For the longest time, Baixo Augusta – the part of Rua Augusta that heads north-east towards the Centro – has had a gritty, low-rent atmosphere, and has been gradually mutating into one of the most exciting spots in town.

Suitably, this salon functions as a pre-bar hangout while you get your hair and/or makeup done in preparation for the rest of the night. Find a spot in the waiting room, with its red leather couch and a fridge filled with drinks, and help yourself while you wait.

One of the specialities at Retrô Hair is a recreation of the vintage pin-up look: hair, makeup and the works – and it’s a perfect look for the Baixo Augusta strip. The soundtrack is also from the '50s and '60s and all the chairs are set in front of Hollywood-style backstage mirrors, adding an extra dash of glamour to the look evolving before your eyes.

The reasonable prices get the thumbs up from us, though do be aware that the staff up-sell, offering extras without stating the prices. The salon – like Rua Augusta itself – opens late and closes late, leaving you to head straight out onto the street and rock your new look.