Just got home from my appointment at this salon. Let me just say this, we women are notoriously picky when it comes to our hair, and I, being a typical woman am always wary when trying out a new salon. Fortunately, there was nothing to fear. I arrived at the salon, photo in hand of the look I was aiming for, about 10 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment, fully expecting to have to wait. However, luckily enough my stylist was able to see me right away, so yay for that. Once I was seated I showed her the picture I'd brought with me and asked her if it would be possible for her to re-create that look for me. She smiled and said "no problem at all"...YES!!! An hour and fifteen minutes later (pretty good time wise for highlights and cut), I'm out of the chair and admiring her handiwork. She (Aisha) did an amazing job. I found out that she's been styling hair for about 20 years so needless to say, chick knows her stuff. Now one would think that if I walked out of a salon looking exactly like the photo I brought (though sadly she couldn't make me look EXACTLY like Heidi Klum, I mean she's a hairstylist, not a miracle worker), that I would be giving this salon 5 stars...not so fast. The only issue I have, and it's not a small one, is that throughout the time she was highlighting and cutting my hair, she must have responded to half a dozen text messages and had to step away twice to answer calls on her cellphone...who knows, maybe there was a family emergency or something, but common courtesy would dictate that she would at least apologize or ask if I minded. Despite this, I would and will return. I love my hair. read more

Portico - Recently renovated - Hair Salons Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Do NOT go here for extensions. When I got my extensions re done the girl couldn't believe how bad they were taped in from when I got them at portico. I have clumps of my hair coming out and the extensions hair I bought was wrecked. When I texted the girl about the bald spots in my head, I was told I'm sorry to hear that but I did it right, and you have thin hair and should use clip ins. You shouldn't recommend clip in extensions for hair as a hairdresser as that causes a lot of hair loss & extensions can go in any hair. How about just taking responsibility? Also was offered no money back nothing after I am 21 now with BALD SPOTS in my natural hair. I have attached photos as proof there is glue and bald spots in the back of my head read more

Portico - The photo attached is the glue and bald spots after taking out her botched extension job - Hair Salons Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Came by last Thursday after seeing Aisha's work online. I booked the fall promo for balayage , she did fantastic work! I had blonde highlights all over that was starting to give me headache so I wanted something softer and darker for fall ..she gave me exactly that! It was my first time at salon but time wise it was professional and the place was clean. I'm def going back to her for regular hair appointments. read more

Portico - Hair Salons Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Word of caution: Rosie does not do GEL nail extensions/ refills. The process she uses involves something she calls "powder gel" which is NOT the same thing as gel (not a chance that anything built with a powder & liquid is "powder gel"). On the other hand, if you're looking for a quick manicure- this is a place to go. However, I will never come back. read more

Made me wait a while even though I had an appointment during lunch hour. That's not nice when it's a working day :( The hair lady (Becca) was good, but I felt there was way too much hair spray used. The lady doing threading was good. Decent end result, but the wait time and products being used could do with some improvement. read more

I've come here a few times when my regular stylist and colourist is out of town and Becca has always done a great job of matching the colour and giving me a fab cut. It's convenient for me and close to work. Everyone in the salon seems to be quite professional; by this I mean, not eating, sucking soda through straws and screaming at photos in magazines so loud that a cat in heat would be jealous. I've witnessed a lot of employees at other salons being really loud and obnoxious and it pisses me off-- I'm here to relax, not to hear about Kim Kardashian's vagazzled box. A solid place with talented staff and decent prices. read more

I was looking for a hair salon close to my work and a colleague recommended this place that is literally a 3 mins walk. I booked the appointment last minute and they were able to squeeze me in. The receptionist was polite and super cute. The hair cut was amazing, it turned out exactly how I wanted it. I showed her a picture on pinterst and that is exactly how it turned out. My hair was layered very nicely! I recommend BECCA! read more

