I was disappointed with my recent visit to Cognito. The welcome was quite cold, and when I arrived (with only one other customer present), I was simply told to go downstairs via a steep staircase. There was no mention of this staircase on the website—if there had been, I wouldn’t have booked, as I have balance issues. This lack of information made the experience feel not very inclusive or disability-friendly.

Once downstairs, the hairdresser was polite and did offer me a drink, which I appreciated. However, he asked if I wanted a pixie cut, and when I said no, he told me I’d booked the wrong service—even though the “Ladies Short Haircut” description clearly says it’s for maintaining any short style, not just pixie cuts. He insisted the correct service would have been “Ladies Cut & Blow Dry,” but this was confusing and not explained anywhere online.

Throughout the appointment, the hairdresser remained very unengaged and cold. I tried to explain what I wanted—shorter at the back, a bit longer on one side, layers for volume, and defined curls rather than frizz—but I didn’t feel listened to. The result was not what I’d hoped for, and the whole experience felt rushed and impersonal.

At the end, I was charged £66 (the price for the short haircut plus a £2 “green eco fee”). I don’t mind supporting eco initiatives, but I would have appreciated being asked before being charged.

Overall, I left feeling very disappointed. I wouldn’t return, nor would I recommend Cognito, especially to anyone with accessibility needs or looking for a welcoming, attentive experience. Now I need to find another hairdresser to fix my haircut.

Time with Shareefa is always well-spent 😊 She is so kind, warm, friendly and professional. I love the way she continually explains exactly what she is doing to my hair. The cut and colour are great and I’ve already had compliments. Thank you!

Anu did an amazing job! Finally found a hair salon for my type of hair in London.

Just had my first haircut with Anu but will definitely be a regular. Could not recommend more. Can’t wait to be back!

My first visit which was recommended by a friend was absolutely amazing. Friendly staff in a clean environment. Anu did a great blowout tong and trimmed my ends which soooo needed it. She's very knowledgeable and she gave me some good tips. Highly recommended

Any is friendly & professional in her approach. Always talks through how my hair has been, what I like & what I’m looking for.

Shareefa was brilliant professional.understanding patient child friendly will be back

Truly exceptional, I experienced a sensation akin to being in a hair spa. The stylist who attended to my hair was both gentle and highly informative. I was kept informed about the processes occurring with my hair. The final outcome was outstanding.

Anu was fabulous. So attentive and kind. She made me feel very comfortable and relaxed - exactly what I needed. I absolutely love my new haircut it’s what I wanted and more!

Anu was welcoming and very informative. Anu took the time to answer all my questions regarding my hair, the care it needed, and the products you sell. She made me feel very comfortable, cared for and tended to. She took her time when detangling my hair, washing it and styling. I will most definitely be back and highly recommend this salon and Anu.

I have been going to Shareefa at Cognito for many years and she never fails to deliver! The whole experience is so lovely as both herself and Anu are so attentive and she is an amazing hairdresser. Thank you Shareefa, even though I’m no longer living in Earlsfield, I will always travel back to see you as you do such an amazing job with my hair!

Shareefa has saved my curly hair, the best haircut I’ve ever had. Not only that but I felt comfortable, looked after and the salon is a lovely space. Will definitely only come to Cognito for my haircuts from now on!

I’ve been using Cognito for nearly a year and it’s great on so many levels- i am always very happy with my colour/ cut/ blow dry. Shareefa really listens to what you want and delivers, and gives you tips and advice on how to maintain the look. Anu is great too. The atmosphere is very serene, friendly and welcoming.

Althought I am sure it is done with their best intention, the client wishes should be followed.

I specifically asked for my hair to be blow dried straight as this would match the outfit I was planning to wear. When finished the hairdresser specifically said ‘I know it is not what you asked for but this is better’.

I cant believe my opinion was completely dismissed and I cant believe the message I got after writting this review is that I have communication problems.

I think everyone can be dissatisfied and express an opinion.

(Posted after the reply) Ray is my maiden name. My appointment was on 10th may so if you find a Lucy at 3.45 is was me. I loved my hair cut, loved the staff in the shop and want to avoid big chains. The reason for the missing star is that my appt was at 3.45, I was called to change it to 4.15, I then sat and waited till 4.45 to be seen. Hope that answers your questions

True professionals at work...

