Salon de Elephant

I normally get my hair cut at B&B, today they were full and so I looked up places in the area and decided to give this salon a try. I booked for 3, and due to traffic, I was an hour late. Nonetheless– they were extremely friendly when I walked in and fit me in between their reservations.
Was given a hot towel and some water. Calvin cut my hair and although it was super quick — I only have myself to blame because they were doing me a favor. He explained the products he was using and made recommendations to me.
The wash and head massage was great as well.
Overall it was a really good experience. They appreciate your business, I don’t think B&B does. I’m Korean but they way they interact with some customers is questionable.
It was costly ($ 38+tip — I would say $ 45~$ 50 after tip is reasonable for the service), but I would go back.

It was my first time here but it will also be the last time. The hair stylist showed me the pictures of the style that are similar to my hair. I choose couple styles I liked but she kept telling me about other styles. I was thinking the whole time why is she keep on telling me to chose other styles. I generally don’t like layers for my hair because it won’t look good on me. However, at the end she did it so my hair looked not flattering at all. The ambience in the store is nice, the hair stylist is nice but very quiet. She doesn’t really communicate with her customers.

Every time I go there I have so much fun. That’s why I always go on a weekend morning and feel great for the rest of my day.
Today Rachel gave me the best head massage and Mellisa gave me the best haircut. She is the one that cut my hai from long to super short and she is really good at it so every time I go to her for a trim she gives me a slight different short haircut which is really fun.

This will be my go to spot for all of my hair care needs. It’s close to the subway line, and it’s really cute inside. The prices are great for what you get.

This is now my go-​to regular salon! Loved that they moved from Yonge and Finch to Yonge and Sheppard which is super close to my place! Their new space is bigger and brighter! I always ask for Karen as my stylist. She is really great and always a joy to come here to see her. I am quite picky about my bangs and I have had really good experiences with Karen. Best of all, they offer free bang trim — which is so helpful! You girls know that bangs can be high maintenance! I also love that they use bumble and bumble products. Karen introduced me to the bumble and bumble dry shampoo and it’s been such a lifesaver! I have tried other dry shampoos before and they never have the desired results. This one actually adds volume too! I have recommended a few friends here already — so don’t hesitate to give this place a try!
Tip: As with most salons, they are busier on weekends, so try to go on weekdays if you can. I also suggest to budget half an hour more for wait time even if you have a reservation just based on my personal experiences, especially on weekends.

I recently spent a lot of time at this salon getting my hair cut, bleached four times, and dyed pink, and left pleased with my magical new unicorn hair. My hair stylist was Melissa, and she was such a doll — super sweet, super easy to work with, and really puts in the extra effort to understand what her client wants and works hard to deliver it exactly. She spent a good while talking to me about the exact shade of pink I wanted for my hair to make sure we were on the same page. I 100% would come back to her again because I have complete confidence in her abilities — the long bob she gave me was exactly what I wanted.
Overall, the service at this salon is what makes it stand out. Everyone is super friendly and the people working here actually take the time to get to know your name and will try to get to know you on a personal level. They give you a hot towel for your… hands I guess when you first come in, they have a coffee bar where you can order coffee, lattes, tea, etc., and they will also come around with snacks sometimes which is a nice little touch. Apparently they can even order food for you if you want.
I also really enjoy their hair washing basins, despite how odd that sounds. I usually find them uncomfortable at other places and they make my neck cramp up, but here they are A+, like I could actually fall asleep sitting there. The little hot neck towel and head massage they give you when they wash your hair also adds to the pleasant experience. Like, I’d come and pay for just that service alone, honestly.
I’ve been to other hair salons that I really liked, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcomed and at home in one before. And I spent like 12+ hours here over the course of 2 days, so it really did become like a second home to me lol. The salon is pretty bright, airy, roomy, comfortable. I love the décor, and they always have cool jams playing — one day it was an acoustic covers playlist and I was super feeling it.
Haircuts for women range from $ 35 to $ 48 depending on who does your hair. Bleaching/​dye is like $ 80 per session, so be warned if you have your heart set on going blonde or grey or pink, it will cost you a pretty penny, but I think that’s the case anywhere. Prices in general are I’d say a little bit more than what I’m used to paying at other places I’ve gone to in the past, but the service and experience is good enough that I think the slight premium is justified. I will definitely come back!
Tip: on your birthday month you get 20% off all services!

