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When you arrived in Buenos Aires, you had perfectly trimmed and coiffed locks. After just a couple months, however, the air pollution, sun and sweat have left your do dry, damaged and dingy. It’s time to go to the salon, for sure! But what’s a girl to expect of salons in Buenos Aires? Well, much like shopping in this city, you’ve got plenty of options. The following is a short guide to finding the right salon, what you can expect from your experience, and how to ask for what you want.
Where to go
There is no shortage of salons in Buenos Aires. With so many choices, you’re going to have to do a little homework before you decide which will be the best for you. Start by reviewing the LandingPadBA.com Short List of hair salons. All of the salons on this list have been thoroughly researched by yours truly and are a good starting point. Since every woman has her own style and her own budget, however, it’s best to do a little more research. So ask around. Have a friend with a cute bob? Ask her where she goes. See a woman on the subte with well-trimmed layers? Ask her too (but don’t forget to compliment her first). Once these recommendations start to overlap, you should feel comfortable heading out on your own.
What to expect
In general, a trip to the salon is similar to that which you’re already accustomed. Some salons will allow you to make an appointment, but others will expect you to show up and wait. In some of the busier salons, this means that you can expect to sit in the lobby for a while before getting that for that Saturday afternoon cut and color. To avoid this conundrum, either choose a salon that will make an appointment, or plan your visit sometime during the regular work week.
How to ask
Once you’ve gotten through the door and you’re in the chair, you’ll then need to explain what it is that you want. If Spanish is your second language, this can be the most daunting of tasks. Even the most confident ex-pat can make mistakes. So don’t be too brave. If you’re not entirely confident, either choose a salon with English-speaking staff (such as Roberto Giordano) or ask a local friend to accompany you. Also, bringing a photo is never a bad idea.
To help you on your way, check out this short list of hair-salon lingo.
Before you leave
Once you’re done, you’ll need to settle your bill. If you take the exchange rate into account, salon services are much cheaper in Buenos Aires than they are elsewhere (a reasonable ballpark figure for highlights, shampoo, cut and blow-dry at a nice salon will be around $300 pesos, or about $85 US). But be careful! As you proceed, you will be asked to select your preferences from a variety of products. These products affect the price of your salon visit in the end. So if you’re on a budget, and you’re given the choice between L’Oreal and Keratase, don’t choose the latter. And unless you’re getting a cut from the owner of the shop, don’t forget to tip your stylist (the standard 10% rule applies with hair salons too)!
There you have it. A trip to the salon in Buenos Aires isn’t just easy, it should be fun. So with a little research and some help from your friends, you are well on your way to that new do!
The Short List: Hair Salons
To some, there is nothing more daunting than trying out a new salon. Well, LandingPadBA.com has your back! Here’s our short list of recommended salons in Buenos Aires:
Juan x Fin, Honduras 5174 (4831-3015)
Juan x Fin is a beautiful salon with great service. Very popular with the young, hipster crowd, you can count on good service here.
Salon Roho, Republica de Indonesia 66 (4901 3292)
A little rock and a little glam, a trip to Salon Roho is fun and funky. And don’t shy away from ordering a trago from the bar if you wind up having to wait for a while.
Cerini, Marcelo T. de Alvear 1442 (4814-0718)
Cerini is a frenzy of activity, but comes with the best of recommendations. It’s fun, it’s hip, and you won’t be left waiting all day long!
Roberto Giordano, Guemes 3553 (4826-6194)
A more tame salon, Roberto Giordano is the best option for those who are not confident with their Spanish. Just tell the English-speaking receptionist what you want, and s/he will translate.
Cool Cuts, Marcelo T. de Alvear 1984 (4815-9575)
One of the newest salons in town, Cool Cuts is re-Fashion!
Is your favorite salon not on our short list? Don’t be shy! Leave a comment with your own suggestions.
Kristin Dean
LPBA Staff
Hair Salon Lingo 101
Useful expressions
Just a trim: corteme sólo las puntas
I want it short: lo quiero corto
Vocabulary
bangs: flequillo
blowout: brushing or secado
cut: corte
ends: puntas
even (uniform length): parejo
extensions: extensiones
greasy roots: raices grasas
hair dresser, stylist: peluquera, estilista
hair salon: peluquería
highlights: reflejos
in layers: en capas, a capas
lighten (hair): aclarar
lighter: más claro
roots: raices
shade (of color): tono, matiz
short hair: pelo corto
shorter: más corto
shoulder-length: hasta los hombros
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KattyBlackyard
15/06/2009 - 10:08 amThe best information i have found exactly here. Keep going Thank you
mcaffa
02/07/2009 - 3:17 pmI've always been told by locals that the only person you are expected to tip at a salon is the 'brushing' or blow drying person (assuming the stylist doesn't do it).
I've been living here for almost 5 years and have never tipped for a cut or color job – whoops?
Nina
11/09/2009 - 10:27 pmHey!
