Celeb hairstylist on why a $3K haircut is worth it
UPON the urging of a Filipino colleague, prominent Australian hairdresser Kim Robinson, who has styled such icons as Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, Princess Diana, and Margaret Thatcher, flew from Hong Kong to Cebu to lend his expertise to a fashion show. He even covered the costs of accommodations and airfare for himself, his assistant, and his photographer.
Despite initial reservations from his photographer about Cebu, Robinson eagerly agreed to dedicate a weekend to support Filipino designers. Hours before the “Panaad (The Vow)” fashion show at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Robinson was busy teasing hair and adding padding to create dramatic volume on the models.
He explained, “While no one would wear their hair like this daily, it makes a bold statement on the runway. Since they’re wearing couture, we have the license to push boundaries. The girls must look larger than life.”
By lifting the hair away from the nape, he aimed to elongate the neck, a technique he learned in Paris. “It’s a classic French approach that enhances femininity,” he said.
His friendship with Hong Kong-based makeup artist Gino Alducente, a Cebuano, brought him to the province. Robinson praised Alducente as one of the best Asian artists he’s worked with, saying, “Gino understands my vision of natural beauty. Anyone can apply color, but he has the talent to truly enhance a woman’s features.” Alducente’s skill in subtly lifting droopy eyelids without overdoing the eyeliner impressed Robinson.
Robinson, no stranger to the Philippines, has previously visited Manila several times to style Imelda Marcos. One of his most memorable experiences was working at CNN’s defunct “Style with Elsa Klensch” in 1993. Klensch came to Manila to cover Philippine design, including Inno Sotto’s Indian-themed fashion show, where Robinson styled the models.
Glamour and style
An institution in Hong Kong, Robinson began his career in 1976 as a naïve 19-year-old working at Rêver, the city’s first Western-style salon. After training at Vidal Sassoon in London and assisting revered hairdresser Louis Alexandre Raimon during fashion shows in Paris, he returned to Hong Kong and opened several salons, introducing the concept of luxury.
His salons attracted a wealthy clientele who taught him the nuances of glamour and style. “It’s not just about the hair, but how it complements the outfit and the occasion, and how to look put together,” Robinson explained. He admires Asian women for their subtle sophistication, contrasting it with the often overt approach to beauty in the West.
Last year, he was forced to close his flagship namesake salon in Landmark Chater due to redevelopment, but he still maintains his salon in Singapore.
Robinson’s expertise comes at a premium, but his clients are more than willing to pay his hefty fee. “People fly me all over the world to do their hair,” he said. “They get stopped in the streets and asked where they got their haircut or color. To them, it’s priceless. My clients are professionals, some running big companies. They see the value of a great haircut that makes them look good every day, even if it costs $3,000.”
Beyond the aesthetic, Robinson believes hairdressers play a crucial role in promoting beauty and offering advice. “Many women lack self-confidence and constantly compare themselves with others. A great haircut can boost their confidence. Short hair isn’t always the answer,” he said.
Consultation
Robinson emphasized the importance of open communication between the client and stylist. He’s frustrated by younger hairdressers who fail to consult their clients about their needs and lifestyle, often ignoring his advice. “They guess, and the client hopes. It’s like gambling,” he said.
He also critiqued the wet-cutting method, explaining, “They cut the hair wet, then style it with blow dryers, sprays, and products. But when the client washes their hair at home, it never looks the same. Home hairdrying can be a nightmare.”
Robinson advised clients to show photos of desired haircuts and seek their stylist’s approval. “Ask, ‘Can I style my hair like this? What products do I need?’ You need a starting point. Otherwise, you’re relying on hope and guesswork,” he said.
His team follows his dry-cutting method. “You can see the natural fall of the hair without the intrusion of water. When hair is wet, its true texture and curl pattern are hidden,” he explained.
Most of his clients have medium to long hair because it gives them the flexibility to tie it up. “They don’t have time to blow-dry their hair. If the hair is thin and flat, tie it up and put a couple of accessories. Wear a headband. You can make yourself look decent in five minutes with your hair a little longer. If your hair is cut too short, you can’t do anything with it unless you blow-dry it and style it,” he said.
Hairdressers must understand their clients. “They’re not interested in fashion trends; they want to look good and feel confident,” he said. Many women, juggling family and work responsibilities, often neglect self-care. “A well-cut hairstyle is the most important accessory a woman can have, more so than makeup,” he added.
He shared before-and-after photos, demonstrating how a strategic haircut can slim down a square jawline. “Face-framing layers can make the face appear smaller, and I use this technique on almost everyone,” he said. For a client with a long face and wide forehead, he recommended wispy bangs, soft layers, and subtle highlights, creating a low-maintenance style.
Asked about hair trends, Robinson expresses his disdain for rainbow hair colors and overly tousled styles. “Style is internal. If you exude chic, it doesn’t date. Some people think you need to wear the latest things, but they can make you look silly. You can understand what time of life you are in and what’s appropriate. Women over 50 who wear a miniskirt or shorts in public, no matter how good their legs are, are pushing it,” he said.
At 67, Robinson looks youthful. “Besides using La Mer, I do everything I can to maintain my appearance while I’m still working,” he said.
