I've been going there for many years & they are a brilliant friendly group & they give great hair cuts! My advice to any newcomer is — know clearly what you want & be prepared for the cut to take a little longer than usual because it is students (under supervision) who cut your hair. The teachers will make sure your cut is good. The price is brilliant — which is the sweetener for the extra time. Love this place!

Ok: here's the disclaimer. There is a little bit of russian roulette being played every time you visit this Academy. I've had two of the best cuts of my life here and also one terrible cut.

So don't go if you don't want to take that risk!

But the teachers have 20+ experience and the students are often really, really trying to do a great job - they're not complacent yet.

One of my cuts had these incredible under-layers, which was amazing because I have way too think hair. i still have the photo of the day I got my hair done, it's one of my faves.

I would recommend this salon to anyone willing to take a small risk to get a great experience and save lots of money!

Approximate cost: $25

A poor experience, considering this is a school, the teacher who was for cutting only, I felt was maybe having an off day, I being kind, the consultation was so quick and in my experience as a customer non existent, I felt no one was really interested to take some time and asked me about length, thickness, what I was trying to do with my hair, or any problems with my hair, what I am trying to look for in my style, in the end I pull up a photo, his reply to the student was " keep it the same, just give it a cut, Its got some Jane Fonda look" I lost all the volume off the back and off the length, I was not asked if I wanted it cut shorter. I needed to keep the length similar all round, up date the style as I am growing it.

I wanted a color, semi permanent I thought the color would be completed before the cut, but BIBA does not do that, OK. I had to have it shampooed. for the cut, so I must have got this wrong before, as in other places generally they do apply color on hair without shampoo it, however BIBA shampoos the hair prior to color.

Unfortunately I could not have the color as the brand is not suitable for me, I felt the color teacher just plain unfriendly, I am sure she would say, they offered to do a patch test which she did offer, but her manner I guess just put me off. So with no color and my hair just cut, the student was instructed to just get the robe back from me. I was a bit non pulsed no styling for my hair, that had just been cut.

I had to walk to the front and find some help, another teacher came to look at my hair, asking some questions, but there was no flow to hand you to the right people. My student who cut the hair, and I must say even though due to poor consultation on the part of the teacher, was very nice, she out shone the three teacher who I interacted with.

She finished blow drying helped as much as she could, went to get the teacher to check her cut and dry, but he never came over to do that for her, so without any professional check I left.

I know when you go to a training school, you have have to be patient and I am, I know the students are in study mode, but the teachers are not, I would not want to learn from them how to handle clients, do a consultation and try to rectify a problem at BIBA, if it goes wrong the teacher is no where to be seen.

A poor experience for a school, and a reflection on the BIBA brand.

Had a great experience here! Yes, it does take a long time, but that's what you have to be prepared for when they're students and learning. I went in there to get my hair dyed from black to a copper red... It took 5 and a half hours, but was so worth it. A total of $140, instead of almost $400 I've paid at other professional salons!
I brought my own lunch, magazines and a book to keep me occupied as I was aware how long it was going to take. Despite losing the will to live around two hours, it was a great experience and definitely worth it. Highly recommended!
In the end you get a professional cut, because the supervisor won't let you leave until you are happy.

Approximate cost: $140

I went there for my haircut twice. They did a great job both the times. Second time i had my hair chopped really short and funky and the trainee did a wonderful job! Everybody loves my new haircut and just for 20 bucks.

Approximate cost: $20

Although I only gave 3 stars for service, I should explain: I've always experienced very good customer service here, just be aware that the students take longer than at a normal salon. But they give great cuts at a fraction of the price other quality salons, so if you have the time to wait while they work at a slower pace, it is completely worth it. I have never had a bad cut here. It's an excellent place to go and the instructors and students should all feel very proud of their professionalism and great energy.

I was holidaying in Melbourne recently and was just really sick of my hair. I dint however want to spend a fortune on a haircut. After reading some reviews i decided to try BIBA Academy at Fitzroy. I was a bit iffy about it being by students, but the work is all closey monitored by their teachers/supervisors, so you get a professional result. I got a cut and colour, i had my length trimed and had the front transformed to a blunt fringe. I havent had one for years and years and i love it. They did a fantastic job. My colour was done by bloke named Dave, not the kinda guy you'd usually think would be hairdresser but he was fantastic and we had a great chat, would love to get in contact with him again. Pity I dont know his name or number :(

Approximate cost: $90

Fabulous, upbeat and friendly. Like the other review says, it's a training academy but the students are monitored very closely. I am there about an hour for a wash, cut and blow dry. I love it, I won't bother going anywhere else. Blimey, who can beat $15 for an hour of pampering?

Approximate cost: $15-45

Biba Academy is a hairdresser school where you can go and get your hair cut for a pretty modest price. I regularly go there and am more often than not really happy with the cut. The students are monitored quite closely and although they are normally quite new to the profession I feel like time and care is often taken with the cut as they are being graded. Just be prepared to spend up to 2 hours there just for a cut.

Approximate cost: $25