Before Your
Appointment
Do I need an appointment?
We would say yes, while we do take walk-ins when there is time available, we are almost always booked solid, and a lot of the time 2-3 weeks out.
We always recommend making a concrete appointment, and if you want to be considered to come in for an earlier day, you can give our receptionist a call and they can put you on a cancellation list for those last-minute openings!
Should I arrive with clean hair?
There are a couple different circumstances when clean hair is best, and some where less than perfectly clean hair is helpful to your stylist:
Clean hair:
Bang/fringe trims are best done on clean hair, since the appointment time is only 15 minutes, coming with clean hair is always the preferred way for you to show up! Also, if you are a fan of a dry-cut, coming with your hair freshly washed is amazing.
Less than squeaky clean (one to two days after washing, with minimal product build-up):
Any foiling service! Freshly clean hair can be very slippery, which makes it more challenging for your stylist and their foil placements.
On the scalp blonding service: Washing your hair exfoliates your scalp, which is the last thing you want with a spicy bleach-out service that can already be slightly uncomfortable. Small amounts of natural hair oil on your scalp will help protect your scalp from irritation as well. Keep in mind a LOT of scalp oil or a buildup of product can get in the way and make your bleach-out take longer.
Any haircut service: if you LOVE your time at the sink before your haircut, we would almost always like to wash and condition, or co-wash your hair before your service, so do not worry about coming with it clean.
Can you explain your colour pricing?:
We now separate our colour pricing into the amount of product used + labour. At the end of your service, you will see two lines on your receipt breaking down these separate costs. The labour amount (hourly rate) is what your stylist charges and the amount of product used is what the salon charges to cover recouping back-bar materials. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from 15 - 60 dollars (approx.) in additional product costs on top of your bill, depending on your hair’s density and/ or the complexity of the service rendered. This is similar in theory to the way parts and labour would be broken down with your car or bike mechanic. Everyone’s hair and end goals are unique and we want to be able to cater our services and prices to that! With this approach, we can ensure you that you are only ever going to be charged for your time in our chair and color used at your appointment. It also makes it easier for us to replicate your color at future appointments. Our colour pricing is broken down into 2 set hourly rates, one for lightening and one for single application/all-over colour. The rates also differ between apprentice, junior and senior stylists:
Apprentice Single Application/All Over: $55 / hr
Apprentice Lightening: $65 / hr
Junior Single Application/All Over: $80 / hr
Junior Lightening: $90 / hr
Senior Lightening : $110/ hr
Senior All Over Colour: $100/ hr
If you have any questions or want a better idea of what kind of time you are looking at, feel free to book our 15-minute complimentary consultation appointment. This can be helpful to your stylist and you, both to get a better estimation of timing and price point!
When booking your colour service there are many options to choose from. Please read through each one carefully so you’re booked in for enough time.
Online booking/confirmation info:
Our online booking site is the absolute best way to find a time and date that works for you, there should be all of the information you need there - between stylist bios, descriptions of the services, and prices.
We totally get that sometimes you still have questions or can’t seem to find a space that works. You’re always welcome to give us a call and either a stylist or our receptionist will help you out via a short phone consultation.
We do not book appointments over email. We are a busy shop and it’s challenging to get to emails promptly. You are free to write with any questions or to cancel an appointment etc, but we kindly ask you to book online, book over the phone or an old-fashioned in-person stop by works too!
When you register in our system you will get two notifications, one through email (48 hours beforehand) and the other through text (24 hours in advance), so please use these to remind yourself of the day and the time of your upcoming appointment! PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO EITHER OF THESE NOTIFICATIONS.
When it comes to colour appointments, we may give you a call a few days ahead of time to confirm your appointment and its details. If we have to leave a message we will ask you to give us a callback or shoot us an email to confirm within a certain timeframe or we may have to cancel your appointment. Please refer to our cancellation policy below for more info.
