Where to Get Cheap Haircuts in Singapore (2025 Update) — Kcuts, Snip Avenue, Kimage Hairdressing School & More

Maintaining a sharp, well-groomed look in Singapore doesn’t necessarily demand a hefty salon bill. In a city renowned for its efficiency and diverse offerings, there are plenty of excellent, wallet-friendly options for a quality haircut. Whether you’re after a quick trim, a straightforward tidy-up, or even a more comprehensive service on a budget, Singapore’s vibrant hairdressing scene truly has something for everyone in 2025.

This article serves as your definitive guide to securing an affordable haircut in the Lion City. We’ll meticulously explore popular express haircut chains, unearth hidden heartland gems, and even highlight unique opportunities found within hairdressing schools, providing an updated look at their pricing and what you can realistically expect from each.

Understanding the Landscape of Affordable Haircuts

Before we delve into specific recommendations, it’s incredibly useful to categorise the various types of affordable haircut services readily available across Singapore. Understanding these distinctions will help you pinpoint the best fit for your needs and budget.

1. Express Haircut Chains: These establishments are meticulously designed for unparalleled speed and efficiency, typically offering no-frills haircuts that last a mere 10-15 minutes. They generally operate on a convenient walk-in basis with clearly fixed, consistently low prices. Prominent examples in this category include Kcuts and QB House. Ideal for those who value speed above all else.
2. Heartland Neighbourhood Salons: Often nestled within the ubiquitous HDB (Housing & Development Board) estates, these local salons serve the community with highly competitive pricing for basic cuts. Crucially, many also offer a more extensive range of services like perming and colouring at significantly reduced rates compared to their upscale counterparts found in city-centre locations. Snip Avenue stands as a prime example of this category. These are perfect if you’re looking for value beyond just a quick trim.
3. Hairdressing Schools: A less conventional but frequently incredibly cost-effective option, hairdressing schools provide services performed by students under the rigorous supervision of highly experienced instructors. While the service might understandably take a little longer due to the learning environment, the prices are usually remarkably lower, making this an ideal choice for those on a very tight budget who don’t mind contributing to a student’s valuable learning experience. Kimage Hairdressing School is a well-known example.
4. Independent Budget Salons: These are smaller, often independently owned salons that consciously maintain low overheads to pass on competitive prices to their clientele. While the quality can sometimes be inconsistent, they often yield exceptional value if you manage to discover a reliable one through local recommendations or word-of-mouth. These can be hidden gems in various neighbourhoods.

As of mid-2025, you can generally expect express haircuts to range from S10toS15, offering a quick solution for your grooming needs. Heartland salons, in contrast, might offer basic cuts from a very affordable S5.80toS12, often including more personalized attention. Hairdressing schools present arguably the most significant savings, with haircuts potentially starting from as low as S$8, offering professional results at student-friendly prices.

Price Comparison of Key Affordable Haircut Spots in Singapore (2025)

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best and most budget-friendly places to get a haircut in Singapore, outlining their unique offerings and suitability for different needs:

1. Snip Avenue

• Haircut Price (2025): From S5.80toS6.80 for a basic haircut, with slight variations depending on the specific branch.
• Type: Heartland Neighbourhood Salon / Full-service budget chain.
• Highlights: Snip Avenue is widely and deservedly regarded as one of, if not the, cheapest hair salon chains operating in Singapore. Unlike its express-cut rivals, Snip Avenue provides a comprehensive suite of salon services, which includes various hair treatments, vibrant dye jobs, perms, and even rebonding, all offered at astonishingly low prices (for instance, a digital perm might cost around S59.80,whileahairtreatmentcouldbejustS19.80). They boast numerous outlets conveniently dotted across HDB heartland estates, making them highly accessible. While the consistency of service quality can occasionally vary by individual stylist and branch, their rock-bottom prices undeniably make it an unbeatable option for truly budget-conscious individuals.
• Good For: Anyone actively seeking the absolute lowest possible price for a haircut, or those looking for exceptionally affordable full salon services (such as colouring or perming) without straining their finances. This is an ideal choice if you have a branch located conveniently nearby and don’t mind a potentially less luxurious salon environment.

