Moderne Et Classique（M&C) — Local services in Montreal

It makes me so incredibly sad to be writing this, as I have been going to this hair salon for years now, but my most recent cut here has been one of the worst hair experiences I have ever had. I booked an appointment DAYS in advance, but when I arrived, I waited over an hour for my haircut, and it was only because I had said something to the poor man who only did nails and seemed confused about what was happening with my appointment that I already waited an hour for.

Thank you to the stylist who eventually did cut my hair. He did the best he could, given that he was also working on another clients’ hair at the same time. He was gentle and patient with very thick hair.

But when it came time for the hair wash, it nearly wanted to leave - even after waiting for 1 hour. It is usually my favourite part and they have always been amazing at it. They usually take the time to make sure the water temperature is good and take care when scrubbing to avoid water on your clothes and to massage your scalp a bit. This was not the case - water was nearly cold, it was very fast considering I was 1 of 3 people there, and I was splashed multiple times during the rinse.

Also, the person doing it kept saying the reason I waited so long was because it was Chinese New Year over the weekend. I am Asian - we celebrate it too. And she had only walked into the salon near the end of my cut. My appointment was not right at their opening time - I felt stupid and frustrated being given this response.

I want to be understanding as I know people have lives outside of what they do, but I was so disappointed now after years of going here, that I felt teary and sad when I left.

Tl;dr - booked a haircut days in advance for a time a few hours after they opened; showed up on time and waited over an hour to see someone, with the only reason I was able to finally get a cut being because I said something to someone who didn’t seem to be in charge of booking and because the stylist was willing to work on me and another client at the same time; ended with a hair wash that was rushed, cold, had multiple sprays in the face, by someone who had walked in at the end of my cut, saying my appointment got messed up because of Chinese New Year. Even though other clients there seemed to be seen more or less on time and given much care and attention.

I have been a client for years, and it makes me so sad to consider that I will most likely NOT return anymore after this experience. But please thank the male stylist who did his best with my situation, and I would still recommend him despite the rest of my...

Pass-over-pass she tries to line up my sides, holding the clippers like they’re a wild animal. They’re not quite right yet, but still plenty of time to adjust later. For now let’s deal with the top. Easy enough, just grab the scissors and take off a few cm, no worries. Should the top line up with the sides? No worries. Should the cowlick be hacked away at until it juts out ninety degrees from the rest of the head? I’d never posed that question before today. At this point I’m just praying she knows something I don’t. Renewed by her victory against my top, she picks up the clippers ready to face down an old foe. Hands trembling slightly, she attacks my sides with sub-millimeter passes, each more ineffective than the last. My back soaking wet from her rinse earlier, I fall into a trance-like state and wait for it to be over. Finally she puts down the clippers and asks me what I think. “Looks good.” How else can I reply really? The last thing I want is for her to try fixing this. She haphazardly slaps some product into my hair and brings me to the front to pay. Forty dollars. Fine, just get me out of here. But alas I’ve misstepped! ‘Juicy Couture’ rhinestones sparkling as she approaches the counter, the manager looks over the receipt of my purchase. “You see, $40 is just the cut and tax.” “Yes I paid that.” “Well it’s a service. You’re supposed to leave a tip for good service.” I blink. Yes obviously, do you really want me to say it? The weight of my silence lost on her, she launches into what will surely be an enthralling sermon. I walk out after 30...

When people say once you found your hairdresser, you keep him or her for as long as you can and you build a relationship with them, it’s true!

For the past 10 years, since I came to Montreal, Alvin has been my hairdresser and you may not believe it but for the first 8 years, I didn’t know his name and last year, I thought his name was Edward until this year, when I booked an appointment with him on Google booking, I saw his real name.

I met Alvin in a small salon in Chinatown and back then, I payed 20-25$ for the haircut but COVID happened and I couldn’t find him anymore until by pure coincidence, I saw him in this beautiful hair salon. His skills are wonderful for my thick and straight hair. He’s the best so far to me because I tried 6 different hairdressers when I was looking for him. He’s hands down the best!

If you’re looking for lots of layers for your next haircut, I can’t recommend enough Alvin!

P.S.: he understands me when I speak poorly Cantonese but I speak with him mostly in English now and if I remember, il parle...