Street-level view of Wabi Sabi restaurant on Smith Street, Collingwood—the entry point for Tom Zappala’s upstairs studio.

Arrivals

Feeling unwell? Strict health and safety requirements apply if you have cold or flu symptoms on the day of your booking. Please review the Health & Safety Policy before attending.

Read the Health & Safety Policy


This is a diagnostic-based, 90-minute dry haircutting service. Results depend on the physical state of your hair on arrival.

If your hair arrives same-day clean, product-free, and dry-cut ready, the service proceeds at the standard $400 flat rate. If it does not, the service converts to a wash-and-reset workflow with an additional fee of up to $100.

  • Same-day clean: Washed and conditioned on the day of the booking, not the night before. Hair that is dull, slept on, product-coated, or scalp-oily cannot be assessed or cut dry. Shampoo thoroughly using a shampoo that produces lather. Condition. Rinse fully. Detangle. Air-dry or diffuse. Hair does not need to be fully dry.
  • Product-free: No leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, gel, oil, serum, crème, curl cream, dry shampoo, co-wash, or residue-leaving cleansers.
  • Dry-cut ready: Do not arrive with hair tied back, clipped, pinned, headbanded, straightened, brushed out, or blow-waved. No hats or beanies. Bike helmets are acceptable.

This preparation is not about habit, personal comfort, presentation, or judgement. It enables accurate diagnosis and ensures the dry cut reflects how your hair actually behaves.

To support a sensory-friendly space, do not wear perfume. Avoid bulky high-collar or turtleneck tops.




To assist you with getting upstairs, please watch this short arrival walkthrough video.

Arrival walkthrough Video

Take a seat in the waiting room. You'll be welcomed into the studio when your session is ready to begin.

The waiting room and haircutting studio are located upstairs inside Wabi Sabi. If their streetside door is locked upon arrival, don't panic—someone will let you in. If their door is unlocked, simply enter and head up the stairs just past the bar area.

Please note:

  • The studio and waiting room are reserved for clients only.

  • Additional guests, accompanying persons, or pets are not permitted.

  • This includes partners, parents, guardians, friends, infants, and children.


What to Expect