W Lifestyle

GetRatings() ?>

Posted by Catherine / Reviewed on November 10, 2008

70 Comments

W LifestyleThe big W marks one of Toronto's favourite hair salons. On Queen St W at Tecumseth.

Discussion

70 Comments

Jo / February 10, 2009 at 10:53 PM
user-pic

I booked an appointment with Rodrigo at W for this Saturday but the lack of reviews or comments on this site and others regarding this salon are scaring me.

Anyone?? Buller?

Anonymous In replying to a comment from Jo / March 17, 2009 at 4:49 PM
user-pic

hi jo, i'm thinking of going to W to get my hair cut...how was your experience there? what are the prices like? (they don't have a website).

julie / March 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
user-pic

W is great -- I've been going there for a few years and have always had a positive experience. Cuts are 60 - 65 and I get my highlights done there too...I think 110 for a half-head? Bit pricey, but good times. I recommend Sean or Dustin. Tarja is also great, but she's on mat leave. Holla!

anonymous / June 24, 2009 at 8:34 PM
user-pic

I used to get amazing haircuts from Jenn at W Lifestyle. She left in November, but I never got her contact info. If anyone knows of where she now works please let me know. Thanks!!

shank / July 4, 2009 at 7:46 AM
user-pic

Dustin was the best! Does anyone know where he left to?
The other stylists seemed awesome too.

Isobel / July 8, 2009 at 8:49 PM
user-pic

Nina is fabulous!!!

Karen / August 21, 2009 at 9:52 PM
user-pic

Hi, for all that want the honest truth ... I had my hair done 2 weeks ago by one place, and I looked like a red tailed skunk at the back (think black all on top and red on lower half of hair). Went in today and got Rowella, lovely sweet Philopino girl, who meticulously weaved hilights into my very fragile fine (dyed black) hair, to break up the colour, and junior stylist Nina, worked on correcting the cut, reversed it so it turned into a longer Pob. So pleased with the results. Rowella was $110 and Nina $40. Will be returning before the end of the year, as I live and work outside Toronto. Well worth it.

Marianne Jacobsen / August 27, 2009 at 10:30 AM
user-pic

I have been going to W since the day the doors opened.
The decor itself makes you feel welcome and that you are somewhere that is up on fashion and not just rotating you through to get clients. Each stylist takes their time to get to know their clients and I have never seen anyone leave disappointed.
I am a faithful follower of Trancis, who has been doing my hair since we met in the late 90s. He specializes in making you look more fabulous then you ever thought you could look. Takes a drab cut and turns it into the one that you saw in a magazine, except cooler. Over this past year I have gone from long hair to the middle of my back, to a chin length bob and now to short and full of texture. Hair is his art and his lucky clients are his canvass.
Nina has been his wonderful assistant on numerous occasions lately and she is amazing. I've also had Jen Maxwell (on maternity leave) do my colour before, but only Trancis gets to take scissors to my locks.
W...is the coolest salon in the City, I'm shooting myself in the foot by writing this review because it means now everyone is going to go there...oh well...then we will all look awesome!

MizzMonsta In replying to a comment from anonymous / September 26, 2009 at 7:29 PM
user-pic

Jenn can be found at In'I Hair Design at 559 Bloor St W... she's co-owner and the master stylist there.

Marianne Jacobsen In replying to a comment from MizzMonsta / September 27, 2009 at 9:14 AM
user-pic

Jenn Maxwell?

Esurnir / October 7, 2009 at 12:16 AM
user-pic

I wanted a haircut from someone who had a bit more imagination than most. I was served by Rowella who is a very friendly stylist and let her do my hair. I was very impressed by the result and recomand it to everyone who want a nice haircut.

Elizabeth / October 8, 2009 at 11:47 AM
user-pic

The only thing that kind of freaked me out after a recommendation from a friend about W was the price. My haircut was more than my colour!

The cut itself was fantastic, however, $90 runs me into the poor house to maintain and then another $80 for my roots. A working class girl can't get a break when she wants style and savings:(

na / October 8, 2009 at 3:55 PM
user-pic

Terrible Experience with Trancis..Wud never go bak

Marianne / October 8, 2009 at 4:06 PM
user-pic

Wow...seriously? Ive been going to him for years and honestly, even though sometimes it is hard for me to find the time as usually a visit can take up to 3 hours with the treatments and cut, Trancis has always given me more than I could have asked for...never once leaving the store dissatisfied. And one time when I did have an issue...he brought me in and fixed it ASAP.
He is a unique individual, however, having been to places like Civello, thinking that I was getting the best cut for the price, I realized that I was being slotted in and there was no care or time taken with the cut.
Id love to hear your story...I see you didn't give your name...

