Curl Up and Dye

Okay, so this review is like 70 percent Jess and 30 percent Curl Up and Dye.
On the recommendation of a friend, I got to specially see a stylist there who I don’t think is often around named Jess.
She was the greatest person who ever has done my hair, ever.
I was going from natural with highlights to very blonde and they did an amazing job. I say they because I had some strange shading that needed to be toned not out to a really distinct blonde, but more of a strawberry blonde and Jess consulted a few of the other stylists. It was perfect, for doing such a big jump in colour she did an amazing job.
The salon is really cute. It’s got a great rockabilly/​vintage vibe (yes, that’s what I’m calling it).
The staff are all super cool, it’s really affordable for a cut and colour and it’s an amazing experience. Really, the whole thing is an amazing experience.

Overdue review. I was very happy with the service here a few months ago Thanks Leah!

Do NOT go here! I made it VERY clear that I wanted a TRIM and my hair length was to stay BELOW my breasts. LEAH RUINED MY HAIR and turned a «TRIM» (from my mid waist length hair into a UNEVEN CHOPPY CUT ABOVE MY SHOULDERS.
Every morning I look into the mirror I want to cry. Men have their cars, Women have their hair. If you value yours ladies, take your business elsewhere.
The place itself is uncomfortable and freezing in the winter. Its also dark and I’m pretty sure I got scammed because I was charged almost $ 70 for a «trim» that turned into a haircut that I wanted to cry about.

PROS:
–relaxed, comfortable atmosphere
–cozy
–affordable
–no hard sells on «product»
–good cuts
CONS:
–sometimes there are dogs there, this doesn’t bother me at all, but if you’ve got allergies, you should know.

I get my hair did here ;-)
Followed «Laura» from Shampoo. What’s cool is it’s still in Kensington.
I have no style and very long hair. Was a tomboy/​sporty spice girl so have NO idea what to do with my long hair (past my shoulderblades).
When I get out after my appointment, I actually look like I had a plan in mind.
Laura is very into cutting to the client’s wishes; with suggestions on face shape, lifestyle, etc. Laura is also a wicked awesome colorist.
No BS herbal teas and up-​selling of services.
Just good ol professional niche service.
An awesome haircut/​style/​coiffure/​color
The music is crazy. The dogs are adorable.
The ambiance is Tattoo Parlor meets 50’s Biker Bar.
Me likey. You will too…

the whole mood of this place shouts big winner. daniel has a music playlist that is esoteric (at least to me) and ear hugging. i loved every song.
the reception guy felt like a part-​time comedian with his amusing stories. he told a story of a newspaper calling the salon asking if they wanted a paper subscription, and he told them no since everyone there was illiterate. amusing, but what i loved was his telling of the caller’s follow-​up, which was «today’s a perfect day to learn how to read!» touché! and retold so humbly and amusingly.
daniel had great bedside manner. he didn’t talk all the time, in fact he focused on the hair. but he was genuine with all his responses to my questions, and showed interest in the answers to the questions i asked him. i felt very comfortable and a genuineness in our conversation.
the haircut: i like it. it’s different — i told him i wanted to keep my curls, and he did that, but in a style i haven’t had before. i really like it, and as i write this on a plane to hong kong, i think my hair will hold up and even surpass many of the asian movie star coifs i see around me. i just need to make sure i brought my grooming cream.

Daniel, originally from Shampoo on Saint Andrew St., transplanted himself here, 3 blocks away, to Curl Up And Dye.
So I followed.
This place gets 5-​stars for service & quality. And Daniel brought his iPod with him, he spins quality 80s tunes.
BTW, the owners’ dogs are often hanging around the shop. They are very friendly (both the dogs and their owners), so, dog lovers, savour the furry glory; for those intimidated by these beasts, this place probably isn’t your best choice.
P. S. I’m sure Shampoo is still great, if you go there, see Jamie.

I get mah hair did hurr. :o) … (I don’t really speak like that)
I was first recommended by a friend to get my hair cut by Nicole when she was at Shampoo. Since then I’ve been going to her for my haircuts.
I don’t require anything crazy done to my hair, just a good cut with a bit of layers, no colour, and Nicole does a good job. Then again, I’m the type who rarely gets my hair cut, so I may not be the best person’s review to go off of. I don’t look like cousin it or a troll doll, and I like to think my hair looks pretty sexy after I get it done, so yeah!
Pretty affordable pricing, ~$ 60 for a cut including tip (though the prices have since gone up but are still under $ 60 before tip). I’ve had bad experiences with cheaper haircuts so I think this is affordable for the quality of the cut.
Even though it’s located in Kensington market, I haven’t seen anyone walk out with a «trendy» Kensington market mullet (or the like), even though the demographics of the salon have «that» hairdo. My point, even though in Kensington, they do normal haircuts.