Well, well, well Here I am writing a review about a place that Ive been going to for the past 6 years. Why 6 years? Ive tried a slew of other Black Hair salons in Toronto, so far this one was the best... at least so I thought, for a while. If one does venture to go to this fish market of a salon, appointment or not, you have to wait donkey years, the longest for me has been an hour, before one of the young girls actually gets to start washing your hair or prepping you for your service. I should know, its happened to me on more than one occasion. So much so, that when I go to get my hair done, I make it a point to allocate an entire day for the ordeal. The staff are far less than professional! I'll try to encapsulate what I mean by making the following statements: (1) the sole male hair dresser is often quick to remind any client, male or female, how straight he is. Really! Everyone must be aware of his disdain for "fags" and how much he loves women. (eye roll) (2) The young girls who wash hair are constantly chatty and relay information they hear or learn from clients to the hair dressers...(wtf?) Without exception, Ive seen ALL of them take turns chiding a customer for one thing or another. Reminded me of a goddamned marketplace in the Caribbean, where civility in conduct is as rare as a hail storm in the tropics - which did happen once in St.Lucia in 1979. (3) Forget about wearing make-up when going to get your hair done there. Anything that took time and care to apply on your forehead is washed away by the time your hair's been rinsed. (4) Inappropriate conversation topics like, one's sex life is freely ventured into by some female stylists - one of whom actually had the audacity to ask me what Herpes is. Seriously! I told her to Google it or see a doc and ask him/her questions. This chick just went on flapping her lips about a date she had recently where a guy admitted to her that he had herpes. umm, ok! My quest to find a professional, knowledgable Black hair salon continues ... in the meantime I think Azan himself tries to run a tight ship, but to no avail, his hiring choice, especially the male receptionist who I think is also a family relation, is enough to make you go running for the hills. Hair care issues: well, throughout my stint as being a faithful Azan's customer, my hair has broken twice around the periphery. I pointed it out to a stylist (with no hair mind you) and she denied the obvious - that my hair had been overprocessed. Really? I work hard for my money, Im going to try other salons till I find one that suits my needs. Smooches y'all! read more

This will be my new go-to place from now on! Recently had my first visit, which got to a terrific start when I walked in and was immediately greeted and taken to be introduced to my hairdresser. She was quite knowledgeable, listened to my concerns about my hair, and offered great advice. She started right away- there was no 30 minute wait like at other salons when you have to wait because the hairdresser is bouncing between clients. My appointment was for 11, I was started on at 11. As a first time client, Mr Azan came to take a look at my hair and also give his advice and recommendations. He told me that he would be the one doing my relaxer, and took great care to make sure that I was comfortable the entire time. My scalp was extra sensitive, so unfortunately we had to do two attempts (had to rinse before my ends were fully relaxed because my scalp was already tingling, then relaxed only the ends a second time), but Mr Azan was very professional the entire time. After a wash by another employee and 10 minutes under the dryer to deep condition, I had another rinse and was off to the stylist that I had originally met for my cut. She did an amazing job on the cut and answered any additional questions I had about after care/up keep. I loved that she paid close attention solely to me, as I tend to get nervous when a stylist is using heat on my hair and in a full conversation with someone else (has happened many times). She made sure I liked my style from all angles, and I was done! Paid at the front desk, and the receptionist made sure to ask if I was happy with what I had done today (with genuine sincerity) to which I answered yes! My total for a relaxer, deep condition, cut and style came to $105+tax. For just a relaxer and style (no cut) is $85. I was out in about 3 hours, which obviously would have been less if I had just one treatment with the relaxer. I have to say, for the level of service I received I think the $105 was well worth it. Yes, it is not as cheap as a $10 box DIY relaxer, but I got a quality cut and great service (and considering it is on the cusp of Yorkville, this is NOT a bad price). My only complaint was that I did bounce between 3 different people, which made tipping difficult IMO. Other than that, I had no complaints. Staff were friendly, the salon was spotless and airy, and the music was soft and relaxing- definitely a great experience! No more traveling to the heart of Scarborough to get my hair done! read more

