Cathy MerrittIt’s always fun to see how new trends pop up, especially when it comes to hairstyles. There’s something exciting about trying a fresh cut or colour and stepping out with a look that feels completely new.
I like to keep up with what’s hot, so I often find myself in the salon chair, ready to show off a style that feels confident. Luckily, I already have go-to spots that never let me down, and that’s why I put together this list of the best hair salons in Toronto.
And if you’re curious about popular Korean hairstyles, I’ve also created a list of top Korean hair salons in Toronto to help you find the perfect match.
How much does a visit to a hair salon cost in Toronto?
The cost of visiting a hair salon in Toronto depends on the service, stylist experience, and salon location. A basic haircut usually costs around $80, colour services average about $110, and specialized treatments such as balayage can be closer to $200.
How We Chose
1. Urban Hair Spa Salon
Services offered: Nanoplastia Treatment, Curly Hair Specialist Services, Hair Spa Treatments, Hair Coloring, Texture Treatments, Organic Hair Care, Hairstyling, Hair Consultations
Company Address: 200A Carlton St, Toronto ON M5A 2L1
Phone Number: Cell: 647-995-5467, Work: 647-438-8115
Business Hours:
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: By appointment only
- Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Urban Hair Spa Salon stands out as a specialty salon that focuses on hair health, texture improvement, and personalized beauty care. Their branding around nanoplastia and curly hair expertise gives the salon a more specialized identity compared to traditional neighborhood salons.
The salon appears highly focused on helping clients achieve smoother, healthier, and more manageable hair through customized treatments. Their use of organic products also adds appeal for clients who prefer gentler hair care solutions with less emphasis on harsh chemicals.
One of the strongest aspects of the salon is its specialization in curly hair services and advanced smoothing treatments. Clients with textured, frizzy, or difficult-to-manage hair may appreciate working with a stylist who understands hair structure and long-term maintenance.
Urban Hair Cabbagetown creates a boutique-style atmosphere that feels more personal and relaxed than larger commercial salons. This smaller-scale environment may allow clients to receive more attentive consultations and individualized recommendations.
The salon’s messaging places strong emphasis on supporting clients throughout their hair journey instead of simply offering standard salon appointments. This approach can make the experience feel more collaborative and service-oriented for returning customers.
Urban Hair Spa Salon may especially appeal to clients searching for modern hair treatments designed to improve softness, shine, and texture. Their focus on quality products and tailored care helps position the salon as a destination for hair transformation services rather than quick routine cuts alone.
While the salon may not have the extensive branding or wide-ranging service menus of major salon chains, its niche specialization works in its favor. Clients looking for customized hair care, curly hair expertise, and organic treatment options are likely to find the salon a worthwhile choice.
Nano was fantastic!
“Booking an appointment was fast and easy. Nano was fantastic! she took great care of my hair and scalp, and the results were amazing! My head feels so much lighter and refreshed after the treatment. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for quality hair care!”
–Tahera Sudha, Google Review
She’s talented, attentive, and genuinely cares.
“Nano is truly great at what she does. Not only does she provide top-notch service, but she also goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are happy and comfortable. I recently got my hair coloured with her, and the results came out even better than I expected. She’s talented, attentive, and genuinely cares. I couldn’t recommend her more!”
– Sonali Karanjkar, Google Review
2. Studio Fontana
Services offered: Haircuts, blow-dry, colouring, highlights, balayage, hair extensions, and more
Address: 400 Wellington St W #3
Phone number: +1 416-921-9888
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
I’ve been going to Studio Fontana for a while now, and it has become my go-to spot when I want more than just a haircut. This place feels like a mix of salon and creative studio, since they tie in fashion and photography with hair.
I’ve tried their free hand colour, and it really does give a softer blend compared to foils. They also offer Creative Vivids that look incredible if you’re into bold shades!
But what really drew me in is their colour analysis sessions. They’re surprisingly thorough and helped me figure out which tones suit me best.
I also like their Model for a Day experience, which includes full styling and a photo shoot. It’s fun if you want to show off a new look online!
