Sharon Tong

About Sharon Tong

Posts by Sharon Tong:

Julien’s 2025 Surprise!

October 30, 2025

Julien’s 2025 Surprise!

Earlier this year, Haven Salon sponsored our stylist Julien for his entry into the Global Creative Awards. Follow along as we recount his journey!

Julien had a long-time vision of mixing the figure of Marie Antoinette with scene kid aesthetics. Not only was this competition a great opportunity, it was also a dream come true!

After settling on an idea, he got to work. The structure of the headpiece was created using Styrofoam balls. He then braided and arranged synthetic hair onto the Styrofoam structure. His model Zara needed some prep work too. In a separate session, Julien bleached and coloured her hair.

For the day of the shoot, Julien assembled a team consisting of a makeup artist, photographer, and assistants. To incorporate Zara’s own hair and the headpiece together, Julien sewed the headpiece to Zara’s hair and wrapped her hair around the headpiece to create a seamless look. She was also dressed in Julien’s own designs for the shoot. After wardrobe and makeup application, Zara was ready for photos!

Unfortunately, Julien was not accepted in to the final round of the competition. But he was surprised by something better! Three different magazines (ROIDX Magazine, Rash Magazine, UnTold Publications) published his photos, plus a cover feature on Untold Publications!

Scalp Therapy Treatment

Sharon Tong / Uncategorized /

November 5, 2024

Revitalize Your Scalp: Introducing Haven’s New Scalp Therapy Treatment

Are you struggling with an itchy, dry, or flaky scalp? Perhaps you’re dealing with excessive oiliness or even hair thinning? If so, we have exciting news for you! We are thrilled to introduce our revolutionary Scalp Therapy Treatment—designed to nourish your scalp, promote hair health and hair growth, and restore your confidence!

What Is This treatment?

Your scalp is essential for healthy hair, and our Scalp Therapy Treatment helps maintain its health to prevent issues like dandruff and hair loss. This treatment soothes irritation from dryness or excess oil, stimulates circulation to nourish hair follicles, and removes product build-up that can clog pores. A well-cared-for scalp leads to shinier, more vibrant hair, creating the perfect foundation for beautiful locks. Invest in your scalp’s health today for lasting results!

Why Choose Our Scalp Therapy?

Our scalp therapy provides a comprehensive solution to common scalp and hair issues, delivering remarkable benefits:

Soothe Dryness and Tightness: This treatment alleviates discomfort from a dry or tight scalp, creating a more pleasant hair care experience.
Create Long-Lasting, Denser Hair: Stimulates the natural metabolism of the scalp, resulting in rejuvenated skin and denser-looking hair. Nourishes active hair follicles, supporting stronger, more resilient hair.
Protect Against Hereditary Hair Loss: Aids in safeguarding your hair against genetic factors that contribute to hair thinning.
Moisturize to Combat Dryness: Effectively hydrates the scalp to combat and prevent dryness.
Nourish and Soothe: Balances oily, flaky, or dry scalps while reducing irritation, providing relief and comfort. Nourishes active hair follicles, supporting stronger, more resilient hair.
Ideal Base for Serums: Prepares the scalp for optimal absorption of KERASILK scalp serums.
Eco-Friendly and Ethical: Free from sulfates, dyes, microplastics, and mineral oils. Proudly PETA-certified, 100% vegan, and climate neutral. The packaging is made from 100% recycled paper, making this a responsible choice for eco-conscious clients.

Our Exclusive Treatment

Exfoliating Pre-Wash: Applied to clean or towel-dried hair, this eco-friendly product uses JoJo beads to gently exfoliate and remove dry skin, preparing your scalp for optimal health. We’ll follow with the Redensifying Shampoo, rich in Ectoin for deep hydration, cleansing the scalp and revitalizing your hair.

Active ingredients –

JoJo Beads: These eco-friendly exfoliants gently remove dry skin and impurities from the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
Ectoin: A powerful ingredient known for its hydrating properties, Ectoin helps to retain moisture, providing a nourishing cleanse while revitalizing the scalp.
Biotin: Supports hair strength and health, helping to reduce breakage and promote overall hair vitality.

Activating Scalp Foundation: After rinsing, we’ll massage this foundation into your scalp, letting it sit for five minutes. This crucial step boosts circulation and helps revitalize your scalp.

