Michael Barnes Hairdressing

Had a really bad experience this Saturday. The guy who gave me a haircut was very negative and unfriendly, and it looked like it was his first haircut ever — he did not know the cutting techniques, did not know how to use his tools, The haircut is really bad and now I have to spend time and money to try to fix it in another salon. Very upset.

I came here after booking on Wahanda… And I’m pretty happy with the results! I booked highlights and a cut.
The hairdresser was very lovely and listened to what I wanted. She was super sweet and was really attentive but slightly rough with my hair (ie. my scalp was a little sore afterward!) The salon itself could use a little TLC, but that wouldn’t stop me from coming back.
Overall, good salon and I would definitely consider returning to have my hair recoloured!

This place is quite expensive but they know how to treat you right. Sit down and you get a menu of teas, coffees, wine, etc. all on the house. Tea comes out on a little tray with a couple Biscoff cookies while you discuss your style with your hairdresser. After that I guess it gets a little awkward to try and reach for your mug while they’re snipping away, but the point is you feel treated and welcome.
Helen is so sweet and also has a great eye. The first time around she listened to exactly what I was looking for, going for what she envisioned but explaining and consulting back with my input as she went. It looked great at the time of cut and also grew out really nicely so duh I returned to her for a second time. Without the Time Out Offer I had initially, the price was a little shocking how much it cost, but when you find someone you can trust with your hair you stick with them, and she is definitely a keeper!

I went to Michael Barnes with the timeout voucher — 30£ for a haircut, moroccan oil treatment, and finish. The spot is easy to find, convenient, and in a great area for meeting friends for drinks or food after. Everyone at the shop was really nice, and I did not feel like I was treated any differently for having a voucher, which happens other places. They take your coat and give you magazines and drinks. I had Helen as my stylist — she was fantastic! She knew exactly what I wanted but confirmed what she was going to do twice before doing it, which I really appreciate. She also used several products, which she recommended but did not force me to buy. The salon was full while I was there and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and happy with the hair service they were receiving.
I definitely recommend it! It was my most enjoyable hair salon experience in London.

I was in town for a week and in need of a good haircut. I read about this salon on Unilocal and since it was near my hotel I booked an appointment. Best haircut I have had in years. No frills salon, great long relaxing shampoo, unpretentious stylist. Ask for Chiyono. She is outstanding.

Don’t go there if you’ve got curly hair! The manager was very rude to my daughter as I had bought her a voucher and he told her he should charge her more as her hair is very curly and difficult. Sorry Michael Barnes but that is not reflected on your offers. Pathetic! Do some more training on curly hair and be more customer friendly!

I am visiting London from Beijing where I live, although I am American with a head full of blond highlights. I had my hair done in the US around August 1 and wanted to make sure I took advantage of being in a Western city as I won’t see the US again, and my regular stylist, until Christmas.
I did a lot of internet research and found Michael Barnes. It had very solid reviews so I called hoping to get in this week. Luckily they had an appointment the very same day.
I went in and saw Adi, and she did a fantastic job of both color and cut. I have only had two other people color my hair in 15 years and I was a bit nervous about having it done. No need… three colors and three hours later I left with a gorgeous head of hair.
The stylists were all very friendly, the atmosphere was professional yet low key, and the entire experience was incredibly enjoyable.
I highly recommend both the salon and Adi. Worth the visit!

I booked my appointment for a cut through a Groupon offering both a cut and a moroccan oil treatment, since moving to London has left my hair long neglected and destroyed from the harsh city water.
I loved walking in and immediately being seated, with tea and biscuits close to follow. I will say I got lost, because there are two 224 Shaftesbury Avenues, but it’s the farther north one, or you know, just look for the sign.
My stylist was great, and did a really nice job making me comfortable and relaxed as she made some major repairs, and then also a big cut (I have a fringe!). I walked out much more confident about my hair, and she made it look great for my birthday! All around, a great time, and I’m very likely to be back for a cut soon!

