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The Third Floor Hair Boutique
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
660 Queen St WToronto, ON M6J 1E5
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(647) 428-7495
- Hours:
Tue, Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Wed, Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Thu 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Jamie H. said: "I found Lush and Lavish because I am in love with the products they carry, Eminence. I googled salons in Toronto that carry them and I found Lush and Lavish. I am so happy that I did! For about 6 months I had terrible acne, which…" read more »
13 reviews for The Third Floor Hair Boutique
13 reviews in English
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Review from Jeff D.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I decided to check out Third Floor after reading so many positive reviews. I've been growing my hair out for about 10 months, and aside from some maintenance cuts here and there, I've kind of let it do it's own thing. Needless to say, I was desperate for some serious shaping and styling. I got a quick and friendly email reply from Amanda and had no trouble snagging a next day appointment.
Despite it's small size, there's something very open and airy about this place. And natural light floods the space adding a warm glow. Amanda is a consummate professional. After a quick consultation (I was picturing somewhere between Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey) she took one look at my hair and went to work. Debulking was the first priority, followed by some precision trimming. When all was said and done, I got what I came for and then some - a great cut, an interesting conversation and a new go-to stylist. I'll definitely be checking in with Amanda again. -
Review from Vivek S.
The product of a bit-too-much wine and a serendipitous jaunt down Queen West, The Third Floor is the brainchild of Amanda Lee Caskie and Minna Loponen, two stylists who decided to start their own salon. Five years later, they're still rocking it.
Almost literally a hidden gem, you have to go through another hair salon (Harlots http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) to get to it. Two flights up (duh) you'll find the tiny space. It's full of natural light and charm and has exactly two chairs for the stylists to work their craft.
Because of the size, it's appointment only. I made one pretty easily by e-mail. Even though it was my first visit there, Amanda zeroed in on my Hair Needs with startling precision, viz., hardcore "debulking." It typically takes stylists a few tries to grasp this, so to say I was impressed is an understatement. I usually go home having to fix/adjust a new cut. Not this time. 'Twas perfect right out of the box.
Yep, it was pricy. It's $50 for a short hair cut, but they do offer cheaper maintenance cuts for those cultivating a style. That said, my hair is my livelihood -- fine, not really -- but having confidence in a stylist's work is worth the extra dollars. I shall return.
Obligatory Title Pun: The Third Floor is ABOVE the rest.
Menu Readability: They have a pretty solid website. Check it out.
Need to mention: You have to go through Harlots to get here. They're cool with it, just smile at the receptionist, head straight back, and climb the stairs on the left.
What this place teaches me about myself: Yeah, I have Hair Needs. Exacting ones. Judge not.Listed in: Queen Street Address, I feel pretty, oh so pretty...
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Review from Liz S.
Toronto, ON
6/24/2011
I love this salon. I've been going here for the last couple of months and getting my hair colored by Amanda, she is very talented.
Like a lot of girls out there, I try on a LOT (i mean) A LOT of different hairstylists until I find one that I like. Amanda does a great job, has tons of knowledge and is super friendly.
the space is also awesome, and there are only two stylists who work there... meaning you get amazing results every time you go in because they pay such good attention to detail. Seriously, I think Amanda's the best colorist I've ever had! Give it a try if you are looking for a salon, they know their stuff. -
Review from Ted A.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011
For a simple guy like me, trying to find a place to get my hair cut after moving to downtown Toronto was a complicated experience. Do I really have to choose between 10 different stylists with different prices at a salon? Is my haircut going to be better with the girl who charges $70 over the guy who charges $60?
Then The Third Floor Hair Boutique appears, and offers a fresh breath of casual simplicity without sacrificing professionalism and style. It's a humble little place above another hair salon (on the third floor, naturally) with no visible signage or indication you're headed in the right direction till you arrive.
Minna has been cutting my hair for the past few months, and they've been the best cuts I've had in my life. I'm not too picky, I just want it to be fairly short and look good, and Minna works with that. She has great attention to detail and takes her time to make sure you look good. She's also great to talk to. It could just be in my head, but l sometimes get a snotty vibe from people working in hair salons, and the atmosphere is not at all like that here.
I highly recommend The Third Floor Hair Boutique. It's one of the more affordable options in the area, it's a relaxed environment, and they know how to make you look great. -
Review from sasha v.
Toronto, ON
11/11/2010
Amanda Lee is the best colourist I've found in Toronto. She is also stellar at cutting curls. Those of us with them who have made misguided attempts to cut our own hair (oh I'll just take a little off here, whoops, now I look like I'm in grade two again) know how hard this actually is!
I've never left unhappy, whether I'm cultivating a soft '30s bob or my current Robert Plant circa Led Zeppelin 1.
Good magazines too, from Vogue to People to Canadian Art. By the time she's finished with me, I know what's going on with everyone from Kate Moss to Jessica Simpson to Micah Lexier. -
Review from Jennie F.
Toronto, ON
2/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
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.
First, 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.
Amanda 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.
We'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.)
My 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.
In 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! -
Review from Peter M.
Toronto, ON
1/27/2010
Oh Amanda, you have put me in quite a predicament.
