5 Best Salons in Downtown, Iowa City IA
Updated 29 September 2026 · 34 salons in Downtown, Iowa City IA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five salons that people in Downtown Iowa City can use for haircuts, color, balayage and nail work. It helps students, residents and newcomers compare hours and locations and see what clients say. The list is ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one, chosen from 34 qualifying businesses in and around the area. Some entries are in nearby Coralville.
#1
Thompson & Co Salon - Iowa City
★ 4.9 (997 Google reviews)Hair salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Thompson & Co is at 513 E Washington St, open Monday through Saturday with evening hours until 8 pm midweek and an early 7 am Saturday start. Reviewers describe a cozy, clean salon with a warm and open atmosphere. One points out that the website lists each stylist's level and skills with a photo, which helps with booking. Most reviews praise cuts, though one client had trouble with a grey root color match.
Best for: Choosing a stylist by skill
- Address
- 513 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–7 pm; Mon 10 am–8 pm; Sat 7 am–3 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–8 pm; Tue 8 am–8 pm; Wed 8 am–8 pm
#2
Tru Salon Oakdale
★ 4.9 (498 Google reviews)Hair salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Tru Salon Oakdale is at 2201 E Grantview Dr in Coralville, open until 8:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sundays. Reviewers mention thorough consultations with good questions before color and cut, a welcoming and stylish space, and a stylist skilled with short curly hair. One reviewer describes a dispute over a fix that did not go well, so it is worth discussing expectations first. The entrance and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Curly cuts and color consultations
- Address
- 2201 E Grantview Dr Ste 100, Coralville, IA 52241, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–8:30 pm; Mon 9 am–3 pm; Sat 8 am–8:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–8:30 pm; Tue 8 am–8:30 pm; Wed 8 am–8:30 pm
#3
A&P Nails Art
★ 4.9 (191 Google reviews)Nail salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
A&P Nails Art works from a salon suite at 308 1st Ave Ste 115 in Coralville, open from 8:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on Saturdays, closed Sundays. Reviewers mention patient, gentle nail techs who follow an inspiration photo while adding their own touch. A first-time client in years describes a quick but thorough pedicure and a manicure done exactly as asked. Reviewers say appointments feel relaxed and pricing is reasonable.
Best for: Custom nail designs
- Address
- My Salon suite, 308 1st Ave Ste 115, Coralville, IA 52241, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8:30 am–7 pm; Mon 8:30 am–7 pm; Sat 8 am–5 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8:30 am–7 pm; Tue 8:30 am–7 pm; Wed 8:30 am–7 pm
#4
Groovy Katz Salon & Spa
★ 4.8 (289 Google reviews)Beauty Parlour
Representative photo, not of this business.
Groovy Katz is a salon and spa at 1565 S 1st Ave, open Monday through Saturday with evening hours until 8 pm on several weekdays. Reviewers mention stylists who ask the right questions, confirm the plan and avoid cutting off more length than wanted. One client with strawberry blonde hair describes a first balayage and a return to her natural shade. Others point to consistently good haircuts. Seating and toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Balayage and color changes
- Address
- 1565 S 1st Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–6 pm; Mon 9 am–8 pm; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 9 am–8 pm; Tue 9 am–6 pm; Wed 9 am–8 pm
#5
Buzz Salon
★ 4.8 (253 Google reviews)Hair salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Buzz Salon is at 2205 E Grantview Dr C in Coralville, open Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sundays and Mondays. Reviewers mention long-term clients, couples who both visit, and stylists who teach clients about caring for their hair. One reviewer describes help fixing bad haircuts and growing hair out to donate it. Others note the team keeps up with new techniques and products and will make accommodations when needed.
Best for: Long-term hair guidance
- Address
- 2205 E Grantview Dr C, Coralville, IA 52241, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–6 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 10 am–5 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 10 am–6 pm; Tue 10 am–6 pm; Wed 10 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 34 salons in Downtown, Iowa City IA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Thompson & Co Salon - Iowa City opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated salon on this list?
Thompson & Co Salon - Iowa City ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 997 reviews. Tru Salon Oakdale is second at 4.9 from 498 reviews.
Which salons in Downtown, Iowa City IA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Tru Salon Oakdale, at 8:30 pm.
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