Accessibility Info:
The front entrance to Big Joy is at ground level, with no steps or elevation and a 36-inch wide doorway that will accommodate all chairs and scooters. We are saving up for an automatic door assist, so hopefully, that will be in the works in 2024.
The seating area is large and has plenty of room to park, sit or stand with chairs or walkers as well as assistance animals or friends/ family that come along for your visit.
Our sink basins are adjustable, as well as our sink chairs, and we can make minor adjustments to the angle, height, and tilt of both. If you’re dealing with any pain or discomfort that may hinder your enjoyment of the shampoo basins, please let us know in advance.
At this current time, our washroom accessibility is limited. There are assistance bars located by the toilet and enough room to maneuver a small wheelchair, but larger scooters/ powered chairs will be unable to navigate the space fully. Our friends at Prototype - the coffee shop just two doors down, have a fully accessible washroom and are always happy for folks to use it if need be.
Our stylist’s station chairs are 19.5” wide at the seat and our shampoo chairs are 20” wide. All chairs can accommodate up to 350 pounds (per manufacturer’s info)
What are your current mask and Covid-19 policies? (updated January 2024):
We have an air purifier running consistently through the day and when we can, we have doors open periodically to keep the fresh air flowin’.
We are currently following the lead of our clients, and mirroring their personal masking choices as such, so, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, we will wear one as well, no problem!
Certain stylists will request that you mask up, and sometimes they will be wearing one because they are not feeling 100%. As a general rule - open communication around masks is encouraged! Please respect everyone’s personal choices and comfort levels.
If you would like your stylist to mask up and want to avoid an in-person conversation, please pop “mask please” into the notes section of your online booking, or let our receptionist know via email/phone call before your appointment.
We have disposable, single-use masks available at no charge at the front desk, just ask!
If you are sick, please stay home, whether it is COVID-19 or something else, no one wants to get sick! Just please give us ample notice where and when possible and be sure to follow our cancellation policy so we have time to fill the spot.
I’m scent-sensitive, what is the shop’s stance on scents/ perfumes, etc?
We are always striving to find quality products that are up to our standards and that are also scent-free, but that remains a challenge. We currently have an unscented shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil, as well as some “lightly and naturally” scented products. You are always welcome to give something a smell before we use it or to bring in your own products for us to use if that makes you more comfortable! We will always check with you before putting something in your hair.
The shop is busy and full of all sorts of different people throughout the day, and depending on the services happening the amount of ambient scent can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day.
What if I don’t want to talk or have stimulus sensitives? Is the shop loud?:
Big Joy can be a loud experience at times for sure. For clients with sound and stimulus sensitivities, we encourage you to request “silent treatment” in the booking notes or to let our receptionist know you would like the conversation to be kept to a bare minimum aside from initial consultation and checking in periodically. Absolutely no offense taken, this is your time to relax and unwind!
You’re also welcome to wear earplugs if need be (we have them for free just behind our desk!)
Communication Options?:
For deaf and HoH clients, we can communicate by text or writing.
Our stylist Frankie speaks both French and Spanish.
Parking?:
Big Joy does not have designated parking, although there’s a lot of metered as well as free 2-hour parking around the neighborhood and out front of the shop.
Make sure you properly read the parking restrictions! There are many and the tow trucks are prompt and ruthless in clearing the bus lanes! The south side of Hastings is only available until 3 pm. While the north side (out front) is parkable all day after 10 am.
Cancellation policy?:
Our cancellation policy requires 48 hours of advance notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. When you book an appointment of any kind we will ask for your credit card information to secure your appointment.
Last-minute cancellations or no-shows under 24 hours will result in a 100% cancellation charge for all cut services booked and a maximum $200 charge for all colour services booked (based on the amount of time booked/seniority of the stylist).
Cancellations within 48 hours will result in a charge of 50% of the total amount owing for all services booked (both cut and colour).
