Hair Salons and Beauty Studios in Cyprus – Where to Go

Beauty salons, hair and nail care – the best places to relax and pamper yourself on the island | Tips for choosing the right salon!

Life in Cyprus is a dream: 320 days of sunshine a year, the sea nearby, fresh fruit everywhere. But let’s be honest: this climate is tough on your hair and skin. The salty wind, relentless sun, and summer humidity that ruins any hairstyle in five minutes make finding a good hairdresser feel like a quest. Finding “your” stylist on the island isn’t easy, especially if you’ve just arrived. Where to Go?

Should you take a risk and step into the nearest κομμωτήριο (kommotirio – as hair salons are called here) around the corner, or aim for a luxury beauty salon with professional service? Let’s explore what Cyprus’s beauty industry offers and how to avoid wasting time and money.

A Land of Contrasts: Tradition Meets Trends

The Cypriot beauty market is extremely diverse. On one hand, there are traditional local salons – small, often family-run places where locals have been coming for generations. The atmosphere is warm, everyone chats and drinks coffee. But haircutting and coloring techniques may lag behind modern trends.

If you just need a trim or a classic wavy blowout, these salons are budget-friendly and fine. But going there for a complex AirTouch or balayage? Risky.

On the other hand, a new wave of expat stylists has arrived in recent years. Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Brits have brought modern techniques, high-quality products, and a new level of service, driving demand for advanced beauty services.

Beauty Geography: Limassol, Nicosia, and Beyond

Your choice of salon depends heavily on your city. Many people are willing to travel to neighboring towns for top-quality service.

1. Limassol – The beauty capital of Cyprus. Competition is fierce. You’ll find everything from hipster barbershops to aesthetic medicine clinics, with a large number of Russian-speaking professionals. For advanced treatments and modern procedures, Limassol is the place to go.
2. Nicosia – The capital maintains high standards. Here, the audience is more business-oriented. Premium services are common, emphasizing not just a perfect haircut but speed and privacy.
3. Paphos and Larnaca – Quieter cities. Paphos has many salons catering to British clients with their own stylistic preferences. Larnaca is a middle ground, combining local charm with modern studios. Quality stylists can be found, but the selection is smaller than in Limassol.
4. Ayia Napa and Protaras – Seasonal beauty hubs. Quick blowouts, braiding, express manicures, and temporary tattoos for tourists. Life slows in winter, but high-end hotel salons can still offer good services.

Prices Bite: What to Expect

Be prepared to spend. Beauty services in Cyprus can be surprisingly expensive compared to the mainland. Why? High rents, utilities, imported products, logistics, and taxes all factor into your final bill.

Average Prices (approximate):

1. Women’s haircut & styling: €40–70
2. Complex coloring (shatush, balayage): from €150 and up
3. Men’s haircut: €20–35 (some basic cuts can be €10 in salon association shops)
4. Manicure with gel polish: €35–70

Important: Some salons charge for each step separately – washing, masks, heat protection, etc. Always confirm the total price before the procedure to avoid surprises.

“Russian Service” on the Island: Reality vs. Expectations

Many people actively look for Russian-speaking beauty specialists. And it’s not just about avoiding a language barrier—it’s about the approach to the work.

Take manicures, for example. The technique of hardware manicure with perfect alignment and cuticle coverage—a gold standard in Russian beauty salons—exists in Cyprus, but you have to search for it. Local technicians often use classical cut or European techniques, which aren’t always suitable for everyone.

The same applies to hair. Russian colorists excel in advanced coloring techniques and, crucially for Cyprus, in working with blonde and Slavic hair types. They understand the structure of Slavic hair and know how to achieve a cool tone without the unwanted yellow that appears so quickly in the local sun.

Be cautious: a sign reading “Beauty Salon Cyprus” in Russian does not guarantee quality. With rising demand, many self-taught or home-based masters have appeared. This always carries risks: sterilization of tools and material quality may remain questionable.

Relaxation and Care: SPA Treatments

If you want more than a haircut and a manicure—if you want to fully relax your body and mind—look for spa salons in high-end hotels. Locations like Parklane in Limassol or Anassa in Paphos offer luxurious care packages. Expensive, yes, but the atmosphere and quality of spa services are exceptional. Massages, body wraps, thalassotherapy—perfect for a complete recharge.

A Note on Northern Cyprus

The beauty industry in Northern Cyprus is also rapidly developing. Prices are often lower than in the south, while quality is improving as skilled professionals relocate there. Many people travel to Kyrenia for dental work or plastic surgery and visit local salons at the same time. Business operates under its own rules, so opening a salon there has its own specifics. If viewed as an investment, the northern market looks promising.

Checklist: How to Choose a Salon Without Regrets

Finding your ideal beauty spot is always a trial-and-error process, but risks can be minimized:

1. Word of Mouth. The best advertising on Cyprus. Ask friends, colleagues, expat chats—but filter reviews, as expectations differ.
2. Check Portfolios. Study a master’s work on Instagram. Look for haircut quality, precision of coloring, and manicure neatness. Pay attention to photos in daylight and without filters.
3. Initial Consultation. A good stylist always starts with a diagnosis of your hair or nails. If they immediately offer “make it beautiful” without asking your wishes, that’s a red flag.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene. Absolutely critical. Check tool sterilization (ideally dry heat sterilizers and sealed packets opened in front of you). Sometimes you can even bring your own tools or hair mask.
5. Materials. Ask which cosmetics the salon uses. Reputable professional brands are a plus—it’s not guaranteed, even if the salon displays a range of luxury products.

So, the beauty industry in Cyprus is diverse and constantly evolving. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but choose wisely. Remember that quality service can’t come too cheap—the price reflects not only the stylist’s experience but also the salon’s level and the cost of materials. Keep your consumer rights in mind: if your hair is objectively damaged, you have the legal right to seek redress. Good luck finding your perfect stylist on the island of Aphrodite, and pamper your beauty—you deserve it!

Also read:

1. Can you drink tap water in Cyprus: is it safe?
2. The pace of life in Cyprus — how the island teaches you to slow down and live in the moment
3. A rainy day in Cyprus? Best entertainment and attractions!
4. How to get a driver’s license in Cyprus — a complete guide
5. Cyprus and veganism — is it possible to live on the island without meat?