Melbourne has a solid number of salons that genuinely specialise in curly and wavy hair, using curl-specific techniques such as the Curly Girl Method, DevaCut, and dry cutting to work with the hair’s natural texture rather than against it. The best options are spread across the inner suburbs, with strong concentrations in Fitzroy, Collingwood, and the CBD.
Salons Known for Curly Hair Work in Melbourne
A few salons have built their reputation almost entirely around textured and curly hair. Curl Lounge in Fitzroy is one of the most cited, offering DevaCuts alongside curl-specific treatments and stocking DevaCurl and Innersense products. Spiral Curl Studio in South Yarra focuses on wavy to coily hair types and uses a consultation-first approach to assess curl pattern before cutting. Kinky Curly Yaki in the CBD stocks a wide range of products for Afro-textured and tightly coiled hair and can refer clients to stylists experienced in those specific textures.
Beyond dedicated curly salons, a number of general salons have individual stylists with specific curly hair training. It is worth checking a stylist’s Instagram portfolio before booking, since curly expertise varies significantly within a salon.
What to Look For When Booking
The key questions to ask before booking are whether the stylist cuts hair dry or on curl (rather than wet and stretched), whether they are familiar with your specific curl type (2a through 4c on the standard curl chart), and whether they use diffusing rather than blow-drying straight. Salons that advertise a Curly Girl Method approach generally avoid silicones, sulphates, and heat styling, which suits many clients with frizz-prone curls.
Prices for a curl-specific cut in Melbourne typically sit between $80 and $160 depending on hair length, density, and the salon’s location. Some salons charge separately for a curl consultation on the first visit, usually $20 to $40, which is then deducted from the service cost.
Suburbs Worth Searching
Fitzroy and Collingwood have the highest concentration of salons with curly specialisations, partly because of the area’s independent salon culture. Prahran and South Yarra have several options that cater to wavy and loosely curly hair. For Afro-textured and natural hair specifically, Footscray and Dandenong have salons experienced with those textures, though availability for highly specialised services can vary, so calling ahead is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DevaCut and where can I get one in Melbourne?
A DevaCut is a dry cutting technique developed by Devachan Salon in New York, designed specifically for curly hair. The stylist cuts each curl individually while dry so they can see exactly how the curl falls and springs. Curl Lounge in Fitzroy is the most frequently mentioned Melbourne salon offering this technique, and several independent stylists in Collingwood and Prahran also advertise DevaCut services on their booking pages.
Do curly hair salons in Melbourne work with Afro-textured hair?
Not all do. Most curl-focused salons in Melbourne cater primarily to wavy and loosely curly types. For coily and Afro-textured hair, salons in Footscray and Dandenong tend to have more relevant experience. It is worth asking directly about curl types 4a to 4c before booking anywhere.
Should I arrive with my hair washed or styled?
Most curly hair specialists in Melbourne prefer you to arrive with clean, air-dried hair in its natural state, without straightening or product buildup. Some salons specify this in their booking notes. Confirming with the salon at the time of booking avoids any confusion.