We will call all colour appointments 72 hours in advance to ensure you’re available and still able to make your appointment. Please understand that our time is our livelihood and that every appointment missed is money out of pocket for your stylist and the shop. If we don’t have enough time to fill your appointment spot, that affects our ability to fit another person in who may be waiting for an opening.
With that in mind, we understand that life happens and many folks' circumstances don’t allow for them to have a credit card or visa/debit, etc. If you are unable/ unwilling to place a credit card on file to secure your appointment we will happily book one over the phone or in person. But, you will be required to answer/reply to a confirmation call 48 hours in advance, or your appointment will be canceled.
Why length not gender?:
All of our services are booked and charged based on length, not gender. Long hair is long hair, short hair is short hair. However, we realize at times it can be hard to decide what to book.
As a general rule styles that are higher maintenance, where clippers are used throughout the sides and back can be booked under ‘clipper/barber’. Anything looser and shaggier including most mullet styles that fall to the base of your neck would be ‘short hair/mid-length’. Anything shoulder length and beyond we would consider ‘long hair’.
As a general rule, if you’re uncertain you are booking enough time, please aire on the side of caution and book a longer cut. If you’re taking off more than 6 inches, or it has been more than 6 months since your last service, please choose the ‘xtra time haircut’ option so you and your stylist will have ample time to chat, consult and achieve the results you’re after! You can also at any time reach out to our receptionist and they can talk you through what you should book, no problem!
I’m Black and have type 3+ textured hair. Are you able to comfortably and confidently work on my hair?:
We love working with Black, afro textures, and curls of all shapes and sizes. Everyone at the shop has experience and is more than comfortable working on a variety of textures and lengths, but we do have a few stylists who specialize in different areas specifically (re. barbering vs. longer hair, etc.) so feel free to give us a call for some recommendations on what you are looking for! If it’s your first time booking, please select ‘Extra Long/Extra Thick’ as your cut option so we have some extra time to work, style, and achieve the results you’re after.
We are committed to continuing our education in afro texture, curly, kinky, and coily hair, which, unfortunately, a lot of us didn’t have access to in hair school. While the industry is changing, it doesn’t make that reality less disappointing or wrong. We’re always searching out more education, workshops, and resources to better serve our curly and coily-haired clients.
At this juncture, our stylists Joy and Alyssa are available for natural braiding services. We do not currently offer extension-based braiding, but we would be glad to recommend you some local shops that do!
We carry a product line called Embrace The Curl specifically made for curly textured hair and it is AMAZING, we love it and we hope you’ll love it too!
During Your
Appointment
Why am I faced away from the mirror?:
There are a few reasons for this:
Ergonomically it makes more sense for your stylist, as all of our tools and their multitude of cords are behind us. There’s also less traffic in that zone, which means less risk of bumping into each other or things being knocked off our stations. It saves us time and strain on our bodies by keeping our movements smaller and our tools more accessible.
Our fatigue mats are kept out of the aisle to keep the space open for folx’ with mobility issues and/ or scooters and wheelchairs.
Some people, stylists included, find staring at themselves in a mirror for hours anxiety-inducing - being turned away also allows our clients to relax.
This structure is in no way intended as a means to hide anything from you during your visit. We will spin you around to check in about things multiple times throughout the service and are happy if you want to take a peek at how things are going anytime, please feel free to ask!
After Your
Appointment
I just got a colour transformation, how should I care for my hair?
Every hair colour service is unique, as well as it’s corresponding home care recommendations:
All colouring services:
Wait as long as possible for the first wash - at least 48 hours, but push it if you can. Let that cuticle seal back up!
Investing in a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is a great way to keep your hair happy and healthy while ensuring the most longevity. Also, if you’re heat styling frequently, we recommend a heat protectant to act as an added barrier. Yes, we sell lots of great options and yes, we would LOVE to chat with you about them.
