Reviews
The reviews shown here are drawn from Google Reviews. They are never paid for, scripted, or incentivised. They reflect attentive listening, clear communication, careful haircutting, and the one-on-one service offered at Tom Zappala Haircutting. Reviews posted through the booking platform are available here.
Tom Zappala Haircutting | Curly Hair Specialist Salon
Level 1/94 Smith St, Collingwood
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I am extremely pleased with my new style. I recently had a haircut with Tom, and I am truly grateful for the result. I have curly, thinning hair, and I had almost forgotten how beautiful my curls could look. With just a few precise cuts, … More Tom did more than simply change my hair—he brought it back to life, restoring its shape, movement, and a style I had been longing for.
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After three disappointing haircuts in six months, I was looking for someone who would take the time to really understand my hair rather than just cut to a formula. That’s exactly what I found.
The experience begins before the haircut. … More You’re encouraged to arrive early, relax in the lovely waiting area with a glass of water, and unwind. The salon is spotless and thoughtfully designed, with calming music and a subtle fragrance that immediately puts you at ease.
Before picking up the scissors, Tom spends time discussing your hair, assessing how it naturally falls, and making notes for future visits. His dry-cutting approach is meticulous and tailored to the individual, creating a shape that works with your hair rather than against it. The result is a style that looks natural, grows out beautifully, and doesn’t demand constant maintenance.
The whole appointment feels unhurried, with engaging conversation and genuine attention to detail throughout. Friends have already commented that my hair looks stunning. Yes, it is expensive, but it feels like a worthwhile investment when there’s no need for regular touch-ups. After spending so much over six months on three bad haircuts, this makes far more sense. -
Tom really is a curly hair specialist he listens to what you want so you get an individual style suitable for you, he is the very best and really knows his craft, so very happy and thank you Tom.
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Tom Zappala’s work is a great investment in any curly girl’s hair. Tom is methodical in the work he practices and I’ve left with my hair looking intentional by design. Thanks for seeing me!
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Great cut as always, thank you Tom
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I googled fine hair specalist and Tom was who came up and he did not disapoint. Not only were all my concerns taken in to account, I was made to feel at ease with discussing them along with what I didnt want my hair to look like.
Don't … More let the fact that Tom does not have a huge social media profile with lots of photos - read the reasons why on his website and check out the podcasts he has done about this and his process.
I left with a new way to blow dry my hair to get the lift where I want it, a cut I love and having any myths about how often to wash my hair cleared up.
Loved the experience and will be back when it is due another cut. -
Tom Zappala is, without a doubt, the best curly hair specialist I have ever been to. He doesn't just cut hair,he tailors each haircut to suit your unique curl pattern, face shape, and lifestyle.
The transformation in my hair has been … More incredible, and I've received countless compliments since my appointment.
After years of straightening my hair and relying on keratin treatments, I had almost forgotten what my natural curls could look like. Tom completely changed that. He helped me embrace and love my natural hair again. Unlike other so-called curl specialists I've seen, Tom achieved results that no amount of expensive products ever could.
What truly sets Tom apart is his exceptional knowledge and experience. Thanks to Tom, my curls now look healthier, more defined, and easier to maintain than ever before.
I also appreciated that there was absolutely no pressure to purchase any products. Tom's priority is achieving the best result for his clients, not making a sale.
If you have curly hair and have struggled to find someone who genuinely understands curls, do yourself a favour and book with Tom. He is a master of his craft, and the results speak for themselves. I cannot recommend him highly enough -
Tom made me feel very comfortable and confident that he could help me with my hair. I am so happy with my hair which has never happened after a cut before. It is so easy to look after now and fits into my daily routines easily. Thank you … More Tom
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The experience of having a haircut with Tom has the power to be transformative. He provides a thoughtful, intelligent and caring service, and when you are in his salon, it is your needs that frame the whole approach. Also, his haircutting … More is extraordinary.
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Tom's approach is refreshing and unique. His knowledge of curly hair is exceptional and he has remarkable attentiveness and precision. I'll definitely be returning.
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From the website, to my first booking, to the actual cut and follow up later with detailed care instructions, has been an utterly surprising & delightful experience. Tom is a god send for curly thick hair individuals! The passion for … More his work shines through in the attention and care he takes with you as a client and your hair, and what you hope to achieve with your hair in the present and in the future. His website is delightfully detailed and thorough, booking was seamless, prep instructions that followed was clear, and the little details provided such as the video on how to get to his actual studio, and after service too was truly beyond all my expectations. I can honestly say I have never had a haircut experience like this before and am very glad to have met Tom after years of dealing with bad haircuts, chemical straightening to make my hair “behave” and not knowing what to do with my thick unruly hair in general. Tom was also friendly, funny and open, and made you feel very comfortable. I was also pleasantly surprised and impressed by the after service care and support provided, checking in to see if I was happy with the cut, or if I had any questions or tweaks that needed looking into. And his IRL guidance on enhancing my curls and managing my frizz without needing a heap of products and/or tools was truly an eye opener! I would not hesitate to see Tom again for whenever I need another cut. I have had so many compliments from friends and colleagues at work since visiting Tom and also getting the best tips from him in making my curls shine and look their best. ❤️
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The best haircut I’ve ever had. I’ve tried so many stylists, even at expensive salons, and none of them got it right. If you’re looking for a true artist you can trust to give you the best cut that suits you, you’ll find it with Tom. I … More highly recommend him. Thank you so much — it’s the first time in many years that I feel truly great about my hair.
