Essence VIP

I am sooooooooo glad I found Essence VIP salon on Unilocal!!!
After looking for a salon in Lincoln Park that specializes in ethnic hair and after reading the GREAT Unilocal reviews, I called Terez and was able to get my mom in for a haircut, blow dry & flat iron that same evening.
FYI…There is metered street parking in front and in the immediate area.
The salon is small, yet comfortable and clean. It is decorated with African inspired wall art and accessories.
Terez is the owner and has an assistant, Adrienne. Both women were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
My mom has natural above shoulder length colored treated hair. She was in desperate need for a haircut! Mom is VERY particular, asked LOTS of questions and even challenged some of Terez’s suggestions. Let me just state that Terez is VERY patient AND she listens AND she allows the client to speak AND she knows her craft.
After all was said and done, my mom LOVED her haircut & style. She was happy, so as a result, I was ecstatic!
Adrienne did an EXCELLENT job blow drying my mom’s hair and Terez did a FANTASTIC job with the cut, flat iron & style.
After walking into Essence VIP anxious and tense, my mom walked out relaxed AND glowing!!!
After seeing what Terez and Adrienne did for my mom, I decided to make an appointment for a hair cut for myself. Let me just say that I couldn’t be happier!
My hair is almost waist long (when straightened) and naturally VERY curly. I do not have any chemicals in my hair. I received a VERY thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment. I also took advantage of the wellness treatment, which was a nice addition.
I usually just have my hair cut curly to avoid the long time involved in straightening it first. But, Terez stated she wanted to give me a precise cut and to do that, my hair needed to be straightened. Although I initially just wanted a quick cut and hoped she would cut it curly, I trusted Terez, so I agreed to have it straightened.
Well, Adrienne does magic with the blow dryer!!! She has EXCELLENT skills that involved using the right amount of product, appropriate heat and proper techniques to truly straighten my hair while being gentle and leaving my hair with shine. She didn’t burn my scalp, smoke wasn’t coming from my hair, my hair wasn’t being pulled, my hair didn’t snap, my head wasn’t being yanked back & forth and my hair was neither dry or frizzy.
Terez then cut my hair and flat ironed it. When she finished, it was sooooo silky straight AND even. I absolutely LOVED it!!!
My hair usually only stays straight for a few days before it starts to wave up and get frizzy. Then I either have to flat iron it or wash it and go back to wearing it curly.
Well, it’s been 11 days and my hair is still silky straight! I had to run the flat iron through my hair just 1 time in 11 days! The only thing I’ve done to my hair is put some emu oil on my scalp and ends. I have never in my life gone this long without washing my hair, but it does not look, smell or feel dirty. This is a big change from my normal routine because I usually wash my hair daily or every other day when I wear it curly. But now, I actually dread having to wash my hair and go back to wearing it curly because I love it straight AND it’s such low maintenance.
The key to getting my curly hair silky straight is product, a proper blow dry technique and flat iron to seal the deal!
My mom and I will definitely return to Essence VIP! This is a much needed professional salon in Lincoln Park that specializes ethnic hair. I am sooooo glad I no longer have to search to try and find the 1 stylist (often there’s no one) in a professional salon located in the Lincoln Park area that is knowledgeable and skilled with ethnic hair.
If you are looking for a stylist that is professional, knowledgable, listens, provides great customer service and is reasonably priced, go to or call Terez at Essence VIP in Lincoln Park. You will not be disappointed!!!

Terez is amazing! I went in with dried out dyed light blonde hair that was all frizzy and flyaway, and left with dark blonde hair, with subtle highlights. she started by cutting off the frazzled ends before discussing color options with me. after looking at choices that would go well with my natural color, I decided on one that was a dark blonde with a hint of red. the color is beautiful and I absolutely love it! I found EssenceVIP with Groupon but will definitely go back again. the cut it a great bob cut. my hair looks better than it has in a year. when discussing price without the Groupon, it would still be something within an attainable price range, unlike other places I’ve been to. already looking forward to my next visit… in a couple months.

First time at Essence and walked out with beautiful hair! I always dread going to get my hair cut. I’ve always had terrible experiences when finding a place/​stylist that knows how to manage my thick, curly, ethnic hair. I’ve either waked out without getting a wash and style, or it being completely wet still. Terez and Adriana were great! They weren’t threatened by my hair and knew exactly what to do! I appreciated the scalp treatment and the use of the «oven-​iron» (I think that’s what it’s called) Thanks again you two, my hair looks/​feels great!

I’m from LA and have curly hair I like blown straight. In Chicago for a month and thank God I found VIPEssence. They are excellent! My hair feels so good, looks so healthy and I feel ready for the runway. Don’t think twice about coming here! Very nice people! Thank you!