Lightening services:
Be gentle! If your hair has been significantly lightened, it might be feeling less strong than its usual self, this is normal, but for the first few weeks, consider being a little more gentle with brushing, washing, and styling.
Did you lighten to a cool or ashy tone and want to maintain that? Purple or blue shampoo could be a good once-a-week treatment for you to keep that pearly hue.
If you received a global blonde/all-over bleach application, your scalp may be feeling extra sensitive. Dryness, tightness, and a little bit of soreness are all to be expected. Despite the many advances in modern hair care and techniques, bleach applications to the scalp can still on occasion cause discomfort. Don’t be alarmed if it takes 1 - 3 days for the itchiness/ dryness to subside. Please reach out if things persist beyond that or if you experience any weeping or excess flaking.
Fashion/vivid colours:
Wash with as cool water as you can stand, this will help it from fading, OR if you have multiple colours, it will help them from bleeding into one another.
Do not use white/light-coloured bedding, towels, or clothing for at least a few weeks, or until your hair runs clear when washing. Investing in a black pillowcase is a good idea if you love bright colours!
When should I get my roots done?
This question can have many answers, below are some different circumstances:
Bleach out roots:
Around an inch is perfect, this can be different for most people but usually around 8 weeks. Less than that amount can be hard not to overlap the lightener which can cause unwanted breakage // More than that can be a longer and more expensive process, as it must be done in two steps.
Grey coverage / darker colour:
This is up to you! There really isn’t a perfect length, unlike bleaching, so when it bugs you, come on in.
Highlights:
More lived-in blonde techniques (re. balayage etc.), can be a lower maintenance option as they have a softer grow out. When you feel like you want it brighter or freshened up, come on back!
Traditional highlights right to the root are a little different, a couple of inches is preferred for this service.
Never hesitate to ask your stylist their professional opinion, they will happily give you their estimate on your next appointment date to keep you looking as fresh as you would like and to work within your budget!
Extra points for pre-booking at the end of your appointment to ensure you can always get in within the window you need and before any big events in your schedule!
Is it really better to pay with cash or Interac/Debit vs. my credit card?
We’ve been pretty clear over the years on our preference for cash/debit/Interac as the best methods of payment to keep a little business’ costs down. While we realize that clients love the convenience/rewards of paying with credit cards, and sometimes folks just need to use them, we get charged exorbitant fees for making that happen. We have done our best to find different companies offering more competitive rates, and to inform clients so that they understand how and why these systems benefit some and who pays for them. In 2022 alone Big Joy paid over $10K in processing fees. Granted, you could call that the cost of doing business, but we'd way rather put that money in the pockets of our team, not giant multinationals.
We do not pass on these costs to our clients with a surcharge or extra fee at the time of checkout. We just ask that you be a little more mindful of the impacts of your choices of payment methods, and the broader implications for small businesses, local economies, and your fellow workers. We all love those sweet sweet travel points, but they come at a serious cost. Here’s a great video (all be it from an American perspective) that breaks down how this system really works - if you’re interested in learning more!
Satisfaction policy:
Big Joy does not give cash refunds on services.
Sometimes things happen and you aren’t 100% happy with the outcome of your service. We ask you to call, email, or come into the shop within one week to chat with us about it so we can get you rebooked for an appointment to rectify the issues you are experiencing. The appointment will be free of charge, barring that it is not different from the original style and with the same stylist. Example: you need more weight taken out of one area, bangs a little shorter, colour toned a bit more etc.
If you realize you don't like the style your stylist and you consulted about, or you want to see someone else, there will be a charge for an additional appointment.
Product sales: if you take home a product and it really isn't working for you, we are happy to swap it out with something else that WILL work for you! Please get in touch no later than a week after your purchase.
Why so intense and political, can’t ya’ll just do hair and be chill!?:
While we continually strive to make Big Joy a safer and more equitable place, it is also a public space, with many different people moving through it and accessing our services on any given day. This means it can never truly be a ‘safe’ space, nor would we ever claim otherwise.
