Vanguard Hair Parlour & Spa

I honestly love everything about vanguard! Alina has been doing my hair for a few years and it’s like we are long lost friends! She did my hair for my wedding and my entire bridal party was taken care of at one location. Hair and make up were wonderful and if there was something we didn’t like they fixed it immediately to our liking. I have tried other places thinking I’d go for a deal but there is no price tag on quality work.

I went here to see Dana today. Saw the reviews in Unilocal and on a whim I booked an appointment with Dana today for a trim. I didn’t think it would be anything special but I have never been so happy! It is so clear that this girl loves what she does and it shows. You’d be silly to go anywhere else. My hair has never looked better, and I will probably never go anywhere else. Can’t wait to book an appointment with her next week for some highlights. So friendly, funny, honest, and gave me tons of tips for my hair! I hope she sees this, so happy with her work! Amazing hair dresser.

I went to Vanguard 2 or 3 times and I’m not impressed. My first experience was horrible for my prom, the senior stylist did not listen to me when I asked for a half-​up half-​down hair do with curls. The hair doe was a hot mess but I wanted to give the place another chance because it does look very cute.
My next appointment was for a same day hair cut. So they are good in the sense that the can make last minute accommodations. I ended up a junior stylist, who was actually really nice and did a pretty good job of cutting and styling my hair.
For my most recent experience, I wanted the junior stylist again but she had left, so I decided to try another senior staff. This appointment was probably the most annoying/​frustrating hair appointment I have ever had. I told the stylist I wanted a change, I have really long hair (past my waist) and I wanted to cut it into a long bob. I brought in pictures of what I wanted and the stylist did ask a lot of questions so I thought we were on the same page. Once we got to the cutting part I continuously had to ask her to cut more off but for some reason the length never really changed. I kept asking for more length off but she said I looked good with long hair so she started styling and curling. I was started to get frustrated and I felt as though I had to pull teeth just to get her to cut any more, so I gave up. I walked out of there with hair that is hardly an inch shorter and I’m now down $ 90. That was the most expensive trim I’ve ever had.
I think I have officially given up on this location, their senior stylist aren’t that great and they can’t seem to keep their good junior stylist.

I’ve been to Vanguard a few times — and was really impressed by the great space and the hospitality. They have a great tea!
I had an appointment last Friday at 5 for a cut — not just any cut, my hair was mid-​way down my back with an ombré and my ends needed a new beginning.
I showed my stylist all kinds of above shoulder to shoulder length styles with/​without bangs — I wanted a change and I wanted my ombré gone, and I needed to be able to get it off my face for yoga. She did a rough cut for me, not too short and washed my hair. So far so good.
As we’re getting into the cut, I’m noticing that not a lot of length is coming off and my shape was starting to look like a shorter version of what I already had — which if it wasn’t for my ombré, I would consider it boring. I asked her to go shorter, she said are you sure, and still didn’t cut what I asked for — she said she liked my length, and if I wanted bangs after all this, I could come back. I didn’t feel that I could keep asking her to go shorter so I asked her to take some of the bulk out of my hair, which she eventually agreed to texturize.
My hair has been pixie length and really long — I love changing it up. My cut is pretty and would be enough for some — but I think if my stylist took the time to listen to what I was looking for and realized that I was going for a big change… not boring maybe the outcome would’ve been more what I was looking for. Definitely not worth the price this time.
She seemed to have a lot of regular customer that really love her work and that was nice to see, unfortunately I don’t think she gave me the same attention as a regular.

I’m all happy and giddy!!! Absolutely loving my new haircut by Julie! She’s brilliant, warm and very professional! Dona did my shampoo and conditioning and the head and neck massage was oh so relaxing! Vanguard has a very boudoir décor and even has a tea bar! Overall my experience was excellent and would definitely be a regular from now on!