2. Kimage Hairdressing School

• Haircut Price (2025): Starting from an impressive S$8 for a haircut expertly performed by trainee students; services by graduate stylists (who are still honing their craft but more experienced) may cost around S$17.
• Type: Hairdressing School.
• Highlights: Strategically located for easy access at Marina Square, Kimage Hairdressing School offers a fantastic and often overlooked opportunity to receive a professional-standard haircut at merely a fraction of the typical salon cost. All services are performed meticulously by students under the vigilant eye and direct supervision of seasoned instructors, thereby ensuring a commendable level of quality control and guidance. They also extend other valuable services, including hair washing, colouring (e.g., a single colour application from S$28), perming, and various treatments, all at incredibly wallet-friendly rates. While the service might understandably require a bit more time as students are in a learning phase, their thoroughness and dedicated attention can often prove to be a surprisingly pleasant experience.
• Good For: Individuals on a very stringent budget who possess some flexibility with their time and genuinely appreciate contributing to a student’s vital professional development. This option is excellent for basic trims and even more intricate services at a truly significant discount.

3. Kcuts

• Haircut Price (2025): Approximately S$14 for their signature 10-minute, no-frills haircut.
• Type: Express Haircut Chain (with a distinct Korean-themed approach).
• Highlights: Kcuts prides itself on its core tenets of speed and efficiency, offering brisk, Korean-style quick cuts that are typically completed in about 10 minutes. They operate on a streamlined queue system (managed via user-friendly self-payment kiosks, which are predominantly cash-only), making them the perfect solution for walk-ins needing a rapid trim. It’s important to note that this is a strictly no-wash, no-blow-dry service, focusing purely on efficient cutting to maintain a simple, neat style. During peak hours, particularly on weekends or preceding major festive seasons, be prepared for potentially long queues. They advise customers to consult with stylists if they have complex styles in mind, as some intricate cuts (like detailed fades or precise bobs) may demand more time and might not be suitable for this express model.
• Good For: Individuals who require a rapid, straightforward, and clean haircut without any additional fuss or extra services. It’s an ideal choice for regular maintenance cuts of simple styles.

4. QB House

• Haircut Price (2025): A consistent S$12 for a standard 10-minute express cut, applicable to all ages, provided young children can sit still unaided.
• Type: Express Haircut Chain (originating from a pioneering Japanese concept).
• Highlights: QB House holds the distinction of being the original Japanese 10-minute haircut chain that truly revolutionised and popularised the express salon concept across Singapore. They have diligently maintained a consistent price point of S12fortheirstandardcut,aremarkablefeatgiventhefluctuatingeconomicclimate.SimilartoKcuts,itisano−wash,no−styling,dry−cutservice,withitscorefocussolelyonmaximumefficiency.Theyhavealsojudiciouslyintroduced”QBPremium”atselectlocations,pricedaroundS18, which offers a slightly more involved and refined cutting experience.
• Good For: Highly similar to Kcuts, this option is outstanding for quick, efficient, and reliably consistent basic haircuts. It stands as a trusted and steadfast choice for simple trims when time is undeniably of the essence.

5. TenDollar.com Salon Group

• Haircut Price (2025): From a surprising S$6 and up.
• Type: Heartland Neighbourhood Salon Chain.
• Highlights: Despite its evocative name, this chain frequently offers haircuts for even less than ten dollars, with basic prices commencing from an incredibly low S$6. They operate several strategically located outlets, predominantly nestled within heartland areas such as Serangoon North and Pasir Ris. Beyond basic cuts, they also provide comprehensive colouring, perming, and treatment services at exceptionally affordable rates, genuinely establishing themselves as a budget-friendly full-service salon option.
• Good For: Those actively seeking a complete salon experience (beyond just a cut) at remarkably low prices, particularly if they reside near one of their accessible heartland branches.

6. KIMarie Hair & Beauty Training Centre

• Haircut Price (2025): S$9 for cuts performed by trainee students; opting for a cut by an experienced instructor is still affordable at S$18.
• Type: Hairdressing School / Training Centre.
• Highlights: Conveniently situated in Novena (specifically at Square 2), KIMarie offers yet another fantastic opportunity to receive a professional haircut at a significantly reduced rate. Much like Kimage Hairdressing School, all services are performed by diligent students, thereby allowing for substantial cost savings. For a slightly higher, yet still very affordable, price, you have the option for an instructor to personally cut your hair, offering an added layer of assurance and expertise. They also extend a range of other services such as perms, colouring, and various treatments, all expertly performed by their trainees.
• Good For: Budget-conscious individuals who are comfortable with trainee stylists working under close supervision, and those seeking excellent value for money across a wider spectrum of hair services.

