Sparks Salon

I definitely prefer this location than the liberty!!! The people were so nice here! I initially came in for gel extension and gel mani removal thinking it’ll be around $ 110, but it ended up being $ 140. I also was not aware that when you get fake nails, they will charge for polish application also. On top of this, the lady gave my acrylic instead of gel. When asked, she said acrylic will last longer and is the better choice. Regardless of all of this, the lady (Aki) was suuuuuuper nice and so perfect with her work. She really took her time and made sure I was 100% satisfied. In the end, it was about 3.5 hours, but it was totally worth it. My nails look superbly gorgeous as it is my first time getting acrylic. I sincerely don’t think I will get this result elsewhere.

This review is for (acrylic) nails only.
I have always gotten gel nails, with one manicurist for 10 years. Recently, I had become unhappy with how they looked. My friend, Anna N (you can see her review below), got her nails done here and described this salon as very special in its ~nail capabilities~. After reviewing the instagram (I encourage you to do so), I was really astounded at how professional, beautiful, and artistic the nails looked.
I came in for a «consult» where I basically asked a bunch of questions and explained what I wanted, and Jordi was super nice, answered all my questions, not rushing at all. I booked my first appointment, specifying that I wanted someone senior and experienced.
At my first appointment, I learned that they charge for colouring nails (lol); even one colour is 15 — 20 (20 for shellac, 15 for any colour). Ladies, this salon charges a premium price, and this is definitely the most expensive salon you can go to. Although I think it’s funny to charge for painting nails (usually it’s part of the refill), I gladly do it because my nails look like a million bucks. I used to pay 25 for nails, and now I pay 100+, and I wouldn’t go back. Yes, you can go get your nails done for less, like 50, but they will not be the quality that they are here.
I had my appointment with Miki, who was super cute, nice, and did a fantastic job. I loved that it was important to her that I was happy with the result. I was very happy and came to her for my refill. I initially intended to come after 4 weeks, but I also wanted to test out the integrity of the nails and waited 6 weeks before I came in — I didn’t even have any chipping or lifting. I won’t wait that long in the future, but these nails do last long, and they looked fantastic even after 6 weeks. I am VERY particular with how I like my nails, and Miki really did a perfect job. I love them so much I drive all the way from Vaughan (like 40 km), to get my nails done.
If you don’t mind paying quality, come here. Your nails and hands will look phenomenal.

The kindest staff. I had my lashes done here and it was amazing. I had to late cancel my first appointment due to my dogs illness and they didn’t charge me. They informed me that they are all animal lovers. The next day I went in for my appointment, the staff asked how my dog was and accommodated my lateness.
The lash person really did a wonderful job, made sure I was comfortable and the lashes look amazing.

Sparks in liberty is way better. More space and everything… It’s way too packed in there I kept asking the girl next to me to move her chair when I had to get up.
I over herd the 2 girls next to me talking about happy hour (we arrived at the same time). Apparently your service is cheaper during specific times. Anyways no one bothered to even tell me about it at the cash and when I asked the girl she looked confused… Really upset at their customer service skills, I was In a rush so I didn’t bother to do anything about it!

Very kind people work here. My nails were a mess and when I came to ask questions about what I should do and what products and service they’d recommend they were very kind and professional. Didn’t make me feel awkward or bad about the state of my nails at all and were very friendly.

I shouldve known better than to come to a nail beauty bar to get my hair done. I came for a cut, freshen up my ombré and go lighter, and style. My stylist Hoda was very nice and professional. But to be honest, my hair didn’t look that much different after 3+ hours. I was shocked to see that my final bill was over $ 430 with tax and tip. After originally getting quoted for $ 120 for colour, they failed to mention everything is priced separately. Definitely not worth it!!! I could spend my money more wisely at a higher end hair salon with more experienced stylists and colorists.

This place literally saved what I would describe as one of the worst days I’ve ever had, haha (I know, overdramatic much??). BUT it’s true!!!
Earlier in the week, I had made an appt at Sparks for a full day of pampering on Saturday (an early bday treat to myself). Friday night, I broke my ankle but didn’t know it until I hobbled around Toronto going from clinic to clinic until one of the doc’s informed me that there was a 70% chance it was broken.
So being the stubborn woman that I am, I still went to my appt and b/​c I couldn’t get around hardly at all, they totally accommodated me. They had to cancel half my appts b/​c I couldn’t get up the stairs for the waxing, and did the other half of my appts in a spot specifically set up for me so I could keep my foot elevated while they worked on me.
Honestly, it was the bright point in an otherwise shit sandwich of a day. I can’t go on enough about everything they did for me. If there was a way to make this a 10 star review, I would. They have guaranteed themselves a customer for life and I will be referring everyone and their mother here for as long as I live in Toronto.
One final note, the services were awesome as well. I had my hair blown out which made my life so great while I couldn’t take a shower for the next few days so I still looked put together even when I didn’t feel it.
And the manicure was well done and lasted.