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Tom was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. He took the time to address all of my concerns and explained everything in a way that gave me a much better understanding. The precision and care he put into cutting my hair really showed — I absolutely … More love how it turned out. Highly recommend!
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I cannot express how brilliant this experience was. After years of being let down, and having a complex relationship with my hair and haircuts, I finally feel as though I was truly listened too. Not only did Tom take the time to explain … More his process and philosophy but also answered my many questions without judgement. He reassured me at every stage of the appointment that my feelings and experiences were valid and not an isolated incident. Unfortunately so many women come in with the same story of hair dresser neglect!
I promise you, if you are sick of your boundaries and goals being ignored by salons, then please go and see this absolute wizard with scissors. I now know that it’s not just a haircut, but rather a beautiful tailored experience that has allowed me to fall back in love with my hair. -
I never actually knew my curls could actually look this beautiful until today. Tom is an expert (obviously),and I am not going to think of any other hairdresser unless I move out of melbourne.Thank you ,Tom, for making me feel more confident … More about my curls!!
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Like so many others here, I sought out Tom's practice because I was dissatisfied and frustrated with the salon experience where I had been told my hair was "so thick" and needed to be heat styled or thinned out. From our … More first interaction, Tom both understood my hair and my complex relationship with it. Throughout the experience, he shared knowledge and dispelled misconceptions I had about my hair type. Most importantly, he totally transformed my hair by giving it a sympathetic shape that frames my face and makes me feel confident. My curls have new life and I couldn't be happier. I also feel a lot lighter knowing that I can maintain this feeling and aesthetic result without the need for expensive products or styling tools that I don't feel confident using. Thank you Tom for sharing your skill and kindness with me.
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Tom is an absolute magician! For decades, my hair has been an after-thought. I've tried so many "curly girl" routines and tried following advice from people on social media and felt like nothing was working - my hair was … More shapeless, unruly and untamable.
Tom's service was unlike anything I have ever received. I felt seen and I felt understood. His service is so mindful and full of care (from the video walkthrough on his website on how to get to the salon, to sending articles and photos of products afterwards so I wouldn't forget the aftercare advice). I love that he didn't just cut my hair in one position, he looked at it from multiple angles to make sure it looked good in movement from all sides.
The service was like part haircut, part therapy - he really helped me to reframe how I felt about my hair. While he was able to really bring out the best in my natural hair texture (my curls have literally never looked so buoyant and fresh and full of life), he was also able to help me craft a daily routine that takes no more than a few minutes of my day and has my hair looking SO good with minimal effort! Everyone has told me how amazing my hair looks, and I cannot believe it was really so simple all along!
I cannot recommend Tom highly enough. He was pleasant, knowledgeable, compassionate and so deeply interested in creating a space that felt safe, intellectual and calm. -
Very positive experience with Tom. I have flat ironed my hair for 20 years. Tom has given me a suitable shape for my texture that is easy to maintain. He has also helped me to celebrate my natural texture and debunked many beliefs I've … More held …More
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An incredible experience. Tom opened me up to new perspectives on hair, and to see the final product of his cut was incredible. It was the first haircut I've had which truly worked with my hair and its own flow. I always thought I … More had to work hard for my hair to look good, but now after this cut, my hair flows in such an effortless way that I adore. So grateful for the experience here!
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I have quite typical, fine, Eastern European hair. Tom cut it really well and it looked so nice and flattering. He also made sure to check how it holds up after a wash, so it’s truly no fuss for me at home. I also really appreciate how … More individualised the appointment was. Tom really got to know my hair and I really loved how he made a point to let me know that most things were told are simply not true and it’s important to appreciate what we have naturally. He never once tried to upsell me anything (quite the opposite). Thank you, Tom! You’re a master of your craft.
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Will never go to another hairdresser!! Tom is a curly hair specialist, I can't ever refer to him as just a hairdresser!! He provides above and beyond!!Thank you Tom for ensuring I am continuing to love my hair!!
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Tom Zappala is one of the kind!I can completely trust him with my hair but also with my feelings that may come up after a haircut. Tom has never let me down cutting my hair so beautifully it …More
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If you have curly hair, do yourself a favour & book an appointment with Tom. He's the best curly hair specialist on Melbourne, hands down.
