Darren Kwik Studio

*Note* This place is listed under two different names: Cheveux and Darren Kwik — they are the same Salon. Check out «Cheveux» on Unilocal for more reviews about this salon.
This review is VERY overdue as I went to this salon back on April 8^th 2015. When I saw their lack of reviews on here I just needed to write one!
I was looking for a last minute appointment for that date, after work and I knew it was a long shot. I wanted something less expensive and wanted to try a new salon. I looked for some groupon-​type deals online but could not find any with availability on that day… until I found a great Living Social deal for Cheveux (Wash, Haircut. Full Color, Scalp Massage & Style for $ 77)! They were able to book me in right away with no problems! I ended up arriving a bit late due to TTC problems, so I waited awhile but that was my own fault. I was certainly happy that my stylist was ok with taking me after her current client!
Once my appointment started my stylist (Ashley) made me feel so comfortable and was extremely attentive. I could tell she really wanted me to leave with the hair style and colour I wanted. The fact that I was using a coupon did not change my experience or her attitude towards me. Besides her work on my hair, Ashley was an incredible person to meet. She was so positive and friendly and she shared great tips about the city and life in general! I felt like I left with a new friend!
I am glad I waited to write this review because I can now say that over 2 months later my hair colour (red) has only faded a bit, and much less than any other time I have dyed it red. As well, I was having issue with dry hair and scalp and have since been using the Perfect Hair Day that Ashley recommended. There is a huge difference in both my hair and scalp and it is nice to know that the product actually did what she said it would! I also got a nice little «after 5:00» treat while my hair colour was processing, very unexpected and a nice touch to make my appointment even more relaxing.
I usually look for a deal online when I need to get my hair done and I often try new salons, but after my experience at Cheveux (Darren Kwik) I won’t be going anywhere else! This place (and Ashley) are worth the full cost. This is hands down the best experience I have had at a salon! See you once my roots grow in, Ashley! :)

My second time going to Darren Kwik and I am writing this review because When I looked them up, I couldn’t believe they only had 2 reviews so far. To start, everyone is extremely nice and accommodating. Darren is an awesome stylist, as I have seen his customers walk out the door with amazing style. Ashleigh (who couldn’t be nicer) does my hair and right from the start, she knew exactly what kind of hair I have (dry and frizzy) and tailored the cut to work with my hair type as well as taught me how to do it at home on my own. I am 40 years old, and It’s the best hair style I have ever had.
Lastly, it is totally affordable!!! These guys love what they do — And it shows.

I know some people think of going to the hairdresser as a kind of treat/​spa session. They see it as a pampering, relaxing experience. Me? I’d have root canals without anaesthetic more willingly usually. I have hairdresser phobia. I found a good hairdresser at home and refused to go to anyone else, even when I moved 150 miles away. An addiction to Tabatha’s Salon Takeover took my phobia to new levels. Basically, it’s hard for a hairdresser to impress me.
I bought a Living Social coupon for a cut price cut, scalp treatment and blow dry at Darren Kwik’s salon. I decided to take a chance on using it-​despite my fear of places without personal recommendations or multiple Unilocal reviews. I hate having to phone so decided to try emailing about getting an appointment, fully expecting to hear nothing. I was shocked and thrilled to get a speedy response and a time slot on the day I wanted! It was so efficient and easy.
Anyway, I kind of feel sorry for Darren and the challenge he faced on Saturday when I arrived into him. I’d been to the gym so my hair was a mixture of damp and frizzy and dragged into a ponytail. I’d thrown on shorts and a t-​shirt after the gym so to say I looked «casual» is to put it kindly. I left home too late so ended up jogging along a good bit of Queen West to his salon just slightly west of Trinity Bellwoods. He was therefore landed with a glowing, scruffy, frizzy haired mess expecting him to make me pretty!
He rose to the occasion with not the slightest bother and was as calm as I was flustered. His consultation was unhurried and really excellent. I think he’s the first stylist I have ever had who immediately worked from the fact that my hair is naturally curly/​wavy and that I’d want a cut that would suit it curly or straight. He talked about cutting layers to frame my face. I asked him to try to keep the length in my hair. He solved my query about why my hair felt so thin by pointing out how thin the longest layers had been cut previously. He somehow managed not to be derogatory even when I told him it was ratty/​wispy/​terrible! He didn’t even scold me for colouring my own hair-​he just gave advice on how to minimise damage.
I liked that the salon is small (just 4 stations) and cosy. It felt so calm and relaxing in there. Everything was spotless and comfortable.
He washed my hair himself and gave me what was hands down the best scalp massage I’ve had in years and years. I thought I was going to fall asleep on the chair! We then settled into the main business of cutting. He was reasonably quick-​but in an experienced way, not in a rushing through it way. His version of taking an inch off the ends was more like 3 inches… but to be honest I think it needed it. I do wonder if a hairdresser’s inch is a special measurement like a baker’s dozen though. I don’t think I’ve ever had an actual inch cut off! He chatted away a little while he was cutting but would have let me stay quiet if I wanted I think. I sipped my coffee happily as he worked away.
When it came to drying my hair, he asked what look we were going for and I blurted out «partyish» because I was actually going to a party that night. He somehow managed to know exactly what I wanted and gave me a flicky look with movement and volume! I swanned out the door with a new spring in my step and my hair looks much thicker and healthier after him. He gave tons of advice on hair care without once pushing any particular product. It was a pleasant experience and I gave the cut its real test this morning when it was time to dry it myself. It went well! It was much more manageable than before and he actually managed to keep a lot of the length. I may have found my Toronto hairdresser!

I checked this place out because I had a Groupon/​Dealfind/​similar coupon, and was really impressed! I can’t believe no one else has reviewed it yet! I’m not sure if it’s a new business. Anyway it’s your regular salon, quite small (only 3 – 4 chairs), regular pricing ($ 50+ for women’s hair cut). But I really liked this place because the guy at the front (maybe Darren?) was friendly and offered me coffee right away (this is a nice touch at hair salons, I can honestly say I really appreciate it!), and the woman who cut my hair, Johanne, was awesome. Not only was she sweet and friendly, and had great hair herself, but she gave me a hair cut that I LOVED. This is rare for me, I always get the same hair cut… my hair is basic, long and layered, I don’t like to blow dry it, so my hair cuts always look the same. But Johanne taught me some things about my hair, for ex she used some texturizing or something tool to thin out the top, and anyway, whatever she did, it looks great! I will be coming back for sure.