The Best Hair Salons in Toronto

No.1

Shop• Downtown

Tony Shamas Hair Salon

“Ask for their signature blonde highlights; their master colourist Tony Shamas has over 30 years of experience.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Located on the northeast corner of Jarvis and Adelaide, Tony Shamas Hair Salon has established itself as a reliable staple in the downtown core. With over 30 years of experience, Tony Shamas brings a global perspective to his craft, having lived in various countries before settling in Canada and opening this salon. The space itself is designed to feel like a retreat from the surrounding city bustle, offering a cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere where clients are often greeted with genuine hospitality—and sometimes even a chai latte. While the salon offers a full range of hair services, it is widely recognized for its expertise in blonde highlights, balayage, and lived-in colour techniques, backed by a team of stylists who prioritize personalized consultations to ensure the final look aligns with your specific hair type and lifestyle. If you are a first-timer, book a consultation to discuss your vision; the stylists here are known for being honest about what will work for your hair and face shape. The salon operates strictly by appointment, so do not expect to walk in for a service. Prices are competitive for the downtown area, reflecting the professional, high-end experience provided. It is worth noting that they also offer laser hair removal services, making it a versatile stop for beauty maintenance. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, with extended evening hours Tuesday through Friday, which is convenient for post-work appointments. Parking can be tricky in this part of downtown, so check the nearby public lots or the Holiday Inn Express across the street before your visit.

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No.2

Shop• North York

Calia Hair

“Experience their personalized styling for the entire family, as they pride themselves on making every haircut a masterpiece.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in May 2000 by Peter and Luisa Ciardulli, Calia Hair has become a staple of the Yonge Lawrence Village neighbourhood. The name itself is a heartfelt nod to their children, Luca and Julia, setting the tone for a salon that feels deeply rooted in community and family values. Over the last two decades, the team has cultivated a welcoming, professional atmosphere that balances high-end expertise with a genuine, down-to-earth vibe. They are widely recognized for their consistency, having secured the People’s Choice Award for Best Hair Salon in 2023, 2024, and 2025, which speaks volumes about the loyalty they have built among local residents who return year after year for reliable, quality service. If you are a first-timer, book a consultation to discuss a precision cut or one of their signature vibrant colour transformations; the stylists are excellent at tailoring looks to your specific hair type and lifestyle. The salon offers a full suite of services, including balayage, extensions, and specialized treatments, and they even have their own line of products if you want to maintain the look at home. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, with late-evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, making it convenient for those with busy work schedules. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for technical services like highlights or corrective colour, which require a credit card to secure. Keep in mind that they have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy, so be sure to plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected charges.

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No.3

Shop• Queen West

THIC Studio

“Indulge in their dry cutting service for a personalized approach that enhances your natural movement and texture.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on Mitchell Avenue, just off the bustling Queen West strip, THIC Studio feels like a serene, sun-drenched escape from the city’s typical salon chaos. Founded by veteran hairstylist Morgan Tully—the force behind the cult-favourite THIC Hair Oil—this space was designed to break the mold of the traditional, hectic salon environment. The aesthetic is distinctly European-inspired, featuring airy white walls, elegant arches, lush greenery, and skylights that flood the space with natural light. It’s more than just a place for a cut; the studio doubles as a chic, light-filled photography space, encouraging clients to feel empowered and creative after their transformation. The vibe is sophisticated yet incredibly welcoming, making it easy to see why it has become a go-to for Toronto’s top content creators and creatives. For a first-timer, the "Full Haircut Experience" is the gold standard, offering a comprehensive service that includes a wash, scalp massage, and expert styling. The team is highly regarded for their signature dry-cutting technique and their focus on lived-in, natural-looking colour that prioritizes long-term hair health over quick, damaging trends. Appointments are essential as the studio operates on an exclusive, by-appointment-only basis, so plan ahead. Prices reflect the premium, elevated experience, with haircuts starting around $120. While Morgan Tully herself is no longer accepting new clients, her hand-picked team of master stylists and colourists are exceptionally talented and well-versed in the studio’s philosophy. It’s a polished, professional environment where you’ll leave feeling genuinely refreshed.

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No.4

Shop• Midtown

Jason Lee Salon

“Book ahead for a cut with Jason Lee himself, whose expertise in creating effortlessly chic styles is highly sought after.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Jason Lee Salon brings a sophisticated, downtown-style aesthetic to the heart of Midtown. Founded by celebrity hairstylist and colourist Jason Lee, the salon has cultivated a reputation among Toronto’s beauty insiders for its precise, lightweight, and effortlessly wearable cuts. The atmosphere is intentionally curated to be a calm, subdued escape from the typical high-energy salon bustle; it is a space where you can actually relax while your stylist works. The team is handpicked by Lee, ensuring a consistent level of technical skill and a welcoming, high-end experience that feels personal rather than corporate. This is a by-appointment-only destination, so planning ahead is essential, especially if you are hoping to book with Jason himself. Expect premium pricing that reflects the expertise and the elevated service level. If you are a first-timer, lean into their signature balayage or a precision cut that emphasizes natural movement. While you are there, keep an eye out for their Mela & Kera haircare line; the Blowout Creme is a standout product if you want to maintain that salon-fresh finish at home. The salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so aim for a mid-week appointment if you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience.