i’m really sad to have to write such a negative review, as generally i always find the positives in places, but i had such a horrible experience here.
i had purchased a voucher through wahanda for a cut and colour at this hair salon. i emailed to organised the appointment, and specifically stated that i was looking for an all over colour, and would be happy to come in for a patch test prior to the appointment if they required me to. I received an email back saying that they had booked me in for an appointment, and they would see me then — no mention of coming in for a test, so i assumed everything was okay to go ahead without it — afterall, i do have heavily coloured hair at the moment being a not-​natural red head!
i took the afternoon off work to go to this appointment as it was difficult to get a saturday one. imagine my surprise when i arrived and my booking was incorrect as i was only down to get my hair cut. the lady behind the reception told me that they would cut my hair first and then get someone to colour it. not a great start. then when i sat down with the guy who was going to cut my hair he spent a long time making noises about how thick and wild my hair was. yes, it is thick and wild. i also mentioned that in the email. plus, is there really any need to make me feel bad about my hair? not very professional, kid.
anyway…i was then advised they would not be able to do the colour on my hair as i had not had a patch test. wonderful news! i again advised this had all been noted in the email, to which the manager then came over and asked for my name as he wanted to look up the email trail… as though i was perhaps not telling the truth, and they wanted to catch me out? i don’t know, but i fail to see the reason for needing to see the email considering that wouldn’t change anything. regardless, i had the email printed out with me, so i was able to show them that whoever had booked in the appointment had indeed messed up on pretty much every aspect of it.
they refused to do the colour on me for legal reasons as i had not had the patch test. having booked the afternoon off work, this was obviously not great news for me. i left the salon very disappointed, and i have to say, the customer service that was displayed both by the employees and the manager of this salon was pretty terrible. it would have been very easy to apologise, to try to rectify the situation by suggesting other days to come into the salon and have my hair done, not just «there’s nothing we can do, for legal reasons…» etc.
i went to windle and moodie down the street to see if they had any on the day appointments and the staff in there expressed amazement that they would not colour my hair regardless considering i already have a lot of colour in it! unfortunately they did not have any spare appointments for me, but i did find another salon who saved the day… so thank god for that!
i won’t be returning here, i was so very disappointed by the bad customer experience i had. i really hope wahanda give me the money back i paid too, but i guess time will tell on that one.

I had a hair cut at Michael Barnes recently. I was very impresed with how friendly and caring the staff are. Great complimentary drinks were offered. The girl who washed my hair also gave me a great hair massage, I wished it could be a bit longer since it was so good. Michael gave me so much attention to my hair which made me feel special. I was expecting a quick cut and out of the salon but it took an hour. I am pleased with the treament I received and very happy with my hair cut. I strongly recommend anyone to try Michael Barnes.

First of all, the hairdresser I had was lovely, a very nice person, but they don’t know how to cut curly hair, they didn’t do it anything like how I wanted, it was quite simple with half of the hair shorter than the other, maybe with a graduation at the back, but they seemed to concentrate on an awful fringe that I cut off as soon as I got home. They also insisted on a Moroccan oil treatment, which they asked me about, and I said no, because it would cost more. But they did it anyway, and of course then I had to be charged, which, because I’m a student, took itself out of my budget which I had saved up for a hair appointment (including a half off voucher). I never should have got my hair cut and styled at this salon, I should have only had the bleaching done, because it’s hard to completely mess that up in a salon.
Good complimentary tea, I should have had more of it, it was expensive even at half price.
Next time I think I’ll just go round the corner to the places in soho, they’re worth it.

I went to Michael Barnes twice while I studied abroad in London, and it was one of (or I guess two of) the best haircut experiences I’ve ever had! They have offers for first time clients but it’s worth it anyways — tea and wine and friendly chats all while getting a great overall styling experience. I still get their emails and wish I could go back.

Since moving to London, I’ve nervously gone to several salons looking for «the one.» I went to Michael Barnes because they offered employees at the company I work for 50% off on the first service so it gave me the extra nudge to try it out.
First impressions:
1) Surprised at the low key ambiance of the salon. If you go on his site, he has an impressive client list, including Kiera Knightly, so I had a different expectation of what a «celeb» salon would look like. The receptionist greeted me with a smile, offered me a bev, and I was looked after immediately. No waiting and immediate accommodation = a star!
2) Chiyono, my stylist for the day, was great. It wasn’t a complex service, just had a haircut, but she expertly fixed my layers that were unfortunately chopped at a Rush salon a couple of months back. Another star!
3) The space is very small. I went on a Saturday morning and every chair was taken by a customer and stylist so it started to feel very cramped and smelled toxic by the middle of my session. And loud. I like to have a bit of a relaxing experience at a salon so this was unfortunate. Maybe if I came on a weeknight it wouldn’t have been so busy?
4) Did I mention the great bevs yet? Whatever coffee they’re brewing, they need to continue.
I’m happy with my cut and enjoyed the service and conversation with Chiyono, but I’m not sure if it’s enough for me to return as a loyal customer. My search for a stylist to replace my go-​to in NYC continues…

Ok, so i had never been here before so i didnt know what to expect. I had highlights by Sara, who was friendly caring and suggested a fantastic natural colour for me. I then had my hair cut by Chiyono. She was friendly, informative, experienced and gave me total confidence. All staff were friendly and more than happy to get you complimentary drinks. No one pressured you to spend more money than you anticipated which is something i really appreciated. My hair looked amazing in the end and i was very happy. They lost one star because the place was quite small, and tight, however the staff worked twice as hard to please you, but not in a pretentious way, very down to earth and casually. Before leaving i was given a £20 voucher, i will definitely be back!

