King’s Domain Barber Shop

Total VIP treatment. Felt like a million bucks after my hot towel shave. Definitely coming back next time I’m in Melbourne. Wonderful atmosphere and service.

Good service, and despite being a Man United supporter the barber was a legend. Thanks guys, will be back when visiting next.

But for two reasons, this would have been a five star review…
Kings Domain aims to carry off the cool, quirky indie Barber vibe but doesn’t quite nail it: Yes, they give you a really nice craft beer for free with your hair cut and yes they have decked out the interior so that it looks like a retro establishment but Kings Domain can’t shed the feel of a chain barber.
It lacks a personal feeling and feels like part of a big business, therefore it’s hard to imagine that the staff at King’s Domain are that invested in the success of the brand…
Secondly, King’s Domain is expensive. Compared to my home-​town prices in London, it’s in the upper range of men’s hair dressing but for Melbourne $ 50 a go is steep…
Having said this, the hair cut was perfect. My barber was polite, courteous and light on the inane hairdresser chat. He listened to how I would like my hair (I also showed him a photo) and he cut it just how I like it. I guess this is the most important thing you’re looking for in a barber; a good cut.
If you’re prepared to shell out fifty bucks you’re likely to get what you’re paying for. Ensure you book ahead; even though they’re open until 8pm, you will have to reserve a spot.

Not bad, the guys there are really friendly and the haircut was good, not exactly what I wanted though.

Disappointed… I really wanted to like Kings Domain, it was recommended by my old hairdresser. Now I know why… Joey Scandizzo Salon (Award Winning) across the road were apparently mates with the Suit Shop owner and asked him if he was willing for them to take over the lease. They took over the place and pumped a heap of money into the shop front. It really looks great but is also pricey. $ 50 for a cut and $ 50 for a shave or $ 90 for both…
Good Things:
They wash and massage your hair /​head
They offer coffee /​whiskey /​beer
The setup looks great and staff fairly friendly and personable
They accepted my first time discount voucher from the website with no hesitation
Bad Things:
I asked for shave and after my hairdresser asked everyone in the shop, he offered me a shave at 1pm. My hair was being cut at 9.30am.
Coffee is Nespresso
My hairdresser asked me what I wanted, listened to me + agreed and then cut my hair differently…
Being offered bourbon or beer at 9.30am by a 16 year old
Claiming to be able to do a fade and the not being able to do it…
Overall, I had a pretty bad experience but it could have just been my hairdresser. They are getting rave reviews on Facebook and have supported many big events such as Movember (probably through Joey Scandizzo’s contacts). Overall when my hairdresser asked if I wanted to book in again, I had to say no… Simply in Unilocal terms «Meh, I’ve experienced better»