Biba Academy

I’m pretty easy going with my haircut all things considered. I came across this place as I usually walk this way towards my work and they’re only open during the daytime. They have a cheap $ 10 men’s haircut and I thought hey why not.
The end result hair cut wasn’t bad. It does take longer which I’m okay with, but the whole experience felt very unprofessional. My barber was more concerned with socializing and having laughs than on giving me the best haircut possible. I understand that you want to enjoy your work environment and don’t want to create a formal barber/​client relationship, but the customer should never feel like his time is being wasted.
This occurred in their back barber shop area. The front barber shop area (where they do mostly woman’s cuts) seemed much more «together». Some of the other barbers didnt’ seem as «chill» as mine, but I wouldn’t return. I’ll pay $ 25 for a better experience and haircut.

Biba, you had me sold with a haircut that wasn’t going to set me back triple digits! I have a really basic, blunt cut so I will have no problem returning here again and again.
The hairstylists are a bit hit or miss (more hit than miss!), but at the end of the day, you get out of there with a good cut. Appointments can be a bit epic– word to the wise, if you’re in a hurry this is NOT the place for you!
If you have any particular concerns about your hair or style, be sure to run through them with the stylist before they even sink a comb into your locks. If you’re still not sure about a request– make sure to run things by one of the supervisors. They will set Melbourne’s future stylists on the straight and narrow.
My last appointment included a not so great wash, and I will not be afraid to speak up next time if something just doesn’t feel right. You shouldn’t be afraid to do the same– after all, these are students who will want to bring their a-​game once they’re licensed to hit the streets, scissors in hand.

BIBA Academy is a one of two academies run by BIBA Salon. With eleven salons found throughout Melbourne, it has become one of the leading salons not only in Victoria, but all of Australia.
I’m not too fussy when it comes to my hair, but I do like to get it done properly once a year. Walking by BIBA, I saw a sign for ‘$ 20 haircut’ and was sold! At BIBA, students work on customers whilst supervisors walk them through the process. The supervisors will leave periodically to assist other students, but do come back when you’re almost done.
The best part is that the supervisor will clean up the work of the students to give the haircut better definition. Although it is really cheap, be prepared for a basic cut and long session because the students work a lot slower in order to perfect their skills.
I’ve been twice to BIBA and have decided I’d rather pay a bit more money to get my hair done quicker by a professional hairdresser. But if you have the time and are lacking funds, BIBA’s students do offer quality cuts.

I love this place. I needed my hair done ‘up’ pronto and did not want to pay $ 90 like most salons charge, so I went to the Biba Academy. I was pleasantly surprised with how well things tuned out. The students are trained literally on the spot with a senior overlooking their work. I knew that they would be given instructions but each process seemed to be so effortless and its was such a great experience form start to finish I was even served a coffee during. All up $ 35. Not bad, think I will return for a $ 10 treatment.

I believe most of the students cutting hair here are close to completing their full haircutting qualification so it’s not as if they’ve just enrolled and their only experience is having cut their little brother’s hair using a bowl and mum’s kitchen scissors.
The student cutters are also supervised at all times by experienced teachers, but the whole process of cutting hair, stopping every few minutes so teacher and student can discuss the progress of the haircut, takes a really long time. It’s not so bad but you’ll just have to make sure you set aside a good two hours at least (that’s just for a cut, no idea how long it would take for a colour).
Cuts are $ 20, blowdry is $ 15, hair treatments are $ 10 and colour treatments start at $ 25. Bargain. They also advertise their daily specials in their window.
I’ve been here about three times now. Mostly my experiences have been good though slightly nerve-​wrecking. It’s worth it for the price.

Hello $ 20 haircut! As someone who is new to this whole ‘budget’ thing, I was delighted to discover I can be thrifty but still avoid looking like a troll…
I admit I was a little bit nervous about letting student hairdressers do my ‘do, but I relaxed once I realized they’re well supervised and very eager to please. The service is a little awkward at times (I personally found it quite comical when a 17 year old boy tried to help me out of my coat) but I it made me a nicer customer — I wanted them to feel good about the job they were doing! They only real downside is that it took quite a long time between the different staff swapping duties and the supervisors stopping the progress to explain things.
The cut was good (albeit a basic bob) and I appreciate that they did exactly what I asked — I’ve had bad experiences in the past with fully qualified hairdressers who are too pushy and insist on giving you a different cut than what you ask for. That definitely wouldn’t happen here, so I’ll definitely come again.