Over the past decade, I've gradually found myself inching away from Toronto hairstylists. No matter the amount of faith (and funding) instilled, the results were passable at best. Cuts can be variable, but colour is non-negotiable.
It was decided that, after two years, I'd shed my signature purple inner layer for an entirely new look. Mere maintenance snips entail a fairly steep price to start; consequently, it was concluded that incorporation of a dye job would justify investment on the bases of time and cost. So'o Salon would emerge as the singly best option, simply due to their vast experience with stylized colour application.
It was decided that, after two years, I'd shed my signature purple inner layer for an entirely new look. Mere maintenance snips entail a fairly steep price to start; consequently, it was concluded that incorporation of a dye job would justify investment on the bases of time and cost. So'o Salon would emerge as the singly best option, simply due to their vast experience with stylized colour application.
On my third day, I awoke to dull, rainy skies once more. Nearing 10 AM though, the clouds parted to reveal sunshine and even a rainbow in the distance.
Following a breakfast of dried cranberry-topped oatmeal and chilled pour over, the riverside trek commenced. Few others were spotted along this stretch of the gravel pathway, unsurprising given the early hour.
In a matter of minutes, I'd arrive at the Olympic Oval. Undetected previously were ridges along the pillars of the building, which connected to grooves in the walkway and drains in the boulevard.
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T&T Ora was explored briefly. There, I confirmed the availability of My Beauty Diary masks at a reasonable price.
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The outpost also featured a number of locally popular bakery items, such as anko-butter buns and fresh mango cream sandwiches.
Between brilliant rays of sunshine and a few residual droplets, I completed the seventeen-minute saunter without issue.
The receptionist warmly welcomed me into the space, offering to hang my jacket. She also gestured to the cubbie area in front of the salon chair for my belongings, though I preferred to rest my backpack on the side table for easy access.
With the last visit extending well beyond five hours, inclusive of a photo-taking segment, I had readied myself accordingly with a packed lunch, charger, and plenty of water.
With the last visit extending well beyond five hours, inclusive of a photo-taking segment, I had readied myself accordingly with a packed lunch, charger, and plenty of water.
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Two hours was used to conduct a light trim plus a comprehensive round of bleach. My stylist would check in several times over the course of the procedure, then go over sections as needed to ensure full coverage. Ear covers were hooked on for protection; in addition, a plastic shield would be secured to the forehead to prevent eye damage and preserve makeup.
At around 1 PM, I retrieved my pre-packed pork shabu udon with spinach for munching, then immediately got sleepy while remaining still.
At around 1 PM, I retrieved my pre-packed pork shabu udon with spinach for munching, then immediately got sleepy while remaining still.
My stylist had assumed a junior position during my last visit. This time around, he exuded a calm confidence - one that matched his current level of expertise. He also detected my utmost displeasure at the floor sweeper offering hair-drying services and ruthlessly tugging at my freshly coloured strands without apprehension.
Fewer questions were posed as to the desired colour, though this may be due to my having circulated the hair inspiration images leading up to the appointment.
Throughout the colouring process, we talked about recent changes to the city, noting primary differences between Vancouver and Toronto. There was also discussion about Costco: His mother-in-law had questioned "if Costco was 'free'", since the sheer number of customers was overwhelming.
Overall, the salon was rather quiet. Apparently, many stylists were on vacation. The "training assistants" from Taiwan had also not yet commenced their apprenticeship term.
Fewer questions were posed as to the desired colour, though this may be due to my having circulated the hair inspiration images leading up to the appointment.
Throughout the colouring process, we talked about recent changes to the city, noting primary differences between Vancouver and Toronto. There was also discussion about Costco: His mother-in-law had questioned "if Costco was 'free'", since the sheer number of customers was overwhelming.
Overall, the salon was rather quiet. Apparently, many stylists were on vacation. The "training assistants" from Taiwan had also not yet commenced their apprenticeship term.
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The hair-centric ordeal spanned seven hours in total. While there were brief moments where the stylist had escaped to the back room for sustenance and respite, majority of the time had been allocated for bleaching and colouring. Cutting and styling took place in the final ninety minutes of the session, strategically calibrated to barely overlap with the subsequent booking.
Just as before, the experience was lengthy, but exceptionally attentive and comprehensive. Meticulousness was witnessed throughout each stage, from revisiting bleached segments for uniformity to ensuring baby hairs were coloured first. I had also been positioned in a supine position for the colouring of such baby hairs, such that the dye would not drip down the sides of the face nor stain the forehead. This degree of detail would be unfathomable back home, for "time is of the essence". The hasty nature of Torontonians instigates high turnover with compromised quality, contradicting the exorbitant amount of monetary investment.
