HAIR HEAVEN
Beauty editor Carole Park test-drives Hair on the Avenue’s new Shu Uemura scalp treatment
Tucked in an art deco building just south of Davenport on Avenue Road in Toronto sits Hair on the Avenue. Decorated with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, the elegant space feels more like you have stepped into a local beauty parlor than a posh Yorkville salon, with the friendly staff welcoming you as if you were a regular. With the success of the salon on the main floor, Hair on the Avenue recently expanded their space up an additional level, creating eight new stations and introducing a Shu Uemura concept salon for its scalp ceremony treatment.
Upon arrival for the Shu Uemura scalp ceremony treatment, one is escorted to a black-out wash and treatment room that helps maximize the scalp ceremony experience. Taking the traditional Japanese tea ceremony as inspiration, every step of the treatment is done in a specific way to entice all your senses during the process. Shu Uemura also integrated aspects from their skincare and makeup lines to treat the scalp including their use of oils as a cleanser. The first step involves selecting a cleansing oil based on the scent you want to experience during the process; Fuyu offers a lighter fresh scent while Natsu is warmer, almost nutty.
Once the oil is applied, you are asked to select one of the four specific types of treatments that is best suited to your hair; Full Shimmer is recommended for colour treated hair, Prime Plenish for mature hair, Silk Bloom is ideal for those with seriously damaged hair and Muroto Volume is perfect for fine hair.
The vial of extracts is combined with a Depsea Base Repairing Treatment (light or enriched, depending on the condition of your hair) and applied with a brush. Post application, the stylist massages your scalp in a series of movements to make the best use of the properties in each treatment. (The process is so relaxing that stylist Kelly Araugo mentions clients have fallen asleep during this step!) A light shampoo is applied with a sponge, followed by a mask and the whole process is completed with a fabulous blow out.
Approximately an hour later, you step out feeling as relaxed or rejuvenated from any other spa treatment, except your luscious head of hair is out for all to see and admire!
Hair on the Avenue, 112 Avenue Road, 416.922.0112
Treatments range from $25-$75, hairontheavenue.ca