I was looking for reliable hairsalone for awhile until my daughter recommended this little gem of salon, which have not been that without it's people over there. One of its stars is hairstylist Winnie. You don't need to tell her what you want, because she will assess your hair within minutes and give highly knowledgeable suggestions. I needed everything: colour to cover my grays on my long hair, trim to shape my mane and styling too. In and out within 2 hours, Winnie's full attention on me only. While whole experience was relaxing and enjoyable, the best part was a head massage. This woman has a magic in her hands and her technique of head massage of gentle and vigorous at the same time is an experience of its own! My hair colour was perfect, my trim skilled and styling was art of its own too. Working with 2 big hair brushes at the same time resulted in gorgeously bouncy and flirty hair and I felt like going dancing! Next day in at work, my hair was noticed and complimented many times over. She got a new fan for sure...For the younger crowed just to mention that Winnie does great hair balayage and highlights too. Both of my daughters did that comlicated and long treatment with Winnie and were pleased and beyond happy with results. Good, skilled, talented artists deserve to be talked about and I hope that you can find one in Winnie. Just briefly to mention other observations at that time, that salon is clean and orderly, they clean floors immediately after being finished with a customer, front desk personnel pleasant and engaging. They do offer periodicals for reading and refreshments like water, tea or coffee. I was offered chocolates too! I came earlier than booked and I was ushered immediately too. It's a very busy salon being on the path, underground, so I would say booking in advance is highly recommended for more lengthy procedures and if you are not working or living nearby. Price wise, I think that they are like ones in the malls, and you can check service menu on their website before booking. read more

I've been coming to Portico for over a year now. The service and stylists are always fantastic. Winnie is my regular hair stylist. Her patience and attention to detail is much more than anything I've had at other places. I highly recommend Portico to anyone who needs a fresh cut or a new style. read more

So I did the unthinkable, I tried a new hair salon on my birthday. It was my first time at Portico Hair Salon on December 28, 2012. I wanted a new look that included color, highlights, wash, cut and style! I am extremely picky when it comes to my hair but luckily for me this salon was awesome! Aisha and Samantha are a dynamic duo! They exceeded my expectations. When Aisha saw the pictures of the hair color and style I wanted, she (without hesitation) smiled and with a lot of confidence said let's start! The end result was incredible! I loved my hair and so did everyone else! I loved how she didn't waste any time. I was in the salon for 1 to 1 and half hours and that my friends is very fast for color/highlights/wash/cut/style. Another thing I loved was that it wasn't so pricey compared to other downtown salons and the quality in her work was worth everything cent. I cannot wait to return!! Because of Aisha and Samantha I give this salon 5 stars! Ps - My picture on the left is the finished product!!! :) read more

I've come a few times for hair cuts and blowouts. It's conveniently in the PATH and prices are reasonable. They always do a kick-ass job with my hair and they will work around your schedule. I see Aisha and she is so lovely and funny and thoughtful. I hope to do some colour with them soon to see how they are in that respect. Definitely recommend them! read more

Professional, highly recommended to come to Portico ! Manicure Pedicure Waxing Facial Laser Treading And haircut read more

Great salon at affordable prices. I see Aisha the past few years and she does amazing highlights cut and blow dry my only wish was that this salon would be cleaner. read more

Called for an appointment and was told they could take me at 3 pm today. I asked where they were located and was initially told "we're just really hard to find". I had to press for better directions/nearby identifiers. When I arrived at 2:55 pm, there was no one at the front desk. One girl arrived behind the front desk but totally ignored me, so I spoke up and announced to her that was I was there for an appointment. She flippantly told me to take a seat. I waited until a little after 3 pm, when my pedicurist came over to introduce herself, but explained that she was "5 minutes behind schedule". I would have been okay with a 5 minute delay, but for a business in the PATH, they must know that many of us are on our lunch break and limited in time. So at 3:13 pm I had a peek, and noticed that she was NOWHERE NEAR being done with her previous client... in fact, she was still filing his nails. So.... I left. I looked around for someone to tell... but again, no one at the front desk. There appeared to be a bunch of staff sitting around talking and looking at their cell phones, but none of them seemed to be acknowledging clients, so I didn't feel the need to acknowledge my departure. Won't waste my time there again. P.S. I couldn't see anywhere where they would have done my pedicure.... so that left lots of questions for me. And at $40 for a pedicure, I would have hoped for a comfy chair, and not to be too rushed (which I would have been by the time we finally got started). read more

