Hair by David & Co. is marking 23 years

In downtown Toronto, where salons come and go, lasting power says a lot.

Hair by David & Co. Toronto is marking 23 years this spring, along with 20 years in its current location, which are major milestones for a salon that has grown from a one-person operation into an established Toronto destination. 

The salon has celebrated being featured on blogTO's Top 10 salons in Toronto lists over the years.

The recognition introduced it to new audiences across the city. "Being featured on blogTO was a huge boost for my business," says longstanding Hair by David & Co. stylist, Jamie Potts. "It's always felt like a place where I could grow creatively and professionally."

Growing with intention

After educating and working in London, UK, owner and master stylist David Newman launched the salon before expanding into a team on mentorship and independence. 

What started as a solo operation, Hair by David & Co. has now evolved into a collaborative salon, where each stylist runs their own business while working as part of a team. This new model allows stylists to build their own businesses while continuing to learn from one another, and offers flexibility in today's changing work environment.

The team behind Hair by David & Co. 

The salon brings together long-standing and newer stylists offering diverse hair services and treatments. Stacey Ekubor focuses on bold, personalized colour across all hair textures, while Jhade Castillo sparkles with customized balayage and highlights. 

"I enjoy working in this space because I'm able to be one-on-one with guests from beginning to end of the service," Castillo says, and emphasizes "building that relationship is important."

Jamie Potts is on point with precision cuts, while Jamila Miller’s styling power is legendary.

Mai Kitazono brought in Japanese digital perms, while also excelling at traditional cutting and styling. She loves the salon for "its cozy, welcoming environment, airy space, and beautiful window views."

The team educates  together, noting new techniques and evolving styles. The salon works with brands like Schwarzkopf, Kevin Murphy and Design Me, and also operates as a Green Circle Salon, focused on reducing beauty waste.

The team also participates in Clean Toronto Together, an annual community clean-up program led by the City of Toronto.  

  The salon’s tucked-away fifth-floor location in Toronto’s Fashion District gives it a private, off-street feeling, while its reputation has travelled far beyond its walls. The experience is intentionally personal, with each stylist working one-on-one with their guests from consultation through to final styling.

23 years strong

Now, as Hair by David & Co. is gearing up for a renovation, it’s reflecting on the journey so far and ensuring that it keeps its core values the same. David Newman believes “haircuts with a feeling sets us apart." 

“I am committed to this creative space indefinitely," he says. "Long standing, positive, independent salons that support our industry are hard to find and achieve."

More than two decades in, Hair by David & Co. continues to grow behind the chair. To mark the milestone anniversary, the salon is partnering with the Canadian brand Design Me to offer new guests a 25 per cent discount on retail products.

Learn more about the stylists at Hair by David & Co. and book with the one that suits you.