Marc Anthony is one of a handful of hairstylists in Toronto who has managed to make a name for himself, wielding a pair of scissors like Picasso with a paintbrush, and the local media like a pro. With his signature product line and eponymous salon in Yorkville – his second in the city – the Anthony biz is growing like a well-conditioned mane, much to the delight of the plastic people of Y-ville.

Anthony attributes his success to staying “100% focused” at all times and his new flagship salon is a tribute to hard work and determination. The privilege of having your hair in Marc’s hands will set you back a cool $500.

When asked what makes his expertise worth this kind of money, Marc replied, “I never do the same cut twice. This is not a factory. I am very in-tune with my clients’ individual facial structure and style and I base my cuts around those personal traits.” Five C-Notes for individualism and originality? Ouch. But with a client list that reads like People Magazine, it’s clear that this is a far cry from First Choice Cutters.

It’s assumed that most of his clients who boast that they use Jessica Alba’s stylist - and the subsequent cool-factor that goes along with it makes them feel like they got their money’s worth.

The salon itself is in prime shape, as it was previously the home of another Toronto hair guru – Jie Matar – whose shop was shuttered last year. Wasting no time, Anthony moved in and orchestrated a total renovation of the bi-level space. The space is sparsely decorated, leaving lots of room for creative genius, which Anthony is full of. The walls are white-washed with structured concrete beams, while glass details and steel decorations put the icing on this frosty, modern cake.

Services here include colouring, highlights, Japanese straightening and more. This bastion of beauty is sure to attract upper-crust urbanites, visiting celebrities and a collection of Stepford wives from nearby Rosedale and Forest Hill.

In pure salon diva style, Anthony staged the grand opening of his new salon, complete with martinis and an in-house fashion show. The show displayed Marc’s new cuts, colours and styles. The featured styles were what Anthony called, “Rock Chic.” The hair was voluminous with soft, big curls and lots of bang. There was also a replica of Ringo Starr’s classic cut on one model, whose hair had been dyed jet black. If these are the kind of trend-setting styles you’re after, then get your speed dial in check because the waiting list is sure to be months long.

I managed to sit down with Marc after the show to talk about his plans for the new salon. But before I got to Marc, his mother got to me. Annette Anthony, along with Marc’s father, owned a hair salon over thirty years ago and it was there – helping his mother shampoo, dye and eventually cut hair – that he learned the tricks of the trade. Annette remembers watching the Oscars with her son and saying to him, “One day, honey, we will be on that red carpet.” Last year, she got her wish as the mother-and-son duo worked backstage styling Hollywood’s “it” girls for the big event. Of her son’s success, Annette beams with pride as she exclaims, “It is a dream come true.” Just like your coif, after you emerge from his new salon as a better version of you. –J.T.