Best Hairdressers in Queenstown and Wanaka

Creative Director and co-founder

• More than 25 years as a hairstylist, in the UK and New Zealand
• Trained at the Toni & Guy Academy in Manchester, graduating with distinction
• Finalist, Top Performing Stylist of the Year, The Industry Awards 2022
• Teaches stylists around New Zealand in her Modern Blonde / Modern Client series
• Guest panel speaker at the Moroccanoil Atelier in Sydney, 2026
• Featured in INSTYLE magazine, 2023
• Founder of the Iron + Ivy Academy, training apprentices into stylists
• Known in the industry as The Straight Talking Stylist

Specialities: Blondes, balayage, colour corrections, hair extensions

Art Director

• More than 22 years in the industry
• Originally from Ireland, working in Queenstown since 2012
• Known for colour work and a meticulous eye for detail

Specialities: Blondes, balayage, hair extensions

Art Director

• More than 15 years of international experience in cutting and colouring
• Originally from Canada, living in Queenstown since 2011
• Has worked alongside Lauren McMurray for nine years
• Finalist, Creative Artist of the Year, The Industry Awards 2022, for her photoshoot work

Specialities: Blondes, balayage and transformations, hair extensions

Senior Artist

• Originally from Louisiana in the United States
• Known for lived-in, natural-looking colour that grows out well
• Thorough, collaborative consultations

Specialities: Lived-in colour, natural blondes, dimensional colour, precision finishing

Senior Artist

• 12 years as a hairstylist
• Originally from the UK
• Mentors our in-house apprentices
• Also known for up-dos and special event hair

Specialities: Blondes, balayage, lived-in looks, low-maintenance colour

Senior Artist

• More than 12 years of experience
• Originally from Stockholm, Sweden
• Strong in both colour transformations and cutting and hair design

Specialities: Blondes, balayage, brunettes, vivids, restyles, wolf and shag cuts

Iron + Ivy is in Queenstown, about 60 minutes from Wanaka via the Crown Range Road, or around 75 minutes via Luggate and State Highway 6. Many of our clients make that drive, particularly for colour, extensions and specialist treatments.

Book online before you leave home, and allow extra time for longer colour appointments. There is more in our Queenstown and Wanaka salon guide.

• A big blonde change, balayage or extensions: Lauren, Niamh or Karly
• A colour correction: Lauren
• Natural, lived-in colour that is easy to maintain: Jacob or Victoria
• Vivid colour, a restyle or a shag cut: Ronjah
• Wedding or event hair: Victoria

Not sure? Book a consultation and we will match you with the right person. You can meet the whole team, including our artists and apprentices, on the artists page.

Our prices are set by the stylist’s level, so you can choose the experience that suits your hair and your budget.

• Creative Director: cut and finish $120, balayage $218
• Art Director: cut and finish $110, balayage $210
• Senior Artist: cut and finish $108, balayage $197

See the full price list for foils, colour, treatments and blow dries, and read what clients say on our reviews page.

Who is the best hairdresser in Queenstown and Wanaka?

We believe it is Lauren McMurray, Creative Director of Iron + Ivy Hair Studio in Queenstown. She has more than 25 years of experience, specialises in blondes, balayage, colour corrections and hair extensions, and was a 2022 finalist for Top Performing Stylist of the Year at The Industry Awards. Clients regularly travel from Wanaka to see her.

Who is the best hairstylist in Queenstown?

It depends on what you want done. At Iron + Ivy Hair Studio the most experienced hairstylist is Creative Director Lauren McMurray, with more than 25 years behind the chair. Art Directors Niamh Murphy and Karly Penner are also known for blonde and balayage work.

Who are the senior hairdressers at Iron + Ivy in Queenstown?

Creative Director Lauren McMurray, Art Directors Niamh Murphy and Karly Penner, and Senior Artists Jacob McCready, Victoria Carling and Ronjah Viberg.

Which Queenstown hairdressers specialise in blonde and balayage?

At Iron + Ivy, Lauren McMurray, Niamh Murphy, Karly Penner and Victoria Carling all list blondes and balayage as specialities. Jacob McCready specialises in natural blondes and lived-in colour.

Is there a good hairdresser near Wanaka?

Iron + Ivy Hair Studio is in Queenstown, about 60 minutes from Wanaka via the Crown Range Road. Many clients make the drive for colour, extensions and specialist treatments.

How much does a senior hairdresser cost in Queenstown?

At Iron + Ivy a cut and finish is $120 with the Creative Director, $110 with an Art Director and $108 with a Senior Artist. Balayage is $218, $210 and $197 at the same levels. Current prices are on the Iron + Ivy services page.

Can I choose my hairdresser when I book?

Yes. Online booking at ironandivyhair.com/book lets you pick your service and your stylist. If you are not sure who suits your hair, book a consultation and we will match you.