Our go-to hair salon was closing down, and my best friend and I were mildly panicking. Not all salons can tame our long, unruly curly hair, and finding the right one took us ages.
In desperation, I turned to my friends and coworkers, asking where they go to manage their curls.
Luckily, they pointed us in the right direction. I ended up discovering some fantastic spots with my curly BFF, and our hair never looked better!
For my fellow local curly girlies, here are the best salons for curly hair in Toronto—may this list help you find expert spots to keep your hot curls in check.
How much do curly hair services cost in Toronto?
The cost of curly hair services in Toronto ranges from about $50 to $120 for basic cuts, with first-time sessions starting at $40.
Specialized treatments and additional styling can increase the price, with full-service cuts between $70 and $120. Salons may charge more for their customized and expert services.
How We Chose the Best Salons for Curly Hair in Toronto
1. Urban Curls Boutique
Urban Curls Boutique is owned by Keina, a licensed curly hair expert with over 14 years of experience. Not only does she train students and salons, but she’s also a member of Curl Hair Artistry, a prestigious group of curl specialists from around the world!
Her salon specializes in all types of curly cuts, from quick trims to big chops, and can shape any curl texture, from loose waves to the tightest coils.
If you want some color, their Colour Me Curly service offers gorgeous colors with a curl treatment. On the other hand, those who want a sleek look should go for their seven-step Silkpress Blowout.
We also like their unique Boot Camp Styling Lesson for first-timers, which lets you do your own hair with expert guidance, teaching you step-by-step techniques.
The salon is gender-fluid and focuses on timing per service rather than the specific style.
However, we heard reports of last-minute stylist switches.
Pros
- Over 14 years of experience
- Member of CHA
- Specializes in curly cuts
- Colour Me Curly service
- Silkpress Blowout
- Boot Camp Styling Lesson
- Gender-fluid salon
Cons
- Reports of last-minute stylist switches
Best place in Toronto for curly hair services!
“Urban Curls is the best place in Toronto for curly hair services! I had my second cut last week by Cindy and she did an incredible job. She was very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly and answered all my questions patiently. I would highly recommend this salon. Thank you, Cindy!”
Mash M, Google Review
My go-to spot for shaping and styling my 4C natural hair
“My go-to spot for shaping and styling my 4C natural hair. I get the short curly cut. I enjoy sporting the gelled style they do for me there, it’s a lot more definition than I’ve ever achieved on my own. And even after washing that out – I feel confident with a wash & go with the way they shape my hair.”
Anjola Rotimi, Google Review
2. The Curl Ambassadors
Since 2006, The Curl Ambassadors has been a go-to spot for those with wavy, curly, corkscrew, or super curly hair textures.
We really like their Dry-Cut Curly method. They offer personalized dry cuts that enhance your hair’s natural spring factor.
They also have a Curly-Doo service—on your first visit, you’ll work with a stylist to get personalized advice on the best products, techniques, and tools for your curls. Then, they’ll take care of your hair, and you’ll even leave with a Curl Care Plan!
For those looking to add some color, their Curly-Colour service uses a no ammonia-based color line, perfect for fatigued curls.
And if your curls have lost their bounce due to product buildup or environmental stressors, their Detox Treatment Services will rejuvenate your hair.
Keep in mind, however, that some customers told us that their sessions felt rushed.
Pros
- Open since 2006
- Has a trademark Dry-Cut Curly method
- Offers a Curly-Doo service for first-timers
- Provides a Curl Care Plan
- Uses a no ammonia-based color line
- Offers Detox Treatment Services
Cons
- Some customers felt rushed
My curls are poppin’ now and I’m absolutely in love with the colour
“I went in to dye my hair and Angela walked me through the entire process. My curls are poppin’ now and I’m absolutely in love with the colour. Everyone was very nice and I had a great time at the salon. I will definitely be back for touchups!”
Aiza, Google Review
Love love love this salon
“Love love love this salon. My experience yesterday was the best visit yet! I’ve never been so happy leaving a hair cut. The stylists are always great at teaching new techniques or little tricks to improve styling on your own. They also carry a few Toronto-based, Black woman-owned product lines, which I love being able to support!”
Charlotte Graham, Google Review
3. The Curl Lounge
If you’re in the GTA and on the hunt for top-quality curly hair services, The Curl Lounge should be on your radar. Their goal is to offer the highest quality salon services.
We love their VIP Welcome Package—it includes a hair and scalp analysis, styling tips, and a deep hydration treatment. Plus, you get a 100% silk bonnet to take home.
For those dealing with breakage and damage, their Curl Repair Package is a lifesaver. This service includes the Olaplex hair re-bonder strengthening treatment, a SpaMister deep hydration treatment, and a trim.
The Curl Lounge also offers hair-defining services like Flat Twists and Twist-Outs. Flat Twists can be worn loose or styled into a ponytail or pigtails, while Twist-Outs are twists that are set and then unraveled.
We did notice that they were on the pricier side.
