Welcome to Avant Garde, Lewes
Founded in 2000 in the heart of historic Lewes, Avant Garde has built a reputation for creative skills, friendly advice and professional service.
In 2024 we moved to our new home at The Needlemakers – a relaxed, stylish space just minutes from the High Street.
Your hair. Our expertise.
Director Umberto Oliva leads a close-knit team of skilled stylists, many of whom trained in our own Academy. Ongoing education is a big part of what we do, so we can keep bringing you the latest cutting, colouring and styling techniques.
Whether you’re looking for a sleek precision cut, creative colour or a complete change we listen, we talk things through and then we create a look that suits you. At Avant Garde, you’ll always feel looked after from the moment you walk in… to the moment you leave.
What our clients say...
Alison Vanbeirendonck
3 months ago
Great hair cut such a beautiful experience not a care in the world in such professional service menu thanks
Shelly
4 months ago
Lovely little salon in the heart of Lewes, really friendly staff and a great hair cut and colour service. A good salon is hard to find so i will be happy to recommend this one and will be returning!
Esmé Bailey
4 months ago
Always get a lovely haircut here, highly recommend!
Nikki and Cameron Roucher
5 months ago
Great salon , lovely interiors inside the cute Needlemakers… fab staff , love Poppy and Olivia !
Jo Rogers
5 months ago
Really happy with my colour. Thanks Poppy 😍
Terri Denardo
6 months ago
I have never had such a wonderful hair stylist than Nadine.feel better in every way for 6 weeks until my next visit
Heather Hicks
6 months ago
Having been to Avant Garde many years ago, I was attracted to go again as they were doing a special offer. I saw Nadine who understood my requirements exactly and offered suggestions that suited my hair, face and personality. She is a very good hair cutter and an excellent stylist and I left with a new hair style which is exactly what I wanted. I can thoroughly recommend her.
Anne Duke
6 months ago
Since coming to this salon I have always been really pleased with the cut and colour. In addition there’s a lovely friendly atmosphere. Thoroughly recommend
Ilona W
6 months ago
Yesterday I had a cut and style with Nadine. As always, she proved to be a great hairdresser. I've tried just about every hairstyle on my hair: bangs, layers, straight cuts, long layers, even color changes. I always leave very happy, and this time was no exception!
Melanie Barr-Richardson
7 months ago
Really lovely premises, showing the brickwork, steel and wood of the old building. Gentle light comes in from the windows and funky overhead lighting. More than this though the staff are fabulous, professional, helpful and knowledgeable. Been coming to Avant Garde for over 20 years, it is a great pleasure and I always look forward to my appointments.
Jancis Ham
11 months ago
Amelia Morgan
1 year ago
Poppy is such an amazing hairdresser i absolutely loved having my hair cut by her and the hair salon felt so welcoming, i would recommend going there because all of the hairdressers are amazing..🤩
Lia Oliva
1 year ago
I went to Avant Garde and they were amazing, really listened to what I wanted and I felt really looked after. Loving my new colour!!!
Fleur
2 years ago
Since coming to Avant Garde Hairdressing Lewes my hair has been cut and styled to look sensational every single time. I've got difficult, very curly hair which previous hairdressers have always cut like a hedge. Umberto and Nadine of Avant Garde have given me many different styles which previously I never thought possible and all of which suit me perfectly. They've brought out the natural curl and transformed the condition of my hair. I feel properly seen and listened to. As well, everyone at Avant Garde is genuine, warm, friendly and unpretentious - real. I travel all the way from Worthing to Lewes because they're absolutely worth it. I've just had my hair cut again and I feel fabulous. They have me for life.
Francis Hampden
2 years ago
Been using AG for many many years and highy recommend James and his team.
Becca Hemens
2 years ago
Just had the most amazing haircut by Poppy! Was able to get a last minute hair appointment today and I couldn’t fault the salon. Lovely service, such attentive staff and a great haircut, thanks so much!
Alicia Turner
5 years ago
Cannot fault this salon. A very professional and clean salon, service is always 10/10. I always feel looked after and the stylists always give a thorough consultation and give great advice for home care. My most recent visit I had highlights and from start to finish my experience was perfect. Always recommend and encourage everyone to visit.
Hannah Sherman
6 years ago
I booked a hair appointment with Neve, it was my first time at this salon so I was a bit nervous but she was brilliant! My hairs gone from waist length to shoulder length (LOB) and I absolutely love it. She’s done an amazing job, polite, chatty and made feel so comfortable. I couldn’t recommend her enough.
