From a humble farm in Western Australia to commanding over $2,000 for a single haircut, Kim Robinson’s rise to hairstyling fame is nothing short of extraordinary. Trained by British icon Vidal Sassoon and the legendary French coiffeur Alexandre de Paris, Robinson honed his craft in the fashion capitals of the world. Over his illustrious 50-year career, he has styled supermodels like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, as well as luminaries such as Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana.
“It’s been an amazing journey. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think of all the famous faces I’ve worked with, but I’ve always stayed true to who I am. My philosophy has always been about delivering something extraordinary, whether the client is a celebrity or just someone wanting to feel their best,” says 70-year-old Robinson.
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The Hair Whisperer
After spending an afternoon with Robinson at his newly renovated flagship salon at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, it’s easy to see why clients are willing to invest in his expertise. Each appointment feels like a personalised collaboration, as he takes the time to understand his customers—their hair habits, styling preferences, salon routines, and even aspects of their daily lives. When it’s time to cut, however, he works with remarkable speed, adding soft, subtle layers to our senior fashion writer Valecia Lee’s long locks, instantly lifting her face and her smile. He then takes the time to teach her three simple, foolproof ways to style her hair at home.
“Many hairdressers don’t focus enough on the consultation. They often guess or critique your hair, rush through the cut, and style it to look good in the moment. But once you shampoo at home, it never looks the same, leaving clients frustrated,” he laments. “Clients shouldn’t feel like they’re paying for something that only looks good in the salon.”
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Robinson doesn’t advocate for trends. Instead, his philosophy revolves around giving each client a haircut that flatters their unique features and enhances their confidence. He says: “Confidence is the ultimate beauty statement, and that’s what we aim to deliver. If I were to ask 100 women, ‘When was the last time you truly felt beautiful?’ most would fall silent—and that’s something I aim to change.”
Whether it’s his signature dry cut or his nuanced approach to Asian hair textures, Robinson’s attention to detail and personalised service sets him apart. His passion for creating cuts that grow out beautifully and require minimal styling ensures that every client leaves his chair not just looking, but feeling, transformed.
“I cut hair dry because you can’t see the shape or movement when it’s wet. This approach ensures that even when clients style their hair at home, it retains its elegance. A great cut should stand on its own, not just rely on finishing touches,” he insists.
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A Bold New Chapter
Robinson’s journey of reinvention continues with a bold new chapter. In 2023, he bid farewell to his Hong Kong flagship at Chater House—marking the end of a 20-year era—choosing instead to focus his creative energies on his Singapore salon, newly-renovated with a chic ‘70s Milanese aesthetic featuring terrazzo floors, curved furnishings and a neutral colour palette.
Spanning 4,000 square feet, the salon—which has moved to a different unit within the mall—is designed to resonate with a new generation of style-conscious clients. From the bespoke Signature Dry Cut stations to the serene Art Lounge, the space embodies Robinson’s meticulous approach to hairstyling.
Highlights include Japan-made flat-lying shampoo beds with cushy neck pads for the ultimate relaxation, and a serene forest of trees that brings the outdoors inside. Clients are also treated to herbal teas sourced from Australia, adding a personal touch to their experience. You’ll be surprised to know that Robinson is also a prolific artist whose paintings hang from the walls of the salon, and are for sale, if you’re interested.
While his talented team expertly manages daily operations, Robinson is setting his sights on expanding his haircare line, ensuring that his philosophy of tailored excellence reaches beyond the chair. In this exclusive interview with ELLE, the hairstylist extraordinaire talks about his signature cut, eschewing hair trends, and vision for his product line.
What sets your style apart?
After over 50 years of cutting hair, you learn what works and what doesn’t. My goal is to give clients something timeless, not necessarily trendy. I love creating the lived-in, slightly undone look, like Kate Moss—a cut that looks just as good at home as it does in the salon. To achieve this, I always cut hair dry. Wet cuts don’t reveal how the hair falls or moves, making it harder to visualise the final result. Dry cutting ensures the shape is perfect from the start, so clients leave with a cut that truly suits their lifestyle and looks flawless.
Is there any secret to working with Asian hair?
Asian hair requires very different techniques compared to Caucasian hair. It’s thicker and heavier, so traditional cutting methods can make it look blunt and unflattering. Also, most hairdressers aren’t trained to analyse face shapes. They focus on technical skills, but the artistry comes in understanding how to elongate the neck or soften a square jaw. My training in Paris taught me to blend technical precision with face-shape analysis. For example, bobs often make an Asian face look too wide.
What’s your take on hair trends?
Hair trends are fine if they suit your features and lifestyle, but they can be high-maintenance. My approach focuses on creating cuts that grow out gracefully, reducing the need for frequent salon visits. Ultimately, hair is deeply personal—it’s not just about the cut or colour but the confidence it brings. True beauty lies in embracing individuality, finding what works for you, and feeling empowered by it.
What’s one misconception about hair care you’d like to debunk?
The myth that you shouldn’t shampoo daily: If you’re active or live in a humid climate, keeping your scalp clean is essential. Another forgotten habit is brushing—at least 50 strokes a day. It stimulates circulation, promotes growth, and reduces hair fall. We’ve even designed a range of brushes specifically for this purpose. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and brushing is an easy habit that makes a huge difference.
What’s your advice for finding the right hairstylist?
Schedule a blow-dry appointment and interview them. Ask for examples of their work. Bring pictures of styles you like and get their input. A good stylist should take the time to understand your personality, lifestyle, and preferences. It’s about collaboration, not just executing a trend.
Why did you start a hair care retail line?
I realised that many products on the market—whether high-end or inexpensive—didn’t really cater to the needs of Asian hair. My first creation was a scalp cleanser, which addresses issues like oily buildup and sensitive scalps. From there, we developed a cleansing clay for coloured hair—a shampoo replacement designed to cleanse without stripping colour or moisture. It’s made with kaolin clay and doesn’t foam, so it protects the hair while cleaning the scalp. Another favourite is our intensive hair mask, which is incredibly nourishing without being heavy. Everything we make is designed to solve real problems, not just add to the noise of the market.
What product are you working on next?
I’m developing a styling paste that’s set to launch this year. It’s been tested on a group of women, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive—they love it and would buy it. Personally, I find it incredibly versatile; you can shape your hair to stand up, then easily brush or push it back without it feeling dry, powdery, or crispy. It’s designed to work beautifully in humid climates, offering a flexible, user-friendly alternative to what’s currently available on the market.
If you had to give one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
Invest in a great haircut. A well-crafted cut will last long after you leave the salon and save you time and money in the long run. Too many people settle for trendy styles that look great on day one but are impossible to manage at home. Find a style that suits your face and lifestyle—that’s the real key to feeling confident and stylish every day.