Even with the move to a new location, this place is still the best hair salon I’ve been to! I left a 5-​star review on their old business page, but this one won’t be any different. If I could give a higher rating I would! I was a little indecisive on this visit; I knew I wanted to lose some length, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it in terms of style and Melissa gave some suggestions. I was still a little unsure but in the end but I’m glad I trusted her with my hair because I love what she did with it! Melissa made sure to ask if I was ok with the length as she worked on my hair, knowing that I was a little hesitant to go shorter. As a customer, it’s nice to know that my opinions matter and are taken into consideration. The service at Salon de Elephant is excellent. Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere of the place is so… pleasant! If you’ve been thinking about going here, do it! You won’t regret it. And if you’re looking for a new place to get your hair done, I highly recommend Salon de Elephant.

Have been going to Karen for ages, she always provides professional advice on different styles that could fit you.
She is also very caring. She is truly the best ever.
I always leave the store with a big smile.

I have been going to salon de elephant for about 4 years now, from their old location to their new location. I have always chose Karen as my appointed hairdresser, a friend of mine recommended her. She is very attentive, skilled, creative and full of ideas. She would often give me suggestions for changes, and recommend suitable hair products to protect my hair, but she is not forceful about it. In general, I am always satisfied with the results! I remember there was once where I was uncertain about the final product, and I was hesitant. I forgot whether it was the hair length or the style of it. She told me, go home and think about it, if you want to make a change, come back and I will fix it for you, free of charge. From that, I knew she was extremely responsible and reliable. I would recommend Karen to everyone who ask me for hairdresser recommendation in TO.

They moved locations to Yonge and Sheppard! I didn’t know that so when I got to their old location, there was a sign on the door saying they moved.
When I got to the new location, it’s much bigger, now has 10 seats instead of 6, to accommodate more customers. Waiting area is bigger and neater too, most likely because it’s more spread out now.
Sudien was my stylist and he was quite good. His english isn’t the best but he speaks Cantonese, which worked out for me. He advised to change the hair style so we went with that, and it turned out quite good. I was pretty happy with it. For $ 30 + tax, i would say it’s average pricing compared to other salons in the area.
Overall, the service was good from start to finish, from hair washing, to the cut, then to styling.

Salon de Elephant is located on the busy Yonge Street, just walking distance North of Sheppard subway station. It is tucked away on the second floor (entrance is between The Fry and a dry cleaning store). The stairway will bring you to a whole new paradise! And this new location is more spacious, has nice decors and many, many windows for lots of natural sunlight.
NOTE — This review is very similar to the previous review I had for Salon de Elephant on the old business page and that is because I strongly stand by what I said and what I have experienced.
Service is amazing from beginning to end. I love being pampered like a princess here! I have been here a few times already, and I am a loyal customer to Karen. She is fantastic. Stylish, poised, and full of ideas. Her assistants/​hairstylist trainees are always very polite, have a keen eye for details and are always quick on their feet (Thank you, Rachel — you were fantastic!)
Hot towel being offered when you come in. Complimentary snacks and drinks are available. Head massage during the hair rinse/​wash is heavenly.
My visits usually range from 3 – 5 hours, depending on the service. If you want quality, you will need the patience during the long process… but I usually fall asleep listening to the soothing music in the background hahaha… there is also a nice spacious lounge area with books and magazines available while you wait :)
This salon also offers hair products to go with your unique style. Their Aveda line of shampoo and conditioner is excellent. You can tell the difference right away — my hair was silkier, smoother, healthier, stronger and bye-​bye tangles! Recently bought the dry shampoo, can’t wait to try it out.
Highly recommend this salon and be sure to make an appointment online anytime using their real-​time schedule or call in to arrange a time :)