Trancis / October 8, 2009 at 5:09 PM
user-pic

Response to: na from: Trancis... You would never go back because I barred you today... and this is the reason: You showed up 25 minutes late for your first appointment(color consultation)I was still able to do the consultation(lucky for you).Then you showed up 35 min late for color appointment and I had to re-book you since I had another regular client in 20 min... I take my time and don't rush anybody out! Then you actually made it to the appointment 15 to 20 min late and I did the color witch we were not happy with... You came in with level 7 fried hair and wanted to go lighter and I recommended you go with level 4 since your East Indian but you wanted a level 5 witch was too bright! We re-booked so I could bring it to level 4 like I originally wanted but were never too blond aren't we ? You again showed up way to late for me to do it... since I'm very busy and I wasn't able to see you for 2 weeks witch I felt bad for you and offered you an appointment on Saturday after the salon close... you canceled this one a few ours before the appointment and re-booked again for another time that you never showed up for and never called...
This is very disrespectful of my time... I could of book 3 other appointments in all those missed times and there is usually a cancellation list of people trying to get in ...
I do not accept to do what I think will be bad for a client or there hair and you understood that with the consultation... but next time respect our time... You can ask my well over 500 happy clients.
For people looking for Jenn Maxwell you can find her at salon Tocci.
Trancis

Trancis In replying to a comment from na / October 8, 2009 at 5:37 PM
user-pic

Your reply is two post down Menal.
Peace

Paul / October 28, 2009 at 2:21 PM
user-pic

Does anyone know where Daniela (Reese? Reeves?) went? She used to cut hair here.

jennifer maxwell In replying to a comment from anonymous / October 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM
user-pic

Hi there! This is "Jennifer Maxwell", formally of W Lifestyle. For anyone interested I am currently working at

Salon Tocci
171 Liberty st E,unit 114
416-531-4247

Can't wait to see you there!

marianne / October 29, 2009 at 10:58 AM
user-pic

Hi Jen!

I was told that you don't do colour anymore...true?

Caroline / November 1, 2009 at 7:50 PM
user-pic

Hubs and I went to get out hair cut there on the weekend. Nina spent like over 90 mins on my long thick hair and Johnston trimmed hub's hair meticulously using scissors. We both LOVE (love!!) our cuts. It was one of the nicest hair experience we had in a very long time. Love the dogs...Bowser and Elvis were massive!

m / November 1, 2009 at 7:58 PM
user-pic

Elvis is a chihuahua LOL! However, I'm sure he appreciated your comment.

Tyler / November 26, 2009 at 9:54 AM
user-pic

how getting short faux hawks? more like the patrick jumpen or patrick mantiezz hairstyle.. heres the youtube video. hes the one in the suit. http://www.video4viet.com/watchvideo.html?id=M6Ck1J21PHQ&title=Patrick%20Jumpen:%20Jump-in-black%20+%20Hakk%C3%BBh%20Auf%20Dem%20Hauptbahnhof
thanks.

m jacobsen / November 26, 2009 at 6:06 PM
user-pic

Went to W two weeks ago and Trancis the magician did my colour perfect as usual.

My hair is so awesome from the last time he cut it and its growing in so insanely perfect I didn't need to come back for a cut.

Thanks Trancis and thx to ms Nina hardcore for talking metal and washing my hair while doing so:)

A / November 29, 2009 at 10:58 PM
user-pic

Nina is so sweet and does a great job on my hair.

YD / December 12, 2009 at 2:25 PM
user-pic

Trancis is the best in town - he changed my life!

nisha / December 26, 2009 at 9:00 PM
user-pic

i made an appointment to go on wednesday...its my first time..which hairstylist is the best for a nice stylized look? i want something different but not too wacky.

nisha / December 26, 2009 at 9:01 PM
user-pic

i made an appointment to go on wednesday...its my first time..which hairstylist is the best for a nice stylized look? i want something different but not too wacky.

m / December 27, 2009 at 2:17 PM
user-pic

I would suggest Jenn, Nina or if you can get in...see Walter. They listen well and are not too edgy with their looks if that's not what you are looking for.

