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| - An old friend recently recommended that I take a trip into the big smoke for a truly unique hair experience. I figured, how unique could a guys salon experience be? Single serving conversation, wash, cut, style, money exchange - Thank you very much. Right? Well let me be the first to say there is a first time for everything and this is the first time in 28 years that I've been amazed with a salon. Like seriously astounded.
Located just south of Yonge and Eglington in North York (on the east side across the street from Scotia Bank), Evoke Salon is a trendy, walk up from the street level that is bustling with enthusiasm, accolades, and clients. I was a little shocked that mid-day on a Wednesday there was a stylist at every single chair and a bum in each seat. The word is certainly out on this place and the crowds are flocking.
Walking up the stairs I was greeted by a friendly front desk receptionist, my name was taken and being a new client I was asked to fill out a short form of my information. As I mentioned the space is alive with energy and the open concept of the salon helps to breed that energy. I enjoyed the fact that they had their mission and vision posted on large plaques on the wall as well as plaques outlining what key areas make them different and what they promise to their customers. The most impressive signage was the banner towards the rear of the salon that boasted "Best Hair Salon: Midtown" awarded by Now magazine!
While waiting for my stylist I was directed to a large key ring menu of free beverage options next to the magazines for me to choose from. Sure I've been offered a coffee/espresso or water while I wait but their menu rivals that of some restaurants. Coffees, Teas (hot and cold), all natural fruit juices, Water (Flat and sparkling) and on and on. I was asked three times if I wanted anything before I even got into the chair. I eventually decided on a sparkling water and it was brought in a 1L carafe with a wine glass so I could enjoy during my service. Wow!
Enough about the space, let's talk about the service I received. I'd describe the services offered at Evoke as experiences, in fact I'd wager that Evoke itself is an experience. After meeting my stylist Ryan, we sat and chatted about what I wanted and he made expert recommendations based off my hair type. Once we had a direction in mind the first experience began. He filled his hands with an aroma therapy oil, and had me inhale and exhale the glorious scents deeply while he leaned down heavily on my shoulders, releasing tensions - totally relaxing.
We then moved to the rear of the shop where I received a hair wash and scalp massage - those of you know the way to my hair-care-heart is with a scalp massage (single ladies also take note..AHEM!), between this and the aroma therapy I was putty already and you could have shaved off my eyebrows and I wouldn't have objected.
Coming back to the chair we began the cut which was done expertly and with flair. Ryan was a cunning conversationalist and being a young guy like myself we had a great rapport and even a few good laughs. The entire time he worked on my hair he occasionally would pause to top up my sparkling water anytime it got below 1/2 a glass, before continuing on.
When the cut was complete we went back for another full wash, condition and scalp massage (wonderful again), this one was far more in depth and had we not been chatting I felt my eyes getting heavy and I would have passed out. Shortly after we were back to the chair and Ryan worked in some thickening solution to add some fullness to my hair and styled my hair EXACTLY how I had envisioned it in my mind.
My "experience" at Evoke was relaxing, efficient and overall wonderful from the moment I walked in. The Eglington location is convenient for those of you to the north but for those city dwellers afraid to venture north of Bloor they have another location on Bloor West as well. When I'm in the area again you can bet I'll be giving Ryan @ Evoke a call again - maybe you should too :)
Thanks to the staff @ Evoke :))
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