J Gordon Designs

I had a very good first-​time experience. I purchased the Groupon deal (deep conditioning + haircut) after a friend recommended the salon and this will definitely be my go-​to salon going forward.
Staff was friendly from the appointment phone call. They were able to schedule me to see Lauren, one of master stylists, the same afternoon.
I moved to Chicago over a year ago and managed to find a good (but not great) stylist who I love for color but whose haircuts leave me underwhelmed. I came to J. Gordon’s to liven up a blah haircut from that other salon. I’m not great at talking about hair since I don’t know the technical terms — so Lauren listened when I talked about why I dislike my current haircut and what I’d like my new haircut to do. The end result is exactly what I wanted. She was personable, fast, and the cut is great. She also did a great job blowing it out — and I say this as someone who dreads blowouts because frankly most stylists struggle with my hair type.
The deep conditioning for me was an added bonus, but not the real reason I went in. Not sure if the deep conditioning will be noticeable once I’m back to managing my style myself, but today it sure looks great and feels soft!
Definitely recommend the groupon route for anyone hoping to try a new salon.

The studio is cute with antique décor — always fun. I had no problems scheduling my Group haircut w mask. Came five minutes early, was seated right away, advised w Sylvia, went to Nora for a wash and the mask. Both were very friendly and sweet.
I do have to say the massage part of the mask was a disappointment. The website says the mask includes «a luxurious scalp and neck massage» — it was about five minutes total, if even that. But seems like my hair is softer after the mask, so that’s something at the very least.
Sylvia blow dried my curly hair straight to cut it. She listened well, and I liked that she would work off of my responses. I definitely appreciated her effort. I always like to wait a few days after I change my hair to really see how it is (whether a cut, color or perm) in real daily life.
The more I looked at my hair, the more I disliked the layers that were choppy, when they should be smooth and seamless. I ended up getting it recut somewhere else after a week of being bothered with the stair-​like, blocky layers.

Bought a great groupon for J Gordon. Had my first appointment with Kathy. She was great! She didn’t try to talk me into anything which usually happens to me. Everyone at the salon was very friendly! I did a revitalizing masque, my hair feels so healthy! Definitely would recommend!

I took time searching, reading reviews and I finally chose J Gordon to get my haircut with a big hope. It’s not a cheap salon, so I was expecting a nice wash, comfortable conversation with the stylist to decide what new hair style to go for and a new look that I can feel happy and confident about. But none of it was achieved! Looking at all the good reviews, I just feel why I have the bad luck and didn’t meet a nicer stylist. But should a good salon gives every customer the same good service?
I had an Asian stylist, I forgot his name. He seemed so busy that he only took about 3 minutes to decide what haircut I need… without really talking to me! Well, he did ask me what I’d like but that’s it, just one question! I said I want it to be shorter and I’m open to suggestions, but he suggested nothing! Also he’s so much in a hurry that really discourage me to tell him what I want in my haircut…
Then I was sent to the washing room, the lady was nice, I was shampooed and put on the hair masque (I asked to see what product she’s gonna use, she showed me a little «sample» box looked like being used for a very long time that had some product left yellow on the trim of the cap, now i figure maybe she just used normal conditioner and put them into the little box?) to wait for 10 minutes to wash out. Then the stylist came in to wash my hair, he was so much in a hurry that he just washed out the masque without doing any message or even wash it clean (I had to wash my hair again once I got home, and I don’t know what product they put on my hair, some part of my hair gets so dry after that!!!)
So I was already not happy with my stylist, and it even gets worse, he started to cut my hair. He pulled my hair, he knocked the bottles on the table over and he left me with a look I’m not happy with that I’m going to get another hair cut in 2 hours. It really didn’t feel like to be in a good salon, actually it felt even worse than getting a $ 25 hair cut, at least you get what you paid for.
To conclude, the stylist’s running around, being so rushed made me feel very uncomfortable. He didn’t spend time communicating with me to decide what look I want, he finished the job in anxiety and a haircut I don’t want made this one star.

This place is fantastic. I’ve been going to Lauren for a few years and I unconditionally trust her with my hair, something I don’t give easily! (I have also seen 2 other stylists here, and while they weren’t quite as great as Lauren, the cuts were solid as well.) Lauren is great about explaining what she’s doing, which is good for a beauty-​illiterate person like myself. When I first went here I was worried the salon would be full of Lincoln Park socialites and I, a practical gal, would feel way out of place. But that wasn’t the case at all! While I’ve seen Lauren do elaborate, trendy cuts, she has no problems doing practical and easy-​to-​care-​for styles for me. The salon is laid back and welcoming. I see women (not many men) of all ages there too. This isn’t a plush spa – there are no soft couches, and you can’t come here to get a pedicure and a facial after your haircut. They just do hair (and some makeup)! But the atmosphere is professional and friendly, and the quality of your cut and color will be top notch.