Pros
- Has a VIP Welcome Package
- Free 100% silk bonnet from the welcome package
- Curl Repair Package
- Hair defining services
Cons
- Pricey
The Curl Lounge is the only salon I will trust with my curls
“The Curl Lounge is the only salon I will trust with my curls. Elisha, the owner, is an incredible stylist and is always warm and inviting. She resurrected my curls for me after years of not knowing what to do with my hair. Stylist Jasmyne is awesome. I know I am in good hands as soon as I walk in. If you want to feel taken care of, listened to, appreciated and pampered – go to the The Curl Lounge! You can be confident that you are getting the very best with any stylist that is taking care of you. Also, new upgrades to decor look great!”
S Kings, Google Review
If you have curly hair, you NEED to come here
“If you have curly hair and need people who know how to do curly hair, you NEED to come here. I got a wig installed by mikayla (im sorry if that is misspelled) and not only was the lace melted, wig SECURE, but somehow my hair still managed to look absolutely flawless after a night out where i was hunched over the men’s bathroom toilet for an hour throwing up everything i ever ate in my life, and when i passed out without a bonnet. if my install survived the fight for my life last night, then it’s only because of the amazing hairstylist mikayla. it’s also absolutely gorgeous inside and all the other stylists were so nice! it’s an amazing atmosphere with extremely knowledgable stylists and this is definitely the place i will always come to to get my hair done.”
Tassneem Selman, Google Review
4. Born Curly by Kim Gabriel
Born Curly’s owner, Kim Gabriel, discovered her passion for curly hair after training under Lorraine Massey in 2008. Eventually, she founded her own salon which moved away from traditional methods that rely on harsh chemicals and heat styling.
They’re known for their Signature Born Curly Cut. Unlike traditional wet cuts, this method uses dry cuts, which are perfect for curly hair as they allow for a more precise and natural shape.
Their Curl Coaching & Cut service is another highlight. Priced at $299 for a two-hour session, it includes a cut, wash, and style, along with personalized coaching on how to care for and style your curls, plus a Q&A session!
Born Curly is also making waves by offering its very own Curly Hair Stylist Certification Program for industry professionals.
Sadly, some clients have reported subpar-quality haircuts.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Does not use harsh chemicals and heat styling
- Signature Born Curly Cut
- Curl Coaching & Cut service
- Curly Hair Stylist Certification Program
Cons
- Reports of subpar-quality haircuts
I found Kim Gabriel online and my life changed!!
“I’ve had curly hair all my life and never knew how to take care of it. Lots of people have cut my hair and it never looked great. Then I found Kim Gabriel online and (holy smokes!!) my life changed!! I now have the right cut and the right products and my hair has never looked better! I love my curls now. Thank you, Kim!!”
Leslie grapevyn, Google Review
I have never been happier with my curls
“Kim is the best!! I have never been happier with my curls, and get compliments on my hair all the time. I have been going to Kim for a few years now after trialing many different curly hair salons in Toronto. She spends time getting to know your hair, what your hair goals are, and then tailors a plan specific to you. She taught me so much about my hair at my first appointment, and what kind of products to use. If you have curly hair, Kim is for you!”
Rachel Lieberman, Google Review
5. Natural Curly Hair Haven
Natural Curly Hair Haven was founded by Dixie, who entered the hair industry straight out of high school and became licensed in 1997. Dixie, once shy herself, has found her calling—helping clients feel confident and beautiful.
One of their specialties is the Deva Curly Dry Cut, an ideal method for shaping curly hair without losing length. This technique ensures your curls are styled perfectly while maintaining their natural bounce and volume.
We were impressed with the salon’s wide range of curly hair services. Examples include loc services and maintenance, wigs, weaves, box braids, braid outs, comb coils, and more.
They also provide treatments and products designed to maintain and lock in moisture for your curls.
Speaking of products, all the products used, including Deva Curl, are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free, ensuring your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
Unfortunately, we heard whispers of subpar dye jobs, but note that our experience there was very positive.
Pros
- Over two decades of experience
- Known for their Deva Curly Dry Cut
- Wide range of curly hair services
- Toxic-free hair products
Cons
- Reports of subpar dye jobs
Natural Curly Hair Haven is AMAZING!!!!
“Natural Curly Hair Haven is AMAZING!!!! Dixie cuts hair wonderfully, and the wash was so thorough and relaxing!! When you walk in, the vibe you feel is so positive and welcoming. The prices are also very good, and they left my hair SO BEAUTIFUL!! I got a devacut and Dixie also recommended me some products for my hair. Everything was a 10/10. COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO CUT YOUR CURLY HAIR!!!🤗”
Johanna Zraik, Google Review
Highly recommend this salon to everyone with curly hair
“I highly recommend this salon to everyone with curly hair. I get so many compliments whenever I get a haircut from them. They understand curls. Since I found this salon I have been going here only. The staff is so nice and friendly. The best!”
Dilpreet Kooner, Google Review