It was my first time to visit this salon before chinese new year. I wanted to find a salon where service and quality stands together. So I searched the best hair salon for asian hair in York/​Toronto, this is how I found this salon Unilocal reviews and reminded me of a friend who used to come this hair salon with a positive feedback. Then I gave it a try !!
It is important to me to schedule a hair appointment beforehand which fits my work and life schedule. Their online booking option from Salon de elephant’s website is easy and email returned quickly. You can clearly see your stylist choice and time slots at one glance.
My stylist is Sudien Li, he was thorough and took time to explain everything from choosing a full color and basic hair care ‘lecture’ (I would call as an outsider from hair industry) The service and impression both are positive. They are polite and welcoming. I will return on my birthday –they offer discount on your birthday and there is also a very good cause this salon is trying to help cancer patients with hair donation. I think this is a very good and kind to help people in needs and I enjoyed the experience. Since they moved to a new place, I haven’t visit. How is parking? Can anyone suggest where to park is a little easier ?
Thanks

I tried many many different hair salons across Scarborough/​Markham/​North York area. Yet, I always find myself stumbling back to Salon de Elephant. I often request Karen to give me something where I can manage with minimum effort (i.e. no hair products) and she always delivers. I wear hats, headphones, and play plenty of sports, so I value time-​spent-​on-​hair-​to-​handsome-​hair ratio greatly.
Detail description:
When you first walk into the Salon, it really feels like you’ve walked into a living space. I probably will design my house/​apartment to look like Salon de Elephant in the near future. While most salons are cramped and loud, SdE generates a classy Southern Tennessee bar (or coffee-​shop-​esqued, for those who don’t drink) feeling. The book shelves with Karen’s handpicked selections welcome the bookworms while the up-​to-​date thick-​ass magazines can easily trick you into picking them up mindlessly. The coffee, ever so dark, requires no sugar nor milk, just the way it should be. When a hair salon doesn’t smell like a hair salon but like a cabin in the Banff Park, it’s often a good sign that some attention is put into keeping the life in lifestyle. SdE staffs also cares about their music. Their mixtapes have some good jams that really hit the spot. One could ask them to add in a song or two and it will appear the next time, but don’t quote me on it. In conclusion, the experience of SdE makes you feel like your vegan hipster friend will like it too.
Let’s talk about the haircut:
I once asked Karen if I can get a sick fade. I got a fade so fly my cool black friend, Tyron, asked me where I got it from, no jokes. I usually get 5 short/​simple haircuts for every whatever-​is-​trending-​at-​the-​time haircut. For sure the trending haircuts get attention from the ladies but I would like to emphasize that short/​simple/​utilitarian is the way to go. Ask Karen for the Util#48. It’s the timeless one that really conveys the message, «I care about my hair, I hate hair products, I just want to look good without trying.» Fuck it, book an appointment right now, for you or for your boyfriend, and ask for Karen’s Util#48.
Honestly, the way she looks at my hair while she cuts them is the same look when Francis Mallmann cooks in the wild. It’s freedom, it’s attention, it’s instinct, it’s love. Once there wasn’t that many people in the salon and Karen took her time to cut my hair. I think a documentary should be filmed there on the spot. Karen waltz around my chair, figuratively, while cutting my hair. She likes what she’s doing, I think her energy is masterclass and her haircut, timeless.

The best salon in Toronto ~
I came for a full color with blenched hair… Niki was my colourist and she did an amazing job
The color (ash green) look amazing and nice. Niki was very patient and taking good care of my hair.
I also got very nice head massage and hot towel for neck… (Thank u, Rachel) Btw I had very good experience at here and will come again ha~

I decided to try out this salon based on the really good reviews. I had a terrible experience. I’d like to suggest for anyone who is considering this place to avoid it.
This was the first time getting a hair cut here and it was below average.
I asked for longer on top, and shorter on the top. I received a buzz cut. Please stay away from the owner, Calvin!
AWFUL experience. STAY AWAY!

