1. Martin-Jin Hair Salon

One of the most beloved salons in the expat community, Martin & Jin recently reopened in Laowaijie, specializing in Western hair textures and styles.

Martin & Jin Hair Salon

R102, Building 6, No. 731, Hongxu Lu,...

The 24-year-old Martin and his partner Jin cater to a client base that is over 90% from abroad and even provide private services for Muslim guests in a way that is observant of their religion.

During difficult Covid times, the salon became famous as a symbol of Shanghai spirit; their international customer base and friends raised and donated 50,000rmb for them to stay in business. 

Now, they’re back open in their new location, back doing what they do best: expert cuts and color treatments provided in a bilingual environment at great prices; customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Prices start from 150rmb for men's haircuts and 200rmb for women’s. Coloring starts at 500rmb with name-brand products. Call ahead for reservations.

2. Doc’s Barber Shop

The first name in Shanghai short hair — fades, buzz cuts, pompadours, and mullets for everyone — Doc’s was the very first vintage-inspired barbershop in China.

Doc's Barber Shop (Kangding Lu)

873 Kangding Lu, near Yanping Lu

Almost 10 *eventful* years later, they’re still a favorite not only for their expert dependability in craft but also for their above-and-beyond service, chill, community vibes, and… hey, the complimentary whiskey always helps.

Out of their master barbers we’re directing you towards Sunny, bookable in their WeChat MiniApp, for his extensive experience in short hair and style, and also for his A+ chat in the chair.

Pro-Tip: On Wednesdays, they offer 100rmb off the “haircut” category. Get full head treatment at “back & sides” prices. Thumbs up.

Doc’s is also a social hub, with one-off get-together events and local art exhibitions. Follow them on WeChat to stay up-to-date on what special stuff they’ve got going on.

3. H•A•N•D Barber Shop

A vintage men’s barbershop with services for women coming in the very near future on their second floor, H•A•N•D is just a cool place to check out even if you’re not getting a haircut.

H•A•N•D Barber Shop

No.773 Chang'an Lu, near Hanzhong Lu

H•A•N•D is owned by a designer at it shows.

Vintage jackets in plexiglass cases, sculptures, artworks, and figurines adorn the walls. Display cases house antique barber tools and accessories.

Established in 2020, H•A•N•D brings retro-minded style and plenty of tradition to the hair arts, with an eye to both classic styles and the latest trends. 

They offer a range of English-language services for men, including wet and dry beard trimming, straight razor shaves, full haircuts and buzzcuts, and back & sides brought to you by European barbers.

H•A•N•D has a great reputation among expat guys looking to keep things looking sharp and stylish. Get in touch with them here.  Women’s services are on the 2nd floor too.

4. Mikael Bottero Hair Salon

Mikael Bottero is an esteemed international freelance stylist, collaborating with the renowned Amani Shanghainese Brand and gracing the 42 Salon with its bright, spacious environment. This upscale salon boasts private rooms dedicated to beauty treatments and Hair SPA.

As a go-to stylist for the expatriate community hailing from diverse corners of the globe, Mikael captures the attention of clientele seeking a sophisticated haven. Notably, 50% of his patrons originate from the Puxi side, including Qingpu district, Jing’an, and FCC. Their quest is not merely for a haircut but an immersive experience in a comfortable setting infused with sunshine and the expertise of skilled hairstylists.

Mikael Bottero Hair Salon

B1/F, 1376 Fangdian Lu, near...

Mikael’s professional journey spans an impressive 25 years, commencing in the illustrious city of Cannes in the south of France. Subsequently, he honed his craft in London at the prestigious Toni and Guy headquarters for eight years before establishing his residence in Shanghai, a city he affectionately calls home for the past 14 years.

His proficiency extends across a spectrum of specialties, demonstrating excellence in cutting all hair types, from the intricacies of curly to the delicacy of fine textures. Mikael’s mastery further extends to techniques such as foil highlights, Air touch Balayage, color correction, and Keratin Treatment.

In his meticulous work, Mikael collaborates with internationally acclaimed brands, including Schwarzkopf, L’Oréal, K18, and Olaplex. This strategic alliance underscores his commitment to delivering top-tier services, ensuring that each client not only leaves with a stunning hairstyle but a memorable and satisfying experience.

5. MicroInk SMP Hair Tattoo

A little something different! MicroInk provides the last “haircut” you’ll ever need. 

MicroInk shanghaismp Hair Tattoo

Room 1503, 15/f, No. 2 Huashan Lu,...

Increasingly popular in the West, SMP stands for “Scalp micropigmentation treatment”.

The finished result typically has the look of a very short buzz cut a la Jamie Foxx or Vin Diesel. No more rogaine or propecia. No more baseball hats. SMP is a natural-looking, permanent solution for hair loss.

Using a microneedle, pigment, and a pointillism technique to create the illusion of hair, the trained technicians at MicroInk create a permanent hairline tattoo.

Opened in 2020, MicroInk SMP Hair Tattoo brings this latest restorative technique to Shanghai. Get in touch with them for a free consultation and to see if the procedure is right for you.