5 Hair Salons in Penang That Can Surely Handle Your Mane
Not many people feel this way, but I think finding the right hair salon is a bigger commitment than one might think—like dating! You get in there and try to assess their ambience, skills, and friendliness, and at the end of the day, you stay with the one that works best for you.
Personally, I’ve had my fair share of epic fails, as getting makeovers is one of my favourite things to do in Penang, and I don’t regret them one bit! It allowed me to narrow down some of the city’s top hair salons that I think you can also trust with your hair, time and money.
We’ve listed and reviewed these places below to help you find your next go-to for those times when you want a complete overhaul. So let those locks relax for a bit and check these places out before jumping the gun on the first salon you stumble upon in the city!
What is the average cost of salon services in Penang?
The average cost of salon services in Penang ranges from RM40 for simple haircuts to RM6,000 for specialised services like rebonding. This may also vary depending on the salon, the stylist and the service itself.
1. Cuts Salon
Services: Men’s haircuts, styling, scalp treatment, head massages, wash and blow, keratin treatment
Location: 170-04-09/10 Plaza Gurney 4th Floor
Contact: +60 4-293 5488
Business hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
We stumbled upon Cuts Salon during one of our mall dates at Gurney Plaza. Although we didn’t avail of their services, we got to learn a lot about them through one of their staff members.
One of the things we immediately thought of was how accessible this salon was because it’s located in one of George Town’s most famous shopping centres, and it follows mall hours. Upon checking closer, we liked how they offer a wide array of hair treatments.
Among their services, the most in-demand is keratin, which mostly deals with preventing hair loss. We reached out to clients who availed of this service, and they were pleased with how effective the results were.
Another thing we appreciated was how they offer men’s haircuts that actually feel like they’re designed for men. We think this is a plus because many men we know are skeptical of entering salons because they think of these places as mainly for women.
On the downside, one thing we didn’t like was the slightly cramped layout, as it looks like your typical mall salon. Also, we think they could improve their waiting area to be more comfortable and hopefully introduce things like complimentary beverages.
Highly recommend this salon
“Came to Penang for a short stay, and randomly I went to get a haircut at Cuts Salon. It was a fabulous experience. Vincent and his team are excellent.
Highly recommend this salon. I have curly hair and it is not easy to get a proper haircut. Vincent did a fantastic job with my hair. He is a very experienced and skilled hairdresser.”
– Lucy Kanissery, Google Review
We had a great time!
“Made a last-minute decision to do hair treatment for some girly time with my girl, and we had a great time!
Stylists are professional and patient in explaining our hair conditions and recommended treatments for us. And stylist Joide is great with head massage.
Will visit again!”
– Jevd C, Google Review
2. Wave Salon
Services: Wave perm, haircut, wash and style, colouring, treatments, scalp therapy
Location: No. 25, 1, Karpal Singh Dr.
Contact: +60 17-751 8188
Business hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Wave Salon immediately caught our attention because of its beautiful boho-themed interior and their wide array of services. It also helps that they offer welcoming customer service, which helps give off an overall laid-back vibe akin to being on vacation.
Once we stepped inside this beautiful salon, we discovered that they offer one of the best wave-perming services in George Town. One of our staff writers tried the perm and we were impressed at the end result: effortless-looking curls.
When we reached out to previous customers who had this service done, many were happy with their results as well, with some highlighting how they rarely need to do their hair.
The only downside here is the slightly pricey rates. However, it’s one of those things where even though we know we can get these services at other salons, the quality showcased here is enough to keep us coming back.
I couldn’t be more impressed!
“I recently visited Wave Salon for a haircut and hair treatment, and I couldn’t be more impressed! The service was absolutely top-notch from start to finish. The staff were professional, attentive, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the process.
The salon itself was impeccably clean, with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that added to the overall experience. My haircut and treatment turned out amazing – they truly listened to what I wanted and delivered beyond my expectations.
If you’re looking for exceptional service and a salon that prioritizes both quality and cleanliness, I highly recommend it. I’ll definitely be back the next time!”
– Kenneth Shi, Google Review
I’m thrilled with this “new me” transformation
“First and foremost, I must commend you all on being such a decent and humble group of professionals. Your helpful and friendly demeanor truly made my visit enjoyable and left a lasting impression on me.
A special mention to the stylist who is giving me a new hair look. His suggestion for a fresh and healthy appearance was spot on, and I’m thrilled with this “new me” transformation.
It’s not every day you meet someone so skilled and knowledgeable, and his efforts are genuinely commendable.
Additionally, I appreciated the reasonable pricing and the fact that there was no pushiness over products. It certainly made the entire experience comfortable and pleasant.
Since this was my first visit, I must say it was a memorable one, and I am looking forward to many more in the future. Thank you again for everything!”
– T M, Google Review
3. A-Saloon
Services: Hair styling, colouring, rebonding, digital perming, extension, manicure and pedicure
Location: 2nd Floor, Plaza Gurney
Contact: +60 4-229 2080
Business hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
A-Saloon is one of the most well-known salons in Malaysia, featuring multiple locations in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. One thing we’ve always loved about A-Saloon is their well-maintained and elegant interiors, and the same can be said for their Plaza Gurney branch.
It’s not our first choice for a go-to salon because of the steep prices, but for the times when we did avail of their services, we were always left satisfied. A service we like is the scalp treatment which is helpful for dandruff problems, and everything’s fantastic—from the process to the results!
