Coupe Bizzarre

I have been getting my haircut by Donna M for years now and swear by her! Not sure what Jen C. is on about because Donna is a magician with my curly hair, and everyone knows that a dry cut is the best approach for a curly ‘do. My haircut grows out so perfectly every time. Every. Time. I would never trust my hair to anyone else and will be seeing Donna until the end of time.
I get my hair coloured by Nathalie who is also awesome, and does a killer job every time too. She makes my colour look natural (just one full, colour set but she gives me a (n actually) natural ombré look. Plus she is meticulous about cleaning up my hairline too.

I had a serious hair disaster, went to Donna at Coupe Bizarre and she fixed it! She’s a master! I’m devoted for life!

I started going to Coupe Bizarre almost 30 years ago when a friend of mine started her apprenticeship there. I followed her to a few salons afterwards but ended going back to Coupe. Jimi has been cutting my hair for over 15 years now. If he ever stops cutting hair I think I’ll just go back to shaving my head because it’s just not worth the agony of finding another stylist that I love and trust so much. His haircuts always look amazing, suit me and grow out well. Plus he has the best laugh.
Yes I used to get some pretty outrageous haircuts in the past but I’ve mellowed over the years and Jimi is able to provide cuts that are conservative but still fabulous.

My stylist Nikol is a star! I got all my long curly locks cut off for a very short hair cut for the very first time ever (and I’m in my early 40s!) I was nervous but Nikol was calm and thoughtful and did a standout, expert job. She was a trooper too — it was at the end of her day and a 3 hour hair cut! I have a ton of hair but also, she didn’t skimp on the extensive detail work that needed to be done so that «i will love it» she said. I gave her a photo of the style I wanted and she gave it to me. She kept saying she had to «go with how the hair was responding» while she was cutting it and work intuitively, but the fact that she did this AND gave me the cut I wanted was fantastic. I was told she is a curly hair expert and I would definitely agree. I can’t recommend her enough. She is a really lovely person too. A gem!

Once I found Amy at Coupe Bizzare my search for the perfect stylist was complete. It’s a funky atmosphere and they can transform your look with ease. I have yet to walk out disappointed-​in fact I leave amazed at my new style. I will never go anywhere else!!!

I take great pride in my hair, and am constantly switching up my cut and colour. I favour edgy, alternative styles and am more than willing to pay for it. I get my hair cut and coloured about every 6 weeks, so it’s really important to me to have a great stylist.
When I first moved to Toronto about a year and a half ago, I was a little worried that finding a stylist to entrust my beloved locks to might be a daunting task, given all of the options!
Coupe Bizarre was recommended to me by a friend, so I was willing to give it a shot, and have been fairly loyal ever since. I swear by Steph to keep my cuts current and edgy, and Courtney does fabulous colour!
That being said, I have very high standards for a salon, and while they get the job done, I’m not totally in love. It really is expensive, and although I am okay to dish out the money to keep my hair looking pretty, I find the whole vibe of the place to be a little cold and uninviting. The music is super loud so it makes conversation awkward, and most of the staff seem to have a bit of an attitude.
But, they don’t eff up my hair and I can usually get a pretty good deal, so at the end of the day, I guess these are the most important things.

Have been going to Coupe for ages and now am finally leaving. Vince is my hair stylist and is amazing. Great cut, conversation and what more do you need for an hour of quality time. He’s at Parlour and so am I. Ciao Coupe Bizarre.

Expensive!
Hair salons are crazy expensive in Toronto. I used to go to Coupe Bizarre in Montréal — both locations are good for a funky urban haircut, except the Toronto one will charge you twice the price.
For the prices they charge, I would expect little extras like say, some décor, a coat rack, maybe being offered a drink?

I get a haircut quite often and I’ve been going to Coupe Bizzarre for 5 years now, and never have asked for a specific stylist and I have never been even slightly unhappy about my hair cut. Maybe once I wasn’t happy about the attitude of the stylist but never with their work. I’ve tried fancier salons in the city paying much more, and yet I was the most satisfied with these guys.
In my experience most of the hair stylists in general are either too conservative and afraid to take the risk that will not listen to what you want or too bold that cut your hair way short or give you a style that they think is best. But these guys despite of their funky hair colours and hipster styles will do your hair exactly like what you asked for. As much as I recommend this place to a hip young urban/​artsy professional, I’d do the same to a conservative middle aged person. They’ll just do a perfect job and what YOU want no matter what.

