London is home to some of the best hair salons in the world, but a visit to a top stylist often comes with a premium price tag. If you need a trim, a restyle or a colour refresh and your budget is tight, there’s a smart alternative. Many salons across the capital offer cheap or even free haircuts in London when you agree to be a model for a trainee stylist.
This approach gives you access to high-end salons for a fraction of the usual cost. While trainee appointments take longer than standard bookings, senior stylists closely supervise every step. That supervision helps ensure professional results while allowing trainees to build real-world experience.
In some cases, a senior stylist may even lead the cut or colour to demonstrate a new technique. You should keep in mind that flexibility matters. If a trainee needs to practise a specific style, you may have less control over the final look. If you stay open-minded, free haircuts can be one of London’s best-kept beauty secrets.
1. Toni & Guy Academy
The Toni & Guy Academy opens its doors to the public five days a week, offering heavily discounted and near-free haircuts in London through its trainee programme. Expect a longer appointment than usual. Trainees pause at each stage to receive approval from a senior stylist before moving forward.
You can request a specific hairstyle, although trainees and supervisors may suggest styles that suit your hair type or meet training requirements. For colour services, you must complete a free skin test at any Toni & Guy salon before your appointment.
Price: £5 for a cut, £20 for colour
Available Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 1.45pm
71–75 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DG
2. Hari’s
Hari’s King’s Road salon doubles as a training academy and regularly offers discounted and model appointments. Cuts cost a small fee, while colour services usually require payment for materials only.
Hari’s posts calls for models on Facebook, often requesting specific hair lengths or types. Some appointments require flexibility on style. You must book online, and waiting lists can reach up to three weeks. Check the online calendar to find sessions that match your hair length.
Price: £7 for a cut, £10–£20 for colour
233 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EJ
harissalon.com/haris-kings-road/
3. Vidal Sassoon Academy
If you’ve always wanted a Vidal Sassoon cut but found the prices out of reach, the academy offers an affordable alternative. Trainee stylists deliver iconic Sassoon shapes under close supervision.
Prices sit slightly higher than other training salons, but you gain more control over the final result. Appointments take longer than standard cuts, so plan to spend a few hours at the academy.
Price: £13 for a cut, £15–£40 for colour
Appointments at 9.15am and 1.15pm
58 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ
sassoon-academy.com/Models-Wanted
4. Aveda Institute
The Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa in Holborn has built a strong reputation for hair health and repair. Every service begins with a relaxing head massage, even for trainee appointments.
Aveda does not offer walk-in trainee services. Instead, the institute posts calls for models on Facebook and industry forums. Each request targets a specific hair type, length or style, such as bobs, blow-dries or colour techniques.
Appointments run on Mondays only, and spaces fill quickly.
Available Mondays, 9.30am – 6pm
174–177 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA
facebook.com/appointmentsavailable
5. Jo Hansford
Celebrity colourist Jo Hansford runs a training school from her Mayfair salon twice a week. A professional appointment here normally costs well over £100, but trainee sessions charge only for materials.
Trainees offer both cuts and colour services, with senior stylists supervising throughout. Evening appointments make this option ideal for those who work standard office hours.
Price: £20 for a cut, colour from £30
Colour appointments on Wednesday evenings
Cuts and styling on Thursday evenings
48 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2QB