I’ve been on a lookout for someone I can trust with my hair ever since I moved to London. I had a coupon for Michael Barnes that promised me an intense conditioning hair treatment, haircut, blowdry, and a drink of my choice. I’m a bit weary of these coupons, because I felt I had to spend more to remedy a service. However, my visit to the salon surpassed all the promises! I entered the salon, which was bustling with stylists tending to clients. I was seated and offered a menu listing a wide variety of herbal teas, coffees, and wines. I chose a light white tea and was told Jessie would be my stylist. The conditioning treatment seemed to be prefect for my stringy long hair. Jessie was great! He gave me lots of options for my hair and made me comfortable about being brave to try a shorter length — something I haven’t had for over 16 years! My hair looked amazing and compliments my face really well =) I left Michael Barnes with my short hair swinging and will return for who knows maybe a shorter haircut?!

Michael Barnes ticked all the boxes. Despite being a ‘fashion’ salon, it was friendly and unpretentious, with staff who know what they’re doing.
Brett (a technical director) cut my hair and did a really good job. No complaining when I said I wanted to keep the length, and no whining that I have a lot of thick hair that takes time to cut (I get this a lot). He was also loathe to cut in loads of layers — a change as usually people hack at my hair without my even asking them to! He kept me amused with constant chatter and I felt well looked after.
Of course, this central London salon comes with central London prices (around £50 for a cut and blow dry and £100 ish for highlights) but they do 40% off on the website for new customers. Definitely worth a go if you’re in the area and want slightly more personal service than the trendy salons that get you in and out in 45 mins.

Michael Barnes is a nice salon located on Shaftesbury Avenue. Firstly visited as I had a discount, offered a whole range of drinks. Had one stylist for colour — did a nice job though I found him to be a bit rude to other stylists. Michael cut my hair, he again seem nice and chilled out. The cut is nice, think it’s growing on me a little bit more after a day or two.

After two and a half months of continuous hair growth, I decided it was time to chop my toe-​head down to a manageable level. On a recommendation, I made an appointment with Michael. They were very accommodating and fit me in the same day, which I was grateful for.
When I arrived for my cut, Michael greeted me and we went over what I wanted. His assistant washed my hair, which I always enjoy. Over the next 45 minutes, there was a lot of very blonde hair on the ground and a lot less on my head. Enough that I could feel the weight difference.
In the end, I got a great haircut and Michael and his staff were very friendly and engaging. I will be back!

Yes, I admit that I only booked an appointment here because they were offering 40% for first-​timers. However, I can say that I will strongly consider returning and paying full price for my next haircut!
I had my hair cut by Michael (not ‘the’ Michael, I presume), who was one of their principle stylists. At first, I was a bit dubious about my cut, as it seemed very fluffy and not suited to my hair type/​shape at all. However, the guy must’ve known something that I didn’t, because once all was said and done (and my hair had a chance to adjust to its new lightness), the cut looked great and really suited me.
The place was clean and welcoming. The staff seemed very friendly and accomodating and I was repeatedly offered refreshments while I waited. I do wish the shampoo girl could’ve been a little more forceful with the head massage (too light of a touch), but that’s the only thing I could complain about! All the customers there seemed to be loyal clients that were clearly satisfied. Convenient location and great hours (open late some nights and on weekends!). Highly recommended for if you need an updated ‘do or even just a trim. Prices on par with professional salons across London.

I discovered this great salon and will definately be going back. The staff are attentive and friendly and really take care of you. I’ve been in places where I’ve felt completely daunted by the super trendy haidressers who make you feel intimidated with their ‘coolness and underlying bitchiness, but here they are fashionable and cool while still making you feel great. There is a steady stream of coffee, tea or juices while you have your hair done, and the overall feeling is a good one when you leave. The prices are reasonable given that this is a fashion haidresser who has worked on top models and actresses and at fashion shows.