About Us

Garry and Christine Preston were married in Kelowna, B.C, and moved to Victoria in 1970. They began employment for their aunt and uncle in the “First Lady” Salon, later renamed “Lady Be Lovely”.  Garry and Chris purchased the business in 1971.  The Salon expanded from Fort Street to a second location in Esquimalt’s Admiral Square in 1977.

The following year the Esquimalt Salon was sold and the Fort Street location moved to 1010 Cook Street and

named“headstart”.The early focus on the business was service. In 1993, the orientation changed to meet client needs and included a wide array of Retail Hair Care Products. In 1994, Garry his partner and staff were introduced to a Victoria Computer Company, with whom they discussed their business needs and designed a program called “In Touch”.  

headstart was asked to test the program and by August, 1994, the staff were trained and the program was a go. Amazing that a small friendly Salon on Cook Street would be a Beta test site, a First in a Computer Program designed to meet their specific needs. This program enables Garry to better schedule appointments, keep in touch with customers and stock and price control for discounting. Today, headstart is one of Victoria’s most reasonably priced and friendliest Salons in the city. Discounts for clients are a strong part of the Success Story.headstart retail prices are the lowest in the city. Garry and Chris are  pleased with their helpful and efficient staff Bakke, Judy,  Megan, Crystal, Courtney and Amanda.

Garry says “Thank You” to his many clients who hand out his bright Blue Business Cards with the smiling cartoon face of “The Boss.” The friendly greeting, happy faces and an offer of a coffee to headstart’s customers, makes a visit to headstart a pleasure.After 25 years in our previous location, headstart hairstyles moved to 1315 Cook Street in 2004 and in August 2013 we moved down Cook into the heart of the Cook Street Village at 313 Cook Street. Come in, check out our new shop.