The Little Hair Shop

When this place was bought out by a new owner two years ago,
this place went from blah to professional. And FYI, the new owner, Jacob, does cut kids hair. My son and daughter are also clients of his.

My regular hair stylist from another shop is on maternity leave and I went to Jacob at the Little Hair Shop on recommendation. I’d seen some really great cuts he’s given to both men and women I know. I was a clear with Jacob about growing my hair long and wanting just a trim. He said he wouldn’t recommend me growing my hair because, according to him, it’s too thin. He added that he feels bad for women with hair like mine. I reiterated that I wasn’t ready to cut my hair off, that I just wanted to freshen up the ends and that I liked the long layers that I had. He said he would follow the layers and would trim my hair. He didn’t. He cut off at least 4 inches — months and months of growth — and I wasn’t happy with my hair cut at all. This was a huge mistake on my part. I wish I’d headed my own hesitation and left when he’d made those comments about not growing my hair.

I am new in Toronto, and I decided to give this salon a visit after reading its good reviews online — not to mention the discount I got from Living Deal.
The stylist proposed to cut almost a foot of my hair and to give it a red color. I thought it was too much of a makeover, but it was backed up by the owner, who discussed about how the bob cut would frame my face. The stylist further suggested to make the right side longer than the left! He was very bold indeed. It was only because of my insistence and the owner’s opinion that he didn’t go overboard.
Hence, I got the PERFECT cut, color (the color was red, but it looked like red mahogany on my jet black hair) and style. My coworkers complimented it. And now that my hair is all grown, everyone still remembers that haircut. It is very far from my place, but I would probably come for a visit again, even just for the nice color they applied to my hair.
I also got the Kevin Murphy oil treatment. If I remember right, it was $ 35, but it lasted me 4 months with 3 of us using it almost everyday. Just use 2 squirts, and apply on your hair from root to tip. I believe it kept my hair protected from everyday blow drying last winter. It doesn’t leave too much grease, and it retained the volume of my hair. Love it!

Would you return to a place that makes you wait 40 mins with no apology or explanation offered? Neither would I. Receptionist just kept on lounging with her magazine, no seat offered, no drinks fetched, just a request that we go get ourselves a coffee and the stylist would show «soon».
0 *s for service. 3 *s for the ok haircut. Will definitely not be back. Especially after reading that tardiness is the status quo. (ok that makes me a hypocrite, yes I know it but cmon!)

I have had a GREAT experience with Jacob and would highly recommend the Little Hair Shop. «Wow!» to the mixed reviews here?! — I certainly don’t bring hair style photos of male models for my cuts, but they do a great job with my man locks and in a comfortable environment.
Kevin Murphy Product is great as well.
Heading up there now — thanks for reminding me~

Similar to Monica F. and around the same time frame. Jacob completely screwed my hair. There was over an inch difference from one side to the other. considering that the short (proper) side was only about an inch and a half, that’s pretty significant. I fixed it a couple days later with a pair of sewing shears and it looked better than the hack job he did.

Here’s my experience with the Little Hair Shop of HORRORS:
I gave my stylist, Jacob, a picture of what I was looking for and told him that I was very nervous about getting my hair done because it has been butchered many times in the past. He assured me he wouldn’t butcher my hair and got started with the dye job first.
Now, I should point out that my «stylist» was having a really bad day. I could clearly tell from the moment I entered the place that his mind was somewhere else. I know people are allowed to have «off-​days», but this should NEVER affect the quality of your work.
The dye job was so subtle and unnoticeable; shouldn’t have bothered with it at all. The picture I provided wasn’t referenced in the least bit. I asked for about 2 – 3 inches to be trimmed and he butchered about 4 – 5. I SPECIFICALLY asked for my bangs to be long enough for me to still tuck behind my ear, and of course, he hacked them so short it looks like I’m 12. I asked for very subtle layers and he gave me the choppiest, most uneven layers I’ve ever seen. The layers on the left are about an inch and a half shorter than my right side. Not liking the style of the cut is one thing, but if your hair is actually crooked, to me, that shows you know nothing about cutting hair.
I got a hold of Jacob the following day on the telephone. Here’s a little excerpt of our conversation:
Me: «ummm, hey. it’s monica, from last night. remember me?»
Him: «**mumbles something incoherently**»
Me: «so yeah, I know you were having a bad day yesterday and everything, but like, my hair is completely crooked and I’m kinda freaking out …»
Him: «uhhh, it’s crooked?»
Me: «ummm, yes. The layers are really choppy, it’s uneven and it just looks very bad»
Him: «um, yeah, well long hair isn’t my forte»
Yes. He actually said that, word for word. That long hair wasn’t his forte even though I specified I had long hair when booking the appointment. UNACCEPTABLE.
I eventually got an appointment for this Sunday with the Owner. Even if the he does a good job and evens things out it’s still completely not what I wanted. More of my hair is now going to have to be cut to even everything out, and my bangs are simply ridiculous. Co-​workers are referring to it as a «hack job.»
***UPDATE***
When I went back to have my hair fixed, Jacob was there! How awkward. No apology or acknowledgement whatsoever from him. It was unreal. The owner also didn’t ask what happened or apologize on Jacob’s behalf. He managed to even my hair out but it still looks terrible and is completely not what I wanted. So upsetting.
Oh and the clincher was after my cut with the owner, he tried selling me product!!! Hah! Instead of offering me something for free for the grief I went through! I will NEVER come back here and will tell everyone I know to avoid this place at all costs.
I would suggest that everyone read all the filtered reviews as well… I’m not the only one who’s has been severely disappointed by this place.

