Grateful Head: Not Your Ordinary Hair Shop
A few months back during a laundry session, I decided to take a walk. Venturing east on Dundas Street West, across from Trinity Bellwoods Park I came across probably THEE best named hair salon in Toronto, Grateful Head. As I walked past the salon, I peered in to see the sitch...exposed brick, crazy paintings on the wall but alas I was a late launderer and had come upon the place after hours. Regardless of that fact, I had immediately decided that this place was to become my new hair salon, solely based on their name. I mean, how could I not? Grateful Head? So. Many. Jokes. Brain. Exploding!
A couple weeks later, I made the call. Cut and dye with Lisa.
Upon my arrival, I went into Grateful Head with some serious Rock N' Roll expectations. Needless to say, what I wanted is what I got.
After chit chatting with my stylist, I realized that Lisa is the owner of Grateful Head and obviously very much a Deadhead. Dressed in rocker tees and admitting that she'll only hire stylists that play an instrument, she is indeed dedicated to the lifestyle. Lisa herself is involved with a band, as are many of the staff there. There is even a jam space below that is used after hours. Even more than that, they have "Rock and Roll Mondays" in which Lisa and one of her coworkers crank the rock and roll and cut hair at student-y prices (inquire within).
Because my new 'do was quite the process, it required two phases.
Phase One: A sweet "rockery" cut and then part of the dye (extreme blonde & black action).
(put hair on a break for a couple of weeks)
Phase Two: Complete rest of blonde and add in MORE black for that extra RAWK.
The cool thing about the two phases, is that Lisa didn't charge me for the 2nd phase. I realize that a lot of hair salons offer this if they want to "finish" your look on the 2nd visit, but most accept a little bit of money/tip--but she wouldn't take a thing. That is my idea of professionalism and having passion for your work.
So if you're in the Dundas/Trinity Bellwoods area, and need a new 'do, I suggest getting a little Grateful Head. Great staff, great chats and seeing as I went in for just the name and came out with a fabulous look...nobody's head is more grateful than mine.
Grateful Head Collective Salon
1006 Dundas St. West - Toronto
416.915.HEAD (4323)
Comments (14)
I would Tanja, but as luck would have it my camera is dead. *cry* If I locate a good snapshot, I'll update this post.
While this may be the place for straight haired dos, Lysa's claim to fame of being the curly hair stylist is well - HER claim. After 2 hours of watching her painfully 'remove the bulkiness' of my curls, I walked out looking like a scragglier version of orphan Annie with hair died black. When asked for funky I didn't mean neglected. This is by and far the worst place for people with curly hair to get a do. REally, DON'T DO IT.
Wish I had read the comments before committing to a cut....my lovely curls are GONE. I was envious of the girl with the beautiful curls next to me (a client of Lysa's)...she got to keep hers. I paid close to $70 for what is honestly a perplexing cut that I will need to have repaired by someone once it grows in...and I too had the "bulk" removed. But hey, now I have (unwanted) bangs. Great.
I've been seeing Lysa for 2 years--this is definitely my favourite place. AND my hair is curly...
I only see Lysa for my curly hair. She's the only stylist I've had that has listened to me and understands curly hair.
Back in September I saw Lysa for a cut and ranted above about it following a bottle of wine and some tears. Truth be told after a month of growing out it became one of the better cuts I've had in a while. Sorry it took so long to post again Lysa.
I've seen Lysa once before, but this time I went in for a real custom curly cut. I went from long hair (mid-back length) to a great short (medium?...around chin length) hair cut and it looks FANTASTIC. I have never received so many compliments on my hair. This cut makes my curls look great, and is so manageable. She's awesome!
I got a few cuts by Hollie Kendall and I have curly hair...it was never an issue. My hair was so good I did a photo shoot afterward.
l also have curly hair, and was recommended to go so Lisa, it was the most scary experience, l ever had in a hair salon, not only did l pay $70.00 for a haircut, my hair has been shredded, and will probably, take for ever to grow, and Lisa looked liked she just rolled out of bed !!!!!!
I don't have curly hair but just found out that the hairdresser I went to once is now not there. She was great. They wouldn't tell me where she (as in they said they didn't know)so if anyone knows where Danielle went please let me know!!!!
Danielle is no longer cutting hair (to my knowledge) and is planning to move to Europe this month.
Yes, she is great!
Got may haircut there last night for the first time. Tried it because I've been looking for a new stylist forever and the reviews have been good here.
Lunchbag letdown, I'm afraid. Male haircut. Straight, short hair. Pretty hard to do badly. Not happy. Cut is uneven and patchy. Rogue hairs sticking out everywhere. No consideration for the shape of my head. I am actually going to another stylist this week to fix it up. Not pleased. Sorry.
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