Let me start of with the fact that I based my decision to go on the many fantastic reviews this salon has. I have dark mid length hair, which has never been coloured. I decided being 27 it was time for a bit of a change, a bit of a shake up. So I booked an appointment with an experience colourist. He had worked there for 17+ years and prior to that he was at a very reputable salon. So I thought I would be in good hands.
I got here about 20 min before my appointment time and was seen immediatly, which I was very pleased about. He spent about 15 minutes talking to me about options etc. In the end we decided, with sprin coming, to lighten my hair a couple of shades, which I was excited for seeing as it wouldn’t be a DRASTIC change, but something subtle.
The styles also was excited about the fact that he was dying virgin hair. Nevertheless the dying takes palce and he styles my hair after, and for some reason my scalp seems like it is glowing under the lights… I ignored it and figured maybe it was just the salon lighting.
TO MY SURPRISE, when I got home and did a closer insepctiong, my roots were 3 shades lighter than before and my tips were 2 shades darker than my natural hair colour. I was shocked that this happend… I called the salon a few times, and even e-​mailled the coulourist, with no luck of a response or anything.
I am planning on colouring my hair back this evening! so dissapointing, and I feel my hair is ruined now! I am sure they are fantastic colourist, just not made for us people who want’ «vanilla» changes.

I will preface this by saying I have a strong fear of getting my hair cut by new stylists. This may stem back to my early teen years when, after a run-​in with a very strong Sun In bottle and a week at a cottage, I ended up with the world’s stringiest, frizziest, and wildest mane ever that could only be rectified by cutting my hair within an inch — an INCH — of it’s life. Yes, for a solid two weeks, some of it shot straight up and could not come close to being tamed. It may also stem from what I’ve found to be an eventual communication break down between myself and stylists whom I see for a few years: eventually, they just stop listening and I end up with a haircut I neither asked for nor wanted and runny eye make up (from crying… just to be clear). And always right before big times in my life, like moving away to university or applying for my first in-​my-​field jobs. Harumph.
Before I moved down south in July, I was going to a salon somewhere in the Yorkville/​Rosedale region, and it was good; I have nothing bad to say about it, other than the fact that the stylist I saw would «undercut» my hair. Now, when I say «undercut», I don’t mean the weird back-​of-​the-​head-​shaving thing that happened to me when I was 15; I mean she would spend a fair bit of time massaging my head (it was an Aveda salon) then washing and drying my hair, and afterwards a fair bit of time «fluffing» my hair. I think relatively little time was actually spent cutting it, thus myknotty, knarly ends were continuously a problem and my hair tended to hang rather limply after about 2 weeks. More often than not, by week 4 or 5, ponytails were my best friend, and not just when I was at work. After the move, I decided to give Coupe a try; it was recommended to me by 2 friends independently and was within 10 minutes of my new home. What’s the worst that could happen — I’d get a bad cut and then head up to Yorkville for a re-​do. I popped in one Saturday afternoon on my way to the park to see what their availability was like. To my shock and amazement, they had Sunday appointments! AND Monday! I booked with Jane (Friend 1’s stylist; Friend 2 sees and raves about Jaime, but I have not yet visited her) for the following Sunday and mentally prepared.
Walking in the next week right at noon was interesting. The salon had just opened, so Jane was ready and waiting for me, and it was before they turned the music on. Jane asked me about how I normally wear my hair (up, down, side part vs middle, which side, blow dry or air dry…) and actually listened. I told her I wanted a cut that I didn’t have to blow dry but would still look nice and that was long enough to put into a ponytail at work (as a sidenote, stylists have shuddered at the thought of putting my hair into a ponytail, or poked fun at my putting it behind my ears the moment they finish; not Jane. Amazing). I also told her that I had been growing out the fringe in the front, but didn’t think it was working out and wanted my side bangs back. And then she set to work…
Now, perhaps another disclaimer: I had my hair cut about a month ago. When Jane finished, I didn’t know what to think. My cut fit all the criteria I’d outlined, but I just wasn’t sure how I’d feel about there being THAT many layers, especially seeing as I’d basically had a very blunt cut beforehand. But, I thought I’d give it some time, see what happened when I got my own hands on it. By the weekend, I was in love. I literally get out of the shower, comb my hair, put a little bit of leave in conditioner and some mouse, and walk out my door. THAT’S IT. And yet I end up with wavy, Botticelli-​esque hair. I LOVE it, and the remaining 3 weeks I waited were simply b/​c I was busy.
Jane gave me a great summer cut, and I couldn’t be happier with my hair. She’s also a seemingly down-​to-​earth, lovely, and quiet person; there was no need to make small talk just to fill silence, and I got to relax in a lovely air conditioned space. The price was also reasonable: I paid $ 65 and change for my cut with tax and tip. My only dislike: the music. It’s very, very loud and very, very electronic. But will that keep me away? Not a chance!

