Your hairdresser about 25 minutes from Kumeū

We don't have a salon in Kumeū — we're a home salon on Magnolia Lane in Kaukapakapa, about 25 minutes further up SH16 through Waimauku. It's an approximate drive time; give yourself a little extra if you're travelling at peak times.

What brings Kumeū clients past the closer options is the appointment itself. It's a quiet, one-on-one salon — one stylist, one client at a time, no double-booking and no waiting around. You get free parking right at the door, and a booking that starts and finishes when it's supposed to.

For a lot of clients, the drive becomes part of the appointment rather than a downside — a straightforward run through Waimauku's countryside instead of a wait in a busy Kumeū car park.

Balayage with Melissa is $280 and takes 3 to 4 hours. It's hand-painted, so it grows out softly and you won't need to be back every few weeks, which matters when the salon is a drive away. If you want to know how that compares, read how much balayage costs in NZ.

Foils start at $150 for partial foils, with a half head at $200 and a full head at $280. A root touch-up is $130. Tired of regrowth lines? Have a look at grey blending, which needs fewer visits than full coverage.

If you're after hair smoothing near Kumeū, Melissa offers two options. Keratin is $180 and lasts about six months, with a 72-hour wait before your first wash. Nanoplasty starts from $200 depending on hair length, lasts 3 to 6 months and can be washed straight away. Both are formaldehyde-free.

Melissa is open 7 days, including Sundays from 9am to 5pm. A Sunday appointment is an easy run up SH16 through Waimauku, and parking is free at the door. Kids' cuts are welcome too, so you can bring the family.