Active ingredients –

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Moisturizes and soothes the scalp, aiding in the reduction of irritation and dryness.
Niacinamide: Enhances blood circulation to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth and improving the overall condition of the scalp.

Nourishing Serum: Finally, we’ll apply the serum to your scalp, which is designed for daily use at home, helping you maintain the benefits of the treatment long after your visit.

Active ingredients –

Caffeine: Known to stimulate hair follicles, caffeine can help to promote hair growth and strengthen existing strands.
Essential Oils (like Tea Tree and Peppermint): These natural oils help to soothe and invigorate the scalp, providing a refreshing sensation and promoting balance in oily or dry conditions.

Ideal At Home Maintenance

You can also purchase these products for at-home use! This allows you to extend the benefits of the treatment and keep your scalp and hair in top condition.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Ready to give your scalp the attention it deserves? Book your appointment for our Scalp Therapy Treatment today and take the first step toward healthier hair. Book your appointment today, and let us help you achieve the scalp and hair you deserve!

If you have any questions or need further information, visit Havensalon.ca or feel free to reach out to us through email at info@havensalon.ca. We can’t wait to welcome you and support your hair health journey!

https://www.kerasilk.com/en-ca/homepage/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDhp-B2rzmo

https://www.academyofbeautyprofessionals.com/5-benefits-of-scalp-treatments/https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/ectoin-skincare-benefits-guide

Balayage: Upgrade Your Hair Color Today!

Sharon Tong / Uncategorized /

April 18, 2023

Upgrade Your Hair Color Today

Are you looking for a hair coloring technique that will give you a natural, sun-kissed look with low maintenance? If so, balayage might be the perfect choice for you. Balayage is a freehand hair coloring technique that creates a natural, graduated effect, mimicking the way the sun naturally lightens hair. In this blog, we’ll dive into the benefits of balayage and why it might be the best choice for your next hair color appointment.

Balayage Techniques: The Natural-Looking, Low-Maintenance Option for Hair Coloring

Unlike traditional foil highlights or full-head coloring, balayage is applied freehand using a sweeping motion. This technique creates a more natural-looking effect, blending seamlessly with the natural hair color. Balayage can be used to add dimension and depth to the hair, with highlights placed strategically and gradually. Because the highlights are placed in a more organic pattern, they grow out more naturally, making touch-ups less frequent. Balayage is also great for those who want a low-maintenance option for hair coloring.

Why Choose Balayage?

One of the main benefits of balayage is its versatility. It can be customized to any hair color or texture, making it suitable for all hair types. It’s also a great option for those who want a more subtle change in their hair color, as the effect is more natural-looking than other coloring techniques. Balayage can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle highlights to bold, vibrant colors.

Another benefit of balayage is that it requires less maintenance than other coloring techniques. Because the highlights are placed strategically and gradually, they grow out more naturally, making touch-ups less frequent. This means less time and money spent at the salon, making it a great option for those with a busy lifestyle.

Compared to traditional foil highlights or full-head coloring, balayage is also gentler on the hair. The freehand application of the color means that there is less contact with the scalp, reducing the risk of irritation or damage.

Overall, balayage is a great option for those who want a natural-looking, low-maintenance option for hair coloring. Whether you’re looking for subtle highlights or bold color, balayage can be customized to your individual preferences. So why not give it a try at your next hair color appointment? Your hair will thank you for it!

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Maintenance and Longevity

When it comes to the longevity of a balayage service, there are a few factors to consider. First, it’s important to note that balayage is a low-maintenance option for hair coloring, but it still requires some upkeep to maintain its vibrant look.

On average, a balayage service can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on how well it’s maintained. Here are some tips for ensuring your balayage lasts as long as possible:

USE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS: Using hair care products that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair can help extend the life of your balayage. Look for products that are sulfate-free or contain UV protection to prevent fading. Look for AG’s Sulfate-Free Balance Shampoo, or Revlon’s UniqOne Hair Treatment on our shelves!

Oligo’s Anti-Yellow or Blue Shampoo and Conditioner can help maintain the color and prevent warm, underlying tones from showing through. We also carry a variety of Revlon’s NutriColor Conditioners that not only maintain your color, but add shine as well. All these products are perfect for easy, at-home maintenance when matched according to your desired color needs.

