Indulge me for a second while I explain why this is such a big deal. I have fine wavy hair with a mind of its own. It cannot be curled beyond its kink and it never falls straight. I have spent the better part of the last 10 years scrunching and teasing it into any shape that does not resemble a triangle.
Just over two weeks ago I had my hair cut by Roberto Barbosa and I am still pleasantly surprised every time I look in the mirror — my waves now fall into a perfectly rounded frame for my face.
In the interest of sharing my good-haircut karma, here are some tips I picked up from Barbosa that also came as a bit of a surprise:
1) Start at the end.
Whether you’re shampooing, applying styling product or smoothing on a finishing serum, start at the ends that’s where hair is dirtiest, needs the most replenishing and taming.
This is especially important with styling and finishing products because it allows you control the application so you don’t overload it and end up with a damage-control ponytail.
2) Apply masks to naked hair.
When you use a nourishing mask, apply it right on the freshly washed hair. You want hair to be clean but porous so don’t apply conditioner first or your hair will absorb less of the treatment.
3) Never let your hair dry in a ponytail.
Hair contracts when it dries, so if it’s tied into an elastic it has nowhere to go and will snap. That’s how you end up with so much breakage halfway down your hair.
Now, not that I’m in the habit of feeling guilty about my haircuts (or having haircuts, come to that) but it’s worth knowing that Salon Escape is working to reduce their carbon footprint. Most notably, they recycle your hair. Yep. They sweep it up off the floor and send it to the 1,000 Pounds of Hair initiative where it gets stuffed into nylons and is used to soak up oil spills like that in the Gulf Coast.
That, coupled with the surprisingly relaxed vibe at Salon Escape (they played 80s music the entire time I was in the chair), makes it unlike some intimidating Yorkville salons. And that alone is enough to bring me back!
Salon Escape is at 132 Cumberland Street, Toronto. 416-324-8080
Me and Roberto, my mane man
–Alex Laws
This Sunday, Toronto’s Salon Escape is one of many Redken salons that will be participating in a Cut-a-Thon to raise funds for food banks and child breakfast programs in tandem with the ONEXONE Foundation, and their programs designed to fight child poverty.
In the past three years, the Redken salon community along with Salon Escape have raised thousands for the non-profit Foundation that’s committed to supporting children in Canada and around the world. Who doesn’t want a great haircut that also donates to charity?
For $40 you can get a cut from a professional stylists and can also go for a $25 shampoo and blow dry. And there’s sure to be entertainment with tons of raffles and prizes, all for a good cause.
All proceeds will be channeled to programs that are aimed at eliminating poverty.The event runs from 12–6 in Yorkville Park, across from 132 Cumberland Avenue and right near Bay station.
Contact the salon at (416) 324-8080 to book appointment and join the team this weekend for some fun! (Salons across the country are participating so check the Redken site for more details.)
–Kate Daley
