Thumpers Salon

4.5 star rating
16 reviews Rating Details

Category: Hair Salons  [Edit]

1813 Granville St
Halifax, NS B3J 1X8
(902) 429-4900
Hours:

Tue-Fri 10 am - 8 pm

Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
No
By Appointment Only:
Yes
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16 reviews in English

  • Review from Megan B.

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    • 2 reviews

    Dartmouth, NS

    5.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    Perfect Hair.

    That is what a trip to Thumpers Salon in Halifax will give you.
    Thumpers uses high end Bumble and Bumble products on your hair that will transform it into a thing of lush beauty.

    My stylist Kelly M always gives me an incredible cut.
    She ensures that my hair looks great whether I blow dry it or not. She knows exactly what she's doing- All of the stylists do.

    No long do I grip my chair white knuckled- fearful for a bad cut. I know that when I sit in that chair my hair will be beautiful. I do not have a worry in the world.

    I actually followed her from a cheaper salon called Kara's in Halifax. You can tell she's more relaxed and actually gets the time to do what she wants with your hair.  This is because the salon has a very relaxed feeling to it.

    This isn't a hair cutting, nail painting, bikini waxing, piercing and tattoo salon. This is a HAIR Salon. All they do is hair.

    And they do it perfectly.

  • Review from Rhia P.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    For starters, this place is much bigger on the inside than you'd think from the outside  - think up, though, not back - so not super-accessible if you have mobility issues.
    The staff were really super friendly though and I got a good cut and much-needed encouragement to just let my hair grow. It was a soothing balm from my last (unreviewed) cut.

    The price was at the high-end, but my stylist (Sarah Arbuckle) clearly knew what she was doing.

    The online booking system is a definite plus - you don't even have to get on the PHONE, and BAM, nice haircut. I like it.

  • Review from Mel H.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    10/19/2011

    I love Thumpers. There is a reason this place keeps winning best salon year after year from the Coast. Yeah it's pricey, but frankly, your hair is there every. day. If you have a bad hair cut, it pretty much ruins your life. So shell out the dough and get it done right.

    Also, bumble and bumble? Life changing hair products. For reals.

  • Review from Stephanie P.

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    • 17 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    I've discovered the worst thing you ever want to cheap-out on is your hair. This lesson was learned the hard way when I got a snip from a discount hair salon in Halifax a few months ago and ended up getting exactly what I paid for. I vowed to never let that happen again. So when I went looking for a new stylist I relied on Yelp reviews as well as The Coast's Best of Halifax and decided to try out Thumpers even though I had been told it was a little pricey.

    First of all the salon is very nice and well kept. The receptionist was friendly and they offered to take my coat and things so that they were kept clear of the salon floor.

    I didn't ask for anyone in particular so they assigned my appointment to Megan. I'm the kind of person who (probably unfairly) judges a stylist by how good their own hair looks so I was happy to see great hair and a funky style that I would probably try for myself. She was great! I showed a few photos for guidance and she knew exactly what to do. What I really liked is that she asked questions throughout to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. Did I want more angling on the bangs? Did I want more texturing on the ends? Did I want the layers higher? It really encouraged me to speak up and I was so pleased with the results. And the great news in that she does free bang trims for her clients!

    I thought the $60 price tag (plus tip for Megan's great work) was well worth it for what I got in return. I would normally spend more than that on a pair of jeans and your hair is something you have to wear every day! The receptionist wasn't pushy like other salons are about locking down a future appointment, but I will most certainly go back and have already made recommendations for Megan to friends and family.

  • Review from Colette O.

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    • 32 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Bedford, NS

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Frankly, I was a little put off by the fact that Thumpers seemed to be "the place" to go. Don't get me wrong, I can snob it up with the best of them, but for some reason Thumpers felt a little too size 0, big sunglasses and skinny jeans for me. But when I started going a couple of years ago, it was close to my work and allowed me to jam a hair appointment into my 25 hour day. Proximity and convenience were the only reasons I went.

    But, I'm a loyalist when it comes to my 'do. I find someone and stick with them. From day one, Amanda Hodgson has been my girl. In all the years I've been going to see her, I have NEVER ONCE been disappointed. And the salon itself is great. I love the products (and now can't live without Bumble and Bumble) and the experience is far less nose-in-the-air than I expected. In fact, the good folks there are all very down to earth and lovely. But most of all, I love Amanda. I'll never cheat!

  • Review from Adam S.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here ROTD 8/29/2011

    I was going to give Thumpers Salon a four star review. I've never left the place feeling unhappy about my hair. I have, however, left Thumpers feeling like I had just punched my bank account in the face. Yes, it is likely one of the most expensive hair salons in the city.

    All that was put into perspective recently, when I had dinner with a friend in New York City. I mentioned that I had to pay $40 ($40!) for my haircut and then another chunk of change for the truly wonderful Sumo Tech product that smells like crack and berries. Her response: "Honey, that price is less than what I *tip* at my hair salon."

