By Tyler Yank
Having my hair cut and coloured tends to be about more than a sharp pair of shears and the right tint of beige-blonde. I want a cappuccino, an almond croissant and a pre-shampoo head massage with lavender scented oil by a man with strong hands. I prefer a colourist who isn’t too chatty during the hour-long, full highlights extravaganza that is my hair maintenance reality; in fact, a colourist who can complete the task in one hour is automatically on the winning team. When it comes to a stylist, I do in fact want the girl who exclaims that she would love to experiment with my hair, and when given the chance, manages to perfectly curl my awkwardly thin, stick-straight locks.

All of these wonders truly do coexist at Au Premier Urban Spa, on the corner of busy Monkland Avenue in NDG.

After hearing positive reviews from friends and co-workers alike (and after five months in Europe – I had major split ends and roots the size of Texas), Au Premier prompted me to reconsider what a hair salon visit should really involve. Effectively, my first experience there taught me that I want to feel like a princess from the moment I sit down in the swivelling chair, to the moment they touch-up my mascara as I pay the bill, and all the moments in-between. This vibrant and fast-paced salon and spa was exactly what I had been searching for. Colourists, hair-washers/head-masseurs and stylists – everyone is professional and talented, many having grown up and trained in the Montreal area. During my past five trips to Au Premier, I’ve had in mind slightly different variations on the same look, and on five separate occasions, the blonde was just bright enough (but not too bright), my side bang was just short enough (but not too short), and I felt like a million bucks. Deal.

To compliment Au Premier’s hair salon, a full day spa thrives upstairs. I haven’t yet sampled the menu myself, but there are definitely some note-worthy options, including the ‘Sun Kiss’ – a self-tan and sea salt exfoliation combo to keep that summer tan around for a bit longer, and ‘The Complete Reviver’ – a literal head-to-toe treatment to prepare your skin for the inevitable trudge forward into colder, automn weather. Fact: I’m in.

Naturally, the elephant in the room (article?) is the cost. No gang, excellent service and a quality haircut do not come cheap. Yes, I understand that budgets are tight, and that there are definitely less expensive places to obtain a hair cut and a facial in this city. I persist, however, with the argument that service is everything. I am willing to fork over the minimum 40$ for a cut/blow-dry and 120$ for a full head of highlights to be treated like royalty on a Saturday morning. And judging by the busyness of the scene every time I visit, and the fact that Au Premier recently adopted Sunday hours due to an increased demand, I’m not alone.

For the complete list of services offered by Au Premier Urban Spa: http://www.aupremier.com/