Robert Kirby London Balham

Photos

Reviews

1. Aari M.S ★☆☆☆☆

   The space itself hardly feels “luxury” as advertised—it’s worn down, and as a local I’ve noticed it’s nearly always empty. After my visit, I understand why. I was greeted coldly by Orshi, who even mispronounced my name until I politely corrected her. From the outset she was unwelcoming, spending over half an hour criticising my hair—even while admitting it was in good condition. I explained clearly that I am growing my hair and wanted nothing more than a light trim every couple of months. Instead, she chopped off several inches and insisted I had asked for a bob. She cut my hair in under ten minutes, leaving it uneven, and styled it without a single product until I requested heat protection. Her reaction to that simple request was to storm off, return visibly shaking with anger, and grip my hair so tightly it was genuinely uncomfortable. Throughout, I did my best to remain polite and calm, but she became increasingly hostile whenever I gave honest feedback (twice, when asked). At one point, I even asked her directly if she wanted to cut my hair, since her demeanour suggested otherwise. She insisted she did, though her behaviour said differently. When I raised concerns, she brought out the owner, Richard Kirby, whose response was astonishingly immature for a man of his age. Rather than listening, he launched into a monologue about how he owns two businesses—though why that was relevant to my haircut remains a mystery. He accused me of being rude simply for explaining what I wanted, and even threatened me about leaving a review. Ironically, that threat is the very reason I am writing one. For context, a week before my appointment I had simply asked whether anyone would be doing colour during my slot, since I’m in the early stages of pregnancy and struggling with nausea. I did not ask for anyone’s appointment to be cancelled—just for clarity so I could reschedule if needed. Somehow, in their minds, this translated into me wanting the salon shut down. That leap says more about their mindset than mine. The most troubling part, however, was the undertone of Orshi’s behaviour throughout the appointment. The coldness, the aggression, the way she handled me—there was a clear sense that I was being treated differently. It was impossible not to feel there were racial undertones to her conduct, which made the whole experience not only unpleasant but deeply unsettling. In the end, I left with a haircut I didn’t ask for, a poor blow dry, and the distinct sense I had been treated with hostility for no reason other than calmly stating my preferences. Having now washed and styled it myself, I can confirm the cut is uneven—so much for their claims of “expert” precision. Finally, to Richard Kirby: if you are indeed as busy as you claim, running your two “businesses,” it’s curious you always seem to find so much time to fire off defensive replies to customer reviews. Reading your responses to other unhappy clients made it abundantly clear—arguing with customers is your default, and reflection is not your strong suit. Instead of instructing me to “go home and reflect on my behaviour,” perhaps you and your stylist should reflect on your own. A little humility, retraining, and a basic grasp of customer service would serve you far better than bluster.

   almost 4 months ago
2. Mira IRG ★★★★★

   Orshi (I’m not sure that’s how you spell it..) was incredible! She really helped me figure out how to salvage and refresh my hair after years of consistent damage! Everyone at the salon is polite and welcoming and I had a lovely overall experience :) will be coming back!

   1 year ago
3. K Kali ★★★★★

   Love this luxurious local salon. The owner is charming and welcoming. Ohri the stylist coloured my hair perfectly- I have quite a complex (over-processed and messy!) half-head balayage and I’m never ever happy with how the roots get done. No matter how many salons I have tried, I always walk away annoyed. But Robert took one look at my hair and found a solution that I’ve never tried before and it worked a treat. I will be back as soon as my roots grow out. A very friendly, chatty team made my visit really enjoyable.

   1 year ago

1. Amanda Bryan ★★★★★

   I had a fantastic experience at Robert Kirby with Orschi. She took time to explain how to achieve the look I was hoping for and gave me a realistic outcome about how to achieve it (after having had my hair done at a different salon and not loving the look). She did an incredible job at transforming my blocky regrown into a natural balayage. Her confidence was reassuring and her care and passion for the role is felt. She took time to ensure the cut was PERFECT - thank you! I felt the price was fair and really reflected the service. I was the only person in the salon with Orschi which was lovely. I felt relaxed and loved the hot towel and massage chair! In other salons you are passed around between people washing and toning your hair and the hair dresser can work between clients. This is not the case at Robert Kirby and I love this about the salon. You have the full attention of Orschi. She is an artist and creates a masterpiece! Thank you!