Just as before, the experience was lengthy, but exceptionally attentive and comprehensive. Meticulousness was witnessed throughout each stage, from revisiting bleached segments for uniformity to ensuring baby hairs were coloured first. I had also been positioned in a supine position for the colouring of such baby hairs, such that the dye would not drip down the sides of the face nor stain the forehead. This degree of detail would be unfathomable back home, for "time is of the essence". The hasty nature of Torontonians instigates high turnover with compromised quality, contradicting the exorbitant amount of monetary investment.
Gazing into the mirror, I was elated to find results that were exactly as desired: A rich, deep blue with delicate grey highlights.
A corresponding Colorwash was recommended to preserve the blue tones. Alternatively, I could opt for a "no-yellow" shampoo to keep tawny tones at bay to maintain a silvery grey. Images of another client's blue hair progression were made known to me: The worst case scenario was a gradual evolution towards a warm ashy hue, termed as milk tea". Either way, none of the transitions were unseemly.
A corresponding Colorwash was recommended to preserve the blue tones. Alternatively, I could opt for a "no-yellow" shampoo to keep tawny tones at bay to maintain a silvery grey. Images of another client's blue hair progression were made known to me: The worst case scenario was a gradual evolution towards a warm ashy hue, termed as milk tea". Either way, none of the transitions were unseemly.
My 11 AM appointment terminated at the 6:30 PM mark, where I settled payment needs and hovered outside the salon in wait of my UberEats order. The breakdown was explained as follows:
- Bleach - $180
- Colour - $180
- Highlights - $70
- Shampoo - $30
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The recipient of my cravings were egg waffles, otherwise known as Bubble Waffles, and Yuan Yang/Iced Mixed Coffee Milk Tea (鴛鴦) from Bubble Waffle Café. After some confusion, the Uber driver located the front of the salon, a brown reusable bag in tow. Instead of an irritated grimace, he handed the order to me with a beaming smile, then bid me good day. Economic, speedy, and pleasant service appeared to be the norm in Richmond, and I, as the average GTA resident, couldn't have desired for any more.
Presented in paper bags with holes, the infamous egg waffles were crispy and gratifying. Meanwhile, the Yuan Yang was delicious and of a generous serving. My last-minute addition of 鹽酥雞 (Salty Chicken Nuggets) was also a larger portion than expected and positively scrumptious delicious with its accompanying sweet & sour dipping sauce. Best of all, the morsels re-toasted wonderfully as leftovers and weren't spicy in the slightest! The Bubble Waffles also stored well, retaining their perfect consistency the next day after a light toasting.
Presented in paper bags with holes, the infamous egg waffles were crispy and gratifying. Meanwhile, the Yuan Yang was delicious and of a generous serving. My last-minute addition of 鹽酥雞 (Salty Chicken Nuggets) was also a larger portion than expected and positively scrumptious delicious with its accompanying sweet & sour dipping sauce. Best of all, the morsels re-toasted wonderfully as leftovers and weren't spicy in the slightest! The Bubble Waffles also stored well, retaining their perfect consistency the next day after a light toasting.
My post-hair appointment plans involved checking out BGM Dance Studio. A supposed nine-minute walk from the salon, I initially found myself at their rear entrance, overlooking a car maintenance yard.
A quick call to the establishment confirmed the proper entrance off No. 3 Road. Albeit a tad hidden, one could easily find their way upon spotting the bus stop and nearby signage.
A quick call to the establishment confirmed the proper entrance off No. 3 Road. Albeit a tad hidden, one could easily find their way upon spotting the bus stop and nearby signage.
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Although I hadn't arrived in time for the 6:10 PM Hip Hop class, I succeeded in obtaining pertinent details regarding class formats and pricing options. My short-term stay, as the receptionist advised, would be most fitting of the studio's 3-Class Intro Package. Should I wish to return in the future, however, I'd be left with options of Single Class Drop-Ins or 10-/15-/20-Class Packages.
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I was also permitted to poke my head into the studio for a preview of the class underway. Joining it, however, was prohibited, as to prevent interrupting the session. It was a respectable policy, in contrast to the likeliness of GTA studios permitting late entries in an effort to muster more class fees.
The Hip Hop class looked fun and doable, whilst still posing as a challenge for dance enthusiasts. I thanked both the instructor and receptionist for their time, and agreed to look into the dedicated app for class registration.
Just as I prepared to depart, footsteps could be heard above the stairway by the door. Turning my head, I saw not a soul, but instead laid eyes on a K-Pop photocard trading wall. Vancouver has truly been at the forefront of establishing a Hallyu-loving community.
Just as I prepared to depart, footsteps could be heard above the stairway by the door. Turning my head, I saw not a soul, but instead laid eyes on a K-Pop photocard trading wall. Vancouver has truly been at the forefront of establishing a Hallyu-loving community.
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The remainder of the evening would involve a follow-up to the Real Canadian Superstore - why, hello, Chef Boyardee! - and continued munching of 鹽酥雞 and spinach for supper.
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Each glance in the mirror caught me by surprise - I was still getting used to this new appearance, and apparently so were those around me.
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