Oligo Anti-Yellow and Blue Shampoo/Conditioner

Revlon NutriColor Conditioners

PROTECT YOUR HAIR: Exposure to heat and the sun’s rays can cause your balayage to fade more quickly. To protect your hair, use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools (we recommend Revlon’s Iron Guard) and wear a hat or use a UV protection spray when spending time in the sun.

SCHEDULE REGULAR TOUCH-UPS: While balayage requires less maintenance than other coloring techniques, it’s still important to schedule regular touch-ups to keep your color looking fresh. This usually means booking in every 8-12 weeks for a gloss service to refresh the tone and shine of your balayage highlights. Your stylist can recommend a timeline based on your individual hair type and color.

AVOID OVER-WASHING: Washing your hair too frequently can cause your balayage to fade more quickly. Try to wash your hair every two to three days and use a dry shampoo, like Revlon’s Reset Dry Shampoo, in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your balayage and keep your hair looking vibrant and beautiful. Remember, it’s always best to consult with your stylist for personalized recommendations based on your hair type and individual needs.

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Types of Balayage Services We Offer

There are different types of balayage techniques that can be customized to suit each client’s individual hair type, color, and desired look. These techniques may also be used in varying combinations around the head to create truly custom and unique looks! Here are some of the different techniques used in balayage services at our salon:

Classic Balayage: This is the traditional technique of freehand painting color onto the hair. The result is a natural, sun-kissed look with a seamless blend from the roots to the ends.
Foilyage: Foilyage is a technique that combines traditional foiling with balayage. This technique involves painting lightener onto the hair, then placing it in foil. This technique uses the heat from your scalp to help the highlights process lighter and more evenly in less time than they would in open air, resulting in a higher contrast and more controlled placement.
Babylights Balayage: This technique involves adding delicate, fine highlights throughout the hair using a fine-tooth comb or small brush. The result is a soft, subtle look that adds dimension through the root area as well as through the ends of the hair.
Ombre Balayage: Ombre balayage involves blending a darker shade at the roots into a lighter shade towards the ends of the hair. This technique creates a dramatic, gradient effect that adds depth and dimension to the hair.
Reverse Balayage: This technique involves adding darker shades to the ends of the hair, creating a reverse effect of the traditional balayage. This is a great option for those who want to add depth and dimension to their hair while keeping a natural-looking root color.

These are just a few examples of the different techniques we use in our balayage services at Haven. It’s important to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best technique for your individual hair type and desired look.

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Add-on Services

Something to consider and discuss with your stylist is adding a bonding or Plex treatment to your balayage service. Plex treatments quickly became one of the most desirable add-on services in recent history with the launch of Olaplex. Since then, other variations of the treatment have become increasingly popular for people with fine, bleached, or otherwise damage-prone hair.

Plex treatments are designed to protect the bonds in the hair that are responsible for strength and elasticity. During chemical services, as well as regular day-to-day activities (like washing or ironing your hair), these bonds can become damaged, causing the hair’s natural texture and shine to change. Products such as Oligo’s Blacklight SMART Bond Builder or Goldwell’s BONDPRO can greatly improve your hair’s strength, elasticity, and overall quality. An added bonus is that these treatments can be done at the sink and only add about 15 minutes to your total service time, making them super convenient!

Blacklight SMART Bond Builder

Goldwell BONDPRO

Our Process

It’s important for clients to book a consultation first before scheduling a balayage service. During the consultation, one of our experienced stylists will assess the condition and texture of your hair, discuss your hair goals, and recommend the best balayage technique that suits your hair type and lifestyle.

We highly recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation before booking a balayage service to ensure the best possible outcome and to avoid any surprises on the day of your appointment. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have so that you’ll feel confident and excited about your upcoming hair transformation.

Take advantage of our spring promotion! First time clients receive a free haircut when booked alongside a balayage service. See below for promotion details. To schedule a free consultation with one of our stylists, simply give us a call or visit our website to book an appointment. Our team is excited to work with you and help you achieve your dream hair look with our balayage services!

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Spring Promotion Get a free haircut when booked with a balayage!

