Mat & Max

A lot of things in life are difficult, particle physics and so on, but in my experience, nothing compares to the pain of trying to do your coloration at home. Of course there are box dyes, but if you want to get serious, you need the real tubed stuff. And now the nightmare begins. Where to find the elusive salon exclusive dyes? In salons? Definitely not, they are for «professional use». Shops won’t carry them. Heavens forbid you want to be a blonde, you’ll need toner! Aaaah! The more you ask, the less you’ll find. What you will encounter though are snarky hairdressers and holier-​than-​thou salespeople. You want to do your haircolour at home?! AH!
In rebellion, you can go to Matandmax. The new shop on St-​Denis caused some concerns when it opened: it’s chock-​full of everything you might need for your DIY hair-​projects: from dye, to extensions, to professional salon haircare. I was just dazzled, Matrix, Biolage, and on, and on… They even have permanent unnatural dyes: bright reds, navy blue, purple etc. so you won’t have to blow money on Manic Panic anymore, and your pillow sheets will remain intact. For reference, a tube of dye is around 8 $. Very reasonable considering the hassle it is to find one. The sales lady used to be a hairdresser and can instruct you on how to get a new do, step by step! I far as I know that’s pretty unheard of. I’ve noticed a little haircutting booth, so I suppose they are ready to fix a color/​cut mess, should worse come to worse.