3.5/5
8 reviews
John Steinberg & Associates Reviews - Toronto

Description

John Steinberg & Associates is a hair salon that was established in 1991 by John Steinberg. Their mission is to treat every patron like a friend and strive to offer a welcoming experience in a warm and comfortable setting. Their services includes hair cuts, color, high-lights, blow dry, and up-do. For more information, go to their website at www.johnsteinberghair.com/.
    Address: 585 King Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M5V 1M1
    Phone: 416.506.0268

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    Reviews and Ratings

    63% OF CHICKS DIG IT

    2.0/5
    Value / Valeur

    Ambiance

    Service

    Recommended? Fugheddaboutit!
    Anonymous
    April 01, 2015

    If you're looking for a high-end professional salon, this is not it. While some of the people who work there may be skilled, the male receptionist - who appears to manage the place - is the most unprofessional and rude person I've experienced in any salon.

    Also be aware that they do not maintain records of what they've done to your hair in the past, meaning that if there is a problem with your hair they will have no clue what was previously done, especially if your stylist/colourist is absent. This can obviously lead to very poor results. Also, should you experience a problem with your hair or not like the result be prepared to have a very rude experience upon your return.

    They also have no clue what they're doing and there is very poor communication between management and staff. I used a product recommended by one of their colourists which turned my ash blonde hair green. After returning to the salon, instead of fixing the problem, they took me from almost overall ash blonde to a chestnut brown, which was not at all what I wanted. When I arrived at the salon, the colourist fixing my hair had obviously not been told why I was coming in and had no clue how to fix my hair. He first suggested a treatment and upon asking one of the other colourists realized that they don't carry that treatment - telling me that he didn't even know the products that the salon uses. Then he told me that he would tone down the highlights, which I had to tell him wouldn't solve the problem as the dark parts had also faded. He then blamed me for using a product recommended by the previous colourist, and had never even heard of the common product, which was shocking. Finally, not knowing what else to say, he told me that they do keep records of their work, which I had been told the day prior that they don't (and which 5 minutes later the receptionist told me they don't). At my wit's end, when I was trying to explain exactly what needed to be done - which I shouldn't have to when I go to see a professional - the snarky male receptionist came over to berate me about having to work with the new colourist because it wasn't their problem that the previous colourist (who was on vacation) didn't leave a record, which shows me that they take no accountability as a salon and instead blame individual staff members. There was no desire to help, but rather to put the blame on the client. When I told him that I had never been to a salon that didn't keep records, he smirked. He then called the previous colourist - which he obviously didn't try to do before I returned to the salon - not to inquire into the colours used, which would have solved the problem, but rather to question whether I used the shampoo or the conditioner of the recommended product - further putting the blame on me instead of dealing with the matter in a professional and client-focused manner. In the end, it appears that the toner was left on for far too long (I have never had toner left in my hair that long), which turned all of my blonde highlights into brown giving my hair an overall brunette look - the opposite of what I wanted.

    Avoid the fuss and go to a more professional, structured salon where there is better management in place that knows how to treat clients and there is better management accountability.

    I would never return to this salon and will certainly never recommend it to anyone. I have also told a couple of my friends who attend the salon of my experience and they also will not be returning. They were not very happy with the work done anyways, and after my experience will not return.

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    4.8/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    August 02, 2012

    I came in from NYC for a week and needed (/wanted.. really, really badly) to get my hair done but I'm a young professional on a SERIOUS budget. I went to a few places before ending up here, thinking they would be the more likely to help me out then Stienberg just because of the reviews Stienberg has (which are great but I figured the better reviews the more expensive). However, the three other places I went to before I went to Stienberg they were rude, dismissive and said no right away without even hearing me out first. So when I went into Steinberg I was already skeptical thinking they were going to be the same but not the case at all! INSTANTLY I started speaking with the owner (Paul Narciso - who was also sitting at the reception desk answering phone calls just for the heck of it), he smiled at me and was instantly approachable and friendly. I explained my situation and said I really want to get my hair done but I’m on a serious budget. He was automatically willing to help me out! The service was perfect, the people SO friendly and knowledgeable. I walked out looking great and feeling even better that there are business people out there who are always about the customer. Thank god for that.

    Kristopher Long did my hair.
    Paul Narciso own's the store.

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    1.5/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? Fugheddaboutit!
    October 16, 2009

    So, I took about a month and a half to post this as I wanted to wait and see what my hair looked after it grew out to be fair to the hair dresser.

