New Term, New City, New Hair?

Student Hair Ideas for a Fresh Start in Edinburgh

Returning to Edinburgh for university? Starting your first term in the city? Or simply ready for a change after the summer?

A new university year is the perfect excuse for a fresh haircut or colour. At McGills Hairdressing in Edinburgh, our team can help you find a look that suits your individual style, natural hair and everyday routine.

From easy-to-manage layers and sharp bobs to creative colour and complete transformations, your new term hair starts here. Students can also enjoy 10% off hair services at McGills, helping your budget stretch a little further.

Key Takeaways

• Students receive 10% off hair services at McGills Hairdressing.
• Popular student hairstyles include bobs, layers, shags, mullets and shorter textured cuts.
• Colour can be as subtle or as creative as you like.
• Every look is tailored to your hair, style, routine and budget.
• Some colour appointments require a consultation and skin test in advance.

What Are the Best Low-Maintenance Student Hairstyles?

The best hairstyle for university life is one that works with your natural texture and does not require lots of effort every morning.

If you want to keep your length, long layers can remove heaviness and add movement while leaving enough hair for ponytails, buns and clips. Face-framing pieces can also refresh your look without committing to a major haircut.

A textured bob is ideal if you want a more noticeable change. It can be worn smooth and polished or styled with natural movement for an easier, more relaxed finish. Shags, wolf cuts and modern mullets are also brilliant if you like texture and a slightly undone look.

For something shorter, a crop, undercut or carefully shaped short haircut can feel fresh, confident and easy to manage between appointments.

Your McGills stylist will consider your hair type, face shape, personal style and normal routine before creating a haircut that works for real student life.

Hairstyles That Feel Like You

Your hair is a big part of how you express yourself, and university is a great time to try something different.

You might want a softer, more natural style or a haircut that feels sharper and bolder. Small details can completely change the overall look. A fringe, shorter layers, an undercut or added texture can make your hairstyle feel much more personal.

Bring photographs of cuts you like to your appointment, but do not worry if you are not sure what will suit you. A good consultation is at the heart of every appointment at McGills. We will listen to your ideas, talk through your options and tailor the finished look to you.

Creative Hair Colour for a New Term

If subtle is not your thing, why not begin the new term with colour that gets you noticed?

Bold reds, vivid coppers and brighter fashion shades can create a completely new look. You could choose an all-over transformation or add a smaller flash of colour through the fringe, face frame or a hidden panel.

A more focused placement can still make a big impact while being easier to maintain than a full head of creative colour.

Your McGills colourist will take your natural shade, previous colour history, hair condition and desired level of maintenance into account. If your chosen result requires lightening first, it may take more than one appointment to achieve safely.

Natural-Looking Colour with Less Upkeep

You do not have to choose vivid colour to make your hair feel new.

Balayage and carefully placed highlights can brighten your hair while creating a softer grow-out. Face-framing highlights can lift your look without committing to a full head of colour, while lowlights can add depth and dimension to hair that feels too light or flat.

Glossy brunette shades, warm coppers and soft dimensional blondes are all beautiful choices for the change of season. A toner or gloss may also be enough to refresh an existing colour and restore shine.

If you are working with a student budget, be honest about how often you want to return to the salon. We can recommend a colour and maintenance plan that feels realistic for you.

Make the Most of Your Natural Curls and Waves

A haircut designed around your natural texture can make everyday styling much easier.

The right shape can encourage curl definition, remove unwanted weight and help waves sit more naturally. It may also mean less time spent straightening or restyling your hair before lectures.

Our stylists will look at how your hair naturally moves and talk to you about how you normally wear it. We can then create a cut that looks good in the salon and is manageable when you style it yourself.

Time for a Post-Summer Hair Refresh?

Sunshine, heat styling, holidays and festivals can all leave hair feeling dry, faded or difficult to manage.

If your colour has lost its shine or your ends feel ready for some attention, a trim and professional treatment can make a real difference. Blonde hair may benefit from a toner to refine unwanted warmth, while brunette, copper and red shades can be refreshed with added gloss and richness.

McGills is a Davines salon, and our team can recommend professional treatments and homecare based on what your hair actually needs. A simple routine with the right products can help your haircut or colour look better for longer.

Save 10% with McGills Student Discount

We know student budgets have to cover a lot, so students can enjoy 10% off hair services at McGills Hairdressing in Edinburgh. It is the perfect opportunity to book that new-term haircut, refresh your colour or finally try the look you have been saving for inspiration.

Please mention the student offer when booking and bring valid student identification to your appointment. Ask our team about the current terms and any exclusions.

If you are planning a colour appointment, please contact us in advance. A consultation and skin test may be required at least 48 hours before your colour service.

Find Your New Student Hair Salon in Edinburgh

McGills is an award-winning hair salon in Edinburgh’s Tollcross area, making us ideally placed for students living and studying across the city. Our experienced team offers expert cutting, styling and hair colour in a friendly salon where you will be listened to, looked after and given honest professional advice.

Whether you are returning to Edinburgh or discovering the city for the first time, start the new term with hair that feels completely you.

Call the salon on 0131 228 8882 or book online to arrange your appointment. Do not forget to mention your 10% student discount when booking.