In our 8 + years of operating, we have carved out a special place in the city, and folks that come to our shop for the most part know what we are all about and the values we represent. We do not stand for any transphobic, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, ableist, fatphobic, sexist remarks or behaviour. That being said, even well-intentioned people say fucked up things all the time. Please know that we will always do our best to intervene, correct, or begin some dialogue around anything we feel is harmful, hurtful, or derogatory. We’re happy to deny service to anyone whom we feel is abusing those guidelines!
There are lots of places to get your hair done in this city, and we would much rather this space be for folks who don’t feel comfortable in most traditional salons/ barber shops. It’s impossible to be everything to everyone and we definitely don’t intend to do that. To be clear - we work on being an inclusive space for those in our community that would otherwise not feel included in spaces that deal with bodies, beauty, and aesthetics. Allies are welcome and encouraged, but our priorities lie in carving out a space where folx can be themselves and all our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
We are a white, settler-owned business operating on the unceded territories of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in this place we call ‘Canada’. As a small shop we are working towards a more diverse team, and our goal is to reflect a broad range of what this place is and who lives here. That is an ongoing process and the work of making Big Joy more equitable is something we do not take lightly and acknowledge as a constant work in progress.
Gender pronouns! - folks who work at the shop and clients who access our space on the daily identify in all sorts of ways. Gender is a construct! If you’re unsure of someone’s pronouns, please ask rather than assuming, even better if you share yours first! If you’re in doubt, someone’s name is a great place to start when addressing them!
More Info
Welcome Wednesday:
Welcome Wednesday is an initiative we started in 2018 to make the shop’s services accessible to more people in our community. The last Wednesday of every month from 3-7 pm the shop functions as first come first served, pay what you can, no one is turned away for lack of funds, and those 5 and under and 65 and over free!
Because it is first come first served and there can be a little bit of a wait, you’re welcome to put your name down and go for a wander. Don’t hesitate to ask for a rough estimate from our receptionist.
We do prioritize kids and seniors, so if you see someone move ahead of you, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you!
To try and fit everyone in and not turn anyone away washes are generally not included, so please show up with clean and brushed-out hair if/when possible!
The cut-off is usually around 6:30 pm.
Why the sliding scale?:
Our haircut services are priced on a ‘sliding scale’ basis. This means you choose your price from three possible options based on your budget/what you’re comfortable paying.
The idea is, if one person chooses the accessible price, another might choose the generous, and another the regular, offsetting the amounts paid in the end. Everybody wins! We offer this as a way to keep our services a little more accessible while still enabling our team to earn a living wage.
Community Care Fund:
At the start of 2024, we decided to change up our 1% program for something new! We spent the last 4 years donating to many vital grassroots organizations in the lower mainland and beyond and were eager to try out a new way of engaging with mutual aid and community outreach. We're excited to announce a new initiative called Big Joy's Community Care Fund. Here's some more info on what that is:
WHAT: A community bank of funds to provide hair services for folks experiencing barriers to accessing hair care.
WHERE: At the end of each quarter funds collected will be loaded onto gift cards and distributed to various organizations in and around Vancouver to be shared with participants of those social programs.
WHEN: We will select a new organization every 3 months, much like our 1% program.
HOW: When paying for hair services or products, clients will be given the option to add funds to their bill to go into the Community Care Fund. It will be entirely voluntary and at the client's discretion. We will post all receipts of funds donated after each quarter.
WHY: The Community Care Fund will enable us to provide hair services to many folks for whom spending $50+ on a haircut is not an option. It will also allow folks the ability to visit the shop who are maybe not able to be served by Welcome Wednesday or our other community haircut nights, for a multitude of reasons. Through the Community Care Fund, we are inviting our clients who have the financial means to tack on an extra $1 or so and help us create a bigger impact in our community + give back more than we possibly could independently.