The few drawbacks are that they’re pricier than many salons and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Stylists are very talented and up to date on the newest trends in the industry
“I’ve been a satisfied client at Studio Fontana for almost 20 years and I couldn’t imagine getting my hair done anywhere else. The staff is always very pleasant and the stylists are very talented and up to date on the newest trends in the industry. Francisco is an extremely skilled stylist and I am always very happy with my hair. The atmosphere is very creative, energetic and friendly which is also something unique. It’s definitely an experience getting your hair done here!”
-Patrycja Goral, Google Reviews
This haircut experience was exceptional!
“Ernesto is the absolute best! The haircut king should be his legal name. He is attentive and listens to you. This haircut experience was exceptional! The stylist showcased undeniable talent, meticulously attending to my needs, ensuring every snip framed my face perfectly. It’s rare to find such attentive service that leaves you feeling both pampered and polished. Highly recommend!”
-Maria Doktorovitz, Google Reviews
3. Hair by Banks & Co.
Services offered: Balayage, precision cuts, custom colours, hair extensions, bridal styling, express foils, and more
Address: 783 Queen St W F2
Phone number: +1 416-997-0031
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON)
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
It’s always a bit surprising when a salon goes beyond the usual cutting and styling, but Hair by Banks & Co. really does! Founded by Brittney Banks in 2016, this salon brings a social twist with its Happy Hour, where you can sip cocktails at their bar while your hair processes.
Their services include balayage, cuts, bridal styling, and express foils if you want a quick refresh. Hair Botox is another highlight, since it smooths and strengthens your hair while keeping curls intact.
It’s good that they offer free consultations to make it easier for clients to figure out what they need before committing.
On the flip side, prices are higher than the average Toronto salon. It can also be frustrating when appointments get cancelled at the last minute.
There is no one else I trust with my hair
“There is no one else I trust with my hair.
I have been a client of Gillian’s for 5 years and have followed her wherever she goes because I know I’ll receive top-notch service and walk out feeling fabulous.
She seamlessly combines her knowledge with her artistic flair, leaving me thrilled with the results after each visit. Her warm and welcoming personality matched with the awesome atmosphere at Hair by Banks makes it feel more like a visit than an appointment.
I highly recommend her!”
-Sarah Hunt, Google Reviews
I won’t go anywhere but Hair By Banks for my color, cut and style needs!
“I won’t go anywhere but Hair By Banks for my color, cut and style needs! I’ve been working with Tiff since 2017 and she’s done a beautiful job helping me achieve the balayage hair of my dreams. She’s also the only stylist I’ve been to that cuts my hair in a way that I’m happy to let it air dry.
Because of their skill, I worked with Hair by Banks for my wedding. I loved the work that Tiff and Lea did for all 9 women, ranging in age from 6 to over 60! I especially love the classic glam look that Tiff helped me achieve. I cannot recommend HBB enough for your everyday and special occasion hair needs!”
-Tori Becker, Google Reviews
4. Fifteen Twelve Salon
Services offered: Haircuts, balayage, vivid colour transformations, extensions, keratin smoothing treatments, and more
Address: 1512 Dundas St W
Phone number: +1 416-792-1558
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (TUES)
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (WED-FRI)
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (SAT)
Fifteen Twelve Salon is a place I appreciate for its effort to be inclusive and welcoming. They use genderless pricing, so everyone pays the same regardless of identity, which feels fair.
Their services cover haircuts, balayage, extensions, and even a beauty clinic that offers fillers and skin treatments. They also provide keratin smoothing treatments that make hair easier to manage day-to-day.
But what stood out most to me were their repairing treatments, including chelating and thickening options. These are designed to strip away harmful minerals and restore hair to a healthier state.
I also like that they include free Olaplex with all blonding services, which is a nice touch.
Still, while I support their genderless pricing, the hourly rate for colour can feel unpredictable if you prefer knowing costs upfront. They also book up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
They are the best in the city
“Love Fifteen Twelve so much everyone is so warm and welcoming. I would highly, highly recommend Nick Lovelock, they have managed to transform my hair into something people give me compliments on whereas in the past I’ve only ever been given unsolicited advice. If you’ve got fine hair and are nervous about extensions please go see Nick, they are the best in the city, they will take care of you! Thank god I’ve found you!”