Not a good experience. From walking into an empty reception and being handed a gown by staff person who was talking to someone else and didn't even look at me, to a very rushed blow-out. I explained very carefully what I wanted several times but didn't get it. When the receptionist checked me out she didn't even look at me as she processed my card. I SO won't be back. read more

Ashley is the best. She can blow dry your hair to perfection in like 10 minutes (and I have tons of hair!). It is a little pricey just for a haircut, but it looked great and the speed factor is definitely a reason I'll be returning. read more

The 5-stars are for the lovely manicurist, Rose! I wouldn't normally feel compelled to write a review for a manicure, but she does such a perfect job, I had to comment. She clearly cares about what she is doing and ensuring clients are happy. Yay Rose! read more

Do yourself a favour and go anywhere but here. Had long hair, went in for a trim. I left with a short and I mean short cut. Layered so short it was only an inch and a half long on the top. I had past-shoulder length blunt hair before the cut. Don't go here. Go anywhere else! read more

I go here for shellac manicures - Rose is friendly, quick and does a great job. She's helpful and knowledge if you need colour/style suggestions and she lets you make appointments via text. Super convenient. read more

I had an appointment for 5:30 for a hair cut and upon arrival I was asked to take a seat by the receptionist. I understand that Fridays can be busy, but waiting for 40 minutes when you have an appointment is ridiculous. What is the point of making an appointment? I decided to leave since I cannot tolerate when a business is not considerate of their customer's time. Needless to say, while I was sitting there flipping a magazine, nobody approached me to ask if I had been already helped. When I approached the reception and told them what had happened and said I was going to leave, the answer was ,'ok, sorry about that'. Overall, a very bad experience. read more

