Riverside South residents drive just 25 minutes to reach Ottawa's top-rated salon in the ByWard Market. With 4.6 stars across 760+ reviews and over 20 years in business, Salon Rouge delivers the colour, cuts, and styling that people in your neighbourhood deserve.
222 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7C8 • (613) 241-1110
If you live in Riverside South, you already know the neighbourhood is growing fast. New homes, new families, new schools, and an expanding list of local shops and restaurants. What you might not have yet is a go-to salon that truly understands your hair. That is where Salon Rouge comes in.
Since 2004, Salon Rouge has been one of Ottawa's most trusted hair salons. Our home base is 222 Dalhousie Street in the heart of the ByWard Market, and we serve clients from across the city and surrounding areas. Riverside South residents make up a growing part of our client base, and it is easy to see why. The drive is straightforward, the parking options are solid, and once you sit down in our chair, you will understand why people keep coming back for years.
Salon Rouge was founded by Amir, who brings more than 30 years of professional experience to every consultation. His philosophy is simple: listen carefully, understand what each client wants, and deliver results that speak for themselves. That approach has earned us a spot in the Top 3 Hair Salons in Ottawa for 2025 and a Schwarzkopf Best Colourist award.
We are not a chain salon. We are not a budget walk-in shop. Salon Rouge is an independent, locally owned salon with a team of experienced stylists who care about doing excellent work. Whether you are coming in for a simple trim, a full colour correction, or something you have been dreaming about for months, we treat every appointment with the same level of attention and skill.
For Riverside South residents, booking at Salon Rouge means you get access to a level of expertise that is hard to find in the suburbs. We carry professional-grade products, invest in ongoing training, and stay current with the latest techniques in colour, cutting, and treatments. Your hair is worth the short drive.
Getting to Salon Rouge from Riverside South is simple. We are located at 222 Dalhousie Street in Ottawa's ByWard Market district, right in the heart of downtown.
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The ByWard Market area has several parking garages and street parking options within a short walk of the salon. If you are driving from Riverside South, you will find that downtown parking is straightforward during the weekday, especially if you book a morning or early afternoon appointment. The Rideau Centre parking garage and the Dalhousie Street parking lot are both close by. For transit users, the closest O-Train station is Rideau, just a 10-minute walk from our door.
Book Now Online or call (613) 241-1110
Riverside South has grown rapidly over the past decade, and with that growth has come more local amenities. You have Earl Armstrong Arena for hockey, Claudette Cain Park for weekend walks, and the Riverside South Community Centre for programs and events. But when it comes to high-quality hair services, many Riverside South residents still look beyond the immediate neighbourhood to find a salon that meets their standards.
Here is why so many of them end up at Salon Rouge:
Our founder Amir has over 30 years in the industry. That is not a number we throw around casually. It means he has worked with every hair type, every texture, every colour challenge you can think of. When you sit in his chair or in the chair of any of our senior stylists, you are getting the benefit of thousands of hours of hands-on experience. For clients coming from Riverside South who want to make sure their drive downtown is worth it, this level of expertise is the reason they keep coming back.
We have been recognized as a Schwarzkopf Best Colourist, and we were named one of the Top 3 Hair Salons in Ottawa for 2025. These are not self-awarded titles. They come from industry organizations and client feedback, and they reflect the consistent quality we deliver week after week, year after year. If you have been frustrated by uneven colour, brassy tones, or a stylist who did not understand what you were asking for, Salon Rouge is where that cycle ends.
Some salons rely on a single talented person. At Salon Rouge, we have built a full team of skilled professionals, each with their own strengths. Whether you need a precision cut, a complex balayage, curly hair expertise, or someone who speaks your language (we have stylists who speak Farsi, Turkish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and French in addition to English), you will find the right fit here.
We use Schwarzkopf, Olaplex, and other professional-grade product lines. We stay current with training and technique development. This matters because the products and methods your stylist uses directly affect the health of your hair and how long your colour or treatment lasts. Cutting corners with cheaper products might save a salon money, but it shows up in your results. We do not cut those corners.