-Amanta S, Google Reviews
Everything about their work exceeded my expectations
“I had the most amazing experience at Fifteen Twelve. From the moment I walked in everybody was so warm and welcoming and the space was beautiful.
I got balayage done with Nick Lovelock and I couldn’t be happier. They were absolutely incredible and everything about their work exceeded my expectations. I have never been happier with my colour! I will definitely be going back to Nick at fifteen twelve for all my future hair needs! Cannot recommend Fifteen Twelve enough!!”
-Alexandra Custeau, Google Reviews
5. Evolve Hair Studio
Services offered: Haircuts, colouring, balayage, extensions, bridal styling, and more
Address: 40 Fort York Blvd
Phone number: +1 647-345-7049
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
Another hair salon I often visit these days is Evolve Hair Studio. I like going there because they’re eco-conscious. It feels good knowing I’m supporting a business that cares about the environment.
They’re partnered with Green Circle Salons, which means most of their waste is recycled and repurposed. They also stick to eco-friendly brands for their services, including KEVIN.MURPHY and Innersense.
Their services cover haircuts, colour, extensions, and more. I especially enjoy their signature packages, since they let me try several treatments for one set price.
I also appreciate their satisfaction guarantee, which allows free adjustments within two weeks if you’re not happy with the result. Their referral programme is another nice perk for anyone who wants to earn discounts by bringing in friends.
However, they charge a $4 green fee, and they require a credit card to secure bookings.
Have always had an incredible experience from beginning to end!
“I have been coming to Evolve for the past 5 years and have always had an incredible experience from beginning to end! The staff at the front desk are always so warm and friendly, making you feel like one of their friends coming over to hang out, and offer you a drink when you come in. The stylists are amazing!! I have worked with both Carolyn and Suzy – they always listen to my vision, offer helpful suggestions and give me the best hairstyles!”
-Ailey Roberts, Google Reviews
I had a life-changing haircut at Evolve Hair Studio and I couldn’t be happier!
“I had a life-changing haircut at Evolve Hair Studio and I couldn’t be happier! After having long hair for years, I decided to go for a bob and Sarah absolutely nailed it. The cut is flattering, fresh, and just perfect. I’ve never felt more confident with a new look!
The studio itself is also a dream, with a calm ambiance and the kindest people. Everything is so clean, organized, and thoughtfully arranged. You can really feel the care they put into every detail.
I’ll definitely be coming back💕”
-Mikaela Pavon, Google Reviews
6. The Cellar Salon
Services offered: Haircuts, balayage, highlights, colour correction, blowouts, hair extensions, and more
Address: 559 Parliament St
Phone number: +1 416-925-3292
Business hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SAT)
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN)
If you’re looking to save some money on your first visit, The Cellar Salon is worth a look. They offer some solid discounts for new clients, including 40% off balayage and 20% off root touch-ups.
One feature I found interesting is their silent service. It’s a nice option if you prefer to avoid small talk during your appointment. They also have a private room for anyone who values discretion, whether for personal comfort or religious reasons.
It’s worth noting that they run a referral programme as well, so you can earn extra discounts for every successful referral.
That said, I’m disappointed to hear that they sometimes cancel appointments at the last minute. They also sometimes fail to respond to calls and emails.
Will make your hairstyle dreams a reality
“My stylist is Camille and she’s amazing! She has innovative ideas about colour and cuts and will make your hairstyle dreams a reality. She has been so welcoming and understanding and I routinely see her for a platinum blonde root touch-up. I have quite dark natural hair and she has been able to give me platinum hair that is healthy and strong. I highly recommend booking with Camille!”
-Kate Gendron, Google Reviews
Best haircut of my life
“Had the best experience of my life. Being a retired hairdresser myself I never have had anyone pamper me for a long time. I usually end up trimming my own hair. After having some bad experiences at other salons with butchered hair cuts. My husband surprised me and made a hair appointment with Aaron. Best haircut in my life. Aaron was also so much fun to chat with.”
-Debbie Taylor, Google Reviews
