This blog was submitted by a reader, Anubha Momin (who also wrote Cut-Rate Culture)
I’ve gone through lists of Toronto’s best hair salons, but as someone with really basic hair requirements (trim, cut or grow-out bangs, add layers), I’ve never been able to justify spending over $60 on a cut. Sure, the experience at some of our city’s finer establishments can be fun or luxurious, but I’ve never risen from the stylist’s chair thinking, “Wow! Money well spent!”. That is, not until earlier this year when I tried the Marvel Beauty School. Since that fateful day in March, I have been enthusiastically recommending the school to anyone who will listen (or read). You may be nervous about getting your hair done by a student, but before you scorn the service entirely, read through this list of pros and cons!
PROS
- Cost: It’s only $10 for a woman’s hair cut, and $7 for a man’s! The salon offers highlighting, updos, and other hair services as well. Prices will vary, but remain low.
- Location: At 25 Yorkville Avenue, just north of Yonge and Bloor.
- Staff: The students who are eligible to work in the salon have a certain amount of class time under their belts, so none of them are new to the trade (you’ll see the newbies practicing on mannequins, which is kind of creepy but entertaining). All the students who have cut my hair were also currently working at external salons, many in the Yorkville area, offering the exact same service at a much higher price. Also, there are always instructors on the floor, continuously inspecting the progress of each pupil.
- Service: There are always cheerful support staff ready to explain the school’s available services and products. The instructors are also very helpful, offering advice to the students in a kind, courteous manner. The school’s salon is run in a professional, efficient way that does not make you feel like you are getting a budget haircut.
- Altruism: As the client, you are also providing a service – the students need both the practice and the hours in order to receive their diplomas. Think of it as community involvement. In addition, should you investigate its client base, you will find that most of Marvel’s customers are elderly women; as such, the students are very excited to have young heads of hair that ask for something other than a full set of tight curlers.
CONS
- No Appointments: The salon works on a drop-in basis. Though I’ve never had to wait more than ten minutes for a stylist, it is wise to have an empty block in your schedule before seeking a cut.
- Hours of Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10:00-2:00; Wednesday, 10:00-5:00; Friday, 9:30-2:00; and Saturday (beginning September 12), 9:30-2:00. They don’t leave a lot of options for people with 9-5 jobs, but this should work into a student’s schedule. Just take note of the next con…
- Lengthy Sessions: The students cum stylists are not only cutting your hair for you, but for themselves. Teachers are on-hand to critique or compliment their technique, so they tend to take a long time to finish the job. Be prepared to be sitting in that chair for about an hour, and after the ‘do, you’ll have to be inspected by an instructor before you can leave. Again, you need to have some time on your hands before you can go to Marvel.
- Simple Styles: If you’re in the market for a brand new you, this may not be the right place, right now. Simple, standard haircuts are the way to minimize the risk of a bad hair day. And you must know what you want – the students are not going to offer many suggestions or try to convince you to try something else (this actually might be a pro…).
As students and consumers, many of us seek ways to save money, by buying used textbooks or taking advantage of student discounts on entertainment. Marvel Beauty School offers another way to minimize everyday costs while contributing to the teaching and training of its students. Give them a try, and let us know how you felt in the comments!
Contact Information:
Web: www.marvelschools.com
Phone: 416 923 0991
Address: 25 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON
Have you ever tried a student cut at Aveda? I am wondering how it compares to Marvel…
There is also the Marca School. They have a place in Dufferin Mall and have hours on Wednesday at night. The cuts (from my experience) are decent, but you have to remember that you likely won’t get the same student more than a few times and it varies from student to student.
That said, I once got my hair cut at the place around the corner from the school and the person completely butchered it, so I’d rather go with cheap and decent.
I haven’t tried Aveda, but a few of my friends have, and they weren’t entirely twitterpated with it. From what I know, their haircuts start at $18 and can increase depending on your hair type or hairstyle. They also tend to take a looooong time, just like Marvel. I wouldn’t be able to compare the two schools, but Marvel is definitely cheaper, and closer to campus. I think, ultimately, it will depend on who cuts your hair. Ask for a senior student if you happen to try either institute!
I’ve had my hair cut at Aveda for $18 and completely loved it. I think I’ll try Marvel next time and see how it goes.
