Hair Salon FAQ, KOHORT Studio Richmond Melbourne

Every question we get asked about booking, pricing, colour, smoothing, short hair, products, stylists and finding us on Bridge Road, Richmond.

Booking and Appointments

How do I book an appointment at KOHORT Studio?

Each of our seven stylists runs their own calendar. To book, choose the stylist whose work matches what you want, Sheree, Zoe, Billie, Taylah, Sheridan, Grace or Elodie, and use the booking link on their page. If you are unsure which stylist fits your brief, email salon@kohort.com.au with a photo and we will match you.

How far in advance should I book at KOHORT?

For a first visit with a specific stylist on a specific day, four to six weeks ahead is ideal. Colour correction, balayage on previously coloured hair and bridal typically need six to eight weeks. For a Saturday appointment, plan a month out. For Tuesday and Wednesday, we usually have availability inside two weeks. Sheree and Sheridan fill earliest, so plan further ahead for both.

Can I walk in to KOHORT without an appointment?

KOHORT is appointment-only. With seven independent stylists running their own columns, walk-in capacity is unpredictable. If you are in the neighbourhood and want to drop in for a product pickup, the retail wall is open during studio hours. For services, book through the relevant stylist's page or DM @kohortstudio for a suggestion.

Do I need a consultation before booking?

For most services, no. For colour correction, balayage on previously coloured hair, big blonde transformations, pixie or short-hair transitions, bridal, keratin smoothing and nanoplasty, we strongly recommend booking a fifteen-minute in-salon consultation first. It lets your stylist do a strand test if needed, plan the session count properly, and give you an accurate quote before you commit to chair time.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Two or three inspiration photos (front and back if relevant), a rough history of your hair's last six to twelve months (colour, treatments, heat styling), a list of the products currently in your rotation, and an honest sense of how much maintenance you actually want to do at home. Your stylist will plan around your lifestyle, not against it.

What is the KOHORT cancellation policy?

Each stylist runs their own column and sets their own cancellation terms. As a general rule, we ask for at least 24 to 48 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel a booking, particularly for longer colour services. A late cancel or no-show on a three-hour colour slot is hard to refill, so your stylist may charge a cancellation fee. The exact terms are in your booking confirmation.

Can I bring a friend, partner or family member to the appointment?

Yes. The KOHORT studio is calm and the consultation benches comfortably seat two. This is common for bridal planning, colour corrections, and first-time short-hair transitions where a second opinion helps.

Are you accepting new clients?

Most KOHORT stylists are accepting new clients. Billie is currently welcoming existing clients only. Sheree, Zoe, Taylah, Sheridan, Grace and Elodie are all open to new bookings.

Services and Pricing

How much does a haircut cost at KOHORT?

Cut pricing varies by stylist and ranges from around $80 for a shorter men's cut up to $150 plus for a full long-hair cut with a senior stylist. Pixie and short-hair cutting with Sheree is priced at her senior rate because it is specialist work. A full quote is always given at consultation or confirmed at the time of booking.

How much does colour cost at KOHORT?

Colour pricing is set independently by each stylist and depends on hair length, density, and whether the service is a root touch-up, full-head colour, gloss, balayage or correction. As a guide, a root touch-up starts from around $150, a full-head colour from $200, a balayage from $300, and a colour correction from $400 for the first session with consultation-led quoting from there. See the Hair Colour and Colour Correction pages for detail.

How much is a balayage at KOHORT?

Balayage typically starts from around $300 for shorter hair and $350 to $450 for mid to long hair. Thick, dense, waist-length hair with significant lift required may be priced higher and is always quoted at consultation. A full breakdown is on the Balayage page.

What does a treatment add-on cost?

From the KOHORT treatment menu: Kerastase Fusio Dose $50, Davines Liquid Luster $25, K18 Molecular Repair from $50, Olaplex Bonding Treatment from $50, Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding from $50, Olaplex Chelating Treatment from $50, L'Oreal Metal Detox from $45, Bhave Keratin Smoothing from $250, and the Kohort Scalp Ritual from $80.

Which services need a consultation first?

Colour correction, balayage on previously coloured or lifted hair, big blonde transformations, pixie or short-hair transitions, bridal and event work, and keratin or nanoplasty smoothing. These are all services where a proper consultation lets the stylist plan the work, do a strand test if needed, and quote accurately.

Do you offer package pricing?