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No.5

Shop• Dundas West

August Salon

“If you're looking for a sharp, modern bob or an angular cut, Aliza Esmail's precision is unparalleled.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on the second floor of a building on Gladstone Avenue, August Salon feels like a well-kept secret in the heart of Dundas West. Founded by Aliza Esmail, who brought back a wealth of technical expertise from her time with Vidal Sassoon in London and Los Angeles, the space is defined by an education-forward approach and a calm, professional atmosphere. It is the kind of place where the focus is entirely on the craft of haircutting; you won't find unnecessary bells and whistles here, just a team that is deeply committed to precision. They are widely recognized for their mastery of angular cuts and impeccably executed, chin-length chops that manage to look sharp and intentional across every hair texture. If you are a first-timer, go in with an open mind and trust their expertise, especially if you are looking for a structural change or a classic bob. The pricing reflects the high level of skill and experience of the stylists, so expect to pay a premium for the quality of the work. Appointments are essential and often book up well in advance, so plan accordingly rather than trying to walk in. The salon exclusively uses Davines products, which speaks to their commitment to quality care. It is a quiet, focused environment, making it an ideal spot if you prefer a low-key, personalized experience over the high-energy buzz of larger, trend-chasing salons.

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No.6

Shop• Queen West

The Cabinet Salon

“Appreciate their commitment to sustainability as a Green Circle certified salon, recovering up to 95% of their beauty waste.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2009 by best friends and stylists Alex and Emma, The Cabinet Salon has cemented itself as a staple of the Queen West beauty scene. Tucked away on the second floor of a historic 19th-century building at the corner of Queen and Portland, the space feels more like a relaxed, curated studio than a high-pressure salon. With its dark wood floors, antique furniture, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer prime people-watching over the bustling street below, the atmosphere is intentionally unfussy and welcoming. The team is known for their technical precision and creative approach, specializing in everything from expert cuts and balayage to keratin treatments, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability as a certified Green Circle Salon. For a first-timer, the most important thing to know is that they operate on a transparent, hourly, gender-neutral, and gratuity-free pricing model, which removes the awkwardness of calculating tips at the end of your session. Stylists’ rates range from $90 to $130 per hour depending on experience, and because they book by the hour rather than by the service, you get their undivided attention without feeling rushed. If you are unsure what to book, use their online stylist matchmaker quiz or reach out via email for guidance. Appointments are essential and should be booked well in advance, especially for colour services. Remember that the entrance is located on Portland Street, not directly on Queen, and they have a strict cancellation policy, so be sure to plan accordingly.

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No.7

Shop• Cityplace

Evolve Hair Studio

“Indulge in their range of high-quality products like KEVIN.MURPHY and Redken Shades EQ, ensuring your hair's health and beauty are enhanced.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2012 by Jody and Sonia, Evolve Hair Studio has become a staple in the Cityplace neighbourhood by prioritizing a culture of respect, sustainability, and genuine craft over conventional salon prestige. The space itself is a bright, modern two-level studio with soaring ceilings and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that feels far removed from the typical high-pressure downtown salon environment. It is the kind of place where the team focuses on leadership and balance, creating a creative hub where you don't feel like just another appointment on a busy schedule. They are well-regarded for their technical mastery, particularly in advanced colour techniques, lived-in blondes, and precision cutting, making it a reliable choice for those looking for a thoughtful, long-term approach to their hair health. When booking your first visit, it is worth noting that they emphasize financial transparency, so don't hesitate to ask for a clear breakdown of costs during your consultation. They are highly skilled in extensions and bridal styling, but their daily strength lies in creating natural, low-maintenance looks that you can actually manage at home. The salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays, with evening hours available Tuesday through Friday, which is perfect for working professionals in the area. Reservations are essential, and given their popularity with the local urban crowd, it is best to book well in advance. They are deeply committed to eco-conscious practices, so expect a professional experience that aligns with modern, sustainable values.

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No.8

Shop• North York

N15 Hair Salon

“Experience the difference of Japanese precision cutting and a relaxing Shiatsu massage during your visit.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2015 by master stylist Hiroki Sugita, who honed his craft in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, N15 Hair Salon brings an authentic, high-precision approach to Toronto’s hair scene. This North York location, situated conveniently within the Yonge Sheppard Centre, reflects the brand’s commitment to Japanese hair care technology and meticulous technique. The atmosphere is intentionally unpretentious and community-focused, moving away from the stiff, overly formal vibe found in some high-end salons. Instead, you get a space that feels honest and welcoming, where the team prioritizes hair health and personalized results over quick fixes. It is a go-to spot for those who appreciate the technical rigor of Japanese styling, particularly for those seeking specialized treatments that require a delicate, expert touch. If you are a first-timer, lean into their strengths: the digital perms and permanent hair straightening are widely regarded as some of the best in the city, utilizing advanced Japanese products that minimize damage. Their precision cutting is also excellent for maintaining shape and texture over time. Prices are reflective of the specialized expertise and premium imported products, so expect to pay a fair market rate for quality work. Reservations are essential, as their stylists are in high demand, and it is best to book online through their website well in advance. The salon is located on the main floor of the mall, just a couple of doors down from Winners, making it an easy stop if you are already in the Sheppard-Yonge area.

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