This was a first for us but definitely not the last! A true hidden gem of the heart of the Earlsfield community. I would highly recommend this establishment to all - due to the personal level of attention, quality advice and high customer service towards each client. The owner (Shareefa) deserves 5* and hopefully a franchise is in the pipeline!

Went in for a haircut with Anu and can I say she did an absolutely amazing job, listened to everything I wanted, asked me questions so she understood what I wanted and she did exactly that. Extremely happy with my results and I will be a returning customer! Thanks Anu 🙂

Anu take great care of my hair!! She managed to even out a terrible haircut done by a different salon and I received lots of compliments of my new hair 😄 thanks a lot Anu!

Anu was fantastic! Can't wait to be back

Amazing experience overall! The atmosphere is very welcoming and I was able to get exactly what I asked for thanks to Shareefa’s lovely recommendations and experience. I look forward to coming back.

Cognito is a friendly and relaxing salon. Shareefa and Anu are so welcoming. They are both very knowledgeable, excellent professionals, making you feel relaxed and confident that you are getting the best haircut/hair treatment. And we love the ethos behind the business: sustainability and love to your hair, pocket and planet.

Anu was brilliant! V knowledgeable and took her time to explain why or why not certain cuts would or wouldn't work well for my hair. She also explained post hair care routine very well. My hair turned out amazing, super pleased with it! Would definitely come back and 100% recommend!

Another wonderful experience with Anu!

Anu was really lovely today. Her service was superb, she gave some great recommendations and made my hair look fresh and healthy again! Thank you!

Very friendly and intimate atmosphere.

Great haircut and a lovely experience. They even looking after my son and gave him a hot chocolate! Always appreciate Shareefa’s amazing advice too - both hair care & styling ☺️

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cognito, and I am absolutely thrilled with the experience! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, professional, and stylish. The staff truly goes above and beyond to make you feel at home, and the attention to detail is unmatched.

I had the privilege of being styled by Shareefa, the lead hairstylist, and she is nothing short of amazing. Shareefa took the time to listen to what I wanted and provided expert advice based on my hair type and personal preferences. Her skill and expertise were evident throughout the entire process. She is not only incredibly talented but she also has a true passion for making her clients look and feel their best.

The results were fantastic and my hair has never looked healthier or more vibrant. I left the salon feeling rejuvenated and confident.

If you’re looking for a top-notch salon experience with exceptional service, Cognito is the place to go. I highly recommend Shareefa and will definitely be returning for future appointments!

Thank you so much for doing such a great job at sorting out what was a train wreck of a haircut! Will see you again soon x

Shareefa was great, listened to what I wanted, made recommendations and explained what she was doing and why, as well as how to use products.

The salon was very welcoming and clean and tidy. I won’t hesitate to come back!

My second visit to Cognito hair and this time for a colour treatment. Shareefa was knowledgeable and answered any questions I had before starting the treatment. Throughout I felt comfortable and was beyond thrilled with the final result! Am actually looking forward to my next visit . Highly recommended or as Bethanny Frankel says ... 'Don't walk .. RUN'

Such a lovely experience and a fantastic cut and colour. Shareefa was so professional and brilliant and understanding what I wanted when I wasn’t really sure myself! She gave excellent advice and I absolutely love my cut and colour. I will definitely be returning!

One of the best haircuts I have had! Hair feels so great and Shareefa was so welcoming - have already booked my next appointment for 2025!

So lovely and professional…and I love my hair!

We were seen by Anu to have the Nanokeratin Refortify system done. She was brilliant. Nice and professional. Everything went smoothly, not only the hair 🙂 After the treatment, she explained in detail the aftercare routine. Great results, great service.

This was my first visit to Cognito this afternoon after a recommendation from my daughter. Shareefa highlighted my hair and I am delighted with it and Anu gave me a great cut and blow dry. Thank you! I now feel human again!

Great hairdresser, very pleasant environment and extremely welcoming !

Anu was excellent. Welcoming, knowledgable and really helpful, I’ll be back!

I love my new haircut thank you very much.

WOW is all I can say. After 7 years of long light hair with Shareefa and being terrified of change, we finally bit the bullet and went short and dark and I am OBSESSED. Better than I expected, I love it - thanks so much Shareefa!

As per usual Shareefa did a perfect cut & blow dry on my hair, so professional & charming.

Couldn’t recommend Cognito hair more! Shareefa is so friendly and talented! I’m so happy with my hair