Sometimes in life, you know you need to sort yourself out, hair-wise, bod-wise, face-wise. Things have taken a turn and all of a sudden you realize you’re not taking care of the only face you will ever have. You’re not conditioning. You’ve ignored your cuticles. Something has to be done. In the choose-your-own-adventure book of beauty, you are stuck at the index. Enter Beauty Supply Outlet, a one-stop beauty supply shop featuring high-end hair and beauty products at affordable, everyday prices.

I decided to journey over to the Front Street location last week. The sunny walk down Church was already great, and the destination itself rocked my socks off. The store interior was slick, spacious, and smelled like a hair salon. So yum.

Right off the bat, the sales people were friendly without being pushy. I should tell you that I think about people’s shopping habits A LOT; there are so many different types of shoppers. I’ve long classified myself as a question-asker. Sometimes it’s because the sales people look so damn bored that I feel it’s my civic duty to engage. Other times, my questions are legit—I want insider tips and advice. These guys knew just how to handle me.

This time around, I needed something to protect my tresses from the harsh but oh-so-necessary heat of my flat iron. At first, I reached for the Morrocan Oil product I had just run out of, but decided instead to ask the sales person if there was something else I should try.

She informed me that the product I’ve been using for AGES is actually formulated for people who blow dry their hair. It doesn’t absorb as quickly as the Morrocan Oil Heat Styling Protection spray, so could actually cause hair to smoke a wee bit/burn when it comes into contact with direct heat. This is definitely the last thing my already over-processed/over-styled/over-everything hair needs.

I took her expert advice and began using the spray that day… and I haven’t stopped checking myself out since. My hair feels smooth and looks shiny despite all its baggage. I find that most styling products smell great initially, but the fragrance quickly dissipates when you apply heating tools. Or, even worse, hair begins to smell burny. Somehow, the yummy signature Moroccan Oil smell remained in my hair, even after a 40 min flat ironing sesh. How I used to envy those girls who could walk into a room and fill it with their delicious freshly-washed hair smell… you can understand how this was a victorious moment for me.

In addition to hair product, I picked up a pair of tweezers for $2.50. Surprisingly, they’re just as good as my Tweezermans, which I busted in a shoe bedazzling accident. They have a neon plastic bit which makes them great for travel and easy to spot in the bottomless pit that is my bag.

Lastly, I noticed some cuticle oils while at the cash register. Then I noticed my dry, winterized hands as I reached for my wallet. There were four choices in total, but I settled on the HEMPZ Nail and Cuticle Oil. The marker-like packaging is ideal for travel as there’s no way for formula to leak out. I never seem to tend to my cuticles at home, I mean how often does one prioritize cuticle care over eating cold pizza or playing with puppies (answer is NEVER). But I can definitely see myself getting down with the cuticle pen on break or public transit. After all, nothing says, “tend to your cuticles, gurl” louder than a subway delay, AMIRIGHT?

And I was pleased to discover that the Beauty Supply Outlet keeps up the classic outlet tradition of RED HOT DEALS, with a savings of 20-40% on shampoos, conditioners and styling products. There are deals aaaallll up and down that place. To check out this month’s RED HOT DEALS and new products, or to sign up for BSO’s eNewsletter head on over to www.bso.com.

This was my first visit to the Front Street location, and I will definitely be back once I need to re-stock my arsenal. The service was excellent; the product selection vast, the samples were a fun bonus, and it’s a swell excuse to visit the beautiful St Lawrence market area. I’m calling this a win, for my hair and the rest of me.