What a nightmare! I will start by saying that I am an easy going woman and I forgive easily, and I have never bitched at a stylist or complained, always tipped too. I've had my hair blown out here about 3 times, no major issues, sometimes the stylist would rush, but other than that, the blow outs are okay-esque. They were decent blowouts and I always maintained respect for the stylist. The fourth time I visited this salon, I had called and asked if they had a stylist available for a wash/blow dry. They asked for my name and number and said "yes sure you can come at 2PM". I arrived at 1:50 PM, and informed the lady at the desk that I was here for a blow-dry appointment @2PM. She looked confused as she looked at her screen, then she proceeded to go into the salon, leaving me hanging for a couple of minutes. She returned to the front and said that they had some how overbooked :s. I told her that I spoke to her on the phone a couple hours ago and she said "I'm so sorry I didn't realize that stylist was busy". (I told her on the phone I was willing to take any available stylist). At that point a stylist came up to the front and also apologized. So I told them I was disappointed but that I understood that these things can sometimes happen, although I have never seen a professional salon over book. So anyways, I walked out of the salon that day a tad disappointment, but I'm not one to get angry so quickly. The 5th time I went to Portico it was just a nightmare and I am honestly not sure how I managed to keep my cool the whole time, I had called in advance, and I clarified over the phone and made sure a stylist was available. I even got to speak to the stylist who usually blow dries my hair. She reassured me that she was in fact available and that she could provide the services I was looking for (color correction followed by a blow dry). When I arrived my stylist was still busy finishing with another client. I didn't mind waiting for 15 minutes while she finished up. Then she took me to her chair and said she would start the color correction process. She started by taking me to the sink, and applying a clarifying shampoo. The goal was to remove the existing colour. So after that she placed me under the drier and I noticed she proceeded to greet her next client. She was busy blowdrying another client's hair while I sat under the dryer for 25 minutes, yes that's right, I was a sitting duck for 25 minutes. My hair was dry after 10 minutes so i do not understand why I had to sit there for an extra 15 minutes. They didn't care for my non verbal cues or body language. They were all busy. I heard the receptionist ask my stylist if I was going to be needing a blow dry as well, my stylist whispered something to her and I didn't hear what she said, but it was rude how she had whispered. Then she came to check on me and said that she was going to now apply the new colour all over my hair. She began to squeeze a tube of colour into a bowl and was clearly rushing. She took me to the sink, and slobbered the colour in 30 seconds all over my hair, paying very little attention to the placement of colour, I have never had a stylist apply colour in such a crazy way before. She was clearly rushing and racing back and forth from her other client. Then she had an assistant take over, and instructed the assistant to wash my hair after 5 minutes. I looked at my iPhone and noticed the time. And in exactly 3 minutes the assistant began to rinse the colour of my hair. Then she came back and told the assistant to do 2 shampoos. The assistant only did 1 shampoo. Then she told the assistant to apply a conditioning treatment which she didn't even know how to open. So after I had been washed and the treatment was rinsed off. I again sat there for 10 minutes waiting for someone to come and blow dry my hair. I was so upset at this point I just wanted to get out of there!!! But I waited quietly. So then my stylist comes back to me and says "so and so will be blow drying your hair". So and so comes and says "I'll be taking care of you, I have another client coming in 15 minutes so I will do my best to blow dry your hair". I rolled my eyes but clearly she didn't care. And then I sit down in her chair and she starts blow drying my hair. I start to notice how bad the colour looks, how it is not uniform throughout my hair, how some parts are just fried!! My hair was actually better than that before the stylist slobbered that colour all over. She clearly did a horrible job and my hair looked weak, and dry at the ends, despite having the conditioning treatment she was saying was "so good". So while so and so is blwodrying my hair she says I'm actually just doing your stylist a favour I have another client coming now, and she proceeds to put some spray and oil in my hair. My hair at this point looks horrible. I could have actually cried but I'm an adult. I am clearly unhappy, my stylist approaches me and starts to justify the result! Horrible! read more

Samantha was terrific and did a great cut / style without an appointment (my hair was a disaster and desperately needed help for a last-minute event). Would definitely go back! read more

Based on a review I went in to see Aisha. The first time I was very happy with my haircut. However I just went again and not only was she preoccupied with her daughter to pay attention to what I wanted, she cut my hair in what she thought would look good eventhough i specified with a picture of what she did to me before that i wanted the same style. To make the matters worse, She cut my sidebangs, way too short from one end and when i told her about it she said "oh it looks nice, and it will grow back". If i go to a hairdresser, the one thing I dont want to hear is "it will grow back". I also decieded to get my nails done by Rose, who seemed nice and even fit me into her schedule on a very short notice. I paid before my nails were painted to not ruin them afterwards. As soon as she finished she told me to wait untill they are dry and that she will come back. She then proceeded to meet with another client, which was fine. She did not come to check on me. When I asked somebody to call her because i saw a couple of problems when the nail dried (such as three fingers with uneven color and goops of color), I was told very rudley that "she is with a client", as thought I am not a client. After having her be called 3 times, and she had not come half an hour wasted, I asked for my money back. When she was done with the client she came out and said "oh you are still here?". So not only did she not come out to help me, she assumed that she can keep clients without even saving bye to them. Obviously she was tipped before her work so she thought she already got the money and was done with me. She said nobody called her even though I heard them talking to her, she yelled at me and told me no refunds. Needless to say I will not recommend this place to anybody or at least not Aisha or Rose. For a financial district hair salon, I thought they would be more professional than that. read more

Heather is amazing, great personality, great with hair. One of the best hairdressers (if not THE best) I've ever gone to!