The Little Hair Shop is a spectacular hair salon! It is located at 477 Ronci ave, right next to the Starbucks.
I am always skeptical of trying new hair joints, especially in Toronto. The pretention in some Toronto hair salons is stiffening. Like most women my hair is my thing and I am very protective of it, not unlike a mother lioness protecting her younglings from danger. The danger=a shiny and sharp pair of scissors capable of giving me the classic older lady short hair cut just like my mother has, frightening!
The salon has been totally gutted and renovated. The owner takes great pride in the renos and the aesthetic appearance of the shop. The interior is very modern and contemporary with clean lines. He greeted me warmly and offered me a hot beverage, lovely. Like a priss, I requested a latte. He popped right out to Starbucks and purchased me one! What a guy! Now for the moment of anticipation-​cue suspenseful music, he asks with a sheepish expression «what are we going to do to your hair today?» I describe my needs to him and voila! He provided me with such wonderful services and was very charismatic during the process. He also suggested I purchase some Kevin Murphy products. Now came the moment for the bill. I was a little nervous because I have had my hair cut in Yorkville before and it ran me like a week’s worth of pay. Haha. Well no, but it was crazy expensive. He handed me the bill and what?! It was extremely affordable! This truly blew my mind. Could it be true? A lovely salon, with a fantastic stylist I can trust and below market prices?! Yes indeed, I am so happy to have found The Little Hair Shop. Now, I just have to convince him to give me a ride on that bad ass motorcycle he cruises on=)
I highly recommend this hair salon!
But make um understand its Westside foe life!
Thanks so much for your time

This place is incredible! It’s got such a beautiful atmosphere — if you are very lucky, they might show you photos of the old barber shop that existed in this space before! It’s very reasonably priced for what you receive. I never look as good as I do when leaving after a haircut from Asil.

Yay for The Little Hair Shop, and yay for Living Deal… an unstoppable combination.
Through Living Deal (similar to Groupon), I recently purchased a coupon for cut, colour, wash and style for only $ 35 (not including tax or gratuity). The original cost, $ 115. So this my friends, was an excellent deal.
1. They use Kevin Murphy hair products — amazing stuff
2. The space is small, but bright, good music playing, good vibes, and allegedly a huge patio out back. Rumor has it they have annual parties with lots of free booze. Another alleged rumor, I may know when the 2011 summer party is happening…
3. Staff is super friendly and they listen. Although my stylist was SLIGHTLY pompous, he knew what he was doing, AND gave me an amazing head massage
4. I received free samples of Kevin Murphy hair product (yay)!!!
5. A few minutes from Dundas St. W subway stop, and right beside a Starbucks.
There were many good things about my visit, but most importantly, it was a generally pleasant visit with above par cut and colour.
Tip: Try to avoid booking later in the evening. Although it’s conveniently open until 9pm on Thursdays, like a doctors office, the end of the day is backed up and appts are delays. Although the staff doesn’t mind staying, I was stressing about my 7:30 appt not starting until after 8pm… and not getting out until 10pm. Book early.
*Cuts start at $ 58
**Partial highlights $ 65