TORONTO-Every visit to Robin Barker hair’sociates is a warm, relaxing experience. Every client receives personalized service and advice on how to care for their hair. Robin Barker hair’sociates (84 Yorkville Avenue), is a beauty spa and transformative hair beauty salon where clients can experience full makeovers by a licensed hair dresser and aesthetician. Services include aesthetics, bridal services, hair and color services, hair extensions, makeover packages, spa services and much more.
Every client receives a personalized consultation and a detailed questionnaire to ensure that the hairstyle fits the client’s lifestyle, hair texture and face shape. The Robin Barker method begins around the face and cutting follows the force of gravity. The procedure works with the natural shape of the client’s hair to help make every day a good hair day.
Education is an important part of the Robin Barker philosophy, as Robin Barker hair’sociates offers a wide variety of educational services for both hair stylists and clients. Beauty professionals can bring Barker or his team in for full or half day educational session to be taught the Robin Barker method.
The First Impression Seminar is another Robin Barker hair’sociates programme. Aimed at corporate clients, it is designed for professionals who have heavy customer contact. This seminar strives to help professionals develop better self-esteem through appearance and lifestyle changes. The goal is to help employees feel better about themselves, which in turn tends to increase productivity levels in the workplace.
For clients, Robin Barker hair’sociates offers special makeover parties, which take place in the privacy of a closed salon and can accommodate up to 15 guests. Sessions for each guest include hair coloring, hair sculpting, highlighting and make-up application.
From the moment a client enters the salon a clean and comfortable environment awaits. Neutral tones, hardwood floors and natural wood stations help give the salon an upscale feel while soft, subtle lighting allows customers to feel at ease. Attentive staff strive to ensure the very best customer experience.
Born in England, Robin Barker started his career in London in the sixties, and was managing a salon within two years. He immigrated to Canada where he impressed Gus Caruso, one of the ‘Deans of Canadian Hairdressing‘, eventually becoming head stylist of Caruso’s Toronto salon. In 1971, Robin Barker opened his own salon, which was the first one where makeovers became an integral part of the service.
Robin Barker’s work has been featured in major trade publications such as Vogue and Italian Vogue. He has served as both the Artistic Director and President of the Guild of Hair Design and was a long time member of Intercoiffure. Barker also spent time as the official hairdresser for the Miss Universe Canada Pageant and has represented many leading companies as a ‘Platform Artist’.
Barker gave Moses Znaimer, co-founder of City TV, an idea for a TV show which became City Woman, later known as City Line. Barker was a regular on the show for over 30 years, as well as on other national television programs. He has also hosted and produced a weekly television show WOW! You Look So Good!
Barker has received many accolades and awards including the Imagine Mirror Awards, the Contessa, and the coveted Gus Caruso.
With the wide range of services offered, founder Robin Barker still finds time to give back to the community. With the release of What are the Children Worth?, all proceeds from his CD are donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Barker produced a CD of songs in support of children affected by AIDS in East Africa. It is a collaborative piece, with contributions by artists such as Juno Award winner Liberty Silver, Sophia Perlman and Sarah Daye, only to name a few.
Quotes
“Suitability, contemporary design and customer satisfaction make a perfect haircut.”
-Robin Barker, hair’sociates
“I hear too often that their stylist did not listen to a client’s needs.”
-Robin Barker, hair’sociates
Boilerplate
Charity is a priority for Barker; He was the first in the beauty and fashion world to organize a show to raise money for AIDS (specifically the AIDS’ Committee of Toronto). He has been involved with the Sick Kid’s Hospital Telethon and was also the motivational force to promote the Parkinson’s Cut-A-Thon event, nationally. For 20 years, Robin was the chairman and founder of the Scissors Open: The Gus Caruso Memorial Golf Tournament, which was charity driven on behalf of the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Related Information
Available for Interviews: Robin Barker
For more information on Robin Barker and Robin Barker hair’sociates, please visit www.robinbarker.ca
