Donato Salon + Spa

I am a regular to Donato and loved my experiences with my stylist (Michelle J) and colourist (Francis). There was an issue with my colour lifting to bleached orange only 13 days after I got Elumen done– which isn’t supposed to fade like regular colour. I have done this with REDS and those are the hardest to keep but I managed fine. This time around, I went violet, no issue to put on but my hair didn’t take and had to be re-​done 2 x. I was «finished» by an apprentice and I feel that she forgot to «lock» the colour. I called in to complain and seek to have it remedied. The receptionist was unbelievably rude and dismissed me with, let me speak to my manager. She phoned me back the next day to leave a message that said, Violet fades so that is what you have to deal with when you choose those shades. — I couldn’t believe the snotty tone or the rude retort. Elumen is not meant to fade especially not after 13 days! The brand needs to work on their customer service!

Been here a few times, only because is so convinient, definately NOT the hair cuts or the color/​highlights. I’ve tried almost all of them but really BIG disapointment .
I now just take the extra time and go eslewhere, too bad really because John Donato is a great stylist, he used to cut my hare years ago at the Yorkdale shop but his price now it’s just too high $ 200 !!! .Too bad he doesn’t take the time to train his staff and also a few lessons in customer service will definately help this place.

I’ve been here a couple times, three times for my hair and twice for facials.
Hair — honestly, you could get the same cut anywhere else, nothing special.
Facial — I’ve gotten two here. The first one was with a girl who is no longer there, but, it was amazing. The recent one I got was horrible. Steamed for over 40 minutes, which is unheard of. Felt like I was going to suffocate. Two minute extraction (I actually had another facial a week after this one because I just felt like my face was still dirty and all my pores were clogged), followed by a 15 minute face mask. The lady was in the room for maybe about 15 minutes during the whole 1.5 hour process. Also, the lady had said she used to work for Dr. Murad, which was surprised considering she didn’t know how to perform a proper facial. Honestly, you’re better off saving some money and going somewhere else.
Staff — horrible staff. The girls at the front don’t greet you, are always doing their own thing. As I was checking out, one of them was on her phone texting — I don’t think she even looked at my face as I was paying. Is this even allowed? They’re also just really rude, snobby and disrespectful.
Environment — one of my favourite things about the salon is how nice and luxe it makes you feel, hence, the hefty bill at checkout.
All in all, I’d recommend trying out a different spot. Your money is your word and it’s better to spend it elsewhere because it’s just not worth it spending it here.

Went there for a facial appointment and have a few points to say:
Booking — there wasn’t many available slots to book, they primarily have hair cuts so keep that in mind.
So I finally find one slot that works…
Price: $ 100 is decent for sure, I used to go to the Mississauga location so the price is no surprise.
The room: it’s a tiny room in the back, didn’t feel very calming.
Staff: the people at the front are very snobby and their attitude was not appreciated. They told me there is no tip using credit card and when I said that’s not cool the girl basically rolled her eyes at me rudely. Not great.
Facial: the extractions were nice but she got water and cleanser and creams in my eyes. My eyes are sensitive and it’s been a few hours and my eyes still burn a bit. Overall the quality is okay.
I would recommend going to the Mississauga location instead. The rooms are lovelier and the quality is way better. I got more than six facials in Mississauga and not even once got water or cleanser in my eyes!

The facials are amazing and Rena does a great job. Other then that, all of my experiences there have been disappointing. I spent $ 500 there for a bunch of treatments and they were nothing but rude, catty and unprofessional. The receptionists have continuously quoted me wrong each experience. I was quoted once $ 25 for a hair blow dry to later be charged $ 80 and they had the worst attitude. I recently was quoted $ 80 for a facial and then charged $ 120. The receptionists really need an attitude check and keep their personal conversations at bay when a client is around them.

This was my third visit at the Don Mills location (three times for a cut and twice for colour) The colour has always been disappointing despite bringing in pictures and asking for very specific things like a «natural look». The hairstylist also made some comments that made me think that until now she has not been cutting my hair that well. The salon is big and modern with large product selection but at a $ 300+ price tag I would rather pay for the professional talent than sleek surroundings.
UPDATE: Orange highlights that should have been copper have washed out and now it is just a blonde fuzzy mess. Cut is terrible and the damage from the dye job will take months to repair. John Donato is supposed to be one of the best in the business I hope he knows about the poor quality leaving his salons under his name!