I was unsure what to expect from this salon because I’ve always gone for the safe hair cuts at the main stream salons. I was pleasantly surprised with the results. My cut & color turned out the best I’ve had in a long time. The staff is cool, funky & friendly. Wendy (color tec) did such a beautiful color. I luv it! My overall experience was really good & I’d recommend Coupe Bizzarre for anyone. not just for those who want an edgy cut. If you’ve ever seen their ads in the NOW Magazine you’ll see what I mean about edgy. Also treat yourself afterward with a pastery from DUFFLETS across the street. It’s a win win

This was my first experience with this salon. I was a bit nervous as they do have a reputation for edgy cuts, and with my wildly curly and fine hair, I was afraid of what might happen. I made a same day appointment for 6 pm on a Thursday which was impressive since almost no other salon in the area was even open past six.
Lisa was my stylist and she was totally respectful of my needs, a pleasure to chat with, showed me how to style my hair, didn’t pressure me to buy product and gave me a stunning cut which I have been getting tons of compliments on! I found the price fairly reasonable and it definitely won’t be my last visit.

Coupe Bizzarre is definitely the place to go if you want something edgy and you are determined to get it if it looks bad or not (they will do it regardless). All of the stylists I have ever had know what they are doing, and are qualified — but you need to be clear and firm with what you want. They have a reputation for edginess and seem to be determined to keep it.
Yes, you get a bit of attitude here, but it doesn’t bother me really. Neither does the music. I am not as «open» with my haircuts as I once was, but back when I was happy to «experiment» people were always asking me where I got my hair done.
Jodi is fantastic (if she is still there). Coupe was my go-​to for years, but now that Rocky is gone I likely will not go back. He has opened his own shop
in Kensington.
I have had only good experiences, but I am also not afraid to say «whoh what are you doing» or communicate what I want. Coupe is perfect for fun haircuts though, I have had enough experiences asking for something edgy at other salons and getting a slightly symmetrical bang and a one-​length-​blunt-​edge cut. *no edge*
Basically, its ok. Its cheapish for downtown haircuts with experienced stylists. Its not Aveda, but its not House of Lords *shudder* either. No pampering, no free tea, no «above and beyond,» no hair washing sometimes, barely welcoming smiles. But they will do edgy, and thats what they are for.

What is really weird about this, is that I wrote a complete review for when I went back — but somehow it sort of disappeared.
For those who want to know: Markis works at Palour Salon now.
Anyway I found out why people think its too cool, there are two salons here and I went to the other one the first time. The other one is very cool I have to admit.
From what I can remember about my disappearing return review… I walked out with orange hair when I asked for blonde.
I won’t go back now. I explained to the guy who cut my hair exactly what I wanted, and explained the way the girl cut it last time. But he didn’t know who that was or what she had done because they don’t keep records on clients. So if you like the colour/​cut the first time too bad kids, they won’t be able to give you the same.
I didn’t know her name but she was fantastic and the cut was beautiful the first time. The second time he cut my bangs way to short and I was really disappointed. Worst of all, they did my colour first then my cut so I ended up with that spotted leopard look you get when you cut highlights/​foils after you have done the colour.
Another thing, the stylist didn’t clean any of the hair off me so I walked out absolutely covered in hair. Before I walked out I asked the girl for something to clean it off — if she had half a brain she might have blow dried me — but no, she hands me a roll of sticky tape! If I wasn’t so annoyed I would have cracked up.
I had a blind date that night too. I had to wear a hat, it was pretty bad overall. Even when I went home and blowdried it myself it was still pretty shocking.

First, let me say, I’ve given Coupe Bizarre a lot of chances to wow me over the years.
The experience here is completely dependent on which stylist you get. I’ve had some that treat me as though I’m not even there (and yes, they are cutting my hair!), and I’ve had others that are so lovely I feel I’ve known them forever!
I’ve also gotta say that I have gotten some super rad haircuts here. Like, the kind of hair where people ask you where you get your hair done. But c’mon guys… every time I call for an appointment with my new fav person… they «don’t work here anymore». What is going on over there Coupe?! I’m a loyal hair person, and its hard to be loyal when you keep getting dumped.
If you love cool cuts, and don’t care who does ‘em…this is the place for you. If you know you’re going to be sad when you call in 4 weeks and your person is gone, you might want to try somewhere else.

