. "2010-02-23T00:00:00"^^ . "4"^^ . "Amanda's been cutting and dyeing my (wavy and baby fine) and my husband's (thick and crazy curly) hair for over two years now - since just after we moved to Toronto from Vancouver. We tried the family hairdresser, an old-school dude up in North York, and while he did a decent job on our cuts, the vibe just wasn't right and he treated us like \"the kids\" (we're in our late-20s/early 30s). So I asked my friends and got resounding recommendations to see Amanda at The Third Floor.\n\nFirst, the space - to get to The Third Floor, you need to take a small hike through Harlots (another salon at street level). At first I thought this was kind of weird but Harlots' staff are gracious and just give you a knowing nod as you book it to the back of the salon and up two (naturally) flights of stairs. It's a special, lofty space - like being in your super-cool best friend's secret attic in the city, both bright and cozy.\n\nAmanda will offer you a glass of water or tea, then go through the usual hair-chopping prep and consulation convo, sussing out what you want to do this time - radical change? Just maintenance? Something a little different? If you're a little shy or not so good at describing what you want, she'll talk you through some ideas and options, and take it slow so you don't have to commit. She's a listener, so you won't walk out with something you didn't want.\n\nWe've covered all the bases. I've gone from neglected medium-length mousy brown to super-short, purple-streaked bob, grown it out, added bangs, grew them out, back to bangs and added some layers - and everything she does is just right. It grows out very nicely. You'll look good not just for the afternoon after your cut, but for months after (for people like me who don't get back to the salon every six weeks like clockwork.)\n\nMy husband Henry's hair is, like I mentioned, thick and curly. He's too polite to criticize any of his (many) past hairdressers, so I'll just say: It's not an easy task to cut and shape a jewfro so that it doesn't 'fro too much, look to \"old\" or boxy. Amanda makes it look effortless. And Henry looks effortlessly hipster-cute for months after his cuts.\n\nIn short: The Third Floor is a find! The space is fun (without being weird or stark) and comfortable (without feeling tired or crowded), prices are fair, and the staff technically and socially skilled. I like the products Amanda uses, and have bought them on occasion, but there's no pressure to do so at all. We used to trek down to Queen West from Yonge and Lawrence just to see her, but now that we're in the 'hood, we won't be late anymore!"^^ . "7"^^ . "5"^^ . . "7"^^ . .