Spring balayage promo (square) jlp-1 (1)

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Conditions Apply:
- Book your balayage, haircut, and any other services normally through our website
- Complete your client form
- Balayage and haircut service must be with the same stylist
- Offer is available through all bookable stylists
- Applicable to new bookings only for all first time balayage clients
- Offer expires May 31, 2023
- May not be combined with any other offer

Haven is Sustainable, Carbon Neutral, and Eco Concscious

Sharon Tong / Uncategorized /

March 14, 2023

Haven is Sustainable, Carbon Neutral, and Eco-Concscious

Environmental conscientiousness and sustainability are some of our core values here at Haven and in our North York community. Little things such as using hand towels rather than paper towels, washable capes rather than disposable capes, or cloth bags rather than plastic bags reduce the amount of waste we produce.

One of the important steps that we have taken was partnering with Green Circle Salons. We are proud to say that Haven is Certified Sustainable by Green Circle Salons! Sustainability is important to us and we want to do our part in reducing our environmental footprint in order to extend the lifespan of our planet and better the world of tomorrow for future generations. Owner and one of the founders of Haven, Evan Ross, was awarded the “Recognition of Outstanding Environmental Leadership Award” by Green Circle Salons.

What is Green Circle Salons?

Green Circle Salons is a program dedicated to offsetting salon emissions and recovering up to 95% of their waste. They recover waste such as hair and foils, as well as excess colour and lightener. They partner with recycling facilities, chemical waste facilities, and clean energy producers to dispose of the waste in a climate-neutral manner. According to Green Circle, “the beauty industry sends 877 pounds of waste to the landfill every single minute”. They are the salon industry’s first sustainability solution and have been around for over 13 years.

Founded in 2009, they’ve since become partners with major salon brands such as Kevin Murphy, Estée Lauder, and Aveda. In 2019 they became B Corp and Zero Waste to Landfill Certified, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. They even created their own recycling bins used in the salon which are entirely made of recycled plastics and recovered hair.

How does it work?

Haven takes care to sort the waste of every service, including hair, foils, unused color product and bleach product, into individual bins. When the bins are full, we package and ship them to Green Circle. Green Circle then divides and ships the waste to the appropriate partner facility. From there, the waste is dealt with appropriately as follows:

Hair

You may be thinking, “but isn’t hair compostable?” It is! But it needs air and moisture to decompose, which it can’t do if it’s cooped up in a trash bag. Green Circle ships hair clippings to partner facilities, where it can be composted with other organic waste, turned into hair booms for oil spill cleanup, used in stormwater filtration, or used in the manufacturing of sustainable plastics.

See how hair booms are used down below:

Excess Color

Sometimes we accidentally over-mix lightener for a highlighting service, or have some color left over from a root retouch. It’s irresponsible to pour all of these harmful chemicals down a sink drain because it is possible for it to find its way back into our drinking water and soil! Instead, we collect the extra product in an enclosed safety bin and when the bin is full, we send it to Green Circle. They send it to facilities where it will be safely turned into clean water or separated into water and oil to be repurposed.

Metals

Think of the thick stack of foils you see on your stylist’s trolley during your balayage or highlight service. Imagine the pounds of weight of foil on your head after having a full head highlight service applied to your hair. That’s a lot of foil! After pulling them out of your hair, we collect the foil into a metal-specific bin. In this bin we also sort metal color tubes as well as empty aerosol cans. Green Circle sorts these metals and sends them to their partner facilities. The recyclability of aluminum helps save massive amounts of energy and resources compared to other non-recyclable materials. Recycling it saves 95% of the energy required to make new aluminum. They are then melted down and used in the construction of items like car parts and bikes. These materials can find themselves back on retail shelves within as little as 90 days!

Fun fact: did you know that aluminum can be infinitely recycled?

All services at Haven have a 1.5% environmental contribution added to help us continue to effectively and safely dispose of all waste generated by our services. Our Haven family thanks you for your support in this amazing effort!

Resources

More about Green Circle: https://greencirclesalons.com/

Your individual carbon footprint: https://carboncreditcapital.com/how-to-become-carbon-neutral-as-an-individual/

Green Circle’s B Impact score: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/green-circle-salons

The Carbon Trust: https://www.carbontrust.com/

Aluminum recycling: https://www.aluminum.org/Recycling