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One of a kind experience. Years of frustration with wrong hair cuts. He took his time explaining everything curly. He has changed my perspective related to curly hair in so many ways. …More
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Posting this after my 2nd appointment with Tom (forgot to post after the 1st time). I never want anyone else to touch my hair! …More
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I’ve always left the hairdressers underwhelmed so I stopped going. Then Tom cut my hair. He took time to understand the relationship I had with my hair and what I wanted. I was totally blown away. He explained my hair type and revealed … More my curls. I LOVE my new cut. Thank you Tom!
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The experience i had with Tom was truly one of a kind. Tom took so much care in understanding my hair and helping me understand it too. My hair being multi textured and extremely hard to manage, he knew exactly what it needed and it has … More …More
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I’ve been seeing Tom for a few years now, and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself.Today, I came in feeling somewhat lost and a bit disheartened — my hair had been …More
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The most listened to and heard haircut appointment I’ve ever had in my life. Tom takes the time to get to know what you want out of your hair. How much time you prepared to put into it and how you wanna feel with your hair which all …More … More
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Tom Zappala..is the man to see if you've been struggling with Hairdressers who don't know how to cut your curly hair...The CUT is the base to healthy looking hair .This is something I understood, long time ago in Paris where I … More am originally …More
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I had a wonderful experience with Tom. Best haircut I’ve had in years! His knowledge about giving curly hair the right shape is next to none. Will definitely go back again and again!
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As someone with thin, multi textured hair, I’ve often felt insecure visiting hairdressers who did their best with what they knew. Tom, however, is a true expert, and it made all the difference. My appointment was everything I hoped for … More and …More
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My experience with Tom exceeded my expectations. He's very professional, skilled and made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I honestly didn't think get could do anything with my fine thinning hair, but he did! It looks fuller … More and is way easier to manage. I will absolutely be returning.
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31 years ago I was spat from outer space onto Earth, born with what midwives and parents alike described as a mop of “thick, unruly hair.” For decades since I endured occasional not-me haircuts from hairdressers who called it …More
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A very thorough, holistic and neurodivergent friendly experience! I feel so confident with my new cut.
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I've finally found my forever Hairdresser!!Having curly hair, I got tired of hair dressers just cutting it wet so it's straight. Tom cuts it when it's dry so he can make sense of how each individual …More
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Many thanks for a wonderful work.See you again in few months. 🌷
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I’ve seen Tom for many years and his cuts are always phenomenal. I’ve got thick wavy hair that can’t be tamed in any way except an excellent cut, and I only need to see Tom every six months, the cut lasts so well before needing a refresh … More …More
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Best haircut ever.I got my haircut in July last year, and my hair still looks great. Amazing, thanks
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It's been 20 years since I liked my hair. That's a long time. After a lot of research, I finally took the leap and booked an appointment with Tom. Honestly, it was the best haircut experience I have ever had. Tom listened carefully … More and …More
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Tom is extremely thoughtful and a complete pro. A totally unique haircutting experience where I felt completely listened to and understood! I really appreciate his approach to hair, including embracing your hair type as it is. I'm … More getting …More
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Incredible. Finally, someone who listens to you and understands the practical day-to-day needs of textured hair.I hadn't been to a hairdresser in 15 years after enduring bad haircuts, poor …More
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The salon is a very calm and relaxing environment. Tom listened to my concerns about my hair carefully and knew what to do, and was very meticulous about getting the hair cut just right. The hair cut itself is great, my hair feels much … More …More
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For the first time in way too many years to remember I am happy, actually beyond happy with a haircut.Tom busted so many myths and untruths about having fine hair and is the first …More
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If I could give 100 out of 5 stars, I absolutely would in a heartbeat. 6 and a half MONTHS after my first chop with Tom, my hair is still as manageable as the day it was cut, doesn't have split ends and is the healthiest it's … More ever been. Tom …More
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It’s been a few weeks since I saw Tom to give me my first ever curly cut, and I’m so happy with the results! The appointment itself was a wonderful experience where Tom sought to understand my relationship with my hair before cutting, which … More …More
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For anyone wondering... couldn't recommend Tom enough! A seriously good hairdresser, attentive and generous.
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I have had two haircutting experiences with Tom, and both have left me with a hair style that I really love. The great thing is that it doesn’t just look great in the salon but days, weeks, and months later I am still happy! I’ll be back … More for sure ✨
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I could not recommend Tom enough.Every time someone has complemented me on my hair, I don't mention the products, I mention the haircut! I have recommended so many people to Tom and I really …More
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Excellent cut, every time. Always just a little bit different, addressing my needs /wants for the season. Calm, quiet, professional salon. Thank you Tom.
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