Salon Rouge has been in business since 2004. Our manager Danielle has been with us since 2006. That kind of stability is rare in this industry, and it means you can build a long-term relationship with your stylist. You will not show up one day to find out your favourite person left or the salon closed. We are here, we are committed, and we plan to be here for a long time.
There are plenty of salons in Ottawa. So what actually sets Salon Rouge apart from the options closer to Riverside South or along the way downtown? It comes down to a few things that are hard to replicate.
Every new client at Salon Rouge gets a thorough consultation before any work begins. We want to understand your hair history, your lifestyle, your maintenance preferences, and what you are hoping to achieve. This is not a 30-second "what do you want today?" conversation. It is a real discussion that helps us deliver results you will actually love. For Riverside South clients who are tired of being disappointed by quick-in, quick-out salon visits, this approach makes a real difference.
One of our specialties is corrective colour. If you have had a bad dye job, box colour gone wrong, or years of buildup that left your hair looking dull and damaged, Amir and the team have the skills to fix it. Corrective colour is one of the most difficult services in the industry because it requires deep knowledge of colour theory, chemical interactions, and hair structure. Not every salon can do it well. We can, and we do it regularly.
Ottawa is a diverse city, and Riverside South reflects that. Our team has experience working with hair across a wide range of textures and types. Whether you have fine straight hair, thick curly hair, coily natural hair, or anything in between, we know how to work with it. Our stylist Anny, for example, has a particular talent for curly hair and brings techniques from her training in Brazil. Parisa brings over seven years of experience and works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
Your appointment at Salon Rouge is more than just a salon visit. The ByWard Market is one of Ottawa's most vibrant neighbourhoods. After your appointment, you can grab lunch at one of dozens of restaurants, browse local shops, pick up fresh produce at the market, or simply enjoy a walk along the canal. Many of our Riverside South clients turn their salon visit into a mini day out, and that makes the drive even more worthwhile.
We have over 760 reviews with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Those numbers are not inflated or curated. They come from real clients who took the time to share their experiences. When you read through them, you will see consistent themes: great communication, beautiful results, a welcoming atmosphere, and stylists who genuinely care. That kind of track record is hard to fake and harder to maintain, but we have done it for over two decades.
Getting from Riverside South to Salon Rouge is a straightforward drive that typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Here are your best options:
Head north on Riverside Drive from Riverside South. This scenic route follows the Rideau River and takes you through the Hog's Back area and Old Ottawa South. Continue north on Riverside Drive as it turns into Main Street, then follow the signs toward downtown. Cross the Rideau Canal and head toward Sussex Drive, then turn onto Dalhousie Street. Salon Rouge is at 222 Dalhousie, right in the ByWard Market. This route is roughly 20 kilometres and usually takes about 25 minutes outside of rush hour.
From Riverside South, take Limebank Road or Earl Armstrong Road to connect with the Airport Parkway heading north. Merge onto Highway 417 East (the Queensway) and take the Nicholas Street exit toward downtown. From Nicholas, head north to Rideau Street, then continue to Dalhousie Street. This route is slightly longer in distance but can be faster during off-peak hours because you spend more time on the highway.
With the Trillium Line (O-Train Line 2) extending south toward Riverside South, transit is becoming a more practical option. Once the extension is fully operational, you will be able to take the train north and transfer to Line 1 at Bayview Station, then ride to Rideau Station. From Rideau Station, it is a short 10-minute walk east to Salon Rouge on Dalhousie Street. This is a great option if you want to avoid driving and parking altogether.
If you are booking a weekday appointment, mid-morning (around 10 AM after rush hour clears) or early afternoon tends to offer the smoothest drive. Saturday mornings are also a good option since traffic is lighter. Our Wednesday and Thursday evening hours (we are open until 8 PM) work well if you prefer to come after the afternoon commute has settled down.
Salon Rouge offers a complete range of hair services. Whether you are coming in for maintenance or a total change, here is what we can do for you.