7. eZen Hair, Nail & Beauty

• Haircut Price (2025): S$8 (or an astonishingly low S$4 for members).
• Type: Neighbourhood Salon Chain with attractive membership benefits.
• Highlights: With a network of six accessible outlets spread across key residential areas like Jurong, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, and Woodlands, eZen consistently offers very competitive haircut prices. Their enticing membership option, which typically requires only a nominal one-time or annual fee, effectively halves the price of a basic haircut to an almost unbelievably low S$4. Furthermore, they conveniently provide complementary nail and beauty services, establishing themselves as a practical one-stop shop for personal grooming needs.
• Good For: Residents residing in the western and northern regions of Singapore who are seeking an ongoing, incredibly cheap haircut solution, especially if they are willing to invest in a membership for long-term savings.

8. Independent / Small Chain Neighbourhood Salons (e.g., Peter & E Hair Studio / The One Salon / Aoska Unisex Hair Styling / New Star Hairdressing Saloon)

• Haircut Price (2025): Typically ranging from S8toS12.
• Type: Independent / Small Chain Neighbourhood Salons.
• Highlights: This category represents the myriad of independent or smaller chain operations widely scattered throughout Singapore’s heartland. While they might not possess the immediate brand recognition of larger chains, they frequently offer consistent, no-frills haircuts at highly competitive prices (e.g., Peter & E Hair Studio in Yishun and Serangoon, The One Salon in Bedok, Aoska Unisex Hair Styling in Ang Mo Kio, and New Star Hairdressing Saloon in Little India). The quality of the cut can, of course, vary from one stylist to another within these establishments, but for a simple, regular trim, they consistently provide excellent value. Some of these smaller salons might even generously include a basic hair wash with the cut for these highly affordable prices.
• Good For: Individuals who prefer to support local, community-based businesses and are actively seeking good value in their immediate neighbourhood. This is a particularly strong option if you manage to find a trusted, go-to stylist within one of these establishments.

Key Considerations When Opting for a Cheap Haircut

While saving money is undoubtedly a primary motivating factor when choosing an affordable haircut, it’s equally important to set realistic expectations and carefully consider these practical factors to ensure your satisfaction:

• Speed vs. Precision: Express haircut chains are, by their very nature, designed to prioritise sheer speed. If you have a complex hairstyle, are contemplating a dramatic change, or have very intricate and specific requests for your cut, a rapid 10-minute service might genuinely not be the most suitable fit for your needs.
• Wash & Styling: The vast majority of express haircut services are strictly “dry cuts,” meaning there’s no hair wash before or after the cut, and minimal to no styling is included. If you genuinely prefer a full wash-and-cut experience with some styling, make sure to confirm that the chosen salon offers this within your desired budget.
• Waiting Times: Walk-in services, especially at exceptionally popular budget chains, can unfortunately involve significant waiting times during peak hours (such as weekday evenings, weekends, and public holidays). It’s wise to plan your visit accordingly or be mentally prepared for a potentially considerable wait.
• Stylist Consistency: Due to factors like high staff turnover or the inherent nature of express services, you might not consistently get the same stylist on every visit. This can, on occasion, lead to some minor inconsistencies in the final haircut result.
• Hair Type and Complexity: If you possess particularly thick, curly, exceptionally long, or challenging hair, or if you desire a highly technical and precise cut (e.g., intricate layers, complex fades, very specific bobs), investing a little more at a mid-range salon with dedicated specialists who have more time might yield far better and more satisfying results.
• No-Frills Experience: When opting for a budget salon, it’s pragmatic to expect a relatively basic setup. Do not anticipate luxurious salon chairs, complimentary beverages, extensive pre-cut consultations, or a spa-like atmosphere. The focus is purely on the cut.
• Cash-Only: Be aware that some smaller independent salons or self-payment kiosks at express chains might only accept cash payments. It’s always a good idea to come prepared with sufficient cash.

In conclusion, Singapore proudly provides a robust and incredibly diverse array of options for affordable haircuts in 2025. From the hyper-efficient express chains like Kcuts and QB House that cater to speed, to the community-focused, full-service budget salons such as Snip Avenue that offer comprehensive value, and the excellent learning-based opportunities provided by reputable hairdressing schools, you can absolutely keep your hair looking neat, stylish, and well-maintained without putting a significant dent in your wallet. The fundamental key to a satisfying experience is to thoughtfully match your specific needs for speed, desired style, and the level of service you expect with the most suitable provider on this list.