Really good Toronto barber needed

July 14, 2010 8:04 AM

I need a recommendation for a hairdresser in Toronto for a haircut for my wedding (I'm a guy). My barber unexpectedly took a leave of absence, so I'm in the unenviable position of having to go to someone I don't know for the most important haircut of my life. They have to be really good and not intent on using my head to show off their artistry (I want a fairly straightforward cut). I don't care about price. Please help!
posted by Dasein to clothing, beauty, & fashion (16 answers total)

Do you work with someone who has a similar cut to yours? That might be a good place to start for recommendations.
posted by aught at 8:09 AM on July 14, 2010

I'm off work for the summer, and my colleagues are scattered all to hell.
posted by Dasein at 8:11 AM on July 14, 2010

I have been using Victoria at http://www.salontocci.com/ in Liberty Village. She also cut my hair for my wedding and did my wife's wedding party makeup and hair. She had been cutting my hair for about 3 years prior to me getting married and she doesn't go out all just do whatever she wants. She even didn't cut it as short as I normally get it since it looks a little better on once it grows out in a few days. Tell her that George sent you.
She is professional and really nice.
posted by boomcha76 at 8:19 AM on July 14, 2010

If you want a good hair cut by a barber, go see Enzo at the corner of College and Euclid in Little Italy. He's been cutting hair since he was 15 or 16 (or so he told me) and has been at the corner there for ~30 years(?). Anyway, I hand him a 20 when he's done and he always seems happy. He is not a stylist but a barber.
posted by maxpower at 8:36 AM on July 14, 2010

Bring pictures of yourself with your hair the way you like it, and show them to the stylist and say "just like the pictures"- it removes a lot of doubt.
posted by ambrosia at 8:37 AM on July 14, 2010

I go to Ryan at Salon Evoke (the Yonge/Eglinton location) and he's really nice and communicative and respectful of people's tastes. It's not a "barbershop" - just a nice salon. You can tell him that Heather referred you :)
posted by cranberrymonger at 8:39 AM on July 14, 2010

Sorry - link to Salon Evoke.
posted by cranberrymonger at 8:40 AM on July 14, 2010

Also near Yonge and Eg (hi cranberrymonger, we're neighbours!) is David Hillis. Sangita cuts my hair there - she's very good at listening to what you want, and gives a very detail-ortiented hair cut.

You're looking at about $55 plus tip there.
posted by generichuman at 8:50 AM on July 14, 2010

I went to Enzo when I was between places a bunch of years ago and he is good. I just liked the ability to book appointments, etc.
posted by boomcha76 at 9:02 AM on July 14, 2010

I know a friend of a friend, his name is Nicky at JC Salons in Bloor West village (416-604-3211). He's a good guy and easy to talk to about what you want. He gave me the haircut that got my wife interested in me. He's off Mondays and Wednesdays.
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:49 AM on July 14, 2010

Whatever you do, don't go to Gus the Other Barber, unless you, your fiancé, and generations of wedding picture-viewers are looking for heartbreak.
posted by Beardman at 10:43 AM on July 14, 2010

Listen to Beardman. I've seen the devastation firsthand.
posted by Felicity Rilke at 10:52 AM on July 14, 2010 [2 favorites]

Ah, you need Arthur Hoffman. Been cutting hair since the mid-1960s. Very safe pair of hands. He only does house calls now, but he's owned and worked in a number of barber shops around the city. I'll memail you his phone number.
posted by scruss at 10:59 AM on July 14, 2010

I've been going to George Barber Salon in the Eglinton/Allen Road area for the last little while. I'd classify it as a barber shop with a salon mentality in terms of caring what you come out looking like. Michael, the owner, seems to have a pretty good sense of what will look good on you. $23 plus tip.

When I lived in the east end I would go to Fuss in Leslieville. I tried a few different stylists there, and had the best luck with one of the co-owners of the salon (her name escapes me at the moment -- short blond girl...sorry if not exactly helpful description). $45 plus tip.

Good luck.
posted by dismitree at 11:26 AM on July 14, 2010

I've recommended Sabrina numerous times on MeFi and the OPs have come back each time and given me best answer. She's great and works around Bathurst and Queen. Her number's [phone].

Last time I was in there she was going out the next day to a wedding to cut hair for all the bridesmaids and such, so she's trusted by more than the likes of me.
posted by dobbs at 1:25 PM on July 14, 2010

Thanks to everyone for their help, this has been very useful.
posted by Dasein at 7:02 AM on July 15, 2010