A great haircut is the foundation of everything. Our stylists are trained in precision cutting techniques for all hair lengths and textures. Whether you want a clean men's cut, a layered women's cut, a pixie, a bob, or a long-layered style, we take the time to get the shape and balance right. We also offer blowouts, updos, and event styling for weddings, galas, and other special occasions. Every cut includes a consultation so we understand what you are looking for before we start.
Balayage has become one of the most requested services at Salon Rouge, and for good reason. It gives you a natural, sun-kissed look with soft, blended highlights that grow out beautifully. Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage is hand-painted onto the hair, which means each result is completely customized to your face shape, skin tone, and base colour. Our colourists have extensive experience with balayage on all hair types, from fine blonde hair to thick dark brown and black hair. The result is dimensional, low-maintenance colour that looks effortless.
For clients who prefer a more structured highlight pattern, we offer full and partial foil highlights. We can create bright, high-contrast highlights for a bold look or subtle, face-framing pieces for something more understated. Lowlights add depth and richness back into over-lightened hair. We use Schwarzkopf professional lighteners and toners to achieve clean, even results without compromising the integrity of your hair.
Whether you want to cover grey, go darker, go lighter, or try something completely new, our colour services are comprehensive. We do single-process colour, double-process colour, fashion colours, and everything in between. Root touch-ups are available for clients on a regular colour schedule who need to keep things fresh between bigger appointments. We use Schwarzkopf professional colour lines, which deliver consistent, vibrant results and excellent grey coverage.
This is one of our specialties and one of the main reasons clients travel from across Ottawa to see us. Corrective colour is for anyone who has had a colour service go wrong, whether that was at another salon, at home with box dye, or just from years of buildup. Fixing damaged, uneven, or unwanted colour requires real skill, patience, and knowledge of how different chemicals interact. Amir and the senior team have handled some of the most challenging corrective cases in the city and consistently deliver beautiful results.
If you deal with frizz, humidity damage, or hair that takes forever to style, a keratin treatment can be a real time-saver. Our keratin smoothing treatments reduce frizz, add shine, and cut your styling time significantly. Results typically last three to five months depending on your hair type and how often you wash. This is a popular service for Riverside South clients who want to simplify their daily routine, especially during Ottawa's humid summers.
Hair botox is a deep conditioning treatment that repairs damaged hair from the inside out. It fills in gaps in the hair fibre caused by chemical processing, heat damage, or environmental exposure. The result is smoother, shinier, healthier-looking hair with reduced breakage. Unlike keratin treatments, hair botox does not use formaldehyde and is suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated and chemically processed hair. It is one of our premium services and a favourite among clients who want intensive repair without changing their natural texture.
Want more length, more volume, or both? We offer professional hair extension services using high-quality human hair. Our team can help you choose the right method, whether that is tape-in, fusion, or clip-in extensions, based on your hair type, lifestyle, and goals. Extensions require proper installation and maintenance to look natural and protect your own hair, which is why it is important to have them done by experienced professionals. We also offer extension maintenance and removal services.
Olaplex is a bond-building treatment system that works at a molecular level to repair and prevent damage during chemical services. We offer standalone Olaplex treatments as well as Olaplex add-ons to colour, lightening, and other chemical services. If you colour your hair regularly, adding Olaplex to your service can make a significant difference in the strength and condition of your hair over time.
Perms are making a comeback, and modern perm techniques produce much more natural-looking results than the tight curls of decades past. Whether you want loose beach waves, body and volume, or defined curls, we can create texture that suits your style. Our stylists are careful to assess your hair's condition before recommending a perm to make sure your hair can handle the process without damage.
Getting married or attending a special event? Our stylists create polished updos, elegant waves, and custom bridal looks. We recommend booking a trial run before your wedding day so we can fine-tune the style and make sure everything is exactly how you want it. We have styled hair for weddings at venues across Ottawa and the surrounding region.
When you book at Salon Rouge, you are not just booking a salon. You are choosing a specific stylist who brings their own strengths and personality to your appointment. Here is a look at the people behind the chairs.