Moving to a new place always brings it’s challenges of switching doctors, grocery stores, pharmacies, and the worst, hair stylists. Going somewhere new for the first time to get your haircut is always a scary ordeal, especially if you’ve been going somewhere else your whole life. Luckily, I found my new hair salon in Chicago, and it’s this place.
Walking up to the storefront, I was a little bit skeptical. The outside is unassuming, and it’s on top of a bar, Ravens. I actually found this place based on Unilocal reviews, however, so I decided to walk in anyways for my first appointment.
Walking in, is a night and day difference from the outside. It’s decorated and stylized like an old French hair salon. Everyone is very friendly, and I was accommodated right away. The shampoo ladies even give you a scalp and shoulder massage.
I’ve had three different stylists and all have cut my hair perfectly. Some of their stylists are a bit pricier for a haircut, but if you call and request someone who is a bit cheaper, they have people who will cut your hair for a lower price as well. It all depends on who you get. Also came here once for a blowout, they did an amazing job. My hair is very thin and they were able to add volume and large curls for an event I went to.
I have gone to Chloe the most however, she is the sweetest person and a great stylist. I was dealing with some medical issues last year where my hair was temporarily thinning, to the point where I was developing bald patches. I explained to her the situation, and she was extremely understanding, and cut my hair with care, and she was able to style my cut based on the circumstances. I went from walking in extremely embarrassed about my hair, to regaining my self confidence. I will never forget that, and I continue to go back to her. It’s this level of customer service that sets J. Gordon above all the other salons in Chicago.
Call and stop in today for an appointment with an experienced staff and salon quality services, but without the Michigan Ave. prices.

After having an issue at J Gordon with a haircut and color job, I left a review here that I have since removed out of respect for the stylist (who was perfectly polite, sweet, and personable) and the entirety of the J Gordon staff. After receiving a message from the owner of J Gordon and responding (17 days ago), I assumed the problem would be dealt with personally, and was appreciative of the correspondence. However after my first message back to her (and the subsequent deletion of my negative review), I have not heard from Karen again. I’ve sent over 4 messages since that day, and still, no response. I’m very disappointed that as soon as my review was deleted, my satisfaction as a customer was no longer important. I’m embarrassed to have spent $ 320 on a cut and color job that I’ve been covering with a hat for the last 17 days straight. To add insult to injury, I’m even more embarrassed that as soon as I deleted my review to try not to hurt the shops staff, I stopped being answered.

I am giving J Gordon Designs 5 stars because I had a great first time experience at this salon from the minute I sat down to wash my hair until I left out the door.
Ask for: JIMMY stylist and NORA to wash your hair.
Oh and they use AVEDA!!!
Let’s start with Nora who washed my hair. Asking me questions like «do you have product in your hair because I want to use a special shampoo» or «Do you color your hair because I want to use XYZ shampoo» She washed my hair 3 times, gave me a scalp massage and a shoulder massage. Combed my hair in the sink with a special brush and left my hair squeaky clean!
Jimmy — Great stylist. So genuine and very good at what he does. We talked about cuts/​colors suitable for my hair — he explained different procedures and why should or why should I not do certain things to my hair.
He styled my hair with a round brush and curling iron and lasted 4 days. My hair did not get greasy — thanks to NORA who used magic products to wash my hair with.
Jimmy is very talented and I can tell he loves his job. He’s been with the salon for 15 years and his experience shows the minute he touches your hair.
Overall I had a great experience at this salon and I am 100% going back!

I just adore this place. It is very chic without being intimidating. I moved from Bucktown to NW Indiana, and I still drive in, battling Chicago traffic, to see Sylvia. She is super chill, won’t push you into anything you aren’t comfortable with, and LISTENS. She’s also highly professional and skilled. I am always happy when I leave.
The ladies who wash hair, Nora and «oh-​my-​gosh-​so-​sorry-​I-​forgot-​her-​name,» are awesome too, and always finish with a nice little shoulder massage. It’s one of my favorite parts of coming here.
Everyone in the place is so kind, and it really makes a difference. It is expensive, but absolutely worth it.

I can’t believe I haven’t given this place a review before. I have been living in Chicago for a little over two years and I stumbled upon J Gordon thanks to a Groupon. Although their prices are not cheap, you get what you pay for. I have tried to go somewhere else twice, only to realize that there is no place like J.
Old school looking hair saloon, cozy, clean and with true professionals! Ask for Chloe, she is THE BEST.

I went to see Sylvia after reading a bunch of reviews. I don’t do a lot with my hair but wanted a cut that would give me a little shape without a lot of styling. She gave me exactly what I wanted! She is awesome!

I typically see Kathy who is wonderful but she was sick today so they called and asked if it would be ok if they rescheduled me for the same time with Lauren. Lauren was awesome. She looked at pictures and really gave me what I wanted. I was her last appointment of the night but she didn’t rush at all. The salon closes at 8pm and she styled and blow dried my hair beautifully and even kept working until about 8:20. On top of that she was friendly and personable. Also Nora, who washed my hair was the best. She have me a neck and shoulder massage and made sure to comb through my very long, thick hair. Overall I had a great experience and will be coming back!

