Whether you want a quick, cheap streetside cut or a whole new look, here’s some of the best options

Eli Meixler BEARHANDED HAIR STUDIO Hiding out in his cave at the back of The Willow, Vaughan Joseph, the mastermind behind Bearhanded Hair Studio, will cut, colour, perm, style and treat your hair however you desire. He can also provide information on how to properly care for your hair in the Cambodian climate, and using only Davines products, imported especially from Italy, he ensures that your hair won’t suffer in the heat. He charges from $15 for a simple haircut up to $75 for a full head of foils, cut and blow-dry and works by appointment only. Call on 093 700 431 or email at [email protected]. The Willow Boutique Hotel, #1 Street 21

Eli Meixler JULY The ladies at July, a salon run by internationally trained stylists near Aeon Mall, know how to provide a relaxing hairdressing experience. The cut and blow dry (around $18 for women) begins with a wash and soothing complimentary head massage. They won’t talk your ears off, instead offering plenty of reading material – from trashy UK celeb mags to Vanity Fair and interior design and wedding supplements. The ambient indie-folk soundtrack – Bright Eyes, Bon Iver – keeps things chilled. July Salon, #67 Sothearos Boulevard

Charlotte Pert LONDON BEAUTY SALON If you ask someone where to get a haircut in Phnom Penh and they say: “London, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore or Hong Kong” they’re not actually saying you need to go abroad to get a decent snip. It’s just an odd trend that has resulted in several salons around Sihanouk Boulevard being named after international capitals. London is a popular choice, not too cheap but pretty reliable, where a simple cut costs about $4 while a wash, cut and blow-dry costs about $9. You even get a free cold beverage. No appointment necessary. London Beauty Salon, #124 Sihanouk Boulevard

Charlotte Pert WANG THE STREET BARBER For those pinching their pennies, Phnom Penh’s street barbers offer great value for the money. Wang, a hair dresser near Wat Ounalom, gets about 15 to 20 customers every day, with more during the wedding season, when everyone likes to look their best. He says the service is the same as at modern shops, but he doesn’t have to pay the same rent. He buys all his equipment and products from markets around Phnom Penh. A haircut from Wang costs about $0.60 for all styles. Wang Haircut, behind Wat Ounalom

Charlotte Pert KANDAL MARKET'S CHHEUM CHANTHOU Phnom Penh’s markets aren’t just good for knock-off jeans, mysterious fruits and last-minute souvenirs to take home to friends and family – you can get a cheap hair cut too. At Kandal Market, you’ll usually find five or six customers waiting for a haircut, wash, dye or make-up job from Chheum Chanthou, who has had her 2m x 3m shop there for 10 years. She charges as little as $1.25 for a haircut, up to $20 or $30 for highlights, depending on the hair. She gets most of her products from Olympic Market or other shops around Phnom Penh. Shop 79, Kandal Market

Eli Meixler THE DOLLHOUSE The Dollhouse is always pushing the limits on what can be done with hair and makeup. Up with the latest trends, they specialise in creating styles for every personality. Whether you are after a little colour or highlights (they use L’Oreal products only) or want to defy the humidity and chemically straighten or rebond your hair, they’ve got you covered. They also do Brazilian keratin treatments that promise to keep your hair looking its best for up to six months. They charge about $30 for a cut and $45 for colour, depending on hair volume and length. To book an appointment call 010 32 99 99. The Dollhouse, #46AEo Street 322