Pros:
About 90% of the time I’ve had a good haircut at Coupe Bizzarre. The stylists do a great job in giving you what you want, and they can put together some pretty cutting edge styles. (Pun intended… wah wah.)
Cons:
I recommended Coupe Bizzarre to a friend who was new to town from Germany and… an incident occurred where she ended up coming out with a slightly more modern mullet. She was upset for weeks and had to get it fixed elsewhere.
The salon is not relaxing in the slightest. The music is super loud, and bounces badly off the concrete floor and walls.
The staff can be a bit too snobby/​trendoid for my liking. I constantly feel like I have to read a copy of Vice before walking in.
I always get the feeling that the salon is a little bit unhygienic. Potentially because customers are placed so closely together, or because the fact that there is hair EVERYWHERE mixed together (I know, this is to be expected in a salon, but because the floors are concrete it shows up even more prominently), and on the stylist’s clothing.
The lights are so bright I end up sweating like Richard Simmons in a workout video.
So all in all — come here if you want a really awesome haircut, but not for everything in between.

Do you remember high school? Where having the raddest hair style would pretty much say just how cool or more importantly uncool you were. I didn’t grow up in a rich home, so my hair cuts were always the most basic at First Choice for 12 bucks, that is if I wasn’t wearing a stripped shirt and having a neighbour cut along the stripes to try and get my hair as straight as possible. There was one time I went to Wal-​Mart thinking they were a step up from First Choice and pretty much had my hair ruined. I started crying in mid cut and my mom and I left that little Asian women with my hair in her hands.
It set me up for failure at a young age.
Since then, I rarely ever got my hair cut. If I did, I went to first choice and left with a hat on and drove home in tears. My hair is really all I have going for me, and when that gets ruined, I’m a hot mess.
Until I walked into Coupe Bizzarre. I brought photos of what I wanted, and boy did they deliver. It’s hard to walk into that place for most people, as it probably makes you feel less cool than the rest of the world. But once you sit in the chair, and it’s all gone from there. I wish I could remember the name of the girl that did my hair, but I remember her business cards were little heart stickers and I thought it was the cutest thing around.
My one «uh oh» moment wass letting her shave my head.
«Whaaattt???» Ya, let me get there.
I have the most intense cowlick, leaving it pretty much impossible for my hair to have bangs. But I’m persistant and I’ve tried a million ways, and this hair dresser came up with a new idea. She brought it up to me at the beginning, and I told her that I would sit on it for awhile. The idea was to shave my cowlick off, pretty much, and the bangs would cover that spot. It’s just hair, I thought. It’ll grow back if it’s that bad… so I let her do it.
For the next year and a half, I shaved that spot on my head and terrified everyone whom I’ve ever known in that time. «Let me see it again!!!» followed by a scream when I would life my bangs, «I can’t believe you did that!!!» Boy, that was a hilarious time…
Since then, I’ve exerienced other hair dressers that are trying to figure out why half my bangs are shorter than the rest. When I try to explain I shaved the spot, they’ve nearly fainted. «You can’t shave a cowlick, you’ve got to WORK WITH IT!» Many a lectures later, I have bangs and they are finally even with the shaved spot. Now, I work with my cowlick, but I don’t think with the hairstyles that pop out of that place, it would have been able to happen without shaving.
Now, I don’t regret it. I love the atmosphere of this place, but I don’t think I’d go back. It’s just not for me. Plus, I fear the razor. do you blame me?!

This place is incredible
This place was recommended to me by a friend. I was only in Toronto for a day, but magically they were able to take me as a walk-​in and I only had to wait fifteen minutes. I explained to the woman cutting my hair exactly what I hadn’t liked about my previous cut, and she effortlessly cut my hair into EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED IT TO LOOK LIKE. the cut is only 55 dollars… so much cheaper than what i pay for back in San Francisco, where i usually get it done. Also, the vibe in there is way funky and totally fun. The woman who cut my hair spent a long time on me too… I definitely didn’t feel like she rushed through me, even though i was a walk in and didn’t want a dye or anything like that.
Seriously… I was very, very impressed with the quality of this place. For the money, it can’t be beat.

Apparently I’m the only person on the planet who isn’t raving about Coupe Bizzarre.
Not only did I feel infinitely uncool being here, like I didn’t belong, but I came out with one of my most unpleasant haircuts, mainly because the stylist I had seemed a bit lazy and kept telling me quite strictly, that my back hairline was unmanageable and, therefore, it was necessary to shave the back two inches of my head for me to deal with short hair. I wasn’t convinced, but he pushed the matter. I figured I knew what he was doing.
I felt uneasy walking out of the salon, which is bad news to begin with, but was convinced I had to enjoy whatever the Coupe said. Besides, how can you repair hair that is no longer there? And anyway, they were the spokesman of COOL and successfully kept me under their spell until I received decent haircuts elsewhere that worked with my supposed misbehaving hairline.
Despite my one bad experience years ago, this doesn’t mean I would totally rule out coming back. There are stylists who specialize in creative and classic cuts, and I’m keen to check them out. I’ll just know not to let a shaver near the back of my head.