Salons & Spas
Published January 2026
“Where do you get your hair done?”
The question that started it all.
Whenever I meet a new-comer to Lisbon it’s usually one of the first things I’m asked. Beauty services is one of the things we had loyal alliegences too in our previous locations, but now we have to find them all again and we all arrive not knowing who to turn to.
So I started Your Lisbon Bestie to help!
I found quite quickly in Lisbon, it’s alot of trial and error. Quality standards are as varied as the prices, though one does not nessesarily reflect the other. And what I find preferable may not be for you. Through this, I have tried quite a few salons that I will not be recommending. Also, this kind of “research” gets seriously expensive.
So her are my - and those of my inner circle’s - personal, solid beauty recommendations.
My work is completely free, my only revenue is your generosity to keep it going. Help me keep my nails on here, so I can keep typing this labor of love in style. xx
Hair
Ferragial
The one so many of my circle go to. My friend Brittany has the most goregous hair, so eventually we all followed her like the pied-piper to her hair salon.
Vibes inside are great. Plants everywhere, music pumping, no inane waffling from the stylists, though they speak decent English. Close to Cais Do Sodré station, so easy to get to. I usually book my appoitnments via email.
Bestie Tip: If your appointment timing allows for lunch, Kong one street down is great for vegans or just something more healthy.
Nuno de Oliveira
I decided to test run a new place for the sake of this site…and, whoopsy, now it’s my new fave! Unfussy but lovely, the whole team is amazing! Paula was delightful and did wonders on my hair which I’d neglected to a very dry state. Kelly is originally from the UK so there’s no language barrier, and she did a great job on the finish/styling. I was just back a second time and already my girlfriends commented on how healthy my hair looks. Genuine people doing great work.
Bestie Tip: Pop over the road to Acento for a coffee to take in with you.
Cut & Shout
A good friend who has high standards with everything in her life has been going to Andrew at this salon for as long as I’ve known her. We hang in different circles but she says most of her group go to this salon. She also said they give you a glass of champagne there, so maybe I should switch…
For Blondes : Kelly Tiddy
I have a friend who is very loyal to New Zealand born Kelly (through Minds & More), who specialises in blondes.
I also have a blonde friend who goes to Ferrigal, above.
R. Nova de São Mamede 72 A, Principe Real | Kelly’s Booking Profile | Other independent Minds & More Stylists
For Afro & Textured Hair : Studio Thon Eduardo
My friend recommends Thon for his understanding of her hair type and his reasonable prices.
R. Poiais de São Bento 128, Sao Bento | Facebook Only
Hair By Gefeson
Gefeson specialises in braids, recommended by that friend’s friend. Close to Laranjeiras metro stop.
Nails
DUO Beauty
My nails done by DUO for a festival
It took me a long time to find this place. I suspect I will regret this rec as it’s already hard enough to get an appointment. Luckily for my besties, I am loyal to the vision of this website.
All the technicians are great and the hygiene standards what they should be (not always the case). The link in their Insta bio takes you to their booking via watsap.
G x Bar
My friend goes to the one in Amoreiras and gets the cuuuutest nail art done and seems to last for ages.
maqē
I’ve been hearing postive things about maqē from several people, for a while. Not only are the standards high, my friend says it’s more like a relaxing spa spa.
Pedicure
maqē
As above. I’ve not been but a friend told me it’s as close to what she describes as American style, with comfy chairs and a spa like experience, as pedicures here seem to be more of a utilitarian job. I myself cannot recommend anywhere I’ve been, but watch this space as I plan to go to maqē for my next one.
Massage
Samui Thai Massage
This is to me is a typcial, good massge place at an affordable price point. Granted, I lived in Asia for 10 years, so maybe this is just familiar. I HATE a foot massage (I’m too ticklish) but I love a good back and shoulder massage. My husband & I come here and get them side by side in the room upstairs. My friend who lives up the road from here says his foot massages are great, though I guess I’ll never know.
Float In
One of those places where you enter a tank with such heavy water (thanks to a tonne of epsom salts) that your buoyancy becomes so you float wthout trying. The water temperature is the same as your body, and then a sound proof lid means you’re in a sort of sensory deprevation. It’s supposed to be relaxing, so I bought my hubby a voucher and he LOVED it. It was a combo with a full body massage for afterwards and he said it was absolutely perfect. They do lots of professional masaage styles you can do seperately if floating in a wet cocoon isn’t your thing.
Honourable Mention: The Peonicia
Technically in Belém, not Lisbon City, but trust me when I say, THIS is how it’s done. Experienced masseuses with magical hands in a proffesional setting.
I am looking for recs on derms, waxing, botox, and laser. If you have a beautician or salon of any type you wish to recommend, please get in touch!