I get my hair cut here often at shops at don mills. The service is okay… Front desk people tend to have their own conversations not work related while you are waiting to either pay or get helped and just ignore you. Got my hand massaged also on my fourth or fifth visit here while my hair was being dried. it was complimentary along with a makeup application that i chose not to get.
I usually pay about $ 60 – 70 for my hair cut. I think that is the senior stylist price. I get my hair done by either Jennifer? Lyna or Edyta. I don’t know if i got their names right, but they are very good at getting exactly what you want.
I’ve been thinking about colouring my hair here, but have read reviews that were awful– and i do not want my hair looking ugly.
The interior of the store is very modern, and classy. The spa section is in a different room and is very pretty.
Overall my experiences here are alright… I think some of the employees need a customer service lesson, but then again there are some things you’re just suppose to know if you’re smart.
I recommend this place, but you’ll either love it or hate it.

They never keep appointments and make you wait when no one is there. I’ve gone 3 times and all 3 times been horribly disappointed. The last time i Waited 45 min for an hour long massage. Ended up walking out. Made an appointment the second time only to hear they didn’t have anyone to give the massage on that day and it was booked wrong. But I was notified after I showed for my appointment. And the first time a male masseuse told me I HAD to take my clothes off to have a neck and shoulder massage. Also walked out. Horrible place

Was there mid January, Nice décor. Very nice and modern look. But that’s it. Prices are outrageous and hair cuts are just okay.
I’m very picky with my hair stylist (yet to find a good hair stylist– referring to that M Squared review) so this place is no different maybe a slight star better.
I got the Master Stylist I, forgot her name but it’s some young Asian girl. She washed my hair nicely, bluntly cut 2 inches of my hair then proceeded to blow dry my hair (I have no idea why this blow dry phenomenon is out here my Chinese hair falls straight whether you blow dry or let it air dry) after blow drying she proceeded to cut it??? Mega lame. She showed me the final result and I said «can you cut more so it’s more layered or whispier?» She said «well if I cut more it won’t look good but Ill cut some more if you like?»
Let me just say my hair has been in a bun since.

I have enjoyed my services for hair and spa at Donato for the most part. The salon is pretty and parking is free.
The manicure was a big disappointment, $ 40 for an ordinary manicure.
The facials are good, the spa is lovely and clean.
I am very happy with my hair colour by Jacqueline.
The reason I would not recommend Donato is the aggressive sales pitch incorporated into most of the services.
It ruins an otherwise pleasant experience to have to fend off a high pressured sales attack with every service.

I saw Michelle for a haircut last year (2012). I will never go back to her. Not sure if she is still there now. If she is, try to get someone else if you are booking without a request.
She butchered my hair: textured terribly, cut off 3 inches instead of 1 inch, cut unevenly– the right side was longer than the left.
I still go to the Square One location; I have my regulars there and will never stray again.

I have been growing my hair out, and even though my regular stylist was shaping my hair during the process, I was feeling like my hair was too boxy looking and heavy. I decided to try a senior level stylist at Donato to see if he could uplift my style. I asked him to create some layers in my hair and texturize the ends. Because of the blunt angles that had been created in my hair from my previous stylist, he said that it would be a challenge, but he would do what he could. All I can say is WOW! He did such a great job! Now my hair looks playful, sexy, and has movement. I really felt the stylist listened to what I wanted and gave his suggestions on what would work and what wouldn’t. He also spent more time on my hair than usual to create the «shatter» effect that he was aiming for. Afterwards, I got a complimentary makeup «refresher» (bronzer and lipstick), which I thought was a really nice touch and really made me feel beautiful for the day. I went to the salon on my day off, and feel refreshed and gorgeous afterwards –a perfect way to relax! I would definitely go to Donato again (and this location is awesome, as they are right in the Shoppes at Don Mills, which is an outdoor mall –great for soaking in the sun, shopping the latest fashions, and enjoying a coffee at the nearby Aroma Espresso Bar). I highly recommend!

Based on the reviews I had read about Christina, I just got a cut from her last week at Donato. She is just amazing and has given me a cut that was truly what I was looking for. I have tried several hair stylists in toronto for the last 3 years but she seems to be the best so far, she understands what you need and gives you the best style that suits you!!! I am soo happy :)