I recommend Sylvia. If you want someone to give you sincere advise on hair and not push salon products on you, go to her. I will definitely be referring her to all my friends/​colleagues.
My mom received haircut from Jimmy, she loved him as well. She loved not being told how dry her hair was… Something many salons tell her, as if she doesn’t already know.
It is a bit cramped in there because the place is small. Regardless, they make it work– and their fantastic staff make the claustrophobia worth it.
Will be back.

I decided to go here upon the recommendation of Maria, a friend of mine who is always telling me how «great» her stylist Jimmy is.
Her hair usually looks pretty good so, I made an appointment with Jimmy for a highlight low light color and I could not be more pleased!
Jimmy took is time and really listened to what I wanted and my hair turned out EXACTLY what I wanted maybe even better! I will definitely go back. I am very picky with my hair and my color so I am so glad I finally found a stylist who is picky too!
Thanks Jimmy!

I had Chelsea yesterday for a haircut and conditioning treatment. The staff was very professional and accommodating. It was my first time and I was nervous. Chelsea was incredibly nice and listened to my ideas and made some suggestions as well. I adore my hair and will definitely go back.

I have been going to J Gordan for a little over a year now and would never consider going elsewhere for my hair needs. I have tried quite a few Aveda salons in Chicago, but J Gordan is truly the best. Sylvia has been my stylist from the beginning. She is knowledgable, listens intently to exactly what you want, and delivers flawless haircuts every visit. I have always walked out of J Gordan happy and feeling fantastic!

This is a review for both Nikki and Chloe.
Nikki cut my hair and she did a fabulous job. I told her that I wanted a change and she gave me an AMAZING cut. It was trendy and chic. She took her time in talking to me and learning what I wanted and was very patient with me. She took her time with my thick and difficult hair and made it look BEAUTIFUL at the end.
Chloe colored my hair. She sat down next to me, spoke to me and answered all my questions patiently. I really appreciated that. But by the end of it I realized that that was not what I wanted. I guess I misunderstood the term ‘highlights’, or maybe I didn’t. I don’t know. By the end, the top of my originally black head was a shade of brown and I was soooo disappointed. I was under the impression that highlights meant color placed around the crown of my head, but today it was too spread out and it basically covered the whole top portion. I didn’t have the heart to tell Chloe that I didn’t like it because she was so dedicated and put in a lot of effort to do my hair. I think it was my mistake, I didn’t know anything about coloring; if I had done some research I might have better understood what she said.
I miss my black hair :(I really do. I know I can get this corrected, but I just really wanted to like my color.
I didn’t feel like taking away more stars because Chloe did do a great job.

Second trip to J Gordon and still a happy customer!
Initially I visited the salon because I’d purchased a Groupon. I arrived apprehensive as I have found that some places treat Groupon (or similar deals) users as second class citizens. Sorry, I like a deal!!! Either way, I walked out very satisfied and happy. And with a voucher purchased for a next visit at the same Groupon offer and price! Weeeee!
Nikki has been my stylist both times, extremely friendly and knowledgeable. She listened to my concerns (I had a «tail» when I got there!) and was able to answer all of my questions while providing advice and suggestions. I would definitely recommend her to any of my friends.
The salon is very nicely decorated. Love the vintage touches and very friendly staff!
I’m signed up for their emails so hopefully I’ll get some nice upcoming deals for future visits!

I must say, hands down, this place is amazing. Aside from the beautiful décor, the staff is all around professional. The receptionist found a way to fit me the next day with no problem! My stylist, Chelsea, went above and beyond to make sure I was happy with my highlights. She was also positive company and completely focused on my hair.
I would definitely trust and recommend this salon!

Busy, fun, creative, a cool, professional, and a classy environment located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Recommend by a friend who got a wonderful Groupon deal and walked out with strong, healthy, shiny hair after a cut, color, and Karastase treatment (what they are known for) all for 55 dollars. I made an appointment for just a detoxifying treatment for 20 dollars.
Younger working crowd of all women, this salon was very busy. The receptionist was friendly and my stylist was ready for me in 5 minutes. She consulted with me and I told her I had the dryest hair but I just wanted it conditioned and not cut since I was growing it out for my wedding. She listened, felt it, and assigned someone else to do the treatment explaining to her to feel free to add more of the treatment. I loved how she wasn’t pushy and understanding, as well as quick but not ‘i’m not a hurry quick.’ They asked me a few times if I wanted to get my hair blow dried since that was included but I was in a quick rush to get home so I told them that’s okay.
I was happy with my results, exactly what I paid for and my hair was shiny and soft for almost a whole week.
I will definitely be returning for a cut, color, and styling before my honeymoon trip.