    First, I just want to say, I have gone to a few salons, and I am not a picky person nor do I expect something amazing. However since my hair dresser was busy that week and I needed a good haircut for my trip, I decided to book with this salon after reading all the good reviews.

    When I got there, she was 20 minutes late.
    The hair dresser was LEESA, she was rude, obnoxious, un-friendly and even with all that, I let her do her thing, just hoping she would still be a good hair dresser. (wrong assumption)

    I have fairly long, curly hair, but it’s easily straightened. All I needed was a simple trimming of my ends, layers, thinning, and style.

    She refused to wash my hair even though I had product in it. Saying everyone gets only 1 hour and she wanted to spend that hour cutting. So, since I am pretty easy going, I did not complain and just went with it. (However, for my hair that is not the best option, a nice wash could have made it a more enjoyable experience)

    Anyways, after an hour, my hair felt fine, but it was VERY boring, traditional, nothing new, and for the price you pay for her, she is definitely not half as good as some random hair dresser for $30. I think I just got unlucky with her because I heard the other girls are pretty good. As my hair grew out this past while it’s been in worse shape then ever, she first cut it un-even, one side is a lot longer then the other, she did the thinning wrong which made me get little hairs sticking up everywhere and she cut in such a way that it parts weird and I can’t make it go back to the way it was. I just got it re-done by my hair dresser and she even noticed how awkward it looked, but since I have curly hair it's hard to tell.

    Regardless of what I heard about this salon, my experience was the worst of any other salon I have been too, and I felt awkward the whole time there. I can not say I do not recommend this salon, but I fore sure DO NOT recommend LEESA, and if you want great layers, cheaper hair cut and a nice cut, just call up Johnny Cuppelo Salon and ask for Margaret.

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    4.7/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    May 15, 2009

    After reading reviews on here I was unsure what my stylist was going to be like..Anyway I got there and she was very pleasant and helpful with my choices.... This would be Debbie..... thanks for a great cut matching up my roots perfectly just be looking at my hair. I would recommend Debbie and will be back to see her, infact Ive booked my son in to see her for tomorrow and I know she will make him feel at ease and give him the hair cut he wants..............

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    4.7/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    December 02, 2008

    I've been going to John Steinberg's salon for about 4 years now. My stylist's name is Stephen and I honestly say he's the best guy ever. Not only is he excellent with scissors, but he is also a colour-master. He is very carrying and well mannered. He always advises me what to do "this time" and I always have amazing hair. The haircuts he gives me are always pretty much shake'n'go. No need for a round brush and hours in front of the mirror. I will recommend him, and this lovely salon, to anybody.

    P.S. If Stephen ever moves to a different town – I am moving along with him!

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    2.8/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? Fugheddaboutit!
    November 08, 2008

    Upon recommendations from this site, I set up an appointment with Debbie. She was very unpleasant. Not only did she not give me a proper haircut, she was shockingly rude about it as well. When I pointed out that my left side was longer than my right side, she got so defensive that she practically shoved me out the door. It's not that big of a deal that she made a mistake, as long as she fixes it, right? I wasn't worried, but when she kept telling me that she had other clients waiting and that I should go somewhere else if I wasn't satisfied with the haircut, I got pissed off.

    So, unless you want to get an uneven haircut and be yelled at, please stay away.

    Ciao!!

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    3.2/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    August 23, 2007

    I would give hair stylist Debbie, a 5 out 5 rating; she was great!

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    4.5/5
    Value / Valeur

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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    August 14, 2007

    After being orphaned by my previous hairstylist (she moved to London, UK *weep*), I've been on the hunt for a new hair dresser. It's always hard to find someone who you can click with, understand your style, and can in the end deliver a good cut. So, I tried out the John Steinberg Salon. I know, it's pretty well known in the city. But, there aren't many reviews written about it. First the ambiance: the space is really laid back without a hint of chichi pretension. Though the interior is a bit spare, it's actually a breath of fresh air to be in a space that focuses on the people rather than the decor. I especially like the way they use the walls as a gallery space for local artists. It definitely keeps things fresh. Now to the service: I had my cut with Debbie and she was great. She was equal parts serious, friendly and professional. And I loved the cut she gave me. I went in with a couple of pictures of hairstyles to show her the direction I'd like to go in and she really listened and delivered. I have pin straight hair and she actually managed to give it wavy/shaggy textures! So, for the price of $60 (including tax & tip), I was beyond satisfied. Will definitely go back. I'm so glad I found a hairstylist I can stick with! YEAH!

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