Does anyone happen to know if there is any salon in B.A that might hire english speaking hairstylists/hairdressers with a 'limited knowledge' in spanish (so far)? : )
Very thankful for any help!
Betti
12/09/2009 - 9:05 pmI'd suggest showing up and asking at the big salon with a lot of tourist traffic, maybe putting something on a job site like Craig'slist and just putting the word out with your contacts in the industry. Some salon's have a high turnover, also they sell the chair space so they would be happy to have someone in there. Good luck-
James
30/11/2009 - 9:45 pmTry tried ringing these salons and nobody on recpetion could speak English. Rubbish list!
Caro
01/12/2009 - 4:03 pmHmm, maybe because you are in a Spanish speaking country!
Cherie Magnus
04/12/2009 - 12:56 pmPelo's Design in Caballito is owner-operated by Abel. I've been going to him for years, and he's wonderful–and English speaking! No appointments, closed on Monday.
Yerbal 591 — Subte Linea A ACOYTE
4903-1986
Sammy
10/02/2010 - 1:08 ammight be a longshot, but i get my hair relaxed with keratin treatment (the "brazilian straightener/relaxer) and plan on being in B.A. for several months… are there any salons that do keratin treatments?
Alex
21/06/2010 - 4:43 amhey sammy – i have the same question and in desperate need of finding an experienced stylist who can relax my roots…have you found any one or a salon…if so, please email and/or skype me…thanks, Alex
Janine
09/06/2010 - 2:40 pmWe (my girl friend and I) recently used Javier Aranda hair – his website is found at http://www.javier-aranda-hair-makeup-design.com – well this guy is absolutely fantastic, we both had our hair colored and then cut and Sam had some extensions he is just superb and I wish we had done some before and after shots because we are dead 'gorg' ahora!
janine
09/06/2010 - 2:41 pmPS he speaks good English and the reception at his answering service are English girls!!!
Janet Preswick
13/01/2011 - 11:29 amI see one post for Javier Aranda here and he is recommended on most sites, but has anyone here actually used his services and is he any good?
Anne Reynolds
01/02/2011 - 10:05 amHi, my friend Gin is from Melbourne AUS and is the best stylist, cutter and colorer, obviously english speaking and can now been found at Estudio H. Hunt her down and you will look the hottest of the hot! They have just opened a new salon in Palermo 4822.4380.
ab
21/02/2011 - 10:53 am@Anne Reynolds,
I have tried to call the salon many times, but it is never open – does it definitely still operate??
Cheers, ab.
Nina
24/02/2011 - 9:53 amHi guys!
My name is Nina and I’m an englishspeaking hairstylist working in BA out of my apartment in Palermo. I also do ‘housecalls’. Check out the blog and I’d be happy to help if you need me!
Have a great day!
Sara
01/03/2011 - 9:35 amLast week, I went to Javier Aranda for hair straightening and yesterday, you have to wait a while between treatments, I went to Javier for a color and cut. Girls, this guy is really good. I wish I could upload a foto here. I have been unhappy with even the top salons home-side and this guy is the best I have used since living with a host family in Paris. He speaks English, he has a private salon and works by appointment only – 011 48078046 or email him ja@javier-aranda-hair-makeup-design.com
raymond e lee carmichael
06/09/2011 - 9:17 amNice post Kristin!
There is also a funky little salon on Cramer that heaves with its own dj and is v popular with the locals, “Praná” I´ve heard good things from clients about Nina above and lots of people cannot wait for her to come back from hols.I too am an expat hairdresser http://bit.ly/herecut is the short link to my details.
Kerastase is the salon professional brand of L´Oreal.
Good waves!
Raymond E Lee
22/12/2011 - 11:46 amI am the only NZ expat hairdresser in Buenos Aires that doesn´t charge, and that´s no bull!
Sara
08/05/2012 - 2:07 pmI am back to BA and went to my favorite Argentine hairdresser Javier Aranda, he’s moved and has a great new closed-door private salon in Recoleta and he’s just the best – http://www.javier-aranda-hair-makeup-design.com
Milly
18/06/2012 - 10:45 amI am desperate to contact Javier Aranda who I used when staying here last summer. I went to his old salon on Las Heras and was abused by a rude American! Can anyone help – his websites seem to be down since yesterday.
Sophie
18/06/2012 - 3:02 pmJavier Aranda – 1564219341 – he’s now based on Avenida Santa Fe and you need an appointment – I was just about to write about him here, but it’s done – he’s good, I have used him twice.
Laura
08/04/2013 - 4:54 pmAny idea where I can find somewhere that does a Brazilian blow out? My Spanish isn’t great so don’t know where to start!
webmaster
08/04/2013 - 8:12 pmHehe, what is a Brazilian blow out??
Liliana
15/04/2013 - 12:22 amTry salon red velvet! They speak english and have the best service in town, italian coffe, champagne and french patisserie!