Kim Robinson disapproves of my chocolate brown head. “It’s a little common. You’re quite fair, so let us do something amazing!” I eye his bright blond with envy, done just seconds before this interview started.
In Singapore for the reopening of his eponymous flagship salon in November, the celebrity hairstylist has spent more than 45 years working with A-listers, including Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, and Michelle Yeoh.
Fronted by a seven-metre LED screen with the season’s hottest looks on loop, it’s hard to miss his 4,000 sq ft store on Ngee Ann City’s third floor. This is also where you can pick up Kim Robinson hair care and styling products, including Hair Rejuvenation Formula treatments, as well as brushes for detangling, scalp massaging, and boosting bounce.
Famous for his signature Dry Cut and knack for creating stunning colour, the Hong Kong-based Robinson counts celebrities such as Sandy Lam, Janet Ma, and Kathy Chow as close friends. All three jetted in for opening night, with Lam joining him for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Lam took the occasion to show off her new haircut. “She’s still looking so good. She said to me, ‘I’ve had long hair for ages, I want to cut it off, I want something new’. I couldn’t believe my ears, but I said okay,” Robinson says with a laugh.
Do you agree that women have a very special relationship with their hairstylists?
It is a fallacy that your hairstylist knows everything about your life. Not every woman will spill the beans on her personal life. If you spend enough time together, you will build a relationship—if you are lucky.
Celebrity Looks
How should I work with a hairstylist?
Do not rely on guesswork; initiate the conversation. Show pictures to demonstrate what you want. Ask questions: how often will I have to get a cut? If styling is necessary, what do I need? Can I get by without styling? If you are working with a new stylist, get a blow-dry the first time, and decide if you can communicate. Turn up early and observe what style he or she did for the
last client.
You are 66. How often do you worry about ageing?
Every morning—when I wake up and look at the old man in the mirror. But I’m among the fortunate ones who get to grow old. Some of my friends never made it, so ageing is a gift.
Kim Robinson's Newly Revamped Salon
How do you deal with greying hair?
Every stage of life requires us to embrace ourselves. It’s about how to do it gracefully. I have friends with greying hair who choose not to colour or cut it. I have suggested tying it with a black bow, but they’re happy with it as it is. There are no rules and this is an individual choice. The key is to avoid looking like you’re trying too hard.
Who is one famous woman you have not worked with but would love to?
Zoe Tay; I have never done her hair. She’s gorgeous.
Which Disney princess’ hair would you restyle if you could?
I’m not sure about this. Disney princesses have distinct identities that their fans closely follow. For example, Elsa wears a long blue dress and has long blonde hair. If I try to cut her hair into a bob, I’d be breaking many young hearts. They will be devastated and freaked out. Therefore, I don’t recommend Elsa getting a haircut––ever!
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