Amir founded Salon Rouge in 2004 and has over 30 years of experience in the hair industry. He is known for his corrective colour work and his ability to handle the most complex colour challenges. Clients travel from across the Ottawa region to sit in his chair, including many from Riverside South who have been with him for years. Amir's approach is methodical and detail-oriented. He does not rush, he does not cut corners, and he always explains what he is doing and why. If you want the best colour work in Ottawa, Amir is your person.
Danielle has been part of the Salon Rouge family since 2006. As salon manager, she keeps everything running smoothly and makes sure every client has a positive experience from the moment they walk in the door. Danielle is often the first person you will interact with when you call or visit, and her warmth and professionalism set the tone for the entire salon. She knows our regular clients by name and has an incredible memory for preferences and past services.
Parisa brings over seven years of experience and is skilled in both cutting and colour. She speaks Persian (Farsi), English, and Turkish, which makes her a great fit for Ottawa's diverse community. Parisa is known for her attention to detail and her ability to translate a client's vision into reality. She is particularly popular with clients who want balayage, highlights, or a complete colour change.
Jane speaks Mandarin and English, and she brings a steady, careful approach to every service. She is a strong cutter and colourist who takes pride in delivering clean, polished results. For Mandarin-speaking clients in Riverside South and across Ottawa, Jane offers the comfort of communicating in your preferred language while receiving top-quality hair services.
Anny is originally from Brazil and brings a deep understanding of curly and textured hair. She is trained in techniques that work with your natural curl pattern rather than fighting against it. Whether you want to embrace your curls, define them, or manage frizz, Anny knows how to work with your hair's natural tendencies. She also does excellent colour work and is comfortable with a wide range of services.
Jordan is a versatile stylist who is comfortable with everything from classic cuts to modern colour techniques. Clients appreciate Jordan's easygoing personality and consistent results. Whether you are coming in for a simple trim or a more involved colour service, Jordan brings skill and reliability to every appointment.
Fayja rounds out our team with her own unique strengths and style. She is a talented stylist who adds to the diverse skill set available at Salon Rouge. Clients who book with Fayja appreciate her attentive approach and her ability to deliver beautiful results across a range of services.
If you have never been to Salon Rouge before, here is what your first visit will look like.
You can book online through our scheduling system or call us at (613) 241-1110. When you book, let us know what service you are interested in so we can allocate the right amount of time and pair you with the best stylist for your needs. If you are coming from Riverside South, we recommend booking during off-peak hours for the easiest drive. Mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays are ideal.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by Danielle or another member of our team. We will get you settled in and your stylist will begin with a consultation. This is your chance to share photos, describe what you want, ask questions, and discuss any concerns. For colour services, your stylist will assess your current hair colour, condition, and history to determine the best approach. We believe the consultation is one of the most important parts of the appointment because it sets expectations and ensures we are on the same page.
Once we have a plan, your stylist will get to work. We use professional products throughout the service, and we take our time to do things right. If you are having colour done, your stylist will explain each step so you know what is happening. We offer beverages while you wait for colour to process, and our salon has a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that makes even longer appointments enjoyable.
Before you leave, your stylist will go over your results with you and share tips for maintaining your new colour or style at home. We can recommend specific products that will help your colour last longer or keep your hair in great condition between visits. We will also help you schedule your next appointment if you would like to get on the calendar.
Salon Rouge has a warm, professional atmosphere that is neither overly trendy nor stuffy. It is a space where you can relax, have a conversation with your stylist, and enjoy the process of getting your hair done. We have clients ranging from university students to professionals to retirees, and everyone is welcome. The vibe is friendly, inclusive, and focused on making you feel good.
With over 760 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 rating, Salon Rouge has earned the trust of clients from across Ottawa, including many from Riverside South. Here is a sampling of the kind of feedback we receive regularly.
"I have been going to Salon Rouge for years and I would not trust my hair with anyone else. Amir is a true artist. My colour always comes out exactly the way I want it, and it lasts beautifully."
"I drove from the south end of Ottawa because a friend recommended this place. Totally worth it. The consultation was thorough, and my stylist really listened to what I wanted. I left feeling amazing."