One of my girlfriend recommended me to come here for a hair cut and I am glad I did. I showed pictures to Alina and she knows exactly what I wanted and I am very happy with the result. I absolute love it and the theme is very chic, clean and welcoming. Best of all I enjoy getting complimentary tea/​coffee. Just one thing to add, it would be nice to have a chit chat time with Alina. During the hair cut we didn’t talk at all. But overall I love the experience and I will come back. Ps you get 25% for referral to you and a friend!

I love this place. I had been told by a friend that a stylist by the name of Lindsay at Vanguard was very good. I wasn’t disappointed. I can never find anyone who gives me the exact shade of blond that I want and Lindsay was able to do it on the first try. A few days after having my hair done at Vanguard a complete stranger came up to me in the grocery store and asked me who did my cut and colour because it was beautiful and she was looking for somewhere to go. The salon is very nice and I will definitely go back to see Lindsay.

My daughter and I love our new haircuts. The service was fabulous. Julie and Alina were very attentive, competent and professional. The whole experience was very enjoyable. We will definitely be back.

Update on Feb. 9^th
My second experience at Vanguard and things get even better. Alina takes her craft seriously, taking time to ask me what worked and what could be improved… An amazing second experience and another great haircut.

This was my first time at Vanguard and I am happy with the results. Alina is very professional, knowledgeable, and a great listener. She made sure she understood what I wanted – deep red with an ombré effect. I wanted the colour gradient to be well integrated and to go well with my natural hair colour and skin colour. Alina clearly explained my options and we went with her recommendation. She also gave me a layered cut – I have long hair – and my hair now looks more healthy and has more movement to it.
The salon interior is fun, comfortable, and modern. Sort of a downtown loft like look. The underground parking is a huge plus, especially on the day of my appointment when it was snowing.
One more thing, Alina will work out pricing options that suit your wallet.

Other reviews here have summarized the good points this salon has to offer in good detail so I’ll focus on the pros that stuck out to me. This review is for the male populace reading the reviews, ladies you get a lot of love at the salon so this one is for the homies.
Julie is one of the most talented barbers I have come across in a long time, she has a great understanding of current and classic hairstyles and can offer advice on how to control your hair for your desired look. For me the mark of a good barber is not how the haircut looks on the first day but how well it grows in, I’ve always wanted to keep a longer hairstyle and Julie is the one that let me have it! She cut it and instructed me on how to style it and it was exactly how I wanted it. The spa has great amenities and a great atmosphere, fellas I recommend you try out that celebrity cut you have been dying to pull off, Julie can make it happen.

I needed a haircut and a quick Google search for local businesses brought up Vanguard Hair. After reading the glowing reviews on Unilocal I decided to give Vanguard a try. I was not disappointed! Julie hung my coat up for me when I arrived and Diana’s interest in my needs was very sincere. I wasn’t offered any drinks, but I did notice agave nectar at the bar, which is great for the health-​conscious. My favourite part was the wash; I hate standard hairdresser sinks because they hurt my neck, but Vanguard’s sinks have a nice head rest so I didn’t strain my neck. I received a 25% discount because it was my first visit, so I paid $ 37.50 for a great haircut! They also charge a $ 1.50 ‘green fee’ which goes towards the pick-​up of salon materials for recycling. Diana — at my request — recommended some shampoo and conditioner for my hair that was damaged by a not-​so-​great perm. She was knowledgeable and honest about the products. The place is a little tricky to find so keep your eyes open for the sign on north side of Wellington; you can get to the parking from the driveway in front or the sidestreet. The underground parking certainly is a plus. This salon is Redken exclusive.

