Concepts Day Spa and Salon

Okay -- I'll say right up front I am a fan of Concepts.
Actually I am a fan of Daniel - my hairstylist.

I have been coming here for years.
Daniel "gets" what I want -- he knows what I like, knows what looks good on me and recommends changes based on how he knows me. I have thick hair, with a will of its own, I can't do just any style. I know he will steer me away from things that won't look good AND that I can't maintain.

Concepts is in a great place too - Yonge and Bloor - concourse level.
They are always professional and friendly. They know the business, use great products and you walk away happy.

Finding a stylist you like is a tricky business - if you are having issues, try here.

As well as the hair salon, they do have a spa in the back, which I must admit I have never tried. They sell a lot of great products for hair and nails in the front too - so if you are looking for products or tools for "your look", this is a great place to check out.

I don't know about you, but for me, the thought of parting with a long time hair stylist can be quite a hair-raising experience (no pun intended). That is what happened to me last year.

After spending several hours and trying to decide which hair salon to choose from, I decided to go with Concept Salon & Spa. I specifically asked for a master hair stylist for men. You can't go wrong with someone at Master level, right? Well, I'm happy to report that I was very happy with the first cut. The stylist did an amazing job.

All receptionists at the counter are super nice and helpful, both on the phone and in person. I like that there is no need for advance booking. Generally, they will be able to book you in the next day or the same day (if your stylist is not super busy).

The salon could use a makeover. But staffs keep the floor pretty clean and organized. When they wash your hair, they always ask to make sure that water temperature is comfortable for you (I like that).

Bottom Line: Friendly service. Professional result by professionally trained stylists. The price is right (considering that it's located on Bloor Street).

5/5 for the stylist (Nadia) and 3/5 for the atmosphere of the spa.

I used a Groupon here and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome - Nadia did a great job with my cut and highlights! It's always risky taking a chance with a new stylist, so I was relieved that the initial description of what I wanted seemed to translate well.

The only drawback is that this place feels quite crowded and perhaps a bit impersonal (although I guess that's to be expected in this neighbourhood). It just doesn't feel very "spa" like or relaxing. More like a hair assembly line...still, I'd like to try their RMT services based on the other recommendations I see here.

Prices are competitive and they seem to have great availability in spite of being busy, so that's a real benefit.

I bought a Groupon, in an attempt to save a few measly bucks on a wax. Reception was friendly, albeit, I came to the wrong location (the other was at Bay/Bloor). Lucky me, though, I was accommodated. Service was fast, albeit, patchy. In between the wincing and sweating, I tried to pay attention to the location of the waxing sticks, in terms of the pot of wax. However, in attempt to not pass out from pain, I didn't fully know what was going on. Do you want to know? The Dreaded Double Dip. Safety Clown says not hygienic! No, no! A bonus rash came with my service. Great!
If you are thinking about coming here, pop a few antibiotics first. I won't be back.

I had to go twice to be sure. You never want to go to the dark side unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure.

So I have been to this Concepts a few times. The last time I went I left thinking I paid more than I should have. I didn't think much of it but after my last purchase I am sure.

I go to Concepts because they have a HUGE selection of OPI and Essie polish - always on sale. But this particular location (the one under the Royal Bank) never gives it to you. The argument can OBVIOUSLY be made that I should have spoken up both times. My rebuttal is that it speaks to their business ethic, not my non-confrontational nature. Why? Because the other Concepts always, on their own accord, ensures the discounts advertised are, in fact, applied.

This Concepts doesn't. I gave them a free pass the first time they did it.

This was the second. I will longer go there and for the rest of you: If you want the full advertised discounted price be prepared to speak up. There are two - the arbitrary discount they offer and an additional 5% off for cash purchases.

It's only a few cents, maybe not even a dollar, but it's just bad business if you ask me.

DH and I got a groupon for haircut, conditioning treatment and style. We went to the 60 Bloor Street location. DH had a decent experience but his sideburns weren't cut properly and had patches as did the back of his head (his stylist was Angel).. he is lucky as his hair grows out fast- but an OK job for sure.

