In a traditional hair salon, stylists often work on multiple clients simultaneously, which can lead to divided attention. In a private salon studio, the stylist can focus solely on one client at a time, ensuring that they receive one-on-one attention and care.

Hairdressers undertake work that creates a more permanent change in the appearance of their clients. This includes haircuts, chemical treatments, permanent hair extensions, and hair colouring. They can also do hair styling, or hand over the client to a hairstylist. Hairstylists primarily do temporary styling of hair.

A saloon is a bar. A salon can be a business offering anything from hairstyling, facials, manicures, pedicures, and the like. A salon can also be a meeting place (or the meeting itself) at which people get together to discuss the arts, literature, philosophy, politics—whatever.

The key difference between barbershops and salons is the types of services they offer. Barbershops are more specialized, providing haircuts, shaves, and beard trims for men. Salons offer a broader range of services for both men and women, including coloring, highlights, and extensions.