I’ve been meaning to write this review for a while!
I attended a Unilocal Event at Vanguard, which is how I got my introduction to this place, but came back a week later for my first service, which was a colour and a blow out.
The salon is very large and open — they certainly have a great space! It has a somewhat rustic, warehouse type of feel. Well decorated, and very warm when you walk in. I was immediately offered tea/​coffee/​water, and opted for a nice fruity loose leaf tea. (Yum!)
I had my colour done by Paula, and it turned out just the way I wanted it. Then off to Diana’s chair. I’d actually booked in for a cut, but after talking to Diana, she really didn’t want to cut my hair since I’m trying to grow it out. I thought she might be upset, since I had booked her time to have a service, but she was super easy going and great about it, which I really, really appreciated.
Girls, for the first time in a LONG time, I am THRILLED with my hair! Aurora is a long way from Mississauga, but it’s totally worth it now that I’ve found someone who can do my hair the way I want it! Thank you!

As a newbie to the Richmond Hill area, I have been on a hunt for a new hairstylist for a couple of months now and i’m sure most girls would agree that it is one of the most stressful things to do. After all, finding a new hairstylist is practically the same as searching for your soul mate, it does not come easy and once you have one you hold on for dear life.
Well ladies… and gents, I’ve found my soul mate :).
I came across Vanguard Hair Parlour and Spa on
, because I use Unilocal for like EVERYTHING now, and I decided I would take a leap of faith and give it a go!
The salon is beautiful. Very rustic, industrial and yet, comfortable décor. The staff are welcoming right when you walk in. They introduce themselves, take your coat and (my favorite part) offer you a coffee and chocolate biscotti from the «self-​serve» coffee and tea bar. The bar wasn’t very «self-​serve» as the staff were so accommodating I didn’t even lift a finger :).
I was paired up with Paula who is the hair color specialist. First she asked me about my hair and what I would like to have done and then offered her suggestions. I was so impressed (and for once felt no anxiety) that I let Paula do whatever she wanted and I’m so glad I did.
After a few hours, a couple cups of Bora Bora tea (a must try!!!) and a complimentary hand massage, I was all done. My hair looked exactly as Paula said it would and for the first time exactly how I wanted it. :)
I highly recommend this salon for everyone! I know I will be returning indefinitely.
I’ve got a white knuckle grip on this one and I’m not letting go! :)
Tiff

I got an insider tip that a new salon and spa was opening in Aurora just East of Wellington and Yonge, so on my way home from work the other day I decided to investigate.
Parking is a bit interesting as it’s located around back of the house/​building that this salon is located in but the plus side is that the parking is UNDERGROUND! Amazing for the coming colder months. There is a small number of outdoor spots but the underground parking for the entire building seems to suffice!
Another awesome convenience is that there is an elevator which takes you directly from the parking garage to the front door of Vanguard (just press floor 2).
Walking into Vanguard I was blown away by just how much cool factor this place has. Walking in you get the vibe that you’re in a ultra sheik Loft space, high ceilings, exposed beams (which are actually apart of this historic buildings bones), distressed wood and over sized Victorian mirrors adorn the walls — So cool! But a salon wouldn’t be a salon without a little feminine flair and Vanguard accents this rustic looking space with just the right amount of femininity (see the GIANT Chandelier in the center of the room).
Some cool points about this place that I feel make it really unique:
— Do it Yourself Loose Leaf Tea bar (great selection of amazing tasting teas) — provided by a local team sommelier!
— Huge colour bar that could totally serve as a an actual bar if they wanted (its huge)
— comfortable seating in the waiting area, lots of pillows and a flat screen TV on the wall
— A full day spa! Yes you read that right, not just a couple of rooms in the back for a facial or Manicure. They have an additional huge space with multiple service rooms, the goal is to bring in an RMT as well to take care of massages in the future!
I had the pleasure of meeting the Owner, Julie. I was just coming in to say hello and after talking for a few minutes I decided to have her tidy up my hair and beard. She worked quick and with a careful hand, giving me cutting and styling tips as she went. She washed my hair (which is ALWAYS my fave part) and styled it in new way I hadn’t considered before — I loved it!!!
A great first experience at Vanguard! I’ll be back 4 sho!
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