Since I first started going to Eric 5 year ago, I've gotten more comments on my hair than in my whole life put together. I have baby fine hair that breaks easily but Eric helped me get it into shape so I could grow it out for my wedding. So of course I couldn't trust anyone more with my wedding day style than him!

Price: I paid $100 for the cut, and that's pretty standard in "high end" salons (e.g. Salon Danielle). However, in Salon Danielle you don't get the owner to cut your hair for you for $100... you get a sous-stylist. Here, for this price you get a fabulous celebrity stylist who actually LISTENS to what YOU want, gives GREAT SUGGESTIONS on what will suit you (your face, skin tone, personality) the most, and actually FOLLOWS THROUGH with the agreed upon style.

Ambiance: Very clutter free salon, not at all the biggest I've ever seen, but not crowded either. It's really friendly, the staff look like they're enjoying their jobs, and it just has a really chic but fun atmosphere all around.

Service: You walk in through the door and the receptionist greets you with a huge smile, takes your coat and offers you a drink. All the other customers looked really pleased with their stylist and styles. I love to people watch, and everyone around me was really having a good time. The stylists all seemed to have a personal friendly relationship with their customers, and all the hairs around me looked fabulously groomed.

I had called ahead and made my consultation appointment with Eric (the owner). I initially went in to colour my hair, and wanted to consult with whether he could do it (as I had previously dyed my hair blue-black), what colour he'd choose and how much it'd be. We started talking, I didn't feel rushed (even though I was the last person there!). Eric really listened to what I had to say (basically I know my blue-black hair suits me, but i'm bored with my style), and he suggested instead of a colour, how about I do a bit of reshaping. It'll make my hair healthier, and give it a change so i'm not so bored anymore. I'm normally extremely wary of cutting my hair due to numerous bad experiences, but the way he described my haircut: no V (we hate the 'rats tail' V!), no thinning shears, long layers, no layer shorter than my jaw, some layers around my face giving it a good frame, all of this while keeping the length 'cuz I'm trying to grow my hair....well, he sounded like my hair-soulmate from heaven. Seriously. I was still extremely nervous when cutting day finally rolled around.

In short: Eric just really pays attention to you, what you want, and what's going on. The stylist who was shampooing my hair kept getting water all over my face and neck, which I kept wiping away with my hands. Eric was with another customer, but he passed by me and handed me a small face towel. When he was cutting my hair, I noticed how when cutting the length he actually unsnapped the back of the L'Oreal haircutting gown so he can see the proper length of my hair against my back, and cut it. All in all, he was really particular and careful to detail. He wasn't scissor-happy at all, but really concentrated, took his time getting my hair perfect. He was true to our agreement: my hair is exactly how he explained it would be. He finished with a blowdry 'do' - crazy volume and hair flippin' all ova the place ;-) Looked amazing! Couldn't believe it was me!

Even after I shampooed (after a few days of not washing my hair and enjoying my style, which btw lasted a crazy amount of time!), I loved my cut. It obviously doesn't look all gorgeous-drama like when Eric did it, but it looks very chic, very even, very cute!

I'm SO happy I went here, and would go back in a heartbeat!!

The only thing I need to do now is call Eric back and ask him the name of the serum / mousse he used on my hair to make it so soft, silky, shiny 'n gorgeous...

I got my hair coloured here last week and I'm extremely happy with the results. I went into the appointment a little unsure about what colour I wanted to go with. I asked my stylist Steven to recommend what he thought would work with my skin tone and the results are perfect. I really appreciated that he paid attention to detail and took the time to make sure I left the salon satisfied. It's been less than a week and I've already received a bunch of compliments.

The last time I had my hair dyed I went to a different salon that I chose because I got a good deal. I later realized that a "good deal" price-wise, isn't so great if the salon does an amateur job. At Del Monaco salon I got an expert job and I thought the price was very reasonable ($200 for 3 colour highlights and a blow dry). I will definitely be back to Del Monaco Hair Studio.

Eric Del Monaco has finally opened up his own salon and it is wonderful. It's conveniently located steps away from the Queen St. W shopping strip at Spadina and Richmond.

Eric is the hair guru for Toronto Fashion Week on behalf of L'Oreal Paris, as well as the expert for Project Runway Canada. He's an amazing colourist and stylist. I have been getting my hair cut by him for a couple of years and always get compliments on my hair. He is great at determining what hair length and style goes with your face shape and will never push you to do something you don't want to do, or (shudder) chop off too much. He takes a lot of time with each client, making you feel special and appreciated. I usually leave with gorgeous long curls because he likes to make sure I look camera ready even if I've told him I'm going home after to sit in track pants and watch movies.

The new salon is a beautiful airy space with with a cool vibe. Everything from the music to the staff and overall experience are wonderful. Haircuts range from $75 - $100, which I think are excellent prices considering you are getting a celebrity hair stylist and/or someone from the Toronto Fashion Week team (Eric hired the best). Colour ranges from $75 + (one colour) to $85 - $150 for highlights

Now that his salon is located kitty corner to my office, I'll be there often. LOVE it!