I went to Marca College with my mom once, because they were having a special deal “cut, style, and colour” for $30. It was the best haircut I’ve ever gotten. I asked for layers, with a side part in mind, and the student talked me through the styling, which was very simple (as requested). I would go back there, for sure. With pictures of my previous cut from there 😛 Here’s a link to Marca:
http://www.marca-college.com/
The location I went to was the one right at Danforth/Victoria Park.
Good stuff, I desperately need a haircut, thanks for sharing!
Hey guys, I founds this pretty sweet deal for all UofT students, check it out if you are interested: theultimatesteal.ca/toronto
ooh sorry excuse my comment it was suppose to be for a different topic on the website.
Realy good stuff its helpfull me and other people thanks for sharing
I know your secret too! I look at commenting in this way – since I’m relatively new to blogging, I always thought from the beginning that it was a two-way medium, where someone is starting a conversation that invites interaction, so I picked up the habit right away. In contrast, I’d think if some folks never commented when they first ventured into the blogosphere, it would be more difficult to jump in down the road (i.e. not a habit). Nevertheless, I agree with you on your last statement
Here’s a tip for you, you can find your nearest gas stations, Bank, Beer and coffee shops through TXT messaging. send one of the following generic words to the number 123411 BANK, GAS,COFFEE,BEER. when you enter in any one of those it will provide you with a menu of all the majors and from there you can decide if you want some timbits, an RBC atm, a esso station an of course a beer store. And this really helps to find what you need and you get to know your city.
It’s such a great experience to meet Gloria! JJ
club has its gem on her. With her skills, experience and warmth, I felt
like a friend and not just a customer. She was so attentive in my
instructions. Also, she suggested hairstyles that suit me and my aura.
I am grateful to my friend from Ottawa who recommended her and I was no
longer surprised when Gloria did magic on my hair and my
self-confidence.
With all my encounters with hairstylists, I can say that Gloria is
exceptionally skillful. I stepped in their place with a sinking
confidence and I went out, transformed and secured with own beauty.
As an Asian, she is very interesting and so if you talk to her, you can
feel the sincerity and humility. These are additional factors why I
will always look for her among every hairstylist that I have met.
Writing this makes me miss her and makes me want to think of a new posh hair style
If you are interested to give it a shot and meet fantastic Gloria, call these digits: (416) 916-1868
JJ Hair CLub 211 Yonge St 1G Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
I have to agree with Chelsea. I have tried visiting JJ Hair Club too and I was so amazed about how Gloria did wonders to my hair. When I first heard about her, I was not that convinced since I have tried my luck to different hair stylists and saw no great results. When I met Gloria, it was a brand new experience. I went out of JJ Hair Club– more confident and looking good! 🙂
For more info: (416) 916-1868
I just came back from Marvel, I went in at 1pm on a Monday and waited about 10 minutes before it was my turn. The girl was very patient and thorough (wash, cut, blow). I’m asian, with medium length hair past my shoulders, and so I just got layering all over. End results were amazing! Good thing I had time to spare, because it did take a 1h30m for the entire experience. I believe it was $14 – because I had longer hair, so plus tax it’ll be under $16. I also gave the girl a $2 tip. 🙂
*Note: it was be a bit awkward with the short blonde hair instructor around her mid 50’s – she seemed really stingy. What’s more odd is that she told me to stand up and stand behind the chair so she can show the student how to cut the back of my hair???
Oh yea, I also forgot to mention this. I asked the girl when did she start cutting real hair at the salon and she said around October/November (they were accepted into the program in Sept). So I’m assuming that if you go during that time, you’d get the newest students. She also said that if you come in September, it would be the that summer’s graduates that would do the cutting (so they’d have the most experience under their belt).
Hey, i know most of you are looking for a cheaper salon with good quality as well, thats why beauty schools are good in that sense. I live in the core of downtown, and actually tried out a salon a few friends had recommended to me. I have very thick, curly hair so its always an issue to find a hair salon that works for me. I went to Salon Care check them out (saloncare.ca), very good prices especially because I am a student.
I love the part where you are getting discounted service just because it’s done by students. 🙂 It happened to me several times and I should say sometimes students can do even better that certified stylists. Btw I know beauty school where they always need such “models” to practice on http://eyelashcanada.com/training – they do eyelash extensions, hair extensions and lots of other stuff you can get cheaper 😉