Not rigid packages, but most stylists will quote a combined balayage, cut and treatment booking at a slightly friendlier rate than the individual services. Ask your stylist at consultation. Bridal and event styling is quoted on a per-booking basis.

Are prices the same across every KOHORT stylist?

No. Every stylist is an independent business and sets their own pricing based on their experience, specialty and booking demand. Senior specialists like Sheree and Billie price at the higher end of the studio. Grace offers accessible pricing on foundational services. Your exact quote will come from the stylist you book with.

How do I pay at KOHORT?

Each stylist processes their own payments. Most accept card, tap-to-pay, and bank transfer. Some offer Afterpay through their booking system. Cash is accepted by arrangement.

Colour Services

How long does a colour correction take at KOHORT?

Colour correction is almost always staged across multiple sessions. A first session is typically three to six hours with consultation-led planning, and a full correction can run across two or three appointments over a few weeks. Attempting a same-day correction on damaged or heavily box-dyed hair is usually how things go wrong, and we will tell you at consultation if your correction needs to be spaced out.

How long does balayage last?

Balayage typically looks good for eight to twelve weeks before you need a refresh. A mid-cycle gloss at the six to eight week mark can stretch that further. Our regular balayage clients often book the full service only three or four times a year, with gloss refreshes in between.

How often should I book a lived-in blonde touch-up?

Lived-in blonde is specifically designed to grow out softly, so the maintenance cycle is longer than a traditional foil blonde. Most lived-in blonde clients rebook every ten to twelve weeks for a refresh and every eight weeks for a toner or gloss if they want to keep the cool tones tight. See the Lived-In Blonde page for detail.

Is lightening the same as toning?

No. Lightening is the chemical process of lifting existing pigment out of the hair with lightener or bleach. Toning is the process of depositing a colour on top of lifted hair to shape the final shade, neutralise warmth, or push the hair cooler or warmer. A balayage or foil service almost always includes both stages.

How long does fashion or creative colour last at KOHORT?

Depends heavily on the colour. Copper and cherry hold relatively well and fade softly over six to eight weeks. Silver, pastel and vivid fashion colours fade faster, typically four to six weeks, and often need gloss or toner refreshes in between. Home-care with colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo is the single biggest factor in how long fashion colour lasts. See the Creative Colour page.

Does colour damage hair?

Any lightening service has an impact on the hair, which is why bond support is built in as standard at KOHORT. L'Oreal Metal Detox pre-colour, Olaplex or K18 through the service, and a gloss or treatment finish protect the integrity through the process. With good home care, balayage and foil clients at KOHORT keep their ends in better condition than clients who skip colour but over-style with heat.

Can I lift dark hair to blonde in one appointment?

Rarely. Virgin dark hair can usually be lifted to a honey or toffee blonde in one long session with bond support, but going to bright or platinum blonde is almost always staged across two to three sessions. Previously coloured dark hair needs even more patience, sometimes four to six sessions, to get to a clean blonde without damage.

Smoothing Treatments

What is the difference between keratin smoothing and nanoplasty?

Keratin smoothing is a protein-based treatment that coats and bonds to the hair shaft, softening frizz, relaxing curl pattern and buying you faster styling mornings. Nanoplasty is the gentler, formaldehyde-free alternative that uses amino acids and smaller molecules to achieve a similar smoothing effect without traditional keratin chemistry. See the Keratin Smoothing and Nanoplasty pages for the full comparison.

Is keratin smoothing safe?

The Bhave Keratin system we use at KOHORT is a professional formulation designed for safe in-salon use with proper ventilation. It is not formaldehyde-free, but formaldehyde release is minimised through correct application. For clients who prefer to avoid any formaldehyde exposure altogether, we recommend our Nanoplasty service.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

A Bhave Keratin Smoothing treatment typically holds for three to four months, depending on hair type, wash frequency, and how strictly you follow aftercare. Clients who wash three times a week with a sulphate-free shampoo will get the full window. Clients who wash daily or use sulphate-based products will see the effect fade faster.

What is the aftercare for a keratin or nanoplasty service?

Wait 48 hours before washing, tying up or using heat on the hair. After that, wash three times a week maximum with a sulphate-free, sodium-chloride-free shampoo. Avoid chlorinated pools and salt water for at least two weeks. Use a weekly mask from the Bhave, Kerastase or Davines range. Heat protection before any hot tool, every time.

Can I colour my hair and get keratin at the same appointment?