   almost 2 years ago
2. Olimpia Kensington ★★★★★

   Joana the best beautician in town! Amazing with waxing and all beauty treatments ;) coming back soon !

   almost 3 years ago
3. Kristine Franco ★★★☆☆

   I came here twice with stylist Orschi who was nice. But the head stylist/owner made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcoming. There were times wherr I found him frankly a bit rude telling me not to stand too close to the register computer. Too snobby for my taste but Gritt hair salon nearby tops this salon anyday!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Amber Taylor-Prentice ★★★★★

   I visited Robert Kirby Wimbledon yesterday after visiting their Balham salon on numerous occasions, and it was a perfect day as always. I travel from Leicester just to see Robert for my hair. The salon is the most luxurious and relaxing I’ve been to, I always feel pampered and calm. Robert is elite at what he does, no matter how I walk into his salon I walk out looking and feeling absolutely incredible. He and all of his staff are friendly, welcoming and very helpful. I prefer a salon with less hustle and bustle so I can totally relax and this is just it. They have made both of their Balham and Wimbledon salons have the same ‘feel’ and I love it! I look forward to my next pamper day every single time I visit! Thank-you Robert and your Team!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Amber Buchanan ★★★★★

   I visited Robert Kirby Wimbledon yesterday after visiting their Balham salon on numerous occasions, and it was a perfect day as always. I travel from Leicester just to see Robert for my hair. The salon is the most luxurious and relaxing I’ve been to, I always feel pampered and calm. Robert is elite at what he does, no matter how I walk into his salon I walk out looking and feeling absolutely incredible. He and all of his staff are friendly, welcoming and very helpful. I prefer a salon with less hustle and bustle so I can totally relax and this is just it. They have made both of their Balham and Wimbledon salons have the same ‘feel’ and I love it! I look forward to my next pamper day every single time I visit! Thank-you Robert and your Team!

   almost 3 years ago
3. II ★★☆☆☆

   I had my hair coloured by Robert and I was pleased with the result and this is the only reason I gave 2 stars, or else it would've been a 0 star review. However, the reason I knocked down the 3 remaining stars is because of the hair cut and styling done by Orshi. Personally, I was upset with the hair cut, I explained very clearly and even showed pictures of what I wanted to achieve in terms of cut and style. I ended up looking like I came straight out of 70's. The cut and style aged me by at least 9 years. I felt embarrassed to leave the salon looking like that so I had to instantly tie my hair up, wear my hood as soon as I left, and re-style it as soon as I got home. Not sure why this was the case as I explained countless times what I wanted and it's not that difficult to straighten hair. I don't know why she had to add all those twists and waves that made me look very vintage and not in a good way. I can't say i'll return to this salon although Robert is amazing at what he does, this stylist doesn't appear to have the necessary skills and experience that suit my personal style which is more modern and common.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Clare Kramo ★★☆☆☆

   Personally I didn’t have the best experience here. Firstly, the telephone manner of the guy answering the phone was pretty abrupt and gave the impression he was too busy to explain things - I’d not been before so just had a query on pricing/patch test etc. I’ve since guessed he’s the owner. On arrival for my patch test the salon was empty and on arrival for my actual appt, only one client there so my assumption is that if you’re not one of ‘his’ clients, he doesn’t wish to give much time. But regardless, it doesn’t give a good impression. As the place was empty, it had no ambience. My cut was fine and highlights just ok but not overly keen on the stripe at the front of my head! It was supposed to ‘frame’ my face but unfortunately it is so blocky it looks like a streak that’s from the 80’s. I have very fine hair so takes a few minutes to dry but literally no time was taken to style it, it wasn’t blow dried like I would normally get from a salon and at £149 I did not walk out feeling like that price was justified. Luckily I got 50% off as I would have felt even more cheated paying over £200!! I’m happy to pay that kind of price but I want a luxury experience, nice pleasant atmosphere, and not to walk out feeling like I could have blow dried my hair better! I won’t be going here again.

   almost 4 years ago

FAQs