Barberella 891 Dundas West,416-408-0440 Rating: NNNNN
If you click back through nowtoronto.com’s Store Of The Week archive, the first shop review you’ll find is former style writer Zenya Sirant’s take on Georgia Groom’s Georgie Bolesworth shop from April 2004. Fast-forward two and a half years and Groom has shifted her Canadian-chic stock down Dundas to Model Citizen (913 Dundas West, 416-553-6632), while her former space has morphed into well-loved neighbourhood beauty shop Barberella.
Owners Shelley Ring and Taraleigh Wallace wanted their salon to have a classic hair parlour vibe, so clients in for cuts and colours sit at white-washed vintage vanity stations topped with corner-store flowers in retro vases. Patrons, half of whom are male, represent a mix of local creative types and coif tourists visiting from further-flung ‘hoods.
Ring and Wallace don’t subscribe to a specific hair philosophy, but their easy-going and easy-to-manage styles are just what chilled-out Trinity Bellwoods tresses desire.
Barberella picks: Haircuts start at $35, while colour treatments range from $85 to $120 Davines’ Nou Nou shampoo from Parma, Italy, lightly nourishes colour-treated hair, $19 perk up winter dryness with MOP’s leave-in conditioner, $15.
Look for: Magazine racks loaded with vintage beauty books featuring Vogue editorials and Bond-girl film stills to inspire your new do.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 7 pm or by appointment.