We also appreciate the variety they offer, as they feature just about every salon service a person might be looking for. Their mani-pedi services are also a popular service, with many customers lining up during weekends.
Finally, we surveyed customers who availed of A-Saloon’s bridal makeover service, and they had nothing but praise to share. The in-depth consultations for this particular service helps in helping brides achieve their vision!
Very welcoming and attentive
“Wasn’t expecting much when I walked in. But I was very surprised. A great experience even if for just the cut and wash. They are very welcoming and attentive. Friendly and very thorough in styling your hair.
The scalp massage during the wash was pure bliss and superb. I left the place feeling well pampered and with a happy new hairstyle. I will definitely come back again for my next cut.”
– Henry Boey, Google Review
A truly indulgent salon experience
“I had an amazing experience at the hair salon, particularly with their fantastic hair wash (wash n blow). Rachel was incredibly skilled and attentive, making sure every step of the wash was relaxing and thorough.
The shampoo they used left my hair feeling refreshed and revitalized, and the scalp massage was pure bliss. I left the salon feeling pampered and rejuvenated, with hair that looked and felt amazing.
I highly recommend their hair wash service to anyone looking for a truly indulgent salon experience.”
– Maggie Seth, Google Review
4. Hair City Golden Triangle (Sungai Ara)
Services: Hairstyling, perming, colouring, treatments
Location: Golden Triangle 1 Condominium
Contact: +60 4-286 9757
Business hours:
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Hair City Golden Triangle was recommended to us by a friend who had her hair coloured by one of the salon’s senior stylists. She was excited to share her experience, specifically highlighting the stylist’s skill and attentiveness that led to her getting the look she wanted.
Of course, our team had to visit it for ourselves just to see what she was on about, and it’s safe to say that she had a reason for being hyped. For starters, we appreciated that they provide a comfortable place for waiting customers, complete with free snacks.
Upon seeing their price list, two things came to mind. Firstly, we saw the variety of services they offered, which ranged from haircuts to perming, colouring and treatment.
Secondly, we were surprised to see how affordable their rates were compared to what’s offered in salons located in George Town.
We just think that they could improve upon their communication skills since most of the complaints from their clients could have been avoided if they were properly addressed, such as the transparency regarding assigned stylists.
Impressed with their top-notch service
“Been here twice—both times for hair colour and I’m impressed with their top-notch service. Yesterday went for hair colouring and Gerald was excellent!. I was very happy with his service, explanation, his gentle handling and patience in doing his work.
The pricing was reasonable for the quality and amount of work they do to satisfy customers. Keep up the good work. Will definitely visit the place again.”
– Thila Chinia, Google Review
Beyond satisfied
“I recently visited Haircity Golden Triangle and I was delighted with the result. James is incredibly talented and knows exactly how to bring out the best of my hair and understands my requirements and requests for my hairstyle.
He listened attentively to my requests, offered valuable suggestions, and skilfully executed the cut and style. The salon’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere made me feel comfortable throughout the entire visit.
I am beyond satisfied with my experience and highly recommend Haircity Golden Triangle to anyone looking for fabulous hair and fantastic service. I appreciated the experience of the haircut.”
– Kah Hui Tan, Google Review
5. G Atelier Hair Salon
Services: Perming, colouring, haircuts, scalp and hair treatment, nano treatment
Location: No. 3, R-01A-03A Setia Triangle
Contact: +60 4-606 3499
Business hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
G Atelier Hair Salon is one of those salons where the stylists take centre stage—as they should! We’ve checked in with their regulars and we’ve noticed a consensus where they praise Gino, one of the salon’s senior stylists.
One attribute they highlighted about Gino is his attentiveness, which he demonstrates during the consultation process.
Customers have also highlighted the effectiveness of the salon’s scalp treatment, stating that their dandruff problem never returned after their session. Moreover, they noted the stylist’s patience and gentleness throughout the process.
What we love the most about G Atelier, however, is that it’s always in the loop of trends. They’ve done this with Korean perms, and now they’re trying to integrate trendy balayage for their colouring packages.
If we were to nitpick something we didn’t like, it would be their slightly limited operating hours and inconvenient location. Although it’s close to the airport, getting here from George Town can be a bit of a hassle.
Professional and friendly
“Had the pleasure of my hair done by Gino. He is very professional and friendly. The bleaching and colouring were done meticulously with patience and skill, ensuring my hair was covered uniformly while the roots were kept untouched.
I also had a few haircuts here before, and I would definitely say this is one of the best salons in Penang. They’d listen to the requests of their patrons, and deliver them spot on.”
– Clarence Leo, Google Review
Attentive, skilled, and detail-oriented
“I had an amazing experience with Gino at Atelier Salon! He is truly a professional and knows exactly what he’s doing. From the consultation to the final look, he was attentive, skilled, and very detail-oriented.
✔ Soft Rebonding – My hair turned out smooth, sleek, and natural-looking, without feeling stiff or flat.
✔ Hair Coloring – The shade was perfectly blended, just as I wanted, and looked vibrant yet natural.
✔ Hair Treatment – My hair feels soft, nourished, and healthy even after the process.
Gino took the time to explain each step and ensured I was comfortable throughout. The result was beyond my expectations! If you’re looking for a talented stylist who truly understands hair, I highly recommend Gino. I’ll definitely be coming back!”
– Anna Kee, Google Review