My normal hair person disappeared for a month and a half and I needed a haircut. Quick Batman to the Internet. Third Floor was the first place to show up and it had good reviews so I made an appointment.
Amanda was great. It was my first time so she asked good questions about what I wanted (because I am impossibly not eloquent about these things). 40 minutes later I walked out very happy. I thoroughly recommend Amanda to anyone looking for a smart, thoughful person who will do a good job.
Damage $45. Not cheap but not bad considering what a lot of other places on Queen charge.
Now my former hair person has surfaced and I have to decide what to do. In the immortal words of Liz Lemon: "Blerg."
UPDATE: Apparently "Blerg" is only one word. Sigh. -
Review from Barbara F.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2010
The Third Floor is the best place in the city for all things hair. Located in a funky and inviting space on the third floor above Harlots salon, The Third Floor offers up all the cool without any Queen West pretension. Great decor, music, and overall vibe. Minna is an inspired stylist who listens; she's taken my hair long and short, blonde and beyond -- always ready to recreate a favourite look or offer creative alternatives when I'm looking for something new. The Third Floor provides the very best cuts and colours -- and at very reasonable prices.
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Review from Ella M.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2011
I got a great hair cut from Amanda a couple weeks ago. She is the perfect stylist - she listens very carefully what you want and also understands style enough to make sure that it works. I've had tons of haircuts where hairdressers have taken too many liberties or have not understood what I was talking about but she got it spot-on.
She's also very friendly and relatable. My one-star deduction is for the price...perhaps I was just spoiled with my last hairdresser who was in a different city but I thought the norm was $50 for a woman's haircut and her's was $60. -
Review from John M.
Toronto, ON
Both guys and gals will benefit from getting in on the hot secret that is the Third Floor hair boutique on Queen West. It is a small salon owned and operated by two very talented hair stylists and colourists, both of them really interesting, stylish, and fun women. It doesnt get much better than this people, so if you can book an appointment, do yourself the favour.
Location: to find this secret gem, you must enter the front doors of Harlots (north side of queen, just west of the second cup) - walk to the back of Harlots and climb the stairs to the 3rd floor. It is a super cool building and really fun to see how big the place is (it would have been an amazing home once!).
Description: everything is colourful and has a real mid century modern feel to it (I love the vintage hair blower chair). I usually go in on a Saturday and its always lively with lots of interesting people dropping in - usually some good conversations going on. Cool music is always playing as well, usually something cool, or indie (but sometimes also some cheese, which we all love). You get your hair washed in the back, which has classic rock playing - awesome.
Review: I am a guy, and have short hair, and have been following one of the stylists here for years. She knows my hair, and gives me the best cut I have ever had. I have also seen what they do to other people and it is super creative. They are well known for their talent in colouring as well, and also, for you people with massive curls, they have that covered.
One of the extra little touches is the hot towel on the face while getting a head massage post hair washing - lovely!
One of the women does make up professionally, and so they also do weddings.
The vibe is slighly punk, totally cool but down to earth, not lame ass wannabe hipsters. Its real, the service is amazing, what more can i say
Prices: Men's cuts: from $40
Women's cuts: from $50
Wash and style: $45
Shine Treatment: $65
Full Colour: $60
Root Retouch: $50
Partial Highlight: from $60
Half Head Highlight: from $80
Full Head Highlight: from $100
Permanent Straightening Regrowth: from $70
Permanent Straightening Full Head: from $100
Extensions: consultation required
Updo: from $60
Make up Mini Application: from $35
Full application: from $70
Check the website for more details
http://www.thethirdflo... -
Review from Susanne J.
Hope, BC
5/29/2009
When my BF needed a hip cut I hit up John M, my other favourite man with style, for his recommendation. Third Floor was it. So, I set it up (found them accommodating) and dropped him off. Less than an hour later I saw this gorgeous man standing on the street corner waiting. Damn, that's my man! His cut looked so hot! It lasted for weeks too, and still looked smoking. Whether he'd just rolled out of the shower, had bed-head, had a booger in his nose...he still looked hot! I know it's not all about the hair...but it definitely paid off to pay a visit there.
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Review from Mike M.
Markham, ON
12/23/2009
The best-kept hair secret in the city. I go to Amanda, and she is fantastic for guys' cuts. I'm sure Minna is great too, but I have followed Amanda from salon to salon, until she got herself set up on her own. She is now two floors above Harlot's on Queen west. There's no sign so you have to go in through Harlot's and upstairs, right to the top! (Fitting...)
Amanda is honest, friendly, no-nonsense, and above all, unpretentious. She will do what you want, and tell you straight if she thinks it won't work-she knows her cuts.
Third floor is in a fantastic, chilled-out space with all the fixings of a ritzy, street level Queen West salon, but none of the too-hip-pour-vous attitude. My wife and I have been going to Amanda since 2004, and although I live out of the city now, I make the 45 minute trip. Yes, it's worth it. -
Review from Dayton F.
Toronto, ON
12/31/2010
Fantastic! Amanda was great, super nice and totally professional. Love my new cut, great experience!
