Where to Get a Cheap Haircut in Taiwan
If you are studying, working, or living in Taiwan for more than a few months, at some point you will probably need a haircut. And if you are on a student budget, you may not want to spend NT$800 or NT$1,500 just to clean up your hair.
The good news is that getting a cheap haircut in Taiwan is actually quite easy, especially in Taipei. Taiwan has many small local haircut shops, quick-cut salons, and chain haircut places where you can get a simple cut without making an appointment. These places are not fancy, and you should not expect a long shampoo, head massage, or complicated styling consultation. But if you just need a clean and practical haircut, they can be a very good option.
This guide is especially useful for exchange students, Mandarin students, interns, and foreigners living in Taiwan who want something simple, affordable, and not too stressful.
Quick answer: For the cheapest haircut in Taiwan, look for local “100 NTD haircut” shops or quick-cut salons near MRT stations, night markets, universities, and residential areas. For a more modern chain experience, QB House is also a reliable option.
1. The 100 NTD Haircut in Taiwan
The classic budget option is the 100 NTD haircut. You can find these small haircut shops in many parts of Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. In Taipei, they are often located near MRT stations, local shopping streets, universities, and residential neighborhoods.
The idea is simple: you pay for a quick cut, usually without shampoo. Many of these places have a small ticket machine at the front. You put in your money, take a ticket, and wait for your number. When it is your turn, you sit down, explain what you want, and the hairdresser cuts your hair quickly.
For a basic men’s haircut, a trim, or a simple short hairstyle, this can be one of the best cheap haircut options in Taiwan. The hairdressers are usually very fast because they cut many customers every day. If you know exactly what you want, the whole thing can be done in around 10–15 minutes.
Of course, you should keep your expectations realistic. A 100 NTD haircut is not the best choice if you want a complicated hairstyle, layers, color, perm, bleaching, or a very specific salon-style cut. But if your goal is just to keep your hair neat while saving money, it is hard to beat.
Best for:
- Students on a budget
- Short haircuts
- Simple trims
- People who do not need shampoo or styling
- Anyone who wants a fast and cheap haircut in Taiwan
Not ideal for:
- Hair coloring
- Perms
- Complicated women’s hairstyles
- Major hairstyle changes
- Anyone who wants a long consultation
2. QB House: A Clean and Reliable Quick-Cut Chain
Another easy option for a cheap haircut in Taiwan is QB House. QB House is a Japanese quick-cut chain with branches around Taiwan. In Taipei, you can find locations in convenient areas such as MRT stations, shopping malls, and busy commercial districts.
Compared with a very local 100 NTD haircut shop, QB House usually feels more organized and modern. The price is higher than the cheapest haircut shops, but it is still affordable compared with full-service salons. It is a good middle option if you want something simple but also prefer a cleaner chain-store experience.
At many QB House locations, you buy a ticket or voucher first, then wait for your turn. The service is usually focused only on cutting hair. Do not expect a full shampoo service or long styling session. The whole concept is quick, simple, and efficient.
You can check the official QB House Taiwan website or their store list to find a branch near you. The website is in Chinese, but you can use Google Translate if needed.
3. Local Hair Salons: Still Cheaper Than You Might Expect
If you want something slightly more personal than a quick-cut shop, you can also try a regular local hair salon. These are everywhere in Taiwan. Some small neighborhood salons offer basic cuts at very reasonable prices, especially outside the most expensive areas of Taipei.
A basic local salon may cost more than 100 NTD, but it can still be much cheaper than a high-end salon in Da’an, Xinyi, or Zhongshan. Some places include shampoo, blow-dry, or more time to discuss the haircut. This can be a better choice if your hair is longer or if you are nervous about explaining your style.
For students living near NTU, NTNU, NCCU, or other universities, it is worth walking around the neighborhood and checking prices. Areas with many students often have practical and affordable options nearby.
If you are still looking for a place to live near school, you may also find these guides useful:
4. Do You Need to Speak Chinese?
No, you do not need fluent Chinese to get a cheap haircut in Taiwan. But it definitely helps to prepare a little before you go.
The easiest method is to bring a clear photo of the hairstyle you want. Do not just show one picture if the style is very specific. Bring a front view, side view, and back view if possible. This is much easier than trying to explain everything in English.
You can also use Google Translate to explain simple requests. For example:
- “Just a trim, please.” — 修短一點就好
- “Please do not cut too short.” — 請不要剪太短
- “Shorter on the sides.” — 旁邊剪短一點
- “Keep the top longer.” — 上面留長一點
- “About this length.” — 大概這個長度
If you are going to a 100 NTD haircut shop, keep your request simple. These shops are designed for quick haircuts, not detailed salon consultations.
5. Do You Need to Tip the Hairdresser in Taiwan?
No, tipping is not expected for haircuts in Taiwan. Taiwan is generally not a tipping culture, and locals usually do not tip hairdressers after a normal haircut. You simply pay the listed price.
If you go to a more expensive salon, they may offer extra services, hair products, or styling options, but tipping is still not required. This is one nice thing about living in Taiwan: the price you see is usually the price you pay.
6. How to Find a Cheap Haircut Near You
The easiest way is to search on Google Maps using Chinese keywords. Try searching:
- 100元剪髮
- 百元剪髮
- 快速剪髮
- 平價剪髮
- QB House
You can also search near MRT stations, universities, and night markets. If you live in Taipei, areas around Shida, Gongguan, Guting, Ximen, Zhongshan, and Yonghe usually have plenty of affordable options.
For foreigners living in Taiwan, the first haircut can feel a little intimidating. But once you try it, you will probably realize it is much easier than expected. For a simple cut, Taiwan’s quick-cut shops are fast, cheap, and convenient.
Final Thoughts: Is a Cheap Haircut in Taiwan Worth It?
Yes, especially if you just need a simple haircut. A cheap haircut in Taiwan is not meant to replace a professional salon experience, but it is perfect for basic maintenance. For students and foreigners trying to save money, 100 NTD haircut shops and QB House are both practical choices.
If you want a major hairstyle change, color, perm, or a more stylish cut, it is better to book a proper salon and pay more. But for a quick trim before class, work, or a weekend trip, Taiwan’s budget haircut options are honestly very convenient.
Moving to Taiwan?
If you are planning to study, work, or live in Taipei, finding a good room is usually more important than finding a haircut. My Room Abroad helps international students and foreigners find furnished rooms and shared apartments in Taipei.