So this is actually for their old location, but I’m sure there’s no huge difference because it’s the same people. I came here last year during NYE to get my hair cut (I mean, it’s always nice to get a haircut before the new year starts, right?).
The staff is great. They’re SUPER nice and very welcoming. They even offer a menu of drinks before you sit down in the chair.
I had Karen, the owner, cut my hair. She was super professional and great to chat with. Turns out she’s also from the same high school that I went to! Karen was very attentive and asked me a lot of questions before giving me my haircut.
Also, they give you a head massage when they’re washing your hair. I almost fell asleep because it was THAT comfortable.
Will definitely come back to the new location when I’m back in Toronto!
WARNING: This place is cash only. (I had to run out to the ATM before heading for hair appointment when I went. haha).

Salon de Elephant has moved from its former location to its’ larger and more open concept location near Yonge and Sheppard. This location has loads of natural light, due to all the windows, which makes the place more open and welcoming. Upon walking up the flight of stairs, you will find yourself in their reception centre/​merchandising area, where the décor is a mixture of minimalist, along with retro furniture. There is a small area to read actual hard covered books, as well as a small area to play some games. One of the new items that I noticed at this location, was the coffee maker located on their reception centre. The new location, continues to have the same hospitality and service that the former location had, as you still get your warm towel upon entry, along with the option to purchase hot/​cold beverages. One thing I will note is that I much prefer that the warm towel comes to you wrapped in plastic and has a nice aromatic scent to the towel.
There are more hair cutting stations that give you a sense of privacy, as there are at least six stand-​alone stations where you are not sitting next to another person. This helps give you a sense of more personalized attention, during your time with our stylist.
I had Karen cutting my hair and I must say that I appreciate the fact that she always does a hair consultation with me before cutting my hair and throughout the haircut, she is always receptive and open to any new changes or additions that I want done to my hair.
Osco was my attendant who washed my hair and I greatly appreciated the warm towels that he applied to my face and neck during the hair conditioning, followed by the massage. When asked if he could apply the towel to my entire face, he was very accommodating and used several warm and scented towels to cover my whole face during the massaging of the conditioning. Totally made me feel like I was getting a spa experience.
I would highly recommend anyone to get any service done at Salon de Elephant, as you will definitely be taken care of throughout your entire experience. I have already referred several friends and family and they are hooked!

Best hair salon in Toronto hands down. Love their new location, definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a salon!

I gave a five-​star rating on their old business page, and I’m giving another one to them on this new one. The new location is really spacious and nice. While it’s not über-​luxurious or fancy, it does the job and it’s certainly a massive improvement over the old space.
The staff are super nice, even the attendants who wash your hair are friendly and love to chat with you. I’m a regular here so I’m familiar with many of the faces who work here. They are all, without exception, positive, polite, and willing to help.
And of course, the hair. As I’ve said previously, I have the world’s most difficult hair. I believe I even won the Guinness World Records Awards for shittiest, most unworkable hair in 2010, 2011, and 2012. But every time I walk out of here, I feel like a million bucks. Artistic vision is something that is unquantifiable, yet essential to a hair salon, and Calvin (who’s also the owner of the place) has it in spades.
Also, never forget to order their honey citron tea, which is part of their drinks menu (this one’s complimentary). It’s so soothing, be it in the summertime or wintertime.
And yes, Calvin IS the man to thank for that beautifully shaped hair on that dashing gentleman who happens to show up in my profile picture.
Thanks bunches Salon de Elephant. Love you lots.

Took my fiancé for a haircut to Elephant, he got the most amazing hairdo ever! He feels like he has hair again. I got a chunky and stylish cut myself. Another great and warm visit to Elephant — thank you!