Not the same appointment, but the same window. We typically recommend colouring the hair first and booking the keratin service one to two weeks afterwards, so the cuticle can settle and the colour can lock in before the smoothing treatment seals it. Your stylist will plan the sequence at consultation.

Does keratin smoothing straighten curly hair?

It relaxes curl pattern rather than straightens. A tight curl typically drops to a loose wave. A natural wave drops to near-straight. It is not the same as a chemical straightener, and the effect washes out gradually over three to four months rather than being permanent.

Short Hair and Cuts

How often should I book a pixie cut refresh?

Every five to seven weeks, typically. Pixie shapes lose their structure quickly as they grow, particularly around the nape and the side panels. Most of Sheree's pixie regulars rebook at six weeks without fail. For longer pixies and grown-out shapes, the window can stretch to eight weeks.

How do I maintain a bob between cuts?

A bob lives or dies on the line. Every six to eight weeks is the standard rebook window to keep the bottom weight sharp. In between, a weekly conditioning treatment keeps the ends polished, and a regular trim of the fringe or front pieces every three to four weeks helps if you wear curtain bangs with your bob.

How often do I need to refresh a shag or wolf cut?

Shags and wolf cuts are designed to grow out softer than a strict bob, so the rebook window is flexible. Six to ten weeks is standard. Many of our shag and wolf regulars go in between cuts for a fringe refresh every three to four weeks and let the rest of the shape grow out for longer.

How often should I trim a fringe?

Three to four weeks is the industry standard for a curtain bang, micro fringe or classic fringe. KOHORT stylists will often offer a complimentary fringe trim between full cuts for regular clients, so it is worth asking your stylist at your last appointment.

Can I get balayage on short hair?

Yes. Sheree and Billie both specialise in balayage on pixies, crops and short bobs. The placement technique changes for short hair, but the freehand lift and tone work translates beautifully. See the Balayage and Pixie and Short Hair pages for detail.

Products and Retail

Which brands does KOHORT sell?

Kerastase, Davines, Olaplex, K18, L'Oreal Metal Detox and Bhave. These are the same professional brands our stylists use on your hair in the chair. Browse the full range in our shop.

Why do pro products matter?

Professional-grade hair product is formulated at higher active concentrations, with more refined ingredient ratios and better-tested performance than supermarket equivalents. For lifted, coloured or treated hair, the difference is visible within two weeks of switching. Supermarket shampoo often contains sulphates and silicones that strip colour and dry out the cuticle. Pro product is designed to extend the life of your salon service.

Does KOHORT sell Kerastase?

Yes. Kerastase is our core moisture and shine range. The Blond Absolu system for blondes, Nutritive for dry hair, Elixir Ultime for shine, and Fusio Dose for in-salon and home treatment. Your stylist will recommend the right Kerastase line for your hair rather than the full set.

What is K18 and do I need it?

K18 is a peptide-based molecular repair treatment that travels into the cortex and reverses damage from the inside. The professional in-salon version is a chair service. The take-home leave-in mist is the single most-recommended product for blondes at KOHORT. If your hair is lifted, coloured, heat-styled or over-processed, yes, you probably need K18.

Does KOHORT sell Olaplex at-home care?

Yes. The Olaplex no.3, no.4 and no.5 system is our most-recommended home-care for anyone in a colour maintenance cycle. The no.8 weekly mask is often added for clients with drier or older hair. See your stylist for specific recommendations.

Does the retail have Davines?

Yes. Our Davines range covers the Alchemic line (colour-enhancing shampoos for blondes, brunettes and coppers), the NouNou system (heavy repair), Love (frizz and curl), and Liquid Luster as an in-salon high-shine treatment. Davines is our go-to for clients who want a nature-forward, sustainability-focused product rotation.

Our Stylists and Co-Working Model

Who should I book with for balayage at KOHORT?

For soft, lived-in balayage, book Sheridan or Taylah. For cool blonde-focused balayage, book Zoe. For balayage on short hair, book Sheree. For creative tone work, book Billie (existing clients). For foundational balayage at an accessible price, book Grace. For glass-hair high-shine blonde, book Elodie.

Who should I book for colour correction?

Sheree is our primary colour correction specialist, with over twenty years of experience reversing box dye, banded highlights, brassy blonde and pool-green tones. Zoe and Billie also take correction bookings for specific client briefs.

Who does bridal and event hair at KOHORT?