I have fake acrylic nails and was looking to step up my manicure routine from my regular ol’ gel refill and OPI polish change every 2 weeks. A friend suggested we go together to try out Sparks 3D Nail Art (something they are well known for). My friend made an appointment for both us on an early Sunday morning. I ended up going alone since my friend couldn’t make it, and I basically had the salon all to myself cause it was DEAD that morning. This was absolutely a blessing because there was no rush to get me out the door. Curious to see what the quality of work is like when it’s busier…
Having already looked at their price list and called for quotes on 3D nail Art — (they charge per nail and a heavy design can go upwards to $ 5 per nail), I knew the appointment was going to be pricey, but I was desperate for a quality manicure since almost every nail salon I’ve visited basically messed up my nails. I settled on a simple half-​moon manicure with 1 gold rhinestone on each nail. This design cost $ 20 on top of the fees for the shellac, refill, and nail replacement. So the final price was REALLY up there, I also sat for over 2 hours for what I believed was a relatively simple design. However, it was well worth the time and money; my nail artist took her time; she was meticulous, careful, fixed all her mistakes and gave me a half-​moon manicure with clean lines and near perfect symmetry. When doing the gel refill (which many salons over do) she made sure to keep the shape of my nail natural and not too bulky. She filed down my claws just right and they are at my perfect length. I also had an awesome chat about life and living in the City with the receptionist whilst getting my nails did so that was pleasant!
I’m inspired to go back eventually and already concocting a Prada themed 3D manicure for my next visit.

So I finally had my appointment at Sparks for eyelash extensions. They were very well done and overall, I’m okay with the service. Two things that made it only 3 stars: 1) it took over twice as long to finish as it has at the other places I’ve been and 2) I was in a room with another girl (that I didn’t know), which is a teeny bit awkward. Overall though, no real problems.

I made my first visit to Sparks with my bridal party a week before my wedding (this was March of 2012). We went on a Sunday afternoon so we ended up having the salon to ourselves for most of our visit. Three of the four of us had vouchers from one of the deal sites for our lashes and nails; I was pleased to find that we still received great service despite having the voucher (esp. considering we were a bridal party, which I’m sure was not their ideal scenario). None of us had tried eyelash extensions before but we were all really pleased with the whole procedure and the final look. The technician helped my friend decide on getting more lashes so they would stand out on her darker complexion; basically they made sure we all looked great when we left. We had basic shellac manicures, they looked great and the nail techs were really friendly and pleasant. I was thrilled that I didn’t have to spend the day before my wedding in a salon getting my nails done, and the eyelashes were an amazing decision as they lasted throughout my honeymoon as well, so I looked fab in all my wedding and honeymoon pictures. I would definitely go back to Sparks for either eyelashes or manicures (their nail art looked incredible, so I would definitely go there for pre-​vacation nails). I do recall that I hade some issues getting my appointments sorted out; they didn’t return my emails, then had the time or number of appts wrong, so that was a little unnerving but they fixed it up in the end and treated us very well, so only one star deducted. :)

I think it’s time I put my two cents in about Sparks — they really haven’t received any good reviews so far, and it almost stopped me from going there. However, they’re right down the street from me and I’d been looking for a place that does lashes without paying extortionate prices, so I thought I’d give them a go.
First experience, I booked for a lash appointment, with their lowest level lashes. When I got in and spoke to the technician, they told me they rarely do anything less than the Mink lashes (which were more expensive) but they gave them to me for 15% off, and when they were all said and done, they looked gorgeous! They really know how to put on a great set (and I’ve been getting lashes for the last 3 years, so I know a good one when I see it!).
Came back for a fill 4 weeks later, and was really happy with the results. Since then, I’ve continued to go in for fills (something I could never do back in Vancouver, only one fill allowed per set). The fills are half the price of the sets so it’s actually made getting the lashes quite affordable. Definitely more affordable than most of the other places I’ve seen doing lashes in Toronto.
I just went in to get the OPI gel nails (they have the OPI, gellish and Shellac colours, so TONS of selection and some great colours). I had been looking to get them painted like a french manicure, but using colours and no other salons that I want to would do it. Not these girls! It was easy for them to turn my nails into a work of art, and some of the other, more intricate designs were even crazier! They’re all Japanese girls in there and they know there stuff. Very friendly, everything was clean and tidy, all in all, they’ve made a repeat client out of me. Next, I’m going back to get a pedicure while lounging in their massage chairs :)
Definitely would recommend to others to try out Sparks and not let the other reviews hold you back.

I really don’t understand these lacklustre reviews. I have been here 4 times now and every single time I’ve had nothing but great service. Friendly, professional and willing to explain (until finding this place I avoided getting my nails done as I always though of it as unnecessary and time consuming) new products.
Since first coming here in the early summer I have moved but still make the effort to make the trip downtown when I want an appointment. Speaking of appointments, not once have I had an issue getting one. I know I said I have only gone 4 times its because my manicure lasts so long I don’t need to go often!
I would highly recommend this salon.