You will enjoy the ambiance of the salon and most of all the laid back atmosphere.

Jay / December 30, 2009 at 2:48 PM
user-pic

hii :) does anyone know if this place can dye my hair a vibrant colour? like a pink?

M / December 30, 2009 at 8:45 PM
user-pic

As far as it used to go Trancis AGAIN at W was the colour master. He used to do the most magnificent jobs on people back in "the day" when my friends were colouring their hair those shades.
He is so good he can even give you leopard spots!
I'm sure he can still do it..and even though I wear a normal colour now, he always does a great job and if you take really good care of the shade (Trancis will show you the products to do that) it will last quite a while.
Have fun!

Claudia / January 14, 2010 at 10:00 AM
user-pic

I went to W for the first time yesterday...and I loved it!!! Nina did an amazing job highlighting and cutting my hair!!!! I will definitely go back there! She is very sweet!

Artistek / January 15, 2010 at 12:30 AM
user-pic

I get my hair cut by Kristi @ Double Ya. She is Fantastic with styling and super friendly. She know what you want.

m / January 15, 2010 at 8:05 AM
user-pic

no website...are they new?

Kal / January 15, 2010 at 10:51 AM
user-pic

I've been to W 3 times now, each visit with Kristi and she is FANTASTIC! I have bushy curly hair and I've always found it difficult to find someone who knows what they are doing. She listens to what you want and cuts it perfectly! Kristi's the best!

daddio / January 15, 2010 at 12:31 PM
user-pic

thanks, kristi... my hair has never looked better and the price is right too!!

Melisse / January 15, 2010 at 1:20 PM
user-pic

Recently I paid a visit to W for the first time with a mop that had simply grown in from being bald. It was a little frightening to say the least haha. Kristi is an amazing stylist, she fixed it up without much guidance from my part and at a great price. And my hair isn't easy to deal with whatsoever. I recommend her hands down. Kristi is great for a few laughs too, she's personable and gets a great job done. c: I'll see you soon for some color!!

Alan / January 25, 2010 at 2:15 PM
user-pic

I've been going to W for my last few haircuts and seeing Kristi there. I've have to say, she does a great job, very talented, professional, and personable. She's the first stylist I've seen in years who gives me a cut that truley suits me! I highly recommend her!

Robb / January 30, 2010 at 9:50 AM
user-pic

Does anyone know the cost of a men's cut?

regan / January 30, 2010 at 10:30 AM
user-pic

Its not cheap, between $50 and $75 I think, but you get what you pay for in this case.

Paul Schreiber / January 30, 2010 at 12:38 PM
user-pic

My cut was $35.

regan / January 31, 2010 at 8:27 AM
user-pic

Guys are lucky that way. Who did you see Paul?

I think it depends on who you are seeing as well.

Paul Schreiber / January 31, 2010 at 1:50 PM
user-pic

I saw Johnston (Johnson?).

mary In replying to a comment from Marianne Jacobsen / February 11, 2010 at 11:05 PM
user-pic

hi there,
do you think trancis is still at w?i am planning to cut my long straight hair to a very short pixie cut,like andrea osvart...do you think trancis will be able to pull it off?i am really concern,because i'll be donating my hair to cancer patients from locks of love...
thanks for any info.
mary d.

Marianne Jacobsen / February 12, 2010 at 8:58 AM
user-pic

If I am not mistaken Trancis is a permanent fixture at W.
And I would not trust anyone else to do what you have in mind.
Trancis has on many occasions in the 12 years that I have known him taken me from long locks to short sophisticated masterpieces.
He truly is Edward Scisscorhands!
As far as your hair goes...as long as you have never put product in it then congratulations on your donation to a wonderful charity.

Enjoy your experience with Trancis...one thing I should suggest so that you get your best cut is that you do not rush him, just as a painter needs time with his canvas, Trancis works on your hair until he believes it is the masterpiece that represents himself and W as well as the dream cut you have in mind.

Get ready to be Trancicized!

And most of all Enjoy!