let me start by saying in my adult years I have only once let someone other than Cathy Clyke cut my hair and I regretted it the moment I sat in the stylist's chair. From the days when I was modelling to today in corporate Canada first impressions speak volumes and I never had to worry about my hair. When I sit in Cathy's chair I know her only goal is to ensure I leave the salon with a hair style that not only suits me (believe me I have asked for some crazy cuts but Cathy refused because she knew it would not suit me) but also reflects who she is as a great stylist. I literally get stopped on the street (particularly in Sudbury) and asked where I get my hair cut or coloured. I am so proud to be Cathy's walking business card because my hair really represents her and her talent. I am constantly flying to meet with corporate clients in Toronto and I make sure I leave time to have Cathy cut and style my hair. I have had long cuts, medium cuts, short short cuts and never ever once was I disappointed she constantly amazes me with her skill and her observations. I have recommended Cathy to many of my corporate female clients and friends and am 1000% confident that Cathy is going to represent not only herself well but Azan's and by doing so respect my recommendation. Azan's salon is a place where I feel 100% comfortable, they are always smiling and genuinely want to ensure your experience in their salon is nothing but positive. I have so much respect for Mr. Azan and his ability to make everyone feel beautiful not only is he the owner he is a CARING owner. Thank you Cathy for always having my interests at heart and thank you Azan's for having a kind heart! Charmaine I am sure Cathy would not mind me sharing her email address for those who are searching for an incredibly talented stylist here is her address ccstylist@hotmail.com read more

Azan's salon truly is worth the 5 stars and more. After many years of going to many salons and having various experiences some good...most bad, I think I finally found the right salon for my hair... I've had bad experiences of going to salons where the stylist either didn't know how to manage my hair or they treated my hair like it was part of some cookie cutter definition and I've had the misfortune of walking in with a full head of hair and walking out with my hair breaking. After a year of trying on my own to repair the damage left from my last bout with a salon I decided I would try one last time to venture into a salon and ask for a relaxer. I searched online found the reviews here and decided after much prayer :) to take a chance. I even took notes about my hair with me to give to them, not knowing that Azan's was truly an answer to prayer. Although the salon was very busy, I didn't feel like I was going to have to spend my entire afternoon there. I received excellent instruction and advice about my hair from the stylists and the owner. Instead of fully relaxing my hair to bone straight, it was texturized to the right strength allowing me the flexibility and versatility of changing my hair style from straight to curly. My hair was blown straight this time around and it actually moved and was bouncy. I haven't had my hair like that for a while. Even after showering with a shower cap there wasn't a need to pull out the flat iron! Thank you to the previous reviewers for speaking the truth about this place. Black women in Toronto who want to have their hair taken care of and shown how to maintain it once you leave...go to Azan's. They will take care of you. read more

My 1st time was nice, but after meh!!! I have been going there for 2 years and too lazy too try others place. I gave it a lot of slacks because my favorite hairdresser was always nice. I tried, Leonie few times as well, pro and so nice. But not worthy, too pricey for the result . Between the 90$ for a relaxer without tips ( relaxer, dryer and flat iron only).. and the 4h+ waiting between each step. So expect $100+ HT, if you add a treatment and split ends cut after the relaxer . Sometimes, I saw the owner around, hmmm... I am silent but every time he touched my hairs Jesus! I wished I could say, no thank you!!! At times when I walked in, I prayed he wouldn't be around. I don't get his attitude, even more when the 3 times he relaxed my hairs it ended up in failure. A failure saved by the flat iron. But I never asked a refund or complained. He often complained about the fact that people waited 3 months + before relaxing the roots. I tried relaxing each 3 months, it broke my heart. Thanks to him, I went from mid back to a bob and even thought about going natural. Furthermore, this last year, I went back to relaxing every 6months+, at Jazmal salon, kinly Curls or others hair salons, cheaper, they did not have any issues relaxing my hairs or treating my natural roots. And my length is mid back today and my hair is so much healthier. Oh well, I am done! To each their own. Go try it yourself, they should improve their service. the location was easy to me but I don't mind going out of my area to get a better service read more

Cathy Clyke is THE reason why every 3 or 4 months for the last 10+ years I travel from Ottawa to Toronto to Azan's. I make the trip every quarter to see her to get my hair texturized. Why? I ALWAYS leave Azan's looking fabulous - because Cathy knows hair. Period. I'm sure that there are other good stylists at Azan's, but quite frankly, I don't care. Cathy can simply look at you and tell you what your specific type of hair can and cannot do. She knows which styles will and won't compliment your personal style, and I find that she shapes/styles your hair so that it still looks great as it's growing out. I get compliments all the time from people who stop me in the street in Ottawa - only to have to burst their bubble when I tell them where I go to see my stylist. However, there's a reason why Cathy has loyal clients like my sister and me, as well as other clients who travel even further distances such as Chicago, U.S.A. and London, England, to name a few. Thanks to Cathy, I've been able to sucessfully wear my hair short (cropped to my head) and long (past my shoulders). Bottom line: my hair has gone from being dry and damaged to being healthy, shiny and voluminous. But don't take my word for it - book and appointment with her - and see for yourself. Check out photos of Cathy's work at: http://cathyclyke.com read more

