Show Week is the one week of the year when half of Christchurch books a blow wave. Here is what to book, when to book it, and what it costs — from a salon that spends every November doing exactly this.
Book earlier than you think
New Zealand Cup and Show Week falls in the middle of November, and Show Day is a Canterbury public holiday. That means most of the city has the same idea on the same two or three mornings.
Realistically: four to six weeks ahead for a blow wave or an updo, and eight weeks if you also want colour done beforehand. The Thursday and Friday of Show Week fill first. If you leave it to the week before, you will be choosing from whatever is left rather than what you actually wanted.
What to book, depending on the day you are having
| If you want | Book | From |
|---|---|---|
| Polished, done in an hour | Blow wave | $50 short · $55 medium · $65 long |
| Curls that survive a nor’wester | GHD Curls | $45 |
| Sleek and straight | GHD Straightening | $40 |
| An updo that holds all day | Party makeup & hair do | $120 |
| Makeup only | Party makeup | $85 |
| The full thing | Makeup, lashes, updo and gel manicure | $194 |
The Canterbury wind is the real problem
Every year someone arrives at Riccarton Park with a beautiful blow wave and leaves looking like they walked home. A nor’wester will undo loose, soft styling in minutes.
What actually holds:
- An updo over loose hair. Anything pinned survives; anything down is at the mercy of the forecast.
- GHD curls set and cooled properly, then left alone. Curls that are brushed out immediately drop by lunchtime.
- A hat that has been tested at home. Bring it to your appointment if you can — we will style around it rather than have you flatten the whole thing putting it on in the car park.
If your colour needs doing too
Colour first, styling second, and give yourself a gap. A full head of foils with toner and styling is $229 and takes around two and a half hours. Root touch-up with a wash and blow wave is $125.
If your hair is in poor condition, a smoothing treatment beforehand makes a noticeable difference to how the style sits on the day — hair botox from $245, or keratin from $199. Both need booking well in advance of Show Week, not during it.
Not sure what suits your outfit?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. Bring a photo of the dress and the hat, and we will tell you what will actually last the day.
Common questions
How early should I book for Show Week?
Four to six weeks for styling, eight weeks if you want colour done first. The Thursday and Friday of Show Week book out first.
What does race day hair cost in Christchurch?
At our St Albans salon, a blow wave is $50 to $65 depending on length, GHD curls are $45, and a party makeup and hair do package starts at $120. Makeup on its own is $85.
Will my style survive the wind at Riccarton Park?
An updo will. Loose hair is far more exposed. If you are set on wearing it down, GHD curls set properly hold better than a soft blow wave.
Can I bring my hat to the appointment?
Please do. Styling around the hat is far easier than styling and then squashing it.
Do you do makeup as well as hair?
Yes, at our St Albans salon. Makeup from $85, or $120 for makeup and hair together.
Related: Makeup & Hair Do · Hair Services · Hair Botox · Our St Albans salon