Sheridan May Hair is KOHORT's bridal and event specialist. She books through her own Timely calendar and handles weddings, formals and milestone events. For bridal parties requiring multiple stylists, email salon@kohort.com.au to coordinate.

Why are KOHORT stylists all independent?

Because the co-working model is built that way on purpose. Every stylist at KOHORT runs their own business, owns their own column, sets their own pricing and answers to their own clients. That structure delivers a longer, calmer, more specialist appointment for the client and a freer, more sustainable career path for the stylist.

Does each stylist have their own booking system?

Yes. Most of our stylists book through the shared KOHORT online booking system (Shortcuts OLS) at kohort.com.au/stylists. Taylah and Sheridan use Timely for their own columns. Elodie books through Instagram DM. Each stylist's page links to their specific booking system.

Can I move to a different KOHORT stylist if my first booking does not fit?

Yes. If the first stylist is not quite right for your brief, we will happily move you to a chair inside the studio that fits better. Email salon@kohort.com.au or DM the studio on Instagram and we will sort it.

Location and Logistics

Where is KOHORT Studio?

234 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121. We are on the north side of Bridge Road between Lord Street and Docker Street, a ten minute walk from Richmond Station and a six minute walk from East Richmond Station.

Is there parking near KOHORT?

Yes. Metered on-street parking runs along Bridge Road, Lord Street and Docker Street. Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre car park is 500 metres east and is our default recommendation for longer colour bookings. Free residential parking is available on quieter side streets a block or two off Bridge Road.

Which trams stop near KOHORT?

The 48 and 75 trams run east-west along Bridge Road and stop directly outside our stretch. The 12 runs on Victoria Street to the north, the 70 runs on Swan Street to the south, and the 78 runs north-south on Church Street one block west of the studio. If you live anywhere in the City of Yarra, at least one of these lines puts you within a five minute walk.

Is KOHORT bike accessible?

Yes. The Yarra Trail runs along the eastern and southern edge of Richmond and connects to the CBD, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Kew and beyond. Bike rings are available on the street near the salon. The Wellington Parade separated path from the CBD also feeds directly onto Bridge Road at Hoddle Street.

Which suburbs does KOHORT primarily serve?

Richmond, Cremorne, Burnley, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, East Melbourne, Carlton, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Northcote, Fairfield, Alphington, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Toorak, St Kilda, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, and the Melbourne CBD. See our suburb landing pages for detail on getting here from each.

Is KOHORT wheelchair accessible?

The entry at 234 Bridge Road is at street level. Get in touch before your appointment if there is anything specific we can prepare to make your visit easier.

For Stylists Considering KOHORT

What is the commission structure at KOHORT?

KOHORT operates a 50/50 commission-based model with a variety of flexible membership options depending on the shape of your week. The structure is designed to keep admin simple for independent stylists and to preserve full control of your pricing, branding and client base.

What memberships does KOHORT offer stylists?

Flexible memberships are available to suit part-time, full-time, and project-based stylists. Options include a dedicated-chair membership, a shared-chair membership for smaller books, and custom arrangements for stylists building or rebuilding a column. Contact the team for current options.

What is included when I join KOHORT?

A dedicated chair in a light-filled Bridge Road studio, access to dedicated colour processing areas, the option to sell your own retail (with margin retained), professional back-bar access, peer community, and studio marketing support. You keep your own clients, your own branding, and your own voice.

How do I apply to join KOHORT?

Apply through our Muse Avenue listing at museavenue.co/s/kohort-vic-richmond, or email salon@kohort.com.au to start a conversation. Read the full pitch on the Join KOHORT page.

Who is KOHORT looking for?

Experienced stylists who take their craft seriously, value independence, and want to run their own business inside a supportive co-working studio. Senior cutters, specialist colourists, bridal stylists, extensions specialists, barbers doing elevated work, and stylists returning from parental leave with an existing book are all good fits.

Can a salon owner bring their team to KOHORT?

Yes. We have accommodated salon owners downsizing out of a traditional lease without losing their team. Contact the KOHORT team for space and logistics.

Still Have Questions?

Email salon@kohort.com.au, DM us on Instagram at @kohortstudio, or call 0423 979 900. For detailed service information, visit the pages on Balayage, Lived-In Blonde, Colour Correction, Hair Colour, Creative Colour, Blondes, Haircuts, Pixie and Short Hair, Keratin Smoothing, Nanoplasty and the full Hair Treatment menu.