    Consider me humbled.

    Going into most hair salons, I'm not all that fussy. I usually book with whatever stylist is available and tell them that they can do whatever they think will look good. Unfortunately, I'm more picky when I leave the salon and often wonder why I gave such a reckless person free reign on my precious scalp. Not so, at Thumpers!

    These people truly know what they're doing and you get to feel like a very rich person while they're doing it. (Just keep in mind that you will be *slightly* less rich when they're done.) The place has a great atmosphere and I like that it's in a less-busy part of downtown. Though, given its location, parking could be a challenge.

    You do need an appointment, as this place is too popular for walk-ins. For those of us who are petrified of talking on the phone and prefer our conversations to have more emoticons than voice inflections, they do have an online booking system. Otherwise, just give them a ring and see when they can fit you in.

    Personally, I'm looking forward to my next haircut! (Those who are forced to look at me on any kind of regular basis are likely looking forward to it, too.)

  • Review from Vanessa J.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    I've heard a lot about Thumpers and since I moved closer to the salon, I decided to give it a try.

    The salon is beautiful, as are the people at Thumpers, clients included. I had a stylist who was rather chatty, and I'm more of a quiet girl at the salon. My hair cut was perfectly lovely, but I'll be honest for the price I was paying, I expected a few perks, for example I wasn't offered a glass of water or coffee, my scalp massage was on the skimpy side etc.

    The salon I normally go to gives hand massages and while the conditioner sits, they wrap your head in a steamed towel, very relaxing. I found I really missed these things, so while I think my hair cut was good, I likely won't be back.

  • Review from Gabrielle B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    For someone who likes weird haircuts I am surprisingly unwilling to gamble on how good they are going to make me look. Teresa gave me a beautiful and edgy haircut representative of the one I had in my minds eye even though my description of what I wanted was very abstract and even though she had to work with a very strange grown out cut. I have only had one stylist at thumpers but it is obvious from the way people look when they leave this place that all of the stylists have a good sense of what will be most flattering.

    also I don't know if this is the case for every stylist but I get free bang trims between cuts.

    Some people are hesitant to go to Thumpers because of the price. I personally think it's reasonable to pay more than 20 dollars on a guaranteed flattering haircut. Would you feel weird paying 50 bucks for a beautiful hat if it's the hat you have to wear every single day?

    p.s. If you're one of those men that think that because you have short hair paying for a professional is a waste, try it out. It's the difference between sweat pants and a suit. for your face. at a portion of the cost.

  • Review from Sue A.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2010 6 Check-ins Here

    Wanna look glam? A visit to Thumpers guarantees you will.

    Yes, Thumpers is a high-end salon with high-end prices, but unlike some other Halifax high-end salons, their prices aren't based on reputation alone. The skill of their stylists speaks for itself. As you wait for your appointment, you'll notice that every client leaves looking fantastic, both male and female no matter what their age.

    During one visit with a junior stylist (my regular stylist was booked), I learned that all stylists no matter how experienced regularly attend courses at the prestigious Bumble + Bumble salons in New York City to keep up on trends and styles. This young stylist who had been cutting hair for less than two years had just returned from a course and the cut and highlights he gave me were just as fabulous as my regular stylist who has been cutting hair for over eight years. Yes, it did take him a bit longer to complete the service, but the result was the same: a happy client!

    The prices are comparable, if a bit lower, with other salons in the high-end category. With a great customer experience--friendly receptionists, complimentary tea or coffee, and pleasing art to contemplate while in the chair combined with talented stylists, I don't mind paying a bit extra to be superstylish!

    My appointments always start on time and the salon offers convenient online booking. The salon also sells the Bumble + Bumble products allowing you to attempt the same look at home.

  • Review from Ben B.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    12/13/2010 12 Check-ins Here

    Okay. I get it. I have boy hair thus my quest for a proper hair stylist shouldn't be that hard, right? Well, that could be the case if I weren't of Acadian descent and therefore quickly fall victim to the unruly thick head of hair that I've been cursed/blessed with. Luckily, Thumpers staff have the skill, training and pride in their work that always guarantees I leave looking great.

    I've been to two stylists here - Jenn MacInnes and Catherine - and both did fabulous jobs. The fact that I can bounce between the two in a pinch is a great relief too. I'm usually in and out within 30-40 minutes including their wonderful scalp massages during the shampoo.

    The salon itself is my dream downtown townhouse - you know, if I were ever to come into millions of dollars and could justify spending it on this four-story beauty. Clean, crisp and modern, it's a big city experience all wrapped up next to the beautiful Granville plaza.

    It is a bit pricey (for guys, anyway), coming in around $38 before taxes and a whopping $85+ if I add on the Bumble and Bumble product that they got me hooked on, but I do find that I get an extra week and a half out of every cut I get here versus other reputable salons.

  • Review from Laura P.

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    • 139 friends
    • 592 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    4/20/2010

    Ooh la la. Thumpers knows how to pump up the swank. I've only heard good things about the staff and services here, so in a recent quest for a cut, it was the perfect opportunity.

