.
Perception/Reviews: Similar potential for upselling. Haircut quality can be decent if expectations are managed, but inconsistency is a risk. Finding a specific, competent stylist within the chain is often key.
Locations: Primarily located in heartland neighbourhoods across Singapore (e.g., Yishun, Serangoon, Bedok, AMK, Jurong, Woodlands).
Pros & Cons Of Ultra Budget Hair Salons
Pros
- The absolute lowest advertised prices for haircuts
- Widely available in neighbourhood locations.
Cons
- Probability of encountering hard selling
- Inconsistent haircut quality
- Membership/package commitment often necessary for the cheapest rates
4. Heartland Heroes: Neighbourhood Salons & Barbershops
Beyond the chains and schools lie the traditional neighbourhood salons and barbershops, often tucked away in HDB estates or older shopping areas. These independent establishments offer a different kind of budget-friendly experience.
Price Range: Prices are generally affordable, typically ranging from $8 to $18 or slightly more. Old-school Malay barbers are often cited around the $8-$9 mark. Some neighbourhood spots charging $15-$18 might offer a better overall experience than the cheapest chains.
Service Model: Offers traditional haircutting services. Barbershops often include shaves. Whether a wash or basic styling is included depends on the specific place and price point. Service can range from very basic and no-frills to quite personal. Walk-ins are usually welcome.
Finding Them: Unlike chains, finding these gems often relies on local knowledge, word-of-mouth recommendations, or simply exploring your neighbourhood. They typically have minimal online presence.
Perception/Reviews: Finding a good one can yield excellent value and quality, often from experienced local or Malaysian stylists. There’s generally less pressure to buy expensive packages compared to the ultra-budget chains. Quality is highly dependent on the individual barber or stylist.
Conclusion
Getting a haircut in Singapore doesn’t have to mean choosing between looking good and staying solvent. A variety of options exist under the $20 mark, each catering to different priorities. Whether it’s speed, the lowest possible price, a budget-friendly full-service experience or finding a reliable local hairdresser around your neighbourhood.
