Hair 101 with Robin Barker

(image via RobinBarker site)

At Robin Barker Hair'Sociates attitude is left at the door, a relaxed and down-to-earth environment is most welcomed in this Yorkville salon. Meeting Robin Barker is like meeting that cool British uncle you never knew you had and who happens to know hair! And hair he knows well, he opened his first salon in 1971 but has been a hairdresser since the 1960's. He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Hairdresser Mirror Awards, he was recognized for his contributions to the hair and beauty industry and charitable work.
Tips to follow this Summer;
Cut
·Freshen your look up by adding layers this season, it will add body and movement for a more polished and healthier finish.
·Today’s longer hair has moved away from the flat-ironed straight look and towards a sexier bouncy, flowing style.
·Short hair is once again hot, either with a very strong, clean geometric feel or with softer edges and a fluffier crown.
·Remember, the key to a good haircut is to shape with the natural movement of the hair, and not to over texturize.
Colour
·Picking the right colour is very important when creating a successful new look. Your colour choice should compliment not only your eyes and skin colour, but accentuate the hairstyle as well.
·When having your hair coloured, especially hi-lighted, make sure the technician does not overlap, as this will lead to an over-processed look and breakage.

At your first visit you fill out a questionnaire and receive a personal consultation, there's no cookie-cutter hair cut at Robin Barker. Your hair should reflect your lifestyle, texture and face shape. I went in with a bun and left with a side part (my natural part is on the left) healthy shiny hair. I wanted to maintain my length for my upcoming wedding thus Barker kept my length and cut layers using his "cut with gravity" technique. He suggests getting a hair cut atleast every 8-12 weeks, protect hair from styling tools using heat protectant products, and using salon quality moisturizing products to get my hair in optimal shape. Best part, I love my hair cut! You know you have a great cut when your able to style it perfectly after a salon visit. Typically, after a cut I complain about layers cut too short and have to wait atleast a good month to get my hair to cooperate. Not in this case! Thank you Robin for listening.
Do you have a favourite hairdresser? Or are you still on the hunt? Share your hair stories.