Most large cruise ships have a salon or spa where you can get a haircut, but services vary widely by cruise line and ship.
Appointments at these salons usually cost more than at a normal salon on land.
Appointments can fill up quickly. You might find smaller ships with smaller salons offer fewer services.
Onboard salons are very common, and most mainstream cruise lines and premium cruise ships have them. You can often find them in the ship’s spa area.
Services commonly include:
- Haircuts.
- Blow-dries.
- Styling/updos.
- Colour treatments.
- Sometimes scalp treatments – but not all ships offer this service.
Can Men Get a Haircut on a Cruise Ship?
Yes. Cruise ship salons generally cater to both men and women.
Men’s services may include:
- Haircuts.
- Beard trims.
- Shaves.
- Styling.
- Buzz Cuts.
I had a buzz cut onboard a Marella ship a few years ago – not in the salon – by the ship’s Captain on the stage! I was raising money for a UK cancer research charity.
If you want to see how that went – and what I look like with very little hair – watch the video below:
Do You Need to Book in Advance?
It is usually a good idea to book, particularly if you are planning to go at a popular time.
Salons are more likely to be full before formal nights, or on sea days when guests have plenty of spare time to fill.
Some guests have special events, like weddings or renewing wedding vows, onboard.
If you are doing that, you probably are going to want to book yourself into the salon as soon as you get onboard – or before if it is possible to do so.
The afternoon before any big evening event onboard is likely to be popular.
Walk-ins may be possible, but shouldn’t be relied on.
Booking methods may include:
Many cruise lines have an app you can use to book your appointment quickly and easily.
If that doesn’t suit you, you could go to the spa reception, or phone the spa/salon from your cabin.
Can You Book a Haircut Before the Cruise?
Some cruise lines let you book spa/salon appointments before sailing, others open them once guests are onboard.
Fred. Olsen lets you book your haircut about 13 weeks before your sailing date.
Cunard lets guests book haircuts and salon services online up to a year before the sailing! Cunard is known for their formal nights, and some guests really do want to look their best…
You’ll be able to indulge in professional hair styling (colouring, waxing or conditioning), nourish your nails with a pedicure, feel rejuvenated with a beauty treatment, or simply book a barber for a quick trim.
Cunard
Pre-voyage bookings will open on My Cunard 180 days before your departure date and you have up until 3 days before your voyage to place a booking online. You can also book on board
What Other Hair Services Can You Get Onboard?
Other hair salon services could include
- Blow-drys.
- Curling/styling.
- Updos for special occasions.
- Hair colouring or highlights.
- Conditioning treatments.
- Bridal/wedding hair.
- Kids’ haircuts.
Can You Get Your Hair Coloured on a Cruise?
Often yes, especially on larger ships.
Be aware that products and brands may differ from the ones you use at home.
Colour matching can be tricky, and corrections if you don’t like the colour can be expensive.
A cruise probably isn’t the ideal time to try a dramatic hair-colour change!
It is probably best to stick to simple maintenance unless you’re already comfortable with the salon, having used it on previous sailings.
Even then, there is no guarantee that you will get the same stylist that you did last time.
What Happens If You Hate the Haircut?
Unlike at home, you can’t necessarily return to your regular stylist.
Speak to the salon immediately, they may be able to correct it.
Keep your expectations realistic, especially if you’re asking for a complicated restyle.
It is probably not a good idea to leave a major makeover until the day before disembarkation – you will have to live with whatever you have got, whether you like it or not!
Are Cruise Ship Hairdressers Qualified?
Onboard salon staff are professional salon/spa employees.
Most cruise spas are run by third-party spa operators rather than the cruise line directly.
OneSpaWorld dominates the industry by managing over 80% of cruise ship spas.
They staff and operate salons, fitness centres, spas, and spa services for lines like Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Norwegian, and P&O.
Their clientele is highly international, and they’re used to dealing with many hair types and styles – but experience can obviously vary by individual stylist.
Are Cruise Ship Salons Open on Port Days?
Usually yes, but opening hours may vary.
Port days can sometimes be far quieter than sea days, the same applies to the spa and spa treatments.
This can make it easier to get an appointment, but the trade-off is you will miss time in port.
For this reason, the spa may also offer discounts while the ship is in port.
Is It Cheaper to Get a Haircut in Port?
Usually, yes – but there will be trade offs.
You may struggle to find a trustworthy salon. Language barriers may be a factor, and you certainly don’t want your hair appointment to take longer than you expected and risk getting back to the ship late.
If you are having a simple haircut, it may be better to have it onboard. This may be more convenient even if it costs more.