    The salon's interior is very current-- its a space to rival big city hotspots. High ceilings give way to an open, lofty feel. Decor exudes crisp, clean and breathable, and I am provided with an instant ease. (Easily swayed by aesthetic)

    Despite its gorgeous make-up and high profile stylists, the service is incredibly warm. My experience was enjoyable, efficient and relatively inexpensive. The cut was just a trim, but it was exactly what I wanted. My stylist seemed to know what she was doing, and I just went with it...

    Thumpers appears to be a foolproof place for hair. While there are exclusive stylists who are tough to get an appointment with, there is also staff on hand that can get you in within a few days. I loved the whole vibe here and will gladly go back again.

  • Review from Joshua Y.

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    • 21 friends
    • 270 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    9/26/2009 1 photo

    Amazing Staff! Great service! Beautiful Salon!

    This salon does it right! I have walked into many fancy Salon's, only to find out that the staff are a bit on the snobby side. I don't know if the decor has given them the impression they are better than others, but it has always seemed that the fancier the salon, the snobbier the staff. But not at Thumpers! It is by far one of the nicest looking salons and the staff are the friendliest I have seen in any Salon in the city!

    I have bounced around from salon to salon for years. So believe me when I say Thumpers tops them all. My favorite hair stylist is there of course. And believe it or not her name is actually Meg Ryan. The Meg is spelled differently I believe, but she is the best example, in my mind, of the smart hiring and smart upper management Thumpers has.

    The products at the salon are amazing. I had a problem with a bunch of hair lose years ago. Meg solved that problem with an amazing Hair Powder that gave my hair the thick and natural look it used to have. And no one can tell I'm using products. Believe me, I'd know. I have very, very honest friends.

    The prices are moderate to expensive but its worth it! Given the amazing staff, beautiful environment, cleanliness of the store and variety of products, Thumpers should be used as an example of how to create and operate the perfect salon.

  • Review from Katie M.

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    • 13 friends
    • 262 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2010

    Thumpers is a high end hair salon and the first focus of the staff is customer satisfaction. The service here is second to none and that's clear from the moment you are greeted by the helpful concierge-like receptionist who will take your coat and offer you a beverage. Then there is the lunch service which they offer to all patrons, (especially those who are receiving longer hair treatments) where you pay $10 for a small meal while you get your hair worked on.

    Thumpers is the type of salon where you book an appointment in advance and wait in anticipation to visit. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new hairstyle, a consultation and style for a special event or to anyone who has had their hair butchered at a different dressers.

    The stylists I encountered are efficient and knowledgeable and will recommend a style that will work best with your hair type and face shape. I had my hair styled at Thumpers before a wedding I was standing in and it was the first up-do I ever had that didn't make me look like I was going to a junior prom.

    All in all Thumpers is the place to go if you care deeply for your locks and want the very best for them. It can be costly, but worth it for any service bigger than a trim.

  • Review from Lacey H.

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    • 51 friends
    • 505 reviews

    Berlin

    Germany
    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2010

    This salon is gorgeous. A big city vibe is embodied in high ceilings, fashionable stylists, as well as the important head set that the desk attendant wears.

    Prices are high, but I think that's the norm when you go to a true salon in any city. If you book in with a less experienced hairstylist, you'll receive a lower rate but you may be there for a lot longer. If you're feeling extra chic, order some food to your chair, or perhaps a sparkly beverage.

    Service is great and the atmosphere is airy and balanced. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, and you'll have to feed the meter so I advise using one of the relatively nearby garages. Happy coiffing!

  • Review from Lindsay K.

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    • 71 friends
    • 485 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    This hair salon may not look like much from the outside, but it's quick and inexpensive.  On the window there is a sign warning people that hats and hoodies are not to be worn in the salon.  The sign makes it look a little scary going in; I'm guessing they must have been robbed at some point in tim.

    The stylists here are all professional and know what they're doing.  They don't keep you in their chair for hours upon end just to have a trim.  I like getting in and out of these places as quickly as possible; the smell gets to my head after a while.

    I also like that you aren't paying an arm and a leg to have your hair done.  Unlike some other higher end salons, you can actually go here every couple of months to have your hair updated and it won't affect the pocket book too much.

    Ignore what it looks like on the inside because this is actually a great salon.  The stylists are so nice and are able to keep a conversation going the whole time you're in there.  It's a very nice salon.

  • Review from Ayla H.

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    • 20 friends
    • 252 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    2.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    My boyfriend had the unfortunate experience of having to sit through an almost two hour, painfully slow cut by a junior hairstylist here. He took it well with few complaints but in the end the cut wasn't even that good, despite all the time she spent going back over her work. The crappy part was that he wasn't told it would be a junior stylist working on his hair. I know you've got to start somewhere in the hair industry, but it would be nice to inform your customers of what skill level they'll be getting at the time they make their appointment.

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