It took me nine years, but I finally found a hairdresser in Vancouver who not only gets my sense of style, but can help refine it. I almost don't have to even think about what I want done before I go, because whatever he does ends up looking fabulous!

Now, for the sake of full disclosure, I didn't find Martin on my own. His partner just happens to be my boss, but I swear, neither she nor Martin, nor anyone else coerced me in any way to write this!

Top ten reasons why I always look forward to getting my hair done by Martin:

1. It always looks good...not just after leaving the salon (which it does, here's the proof)...
   
   

   but also the next morning when I need to style it in under five minutes, and the week later when I need to dress it up for my cousin's wedding.

2. He has this innate ability to strike a perfect balance between funky and classy.
3. He makes me tea and finds me the easy crossword puzzles to do while my hair colour cooks.
4. When I get my hair done, I feel like I'm at a spa (see #3).
5. The decor is cool. Nice art, lotsa wood, open space, plants... good vibes abound.

6. His salon is in Gastown. This is great both because Gastown is easy to get to, and also because it's around the corner from where I work.
7. I like hearing enthusiastic reviews of the new comics he's been reading.
8. Martin is fun to talk to...he's a bit of a renaissance man in that way, he can chat about anything from carpentry, to astrology, to books, to food...
9. He always keeps me guessing. I haven't totally figured out his sarcasm and sense of humour, which is kind of fun.
10. He gives high fives. :-)

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