Allure Salon

Actually I’m not their client.
I tried 3 times in October 2014 to become to, but…
1) I came to the salon two times — it was closed. Even light was switched off. It was strange, cuz I’ve been there at their workdays in the middle of the day. Also there was no notice on the door.
2) I tried to make an appointment through their website — it doesn’t work. May be it works, but not for newcomers — you name and phone should be in their database. Guys, hello! — it is too stupid.
«You could call them» you think? Nope. English is my second language and it is too difficult for me to understand people by phone — it is easier to speak face to face. Besides I live in 2 mins by walk.

I’m only in Illinois for a couple months for a review course, but I really needed a haircut. So I asked my fellow classmates if they knew of anywhere that could do a good job with long hair. My friend recommended allure. She told me that Tanya and Whitney were really good. So I called and made an appointment with Whitney and I love it. My hair looks so much healthier now. Thanks! The salon was in a nice area and everyone was so friendly. I even ended up getting a facial with Allie while I was there since it’s 20% off until end of June. It was just so relaxing! My skin was so soft and just glowing after.

Where do I begin? First off, I can only speak for the haircut and style I received from Cindy, not the color or highlights the salon offers, as I did not have that done.
I came in with a picture of the haircut I wanted, under the impression that it was common courtesy to come prepared with an idea of what was desired. I had long long hair (6 inches past my shoulders) and I wanted lots of layers and lots of texture. I specifically said, ONE inch at most can be trimmed off the length (with the exception of short top layers). I knew I was in trouble when Cindy told me she did not know how to execute layers with a razor, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt.
10 minutes into my cut I finally start to notice how much hair was being cut. She went scissor-​happy and hacked off about 8 inches. During the cut, I would ask for more layers and if it would be possible to curl the style like in the picture I brought. Cindy interjected on multiple occasions, «I would be hesitant to do that,» or, «I wouldn’t advise/​suggest/​recommend that,» Despite the fact I wasn’t ever asking for an opinion. When she finished (didn’t look finished), I asked once again for more layers, and I could seriously feel her getting impatient with what I had asked. She then cut two small pieces of hair shorter and escorted me to get my hair washed. She quickly dry cut the entire look and my hair was significantly shorter.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, she didn’t thoroughly dry my hair with the blow dryer, making my hair frizzy and damaged-​looking at my crown. I really wasn’t happy seeing my gorgeous long hair transform into an 80’s style Rachel (from Friends) ‘do shoulder-​length bob. I hate it. Hate hate hate hate HATE my haircut. It WAS NOT what I asked for. I never spoke my piece at the salon as it was happening, but I think my crappy tip to Cindy spoke more for me and the job she did. I don’t think she deserved a tip at all, but I’m a strong believer that crappy tips are more insulting than no tip.
I know it’s always key to take advice from a hairdresser or stylist, but this time around I wanted a cut FOR ME, and she seemed to be cutting to her taste, and did not pay attention to what I, the customer paying for a desired look, wanted. It was a nightmare, and I cried as soon as I walked out that door.
Needless to say I will not be going back to Allure ever again. I am under the impression that because Champaign is such a small town, that everyone has significantly lower expectations than someone from a city. This leads me to believe that all haircutters and stylists from Champaign or Urbana are bottom of the barrel low quality slew of design school drop outs, cause I have yet to see anybody who is a resident of this town with a strikingly gorgeous hairstyle. Next time I get a cut, I will wait to visit home back in Los Angeles, or until I am vacationing in Chicago again. Nice try Allure.

I was overjoyed to discover that Doug (formerly of Ippatsu) was working at Allure as of Summer 2010.
The salon is tucked away in west Champaign — you probably wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t looking.
Doug has been cutting my hair on and off for three years. I haven’t found anyone else in Champaign that does a better job with curly hair. He’s continually expanding his styling knowledge and frequently participates in classes and photo shoots. His prices are extremely reasonable, and his attention to detail is great.

A couple days ago I got the BEST haircut from Whitney. I wasn’t sure what I wanted so she took the time to talk to me and we finally figured it out.
I recently moved down to Champaign and needed a haircut badly, so I took a gamble on this place based on a recommendation from a friend I work with. I’m so glad I did!
She cut my hair in a totally flattering and awesome do that she promised was going to be easy to manage (which it is) and made some suggestions on any products I might find useful. She took me through the styling step by step, as well, which I really appreciated.
I will definitely go back to Whitney and am going to schedule an appointment sometime soon for her to do my color, as well.
The best part is, for a haircut like this in Chicago I would have paid twice as much. Only $ 35 for an amazing haircut. What an awesome deal!

It’s funny… just last week, I also got an angled bob at Allure. I would’ve given a big, fat 5 stars to Allure for the hair cut. Honestly, my stylist did an awesome job and I have received no end of compliments. She spent a long time on it, which is obvious when looking at it. Most importantly, she was able to competently cut my super-​thick, super-​wavy hair, which most stylists screw up royally. AND it was only $ 35.
But, I was also drawn in by a $ 9 eyebrow wax.
I walked away with two very angry looking (and very slightly uneven, I’ve found) eyebrow areas. I figured that it was just the normal redness/​puffiness that comes with having a wax, and that it would go away. Lo and behold, I was actually scarred! The redness turned into long, bloody raised welts under my eyebrows. Yes, it was super sexy. After the urging of my friends, I called the salon owner to let her know, lest the stylist injure anyone else. She thanked me for calling, but I haven’t heard anything else on the matter… which is fine, I guess. I’m a little worried about ever going back, since I ratted out the stylist. And that’s a damn shame, ’cause my hair is real cute.