Over the past couple of years Ossington has transformed: what was once a street that mother’s wouldn’t let their children walk down is now a street where kids refuse to be seen with their mothers. In other words, Ossington is trendy, and with reason, it houses some of the most popular restaurants (Pizzeria Libretto, Foxley) and bars (Jezebel, LeVack Block) in the city. Now, a few boutiques have sprinkled themselves on the strip so young Toronto Hipsters can pretty much do it all on this now ubiquitous segment of the city. But, there is one thing missing. What if a black-haired sylph has spent the day shopping on the street and wants to head out for the evening but her blonde roots are showing? Does she have to trek all the way to Coupe Bizarre on Queen St. to fix up her funky do? Answer: no. Parlour is here to save the day.

Parlour, a socially conscious hair salon, has recently planted itself on the corner of Queen and Ossington. Replacing an abandoned flop house, the Toronto salon took Tyler Moore and his team – who incidentally all come from Coupe Bizarre ( a coup perhaps?) – 2 months to reconstruct the space. Parlour is now a modish, clean-lined, loungey atelier whose palette of black, white, and grey makes the place cosmopolitan enough for Ossington, even for Berlin.

Do not let the fact that the place is socially conscious hinder your view of the haute hair haven; no sweetgrass, or patchouli is being burned here. Nor are you in danger of having to sit on a bean bag chair while getting your hair cut by an over-grown hippy in bellbottoms and a John Lennon T-shirt. You might, however, have to deal with a patron’s dog or two. Parlour, which donates all its hair clippings to Matter of Trust (a non-profit organization that creates hair mats to save animals affected by oil spills) is pet friendly. The salon also exclusively uses Kevin Murphy Products which, aside from having great packaging, are 100% recyclable and refillable. The salon offers discounts on product if you bring your containers back for refills. Aside from hair and the betterment of society, Parlour also plans to open up the space for arts events; art openings, music launches etc.

Who knew you could eat at the best restaurant, drink at the most popular bars, shop at the coolest boutiques, check out up and coming artists, get an awesome haircut, and save the world just by spending a day on Ossington. My God, have things ever changed. - E.H

Parlour, 6 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON
647-345-6663