Peter / February 17, 2010 at 4:23 PM
user-pic

W gave me my start and i will always love it , thank you walter thank you W .

brooke / February 17, 2010 at 5:05 PM
user-pic

Another huge Trancis fan signing in. He's always given me beautiful colour (from funky to somewhat more laidback) and he did a wonderful vintage yet fresh style for wedding. Wouldn't go to anyone else!

TMB / February 20, 2010 at 4:42 PM
user-pic

Count me in as another Nina fan. She cut my hair today and I love it. I'm normally VERY hard to please, and I have very fine & thin hair, she did a great job.

Thumbs up :)

Beth / March 8, 2010 at 10:09 PM
user-pic

I had a cut this weekend. I took a chance with all the wonderful comments above. The lady before looked beautiful. I was hopeful The cut i got was not what i asked for and to keep asking to fix it would cut off all of my hair. I won't be going back :I.

Beth / March 8, 2010 at 10:14 PM
user-pic

After reading all the comments i decided to take a chance this weekend. I booked an appointment and was there bright and early. The lady before me looked spectacular, i was so hopeful and excited. I was detailed with what i wanted. I was disappointed that it was not even close to what i had asked for. I won't be going back.

Paul Schreiber / March 9, 2010 at 2:18 AM
user-pic

Beth: your comments (aside from being repetitive) aren't detailed enough to be helpful.

Which stylist did you see?

What specifically did they do wrong?

Clarence / March 13, 2010 at 3:10 PM
user-pic

My first time at W was a very pleasant experience. I had grown my hair out for nearly a year and Rowella had the experience necessary into taming the beast into what might be the best haircut I've ever had.

I highly recommend W, they'll have you checking yourself out at all the shop displays on your way home.

Tammy / April 7, 2010 at 3:27 PM
user-pic

I came back to W after trying a couple other salons (Earth Salon and Cooney for Hair). I had a different stylist as the one I was going to was no longer there. Her name is Melissa and she gave me a fantastic funky cute cut (long at the back, short layers and asymmetrical bangs). It is worth the $75 because she takes the time to make the cut perfect.

Marz / April 16, 2010 at 4:51 PM
user-pic

I got my hair cut by Johnson and I am so happy with it! He actually listened to what I wanted and then proceeded to thin out and layer my ridiculously thick hair with patience and amazing skill. I've never been happier with a haircut! And to think I just walked by and decided to try the place out without an appointment. Also, the girl at the front was quick to offer me water or tea. Very good experience all around.

trae / April 22, 2010 at 10:11 AM
user-pic

i've been seeing paul for YEARS. he listens, but recommends if what i want won't work. i am older then the average client, but hate looking too "normal". i trust him completely. the best highlights in the t-dot in my opinion. will do the unusual, but also classic - my mom's been seeing him for years as well to maintain her "blonde" (ahem) bob.

my only negative comment about w lifestyle is that sometimes the music is not conducive to relaxing in the chair. its a salon, not a rave!

Lea / May 3, 2010 at 9:03 AM
user-pic

Someone was asking where Dustin from W went... i believe he has his own place now out of his loft. Check out www.bobhairboutique.com

lika In replying to a comment from Trancis / July 19, 2010 at 1:15 AM
user-pic

how much do you (Trancis) charge for a haircut?

anonymous In replying to a comment from Marianne Jacobsen / July 23, 2010 at 2:45 PM
user-pic

Jenn maxwell is in liberty village at salon tocci.

Trancis / August 14, 2010 at 12:43 AM
user-pic

This is Trancis... Thank you all for everything... I'm officially not accepting any new clients... under any circumstances... until any new notice... Thank you again for all your support! xox

N/A / August 14, 2010 at 1:43 PM
user-pic

trancis can you cut my hair pls its important back to school have been growing it for 3 months just for this pls?

