My DBK Experience

My DBK Salon Experience

When I enter DBK Salon at Lawrence and Victoria Park, I immediately hear the white noise of hair dryers and music playing in the background. Stylists work their magic as they engage in conversations with their clients.

It is early Friday afternoon, and it is a busy day at DBK, but that is nothing new to me given that I’ve been a customer at this salon for 30 years.

I am welcomed with a bright and sincere smile from the receptionist, which instantly sets the tone for a positive salon experience.

She asks who I’m here to see, and when I tell her “Tim”, she immediately walks over and helps me remove my jacket.

After placing it in the closet, she removes a DBK smock from the hanger and politely holds it out for me to wear.

My salon experience has officially begun at DBK.

Brothers Frank and Fari Bekiri opened their first salon in 1988, and currently have 3 family run DBK Salons located within the GTA.

Full disclosure: Frank and Fari are my cousins and I have known them since I was a baby. I respect and love them both.

Rest assured that being related to the owners will not cloud my judgement while writing this review.

DBK Salon’s website boasts they want their clients comfortable, and I have no doubt about this as I’ve experienced and witnessed this first-hand, based on the number of times I have been at their salon.

My stylist is Tim (Fari’s older son) and after he greets me with a warm hug, he gets down to business.

“What are we doing today?” he asks.

When I tell him I want partial highlights, Tim is on it. I have full confidence in Tim; he has been colouring my hair for about 7 years and I am endlessly pleased with the results. He understands all my hair needs, which is why I always come back.

I spend an average of 3-4 hours during my salon visits, and I notice staff members constantly check in with their clients, asking them if they’d like a cup of coffee or tea, and I am no exception.

After my head is shining with the silver colour of the foils, I wait for my hair to dry. I glance around the energetic salon, amazed that all staff members have a client – there are no empty seats at DBK Salon.

I notice the washing station, where clients are seated and they lean back, their hair washed and rinsed. Like clockwork, I spot a staff member clean each chair immediately once their clients are done.

When it is time to remove the foils from my hair, I am escorted to the washing station. I am delighted to see the chair is a recliner, so I’m encouraged to sit back and relax.

I feel the water poured into my hair and the staff member asks me, “Is the water ok for you?”

It certainly is and for the next few minutes, I close my eyes and focus on the shampoo, conditioner and toner applied to my hair. My senses spring to life as I am treated to a firm and gentle massage. It is an amazing, tingly experience and I look forward to it, every time.

A clean towel is wrapped around my hair, as they dry behind my ears, and I am guided to Tim’s station where it’s time to dry and style my hair.

I am completely at ease with Tim, and I lean back in my seat, worry free as he applies several creams and hair styling products to my hair, which smell incredible. The salon experience is not a chore for me, or to anyone. Ever heard of the phrase, “read the room”? That is what I’m doing, as I glimpse at my surroundings and see nothing but smiling faces and satisfied customers.

Once Tim is complete, a smile appears on my face as I stare at my reflection for a few moments; my hair is striking and I am happy with the texture and the colour of my highlights (in case you’re wondering, I have blond highlights).

With dozens of hair salons across Toronto, it’s not difficult to find a stylist to do your hair. I do believe, however that it’s challenging to discover someone you can trust. I am confident when I say that I have found that trust with Tim and the rest of the staff at DBK Salon.

I also believe that the client experience is crucial when you enter a salon, and I highly doubt you will experience the warmth and friendliness combined with the expertise of the staff at DBK Salon.

Check out their website for more information or if you’re interested in booking an appointment.