Republic of Hair

I was able to get a last minute appointment to see Rockstar Stacy for a colour and cut. The staff were exceptionally courteous and Stacy couldn’t have done better! It’s even really cool to see a stylist flip their scissors while cutting!

Hal Gonsalves is a great hair stylist & a pleasure to be a client of. He used to style my hair at Fiorio in Richmond Hill. When he moved to the Republic of Hair, I did too.
He makes your hair look very good in an effortless manner. His hair styles are also easy to manage.
Troy is great with color. He was very patient in choosing my hair color for the highlights & overall color. Even though it took a long time to lift off the henna, Troy was patient and made the haircolor close to the photo I had showed him, and, also adjusted the hair color to suit my complexion. We’ll have try the same results with my highlights next time.
The other stylists in the salon are quite friendly. Although the music can get loud at times, it is a fun visit to get your hair done at this unassuming place.

Most welcoming hair salon I’ve been to. The first time I went in, they couldn’t take a drop-​in, but the guy I spoke to was super nice and voluntarily referred me to another salon. The second time, I needed a Style Out and that other salon cancelled an appointment I was relying on, and Renee managed to squeeze me in even though she didn’t have any open slots. Saved my day both times– I’ll be making appointments with them from now on!

I went to Republic of Hair to seek out my favourite stylist Hal Gonsalves. I used to go to him at Fiorio Richmond Hill and followed him here to Republic of Hair. It is a very unassuming space at the top of the stairs. Enter the door from Bloor Street and make your way to the top. They are always playing some cool house music from Troy’s collection. He also brews an amazing Espresso with his awesome machine. Good conversation, great hair cuts and styles… you can’t go wrong. My 2 year old son goes to see Hal where he got his very first haircut. He makes kids feel comfortable with his goofy personality. Now my son gets excited to go see him.

I’ve come here both for «event» hair and a full cut and been thrilled with both. I asked Charles for curls for my event and he described what he was going to do, concluding it with, «basically, I’ll just make you gorgeous!» which is exactly what he did. Really flattering, almost 40’s style curls. Loved it.
Troy cut my hair, and I swear, he would have whipped out a protractor to double check all the angles if no one had been looking. He is a perfectionist and really knows what he’s doing. I loved that he took a ton of bulk out of my hair but managed to layer it in such a way that I get volume exactly where I want it.
The prices are fantastic, they have beverages when you walk in, the location is great, and I’ve even managed a last minute appointment or two with no problem. Both gentleman are super nice and not in the least bit intimidating; it’s really nice that it’s a bit quieter and not full of the chaos and loud gossip of some places. This is further out of my way than my old, very decent, stylist and I’m more than happy to make the trip.

I’ve been here twice now and I know how hard it is to choose a salon without reviews, so here goes — I love this place! I’ve been for trims, and this week I took a leap of faith and booked myself in for ombré highlights on my dark hair.
ROH is a really friendly, unintimidating place. My appointment was almost four hours long by the end, and both of the staff (Troy and Charles) were really friendly and funny, as well as helpful. Once I’d explained what I wanted, they talked about what would work on my hair and what I was aiming for.
The colour turned out beautifully and I’ve gotten tons of compliments already. They really made it work with my hair, my lifestyle (low-​maintenance), and what I wanted, which was a lighter, trendier look for summer.
It’s not really expensive, like a lot of downtown salons can be, but you’re getting stylists with tons of experience and who consult with one another on technique. I loved that they talked about what they were doing and how it would work.
I will definitely book here again. Highly recommended!

Came in about 6 months ago as I had a last-​minute gig and needed a hair cut and style. My regular barber wasn’t available, and Troy’s shop is right by my condo. I was nervous, but felt comfortable with Troy, who’s first impression is super nice, friendly, and competent.
I’ve been coming back monthly since, and couldn’t be happier. Best haircuts I’ve had. Troy even did my hair for my album artwork, and I’d recommend him to anyone. $ 25 for a Men’s cut, wash and style, and WAY better than high end salons like Grateful Head.
He also gives you complimentary lattes which are SUPER high quality, ironic because they’re free and the shop is on top of a (blech) Second Cup.
Troy is a blast to hang out with. I have a great time every time, and would totally recommend.
Side note: A few times the client before me have been women, and their cut and style gets the same fantastic review. All clients leave with a beaming smile.