"Best balayage I have ever had. The colour is so natural and blended, and it has held up incredibly well. I am already booked for my next appointment."
"After years of bad experiences at other salons, I finally found my place. The team at Salon Rouge is professional, friendly, and incredibly talented. I actually look forward to my appointments now."
"Parisa did an amazing job with my highlights. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and delivered perfectly. I will definitely be back."
These reviews reflect what we hear from clients every day. The common thread is that people appreciate our attention to detail, our willingness to listen, and the quality of our work. We are proud of every one of those reviews, and we work hard to maintain that standard for every client who walks through our door.
Salon Rouge is located at 222 Dalhousie Street in the ByWard Market, which is approximately 20 kilometres from Riverside South. The drive typically takes 25 to 30 minutes via Riverside Drive or the Airport Parkway, depending on traffic and time of day.
Yes. The ByWard Market area has several parking options. Street parking is available along Dalhousie and surrounding streets (pay attention to meter times and rates). The Rideau Centre parking garage and other nearby lots are within a short walk. On weekday mornings and early afternoons, finding parking is usually straightforward.
We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially if you want a specific stylist or have a larger service planned. You can book online at any time through our scheduling system or call us during business hours at (613) 241-1110. Walk-ins are accommodated when possible, but we cannot guarantee availability.
Haircuts at Salon Rouge start at $15 and go up depending on the complexity of the cut, the stylist, and the length and texture of your hair. During your consultation, your stylist will give you a clear quote before any work begins so there are no surprises.
Balayage starts at $150 and varies depending on your hair length, density, and the level of lightening required. Some balayage services can run higher for very long or very thick hair, or if additional toning is needed. We will always give you a price estimate before we start.
Corrective colour is a service designed to fix colour that has gone wrong. This could mean removing unwanted brassiness, evening out patchy colour, reversing damage from box dye, or transitioning from one colour to another that requires multiple steps. If you are unsure whether you need corrective colour, book a consultation and we will assess your hair and give you honest advice.
Absolutely. We encourage it. Reference photos help us understand what you are going for and give us a starting point for the consultation. Keep in mind that results may vary based on your starting colour, hair type, and condition, but photos are one of the best communication tools available.
It depends on the service. A root touch-up might take an hour to an hour and a half. A full balayage or highlight service typically takes two to three hours. Corrective colour can take three hours or more, depending on the complexity. When you book, we will let you know how much time to set aside so you can plan your day accordingly.
Yes. Our stylist Anny specializes in curly and textured hair and uses techniques designed to work with your natural curl pattern. Whether you want a curl-specific cut, frizz management, or styling advice, she is an excellent choice. Other members of our team are also experienced with curly hair.
We primarily use Schwarzkopf professional colour and lightening products, along with Olaplex for bond building and repair. We also carry a selection of professional retail products that you can purchase to maintain your results at home. Our team can recommend specific products based on your hair type and needs.
We hear this question a lot, and our answer is always the same: ask our clients from Riverside South who keep coming back. Many of them have told us they tried closer salons first and were not happy with the results. The quality of work, the experience of our team, and the overall atmosphere at Salon Rouge are what keep them making the drive. Plus, the ByWard Market makes it easy to turn your appointment into an enjoyable outing.
While Salon Rouge is based in the ByWard Market, we serve clients from neighbourhoods and communities across the Ottawa region. In addition to Riverside South, we regularly welcome clients from:
No matter where you are coming from in the Ottawa area, Salon Rouge is worth the trip. Our central ByWard Market location makes us accessible from every direction, and the quality of our work speaks for itself.
Riverside South residents deserve great hair, and Salon Rouge is here to deliver. Whether you are looking for a fresh cut, a colour refresh, a full makeover, or a specialized treatment, our team is ready to help. Book online or give us a call today.
Phone: (613) 241-1110 | Email: info@salonrouge.ca
222 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7C8 • ByWard Market District
Top 3 Hair Salons in Ottawa, 2025 • 4.6/5 Stars • 760+ Reviews • Serving Ottawa Since 2004