I have been on a search high and low for a reliable stylist who knows how to handle short processed hair. I found it here at Essence VIP. Terez is professional, helpful and welcoming. I described what I wanted and she definitely delivered! Excited because three weeks later my cut is still looking phenomenal! Time to make another appointment. I know, I have finally found the stylist I have been searching for!

Overpriced for the same service you can get at other salons. The salon also uses Marcel irons (the hot curling irons that go directly on the stove). Beware if you are concerned with using too much heat on your hair.
The products there are good, but you can get the same quality products someplace like Huetiful with less damaging heat being applied to your hair and for a more reasonable price. I do not recommend.
*Note: I was charged far more than the price I was told over the phone. Often salons will mention «you have to pay more for a high quality product/​experience». Huetiful charges less with a healthier result.
**The beautician is very nice, so you will have a pleasant experience. Just be aware of the amount of heat and pricing. I would have felt better knowing this information prior to going to the salon.

Terez is nothing short of professional and still maintains the individualistic care that each persons hair needs. I came in for a wash, blow dry, and straightening and I will be returning shortly! It was my shortest trip to the salon this year but by far my favorite. She also advised me on what I needed to do to limit my breakage instead of telling me that I needed a hair cut like some others have told me in the past. The music is very smooth and relaxing which just heightened the experience all the more to me. This is definitely my favorite salon in Chicago :)

I came here to receive a loc retwist by a visiting stylist (Damian Walters). Even though I was not her client, the salon owner (Terez) was very kind! She is professional, welcoming and has beautiful energy. She offered the clients of the visiting stylist refreshments and was very helpful. I can only imagine the care she provides her own clients. The salon is beautiful well appointed and played great music!

After coming to Essence VIP, I can finally say that my attitude regarding beauticians and hair salons has changed completely.
Terez runs a very professional business and her energy is very positive and uplifting. Adrienne is just as professional and extremely personable.
They both brought life back to my hair. I look in the mirror and am 100% satisified with the results. I was given a keratin treatment (first time) and the silky softness of my hair left me speechless. I have never been without some sort of weave after having my hair washed/​conditioned/​styled, however this time I wore my hair proudly without any weave. The keratin treatment can last between 3−6months and decreases frizz and puffiness from sweat/​humidity. It’s been 2 weeks so far and my hair is still straight and no signs of frizz!
My hair looks so healthy and happy! I am thankful that there is a black owned salon for all hair types. Thank you Essence VIP!

Had another great experience at EssenceVIP! I went in knowing a general idea of what I wanted and walked out with what I needed! Which was a fabulous colorist who knows how to work naturally kinky curls into shape! Terez explained to me that with my hair being naturally dark brown, to change the color, I would need to color AND tone my hair to get the results I wanted. Color can only go over more color (dark brown + deep red). In this instance, toner was the miracle worker! It lifts the brown out of my hair and made sure the red stuck and blended well to create a natural overall color.
Similar to some women ‘bleaching’ their hair to blonde, ‘toner’ holds the same effect in dark hue instances. Terez is the only hairdresser that I come to for my hair services because she has over 30 years of experience and have opened 5 salons in her lifetime. I’ve been a client of hers for the past 8 or so years and I would never go anywhere else. She’s a class act, keeps me smiling and always has on a good tune!

Horrible. I had purchased a groupon. The Groupon was for a cut, highlights and condition. When I arrived to my appointment (which was confirmed by her via text the night before) she acted like she didn’t know I made an appointment. Then stated my name and said she remembered. Once seated (15 mins past appointment time), I was told it would be an additional $ 50 for «color», that «highlights» only means stripping my hair of color, if I wanted red highlights I would have to pay extra for color. I have NEVER heard of this before. I have been getting my highlights for years and no one has ever charged additional for «colored» highlights. When I mentioned this she said that if I look at the Groupon it doesn’t state that color is included! Once I agreed she proceeded to tell me she probably doesn’t even have enough color for my hair. I also want to mention before seating me she took a call confirming someone’s appointment, who happened to walk in as I was being told she did not have enough color. So basically she double booked me and then gave me a reason not to proceed. Very unprofessional. Needless to say, I returned my Groupon.

I had a great experience here today. I purchased a Groupon for a haircut & highlights. I could not be happier with the results! I will definitely be back.
Also, as a side note, I have «white» hair — they work with everyone and were so nice !

I had a keratin treatment here and Terez did a great job! She was very thorough and painted the keratin on from roots to ends. She even did a trim after flat ironing my hair. A few weeks later, my hair is still super straight and not at all frizzy!

I have thick mixed curly hair being black and Puerto Rican. It is hard to find a hairdresser who does black hair in the city but I believe Essence VIP has the experience and high quality products to get the job done. The owner, Terez Zeigler, has over 20 years experience with black hair and pressed my curls right out to leave long, shiny, straight hair. I will definitely be coming back, especially since her location is easy to get to from most directions.