Cathy Clyke at Azans has been doing my hair for close to 30 years. She hasn't always been at Azans, and if she moves to a different salon, hell if she moved to a warehouse in the worst part of town, I would follow her and CONTINUE TO STRONGLY recommend her for all types of hair and all ethnicities. My satisfaction is not with the salon per se, but with the people who actually work on my hair. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities, and Cathy always makes sure that my hair is well taken care of. I have had people stop me on the street and ask where I get my hair done. That's how good Cathy is. I have healthy, beautiful hair that is styled immaculately every time. While I'm waiting I see others getting their hair done and I am always so impressed at how great their hair looks. Over the years several of my co-workers of different ethnicities have gone to Cathy and they all came back very pleased. You will not be disappointed with Cathy taking care of your hair. read more

Like many of us I had hair "concerns". Four years ago I was introduced to Cathy Clyke at Azan's salon in Yorkville. We clicked immediately. I was impressed by her knowledge, professionalism and concern for my hair's dreadful condition. Talented, genuine and passionate about hair; Cathy is in short, a brilliant stylist! She makes every effort to keep your hair healthy. But more importantly, she listens to what you have to say and will either concede or disagree. *;) winking Since then, the condition of my hair has greatly improved. These days I sport it short and get compliments nearly every day. I will say that the current staff at Azans are amazing. I have since introduced my mother, sister and niece to the salon - to Mr. Azan and Cathy. I will say that while in the salon one can relax; confident that your hair or head for that matter is in very capable hands. That said, I AM a satisfied Azan client who gladly refers Cathy to family and friends. Thank you Cathy!! read more

I have been going to Azan's for approximately 15 years. As other clients will tell you, the salon is professionally run. Most importantly however, is the fact that you and your time are respected, by virtue of the fact that your appointment does not last an entire day. I have been one of the fortunate clients to have my hair in the capable hands and care of Cathy Clyke - one of the most talented of hair stylists I know. She is more than just a stylist. She provides holistic information about hair and hair care which inspires and empowers you to look after your hair properly. Furthermore, she partners with you to ensure that she and you both work toward maintaining not only a funky style, but healthy hair. She is personable, honest, funny and witty. In summary, having my hair done by Cathy is a pleasurable experience at Azan's. I walk out the door looking and feeling like an A-List movie star! I encourage you to visit her web site at: http://cathyclyke.com . read more

This was my first experience at Azan's and I have to say that I was exremely impressed!! The service was impeccable and the passion for hair displayed by the owner and his son is like none I have ever seen. My hair is about shoulder length but has started breaking at the sides b/c of improper relaxing and permanent colouring amoung other things and Kameel diagnosed my issues immediately - he seemed genuinely upset that I had damaged my hair in such a way. Khalil cut off some of my ends and I hope I can keep growing it going forward. Anyway, I got it straigtened and will be back in three weeks for a conditioner etc. And like Nicole stated there was very minimal wait time. All in all the experience was amazing. If you are a young black female looking for THE place to get your tresses in top shape or maintained look no further because I have found it!!! read more

I found myself at Azans, after first going to a hairdresser that i didn't feel comfortable with. Azans were really good at fitting me in on short notice, and 1 hour later i was in the chair getting a texturizer. Mr A did my hair, and i was very vocal about wanting to leave as much texture in my hair, as i did not under any circumstances want bone straight hair. The process went down without a hitch, and my results came out exactly as i wanted them too. The staff were really kind, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I would have given this place 5 stars, but a friend of mine had an extremely bad experience during her visit, and knowing first hand what happened to her, has tainted my experience a little bit. Overall, i did enjoy my visit, and i would definitely recommend anyone thinking of texturzing their virgin hair to give Mr A a call. read more

Mr "A" and the "A team" at Azans ,as we embark into the year of the" Dragon"/2012, and my fourth year visiting this establishment,nothing but the best . I am at a loss for words to describe the superb quality of service one always receives consistently when one walks up those steep,steep steps.(truly stairway to heaven, but worth the visit to paradise.-yes/yes-giggle) These are truly the best group of professionals, gifted at what they do and with tonnes of "Style" and "Panache".-yes/yes- Azans side do continue to raise the bar, Mr A strikes again, "nuff respect" for 2012.-grin- Thank you, "Azans "side, from the initial contacts via telephone onwards, a pleasant experience all the way , this from an extremely content , customer. You truly are the "Best Mr A" and the side of professionals" Alison Francois read more