Ashley / August 20, 2010 at 3:13 PM
user-pic

I live within walking distance of W, and after reading the reviews, was thinking of giving this salon a try. When is comes to services, I'm pretty much as loyal as they come. Once I find someone I like, I won't go anywhere else. I still go completely out of my way (40+ mins) to visit my favourite doctor, pharmacist, bank branch, etc. from different areas I've lived/worked in. One place I don't have, though, is a salon! I have long, thin, very easy to manage hair and had never even been to a hair salon until earlier this year when I decided to grow out my bangs and have them blended into layers. I went to Fiorio because the name stuck in my head, and though the stylist was a doll and I was happy with the result, the hair was just average. My bangs have since completely grown out and I'm looking for a very layered look that's easy to manage and sophisticated but still says POW. I have very thin, straight hair which everyone seems to envy... but to me, it's boring! I want my hair to DO SOMETHING. I never straighten, style or do anything to my hair as I don't really know how... hell, I didn't ever start blow drying it until that first haircut. So, I'm kind of a blank slate. The perfect canvas, if you will. I just want an artist who knows how to make my hair stand out and can give it volume.

After all the reviews I was VERY excited about Trancis, but I just read that he isn't taking on any more clients (if only I found this two weeks ago--just my luck!). Anyway, I'd like for you all to recommend a stylist at W that would suit my needs and that I can continue to visit for years to come... Help! Money is not an obstacle, but price ranges would still be appreciated so I know what to expect

Much thanks, and sorry for the very long read.

--Ashley

Ashley In replying to a comment from Trancis / August 20, 2010 at 3:15 PM
user-pic

I completely respect that, but would appreciate a shout if a change does happen and a space in your busy schedule becomes available. I wrote a (too long) comment in this thread if you want to have an idea of what my hair is like, and what I am looking for. Thanks!

maddie / August 25, 2010 at 7:57 PM
user-pic

so i want to get some super natural highlights and im trying to find a really good and reliable place to get some. i have long brown hair, is this the right place to go?
and is it pricy?

Mer / September 29, 2010 at 6:14 PM
user-pic

Hearing good things on"W". What is the contact #? Not able to find it.

Regards,

Paul Schreiber / September 29, 2010 at 11:50 PM
user-pic

721 Queen Street West
Toronto ON M6J 1E6
(416) 361-9777

Mer In replying to a comment from Paul Schreiber / September 30, 2010 at 1:31 AM
user-pic

Thank you!

KLM / October 8, 2010 at 1:04 AM
user-pic

I am looking for someone who is good with doing the ombre colour/highlighting that is trendy right now. Can anyone recommend someone?

Unhappy Camper / October 13, 2010 at 11:42 PM
user-pic

I strongly recommend not to use Melissa @ W Lifestyle. It was my worst experience at a salon ever and i was very close to walking out halfway after she argued with me on how she should cut my hair.

If i remember correctly i pay her to cut my hair the way i would like. Everything I asked she did wrong or the opposite to what i wanted, and now one week later i look like an old fashioned 50 year old because of the way she has done my layers, and i am forced to straighten my hair to make it look half decent.

I've been getting the same haircut for the last 4 years and i say the same thing every time but this is defiantly one of the most out of touch cuts i've ever had. Melissa needs to listen to her customers rather than argue with them. I do however, recommend Fringe my boyfriend when there and had the best cut in years - i could get an appointment on the day cause they were fully booked.. i should have just waited.

Mer / October 14, 2010 at 12:29 AM
user-pic

To Unhappy Camper!

I got my haircut by Sydney and she was wonderful. I am in my fifties and the style she gave me was great. I provided her with some insight on my lifestyle and what I was looking for and she was great. I do not have to place my hair or blow dry it. She cut it keeping in mind the way my hair grows and moves.

Ask for her next time.

Angela / November 13, 2010 at 8:52 AM
user-pic

Here's a shout out for Rodrigo. I have been going to Rodrigo for over ten years. We met when I was 31 and my hair was short. I would go to him every six weeks and get reinvented. I have never given him any directions about what I want. I have always left my hair completely up to his judgement and skill. Both are impeccable. Now in my forties, my hair is long and I see him less but as white hairs start to show, I have absolute confidence in Rodrigo to continue making sure that I will always have strangers in the streets approach me to ask who does my hair.

Hisham In replying to a comment from Trancis / December 25, 2010 at 8:16 PM
user-pic

hey Trancis, I just recently moved to Toronto and my hairstyle is kinda well too normal, I want a more spiky look like tyler durden from fight club or the lead actor in Bones if u watched those 2, anyway all I know is I want a new look with spikes in it. I dont know if you still work at W lifestyle but do you think they can find a look for me? and does hair texture matter? Because my hair is naturally going backwardsand is a little curly just a bit.

Add a Comment