I just had a manicure here and was overall satisfied. The nail techs were both super chipper, despite it pissing with rain outside and I was the last client of the night. I wouldn’t blame anyone for being less than enthused. But not these chicks. Totally happy.
My friend and I were in for an express shellac. I was totally impressed by the waterless manicure because it’s so much better for your nails.
As my friend and I were discussing colours I said a million times that I wanted purple. Because I’m tacky and I wanted the brightest, neonist, purple ever. So when my nail tech asked me what colour I wanted, I said tacky neon purple. I pointed to the fake colour chip nail thingy.
So she starts painting my nails and it’s totally pink. And I don’t like pink. So I say, ‘is that pink.‘
And she says, ‘no way. it’ll dry darker.‘
And I say, ‘cool.’ Then I spend the rest of the manicure blabbing away about my dog to my friend.
When I finally look down… I’m confused. The thing with this pink nail polish… it never got darker. It stayed pink. She totally took the wrong bottle.
Kind of a bummer. But my nails still look awesome. And it’s been about eight months since my last manicure… so good job!

I bought a Groupon-​type deal for a full set of mink eyelash extensions at Sparks in October 2011. I had to call a few times before I could actually make an appointment (–1 point!), however, I actually had to call back and re-​schedule a day or so before the original appointment, and Sparks easily accomodated the time change. I was a bit weary when they immediately wanted to know if I was using a voucher, which I understand from a business-​end — but it also really makes me as a customer a bit hesitant because it makes me feel like I’m going to receive lower-​grade service simply because I’m not a «full paying» customer who just walked in.
Once at the salon, it was nice enough inside. A bit cramped, but pretty and clean. I remember reading a review about Sparks previously, and people were complaining that some customers were offered water/​drinks, while others were not. I’m assuming management really noticed these comments, because I was seated, and then almost abruptly, someone came and asked me if I wanted anything to drink lol… But, hey, at least it was offered! I waited about 10 minutes (after my original appointment time) before I was led in for the application procedure.
The actual service:
I have been to a number of lash boutiques in the city (Winks on Danforth, etc) and in general comparison, I would rate Sparks’ lash services about a 7 out of 10. I was in no pain (and if you are EVER in pain during a lash application, something IS wrong: you should be so relaxed, you’re at risk of falling asleep during the procedure!)
My technician was Megumi, who was very sweet and careful. She also explained the procedure, and made a note of the lash lengths she was applying on a business card so that it would be easy when I came back for a refill. She was a fair bit slower than other technicians I’ve had, but I always prefer that over speedy but poor application.
My lashes looked fab: I’m lucky in that I’ve never had an actual bad experience where I left looking cock-​eyed or anything brutal like that. I wanted a bit more of that ‘doe-​eyed’ look with more lashes concentrated at the corners of my eyes, but for the most part, I was very satisfied. With the proper care, the lashes lasted me about 2.5 weeks. I did not go back for a refill (I tend not to… I like to give my real lashes a break.)
I would return for more lashes at Sparks. The service is a bit brusque, at first, but the place is cute and I appreciate that management at least TRIES to better itself based on customer reviews (like this one!)
If you do go for lashes, and find a technician you like, ALWAYS ask for them for future appointments. Don’t risk a new person if you’re perfectly satisfied with the person who worked with you last.
Good luck!

This review follows my previous hair salon review. After my disastrous W Salon experience (literally; right after) I was trying to find a salon to fix my hair. There was no way I was going to walk around looking like a penny. This place is right across the street from me so I walked over and pleaded with them to take me in last minute. They agreed.
I had to do a full colour correction process on my hair to get it back to blonde. The staff here were all so helpful and caring. They would all come and check in with me and have a chat about my experience and promise that I was in good hands. About 4 hours later I walked out of the salon feeling like myself again. My hair was finally back to blonde (mind you, it was somewhat fried at this point). The one downside is how expensive it is/​was. I spent nearly $ 400 that time and I’ve gone back once since for highlights which ran me $ 220.
I haven’t had any other services there, but everyone who’s gotten their nails done while I was there seems more than pleased. In addition, the salon is clean, fresh and nicely decorated.

I’ve had my hair done by Rafael for about a year and a half now. When he moved to Sparks Salon in Liberty Village I followed him there without hesitation. He is amazing at cutting/​colouring hair, and we always have great conversation. Not the type of hair stylist you go to and sit quietly for two hours.
The Salon is small and boutique like. Always clean, trendy, and the staff are friendly.
Looking forward to my next visit!

I’ve been following my stylist, Rafael, everywhere around the city. He recently moved to Sparks and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a cute little new salon on King & Shaw. I find it very tastefully designed, super clean and the staff is great. They do everything to do with hair, nails, waxing and even eyelash extensions. My hair turned out great as usual. I can’t wait for my next appointment.