I have been going to Azan's for many years and I will not go anywhere else! As others have mentioned, this is not your typical Black hair salon that takes forever to do your hair. You make an appointment and your time is respected. As well, Mr. A, is always around telling you how beautiful you are! However, the main reason I go to Azan's, is Cathy Clyke. Cathy has been my hairstylist for the past 20 years (I have followed her from one salon to the next!) and I will not let anyone else touch my hair. I have naturally curly hair and she knows how to take care of it and makes sure that I take care of it as well. Cathy is a great stylist with a wonderful wit and she will always be honest with you about your hair. I would definitely recommend Azan's and if you are looking for a wonderful stylist, I would recommend Cathy! read more

This was my first time at Azan's Beauty Salon, and I had a great experience! I found out about this salon through this website - so thank you to all the clients that posted! All of the stylists and people working there are a pleasure! I recommend each and every one of them because I've seen what they've done to other clients' hair. I had Cathy Clyke for my appointment and she was amazing. She knows her stuff and is a great person. As for her work on my hair? Phenomenal. I love the fact that everyone works as a team and if your stylist is busy with someone else, there is always another stylist that will NOT leave you sitting alone for too long and they all help each other out. Also, I have to say...you're in and out of there real quick! No waiting all day! I will definitely be returning as a regular client. read more

I have been a client of Cathy Clyke for almost thirty years and i trust her completely not only with MY hair, but with both of my daughters' hair, as well any other family members, friends or strangers on the street... Going into Azan's salon means that you are taken care of in a timely fashion: if your appointment is at 10:10am, then that's when you'll be seen and there is no unneccessary waiting-you can make many other appointments elsewhere throughout the day and never worry about missing any of them... Cathy has treating my hair both in its natural curly state and through many chemically treated re-incarnations; through long and short, thick-but never thin-Cathy has offered great advice on healthy hair care that has allowed me to feel good about all of my style choices! read more

I have been a client at Azan's for quite a few years now. Mr. A and the staff are all wonderful and feel everyone welcome. It is at Azan's where I had the good fortune of meeting Cathy Clyke. She is a fantastic hair stylist. I have entrusted the care of my hair to her ever since I moved back to Canada a few years ago. It's been quite a struggle to find the right hair stylist throughout my travels all over North America. I am so glad that I've finally found her. She is definitely a keeper! Cut, colour, style, treatment, you name it and she will put you on the right path. Cathy really cares about making everyone's hair look as good as it can, and making them feel great! I will continue to be one of Cathy's very satisfied customers for many years to come. read more

Hello, I recently visited this salon and all I can say is WOW! I have mixed hair which is impossible to deal with ... Is it frizz? Curl? Wave? Who knows! So finding a hair stylist who knows what they're doing has been challenging. On my way to the salon, I managed to get stuck in Toronto traffic and they still fit me in - an hour late and I was greeted with a smile. My hair stylist even took the time to give me a meaningful consultation. I never felt rushed even though he had every right to! I can't rave about this establishment enough! It's clear to see why they've been in the business so long ;) Highly recommend them!! I will be back ;) Thank you ... Thank you... Thank you ;) read more

I'm a Caucasian female in Toronto with fine curly hair who used to cut and colour it herself because she was frustrated with hair stylists who didn't know anything about curly hair! Then I met Cathy Clyke a phenomenal stylist who works at Azan's Beauty Salon at Davenport and Avenue Road. The salon caters to ethnic hair but Cathy is a woman with multiple talents and an innate ability to know the cut and colour you were born to wear no matter what your ethnicity! I go to Azan's for the quality of service my hair receives from Cathy Clyke - if she ever leaves, I'll follow!!! If you want to get a taste for Cathy's work: http://cathyclyke.com read more

Azan's Beauty Salon is an escape! From the time you walk in the door, everyone takes great care of you. I have shoulder length hair that I've been relaxing since I was 14. Unlike other salons' my appointment always starts on time, there are different stations and team members for your relaxer, steam conditioning, wash, blow-dry before you get to your stylist. The best part is that Cathy gives me great advice on products that should be used for my hair type and sensitive scalp. Cathy also suggests styles that work with my easy-care lifestyle and products I can use at home to keep my hair healthy and manageable. read more