I was not so lucky, my stylist was Ashley. She did a terrible job. She ruined my bangs - and that is after I asked her to "fix" them. Instead of at an angle, she cut them straight, twice! So now i have horizontal bangs that sit about midway on my face. She said she had been cutting hair since she was 13 and she's now 27 - sad to say her haircutting skills don't seem to have improved much since her teen years.

Oh and i know they tiny "pampering perks" but she didn't ask to take my coat, didn't ask me if I wanted water or a drink, didn't ask me if I wanted a magazine, didn't give the complimentary head massage (even upon asking) which i got the last time i went there, and generally spoke to me like she knew best. Far from the "I am being pampered" feeling one should get in a salon, I was left wondering who the "customer" was.
Never going to this salon again!

This review is based on kind of an old experience, but I thought I'd review Concepts and add to the slew of amazing ratings.

As everyone knows, prom is a harrowing experience for anyone in high school--I was no exception because of...well, let's just say my school had a particular environment (coughallgirlscough). Having the perfect dress, body, hair, and boy on your arm was necessary to not commit social suicide.
Well, I dunno about my body or boy, but my hair turned out amazing thanks to Concepts.

I actually came here last minute because my original plans didn't work out. I tagged along with a friend to Concepts with no appointment and no idea what I was getting myself into.
The girl who cut my hair was friendly and very patient with my long-winded explanation of the hair I wanted (because I'm not good at hairspeak--turns out I just wanted "layers at the front"...who knew?) and delivered exactly what I was looking for. She was super friendly too! (I wish I remembered her name.)

At the same time, the other stylist cutting my friend's hair did an amazing job as well, and also painstakingly curled her hair to perfection with a flatiron. All the while my friend's boyfriend was there insulting her "spaghetti/pasta curly hair".

Yay prom and yay boys.

I have to admit I was fairly skeptical when my friend Ryan (male) recommended Concepts salon to me. I was overdue for a haircut, 2 months and my hair was fried. However, due to some insulting comments by my last stylist at a salon I will NOT mention (a prior stylist of mine claimed the only way to add length to my face would be for me to 'lose weight'). Needless to say, I had some concerns about trying a new place...

However, those fears vanished when I met Andre.....here are some of the reasons Andre is a great stylist:

1. He listens to clients and gives a thorough consultation
2. He makes suggestions based on your hair condition, face shape, and head shape
3. He is creative and precise!

The shampoo and condition were a great treat before the cut as they included a lengthy scalp massage! My haircut is fantastic! I walked out with a new style (for me) that really complemented my face, and my personality! Andre even took the time to pull out color swatches when I mentioned that I was considering a change.

I will definitely be going back to Concepts to see Andre for REGULAR haircuts and color! Great experience!

had a great mani here - Mandy was great! They had a good selection of OPI and Essie colours, a nice area for nails and were clean.

a 45 minute mani cost $25 plus tax and tip - for the location i thought this was a steal!

This one is really 4.5.
I can only speak for the massage I got here. I did get a blow dry here a long time ago, and it was okay, but today, I got one of the best massage ever. Probably 2nd best ... ever.

APPOINTMENT BOOKING:
I was pleased that I booked on Wednesday for the Thursday appointment and got my wished time of 6:45pm. I called on Thurs. to change it to earlier, and 3pm was also available. I don't know if I was just lucky, or they have a lot of RMTs on standby that allows them to do this. Also I was happy they asked if I wanted male or female.
I chose male because I don't like women who don't have enough strength, small hands or have fingernails. Yes I like men with big strong hands, especially for massage

INTERIOR:
Modern design. No frills but trendy and friendly. I liked that the day spa section was inside, and secluded from the hair salon part. Was a bit dark.

When I got in, i filled out the obligatory form, and was lead to the room. note to self: get there earlier to get the full hour, rather than the first 5-10 mins of getting ready. kind of gippy. All places are like this tho.

I had Don. What can I say here that won't sound kinky. I recommended him. Awesome hands. I've gotten enough massages that I'm not afriad to tell them about the pressure, whether I'm cold etc. but I didn't even have to tell him about the pressure. It was awesome. and professional. ($80 for an hour) decently priced.

bonus: they also have a very well stocked case of OPI nail polish that is categorized and labelled. I bought 2. Each $11.80

Would come back and try facials and more massages!