If you are planning a major change in style or colour, you’re probably better off waiting until you get back home.
Can You Bring Your Own Hair Clippers on a Cruise?
Generally, guests can bring normal personal grooming devices, like hair clippers onboard.
This is because they are standard personal grooming devices without high-heat elements, but rules around electrical items vary from one cruise line to another.
Check the cruise line’s terms and conditions to avoid the risk of confiscation.
Find out about the top five things confiscated by cruise lines here:
These Are The 5 Items Most Regularly Confiscated by Cruise Lines
Can You Bring Your Own Hair Dryer on a Cruise?
Hairdryers are usually supplied in cabins, so you don’t really need to pack your own (although their power and age can vary).
Most lines allow you to bring your own onboard, as long as they’re below a certain wattage.
Again, you need to check the rules of the cruise line you are sailing with.
When had a suite on Ambassador Ambience, I noticed there was a fitted hairdryer on the wall from when the ship was built, over 35 years ago!
Luckily, they had put a more modern dryer in the drawer for me to use – I don’t think I would have wanted to use a hair dryer that is older than me!
Have a look at that unusual cabin here:
Can You Bring Your Own Hair Straighteners on a Cruise?
It does depend on the cruise line you are sailing with.
Many allow hair straighteners, but check your particular cruise line’s rules to be sure.
What About River Cruises?
River ships have much less space than ocean ships.
Some may have a salon, but many won’t offer the same range of treatments, and fewer appointments will be available.
Because river ships dock centrally so often, getting a haircut ashore may be easier anyway.
It’s best to check the deck plans for the ship you will be sailing on to see whether it has a hair salon onboard.
Is It Worth Getting a Haircut on a Cruise?
Personally, I have never considered getting my hair cut while I am on a cruise, I would prefer to get it done before I go.
That said, I never really go into the spa area or have spa treatments either…
I enjoy a trip to the thermal area if it is included as a perk of my loyalty status, but I never sign up for spa treatments. I just don’t enjoy them. I don’t like all the upselling involved either.
It may be worth visiting the salon if:
- You need a quick trim.
- You’re attending a formal event.
- You want styling for photos.
- You don’t want to hunt for a salon in port.
It may not be worth it if:
- You’d prefer to go to your own, familiar stylist.
- You are thinking of changing your hair colour, or want a treatment that takes a long time – it will be costly.
- If price and affordability are your main concern.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Haircut Onboard
That is a “how long is a piece of string” type question…
Prices vary widely from one cruise line to another – and don’t forget you are likely to be charged a service charge of around 18-20% on top of the cost of any service you have.
The prices below are to give you a “ballpark” figure only…
Hair salon services on cruise ships typically range from $35 to $90 for a basic haircut.
A shampoo, blow-dry, and styling is likely to cost between $60 and $90
A typical beard trim for a man may range from $35 to $50 for a basic, quick shape-up.
If you opt for a more premium, multi-step grooming package, including hot towels, a straight-razor outline, and premium beard oils, the price usually jumps to $65-$90+.
And don’t forget that extra 20% additional service charge….
How to Avoid Paying More Than You’d Expected
It may be a good idea to ask for a full price list before you agree to any services.
Confirm whether washing/styling costs extra.
Ask whether gratuities/service charges are included. Many cruise lines automatically add an 18% to 20% service charge to all spa and salon services. This can make the overall cost quite expensive.
Typical wording from Royal Caribbean International says:
Additionally, gratuities will be automatically added to select pre-cruise and onboard purchases: 18% for beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service, and minibar purchases; and 20% for spa and salon services.
Royal Caribbean
Don’t assume a treatment being suggested is included in the price. Cruise spas are famous for upselling products and treatments.
Make it clear you only want what you booked. Be firm about that if you don’t want to end up with a bill higher than you had expected.
Check any promotional packages or deals to make sure you meet the offer’s criteria. You don’t want to think you are getting a bargain, only to end up paying full price after all.
Before You Go
Find out what other things you may find yourself being charged for on a cruise here:
Onboard Expenses – What Costs Extra On A Cruise? Gratuities, Wi-Fi And More…
Everyone seems to have a cruise tip to give you! These are the five cruise “tips” I always ignore – and why:
5 Cruise Tips I Ignore (And Why)
Book a Cruise (I’ve Launched My Own Travel Agency)
I’ve spent the last 10 years creating cruise content online and over that time I’ve learnt that having a great travel agent makes a HUGE difference.
That’s why in 2026, I launched my own agency and built a team of real cruise experts who love cruising as much as I do.
We combine great prices with personal service. Just click the button below and we’ll find you the perfect cruise. No request is too big or too small, we’re here to help.