About Canvas

A relaxing hair and beauty salon in York City Centre

Get the look you've always wanted in our luxurious space, a short stroll from The Shambles. We offer haircuts, styling and colouring as well as beauty facials, waxing and massages.

Get in touch

Luxury. Comfort. Care.

Our boutique ground floor salon is spacious and light. Sink into our sumptuous velvet sofa and sip a complimentary latte while we chat about your treatment.

Considering a beauty package? Our private treatment room has been specially designed by our owner Denise, an expert beauty therapist. Located behind the main salon, it has soundproofed tiles, dimmer lights and warming blankets.

How to find us

At the end of The Shambles past the church, cross the road and head left.

Walk down Fossgate, a vibrant street of independent shops and cafes.

Cross the little bridge over the Foss, and we're a little further along on your left.

Coming by bus? We're a one minute walk from Piccadilly. And we can see the Merchantgate bus stop from our window!

Our story

by owner and beauty therapist Denise Ebanks-Smyth

"I'm originally from Bridlington. Given I'm Yorkshire born and bred, opening a salon in York is a dream come true. I love making people feel good, so trained as a beauty therapist. In the 1980s I worked in health farms such as Ragdale Hall and even as an air stewardess. I returned to Yorkshire to teach beauty therapy in Scarborough, and became a City and Guilds examiner.

However I couldn't pass up the chance of a salon job in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. Six months turned into 25 years, including opening two of my own salons. But I missed England and it was time to come home. In July 2020 we opened Canvas Hair & Beauty and haven't looked back!" - Denise

Discover our range of beauty treatments

The Canvas Hair & Beauty team

Alex Stevens, hairdresser

Before coming to Canvas Hair And Beauty, Alex built up considerable experience in well-established salons across York.

She continues to learn techniques on training courses in Leeds, Manchester and further afield. Alex's specialities include:

Colour treatments
French balayage
Long hair
Hair up

Full haircuts, styling and treatments list

Join our team

Are you a hairdresser looking for a spot in York city centre? Our spacious salon has four work stations and a fabulous atmosphere.

Hire a chair

Part-time employment

Full-time employment

Call 01904 656970 or pop in

In the news

Canvas hair and beauty salon opens in Walmgate, York – York Press

The Press Best Hairdressing Salon 2021 - Nominee

FAQs

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, we offer gift vouchers for either hair or beauty treatments. They're the perfect way to pamper that special someone in your life. Just get in touch!

Do you have special offers or discounts?

Yes, we run promotions throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest details.

How sustainable are you?

We try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. On the hairdressing side, we use L'Oreal products which are more eco-friendly than other salon-based products. Where possible, we try to use paper towels to cut down on laundry.

Do you offer wet cuts?

A hairdresser really needs to dry your hair after cutting it to check that the cut hangs well. This is why we don't offer wet cuts.

Do you have a wheelchair-accessible powder room?

Our guest powder room is on the ground floor. However as we're in an historic York Conservation Trust building, we couldn't widen the space for wheelchair access. The nearest RADAR key accessible public toilets are in the Coppergate Shopping Centre about 5 minutes away.

What's the history of your building?

8a Walmgate dates from the 18th century and is owned by the York Conservation Trust. A medieval section of wall was uncovered behind the property in 1960. For many years it was Hambleton's Pine & Cane shop. Find out more at 8/8a Walmgate – York Conservation Trust