Salon U

I’ve been waiting to write my first review and it had to be on Salon U!
First off, Duschan is the man! I came in with washed out, brassy/​Orange balayage that I absolutely hated. I told him exactly what I wanted which was to lighten it into a more ashy blonde. He immediately got to work and succeeded! The outcome was amazing! I am more than pleased with my hair! So in love! Best hair color I’ve had in a long time. Also, the staff is amazing. Very sweet and attentive! Definitely keeping Duschan as my new colorist :)

I came here because I saw on Unilocal that this salon can do walk-​in appointments. I do not regret the experience of coming to this salon one tiny bit.
I needed to get a bang trim– my bang’s were starting to cover my eyes and it was getting annoying haha. $ 11 for a great bang trim! When I went up to the front desk to make my appointment, they said hair cuts start at $ 51. I just checked on the salon’s website that their other services include a blow dry and style for $ 41+, blow dry and color service for $ 25+, gloss shine treatment for $ 41+ and about a dozen more services at reasonable prices.
The price? Great for the average Chicagoan, but a dab high for the average college student (which is me). Regardless, I am coming back to Salon U.
I had Drew and he was great! Such a friendly guy who did a fantastic job cutting my bangs! He talked to me, asked me where I am from and asked how the weather is outside. He let me «customize» how much I want my bangs to be trimmed, by cutting them for a bit and then asking if I want them to go shorter.
Prior to getting my bangs done, I waited in this «magical» waiting area. The waiting area is on a nice-​sized balcony inside the salon. Cool, right? There is a TV there along with a magazine rack and two comfy sofa chairs. The coat rack is also on the balcony and is inside a coat room-​meets-​cubby hole framed with fancy dark violet curtains. On the left of the tiny coat rack room is a room of equal size. It looks like a dressing room but it is not one. It has a long vertical mirror and is also framed with the same curtains as the coat room.
While I was waiting for my appointment, the person at the front offered me a beverage. I ordered a beverage but did not get it because my appointment wait was super short (like less than a minute about). I was offered a selection of beverages that included wine, water, tea and soda.
I went on a Saturday and the place was fairly packed! So happy I got a walk-​in appointment with a very short wait time! Waiting in the balcony waiting room was fun also, and I spent enough time in that area to get its «full experience» (even though my drink did not come but I don’t regret that one tiny bit!).
I loved how the blow dryers were hanging from the wall in the salon. The salon seems to be of high professional-​quality.

Set up a same-​day appointment and received a fabulous and FREE haircut because I was donating 10 inches to Locks of Love. The haircut was amazing looking and completely professional.
They also mailed the donated hair for me. If you want to donate your hair to cancer patients in Chicago, this is the salon to do it at!

After keeping my hair around the same length all of college and the past 4 years living in Chicago and never once dyeing my hair, I wanted to change things up and my other hairstylist was always hesitant to doing anything different with my hair… Through Unilocal reviews and my friends’ recommendation, I went and saw Liz at Salon U for Balyage color and about 6 inches off of my super long hair — she is great! I hardly had to show her any pictures of what I wanted done and didn’t have to give her much direction at all — she put me at ease and knew what colors would look good in my natural hair and just basically took the already sunkissed parts/​colors around my face and did that same color throughout my hair thru balyage — my hair feels so healthy and she offered me great advice and recommendations on hair products, how often to wash it and how to style it with a curling iron or wand — it took around 3 hours total to do the cut and color and she made me feel at ease the entire time and did such a great job!!! The color is low maintenance and everyone loves how it looks — I am glad I won’t have to keep getting it touched up every several weeks but anytime I do need to get it touched up or done again I am definitely coming to Liz! :) very happy with the results! She is great and knows what she is doing & if you are like me and have a hairstylist currently that just keeps doing the same thing every time with your hair — definitely give Liz a call at Salon U and she will give you advice on your color and cut that will finally leave you with different /​beautiful results!

Great salon! I recently got my hair cut and colored by Carl at Salon U. I hadn’t had my hair dyed in over a year and a half and was very nervous. During our consultation, he listened to what I wanted from a cut and color perspective and provided his opinion on what bayalage colors would compliment my skin tone.
I have received so many compliments on my color and cut. The salon staff was very friendly and inviting! I work till 6pm every night and they were able to accommodate my work schedule– which is always a plus. Will definitely be returning and recommending Salon U.

Crystal is awesome! I usually get an appointment the day of, which is really lucky. The prices can be high but I’m willing to pay because I’m comfortable with the stylists.

Salon U was able to take me in last minute. I wanted to get an up do done for my son’s 1^st birthday party. After doing some research, this was one of the few places that open on Sundays. The stylist was amazing with my short hair. She was able to make my short hair look elegant, and did it in 30 minutes! This place was friendly, clean, and just overall great.

Just moved here a month ago and was nervous about finding an affordable salon. I took a chance and got my hair done by Hannah.
I was completely honest with her on all the bad advice and styles people have put me through. I showed her photos and she gave me a great consultation. She had great suggestions on color and other things for my unique ethnic hair. I truly trust her. She’s great and one of the first stylists that actually had me leaving the salon with a style that I’m proud of.
Will surely be going back to her and this very affordable, professional salon frequently.

A quality, clean, professional environment; Salon U, feels more like a lounge setting. A frosty beer or glass of wine and you’re on your way to a great experience!
They provide a multitude of services from cut to color to style. Drew is the best! His quality cuts have served me well for years.
I will always return!

The day after an 80’s party is always the WORST for fixing your hair. My hair was big and teased with so much hairspray and products in it, I just didn’t want to take the time to try to get it all out myself. So I searched Unilocal to find a salon near me that was open on Sundays. Salon U popped up, they squeezed me in for a same day appointment, and the rest… is history.
Everyone at this salon was just awesome. Michelle, the receptionist, was super sweet. She offered coffee, tea, wine, water, etc and took my coat for me right away. Hannah was my stylist and she did a phenomenal job! She washed my hair until all of the hairspray and gunk came out (it took two washes) and then gave me a great blowout. My hair looked amazing and she didn’t even take long at all! She also gave me tips on hair colors that would look good on me, recommending the Balayage for a more natural look. She never pushed me to do extra services or to buy products though, and I really appreciated that. The pricing is pretty on point with the quality of their services there. I am already coming back in a few days for another service with Hannah. Thanks Unilocal,for telling me about this place!

Super, super friendly staff. The desk attendant couldn’t stop thanking me for coming in, and he immediately took my coat and backpack. They offer complimentary beverages– coffee, soda, water. Just a really attentive staff overall.
I had Crystal. She fixed up a botched haircut real nicely. She really respected the fact that I was still a bit traumatized from my last haircut (short, choppy layers galore), so she explained what she was doing, how I could expected my hair to grow out by next visit, and what she’d like to do to completely clean it up the next visit. She has a very sweet demeanor and asked me a ton of questions about myself. She also does a killer blow dry– very smooth and shiny. I can always tell a good stylist from a bad stylist by how well they can blow dry the finished product.
She’s great… this place is great… I can’t wait to return!!! Prices are flirting with the steep side (they start at $ 51 and go up depending on the hairstylist), but honestly, I’d pay it again in a heartbeat because they’re that great.
If you go and want to pay with a card, keep in mind to bring cash for a tip. Now go forth my Padawans and get some kick ass haircuts!

Okay. I walked in not knowing what to expect, because I had not been to a salon of any kind for a while. Personally, I think I was very thorough with my search for a GOOD salon-​not too far away, within price range, and experienced stylists. I found a GREAT salon.
Everyone was fantastic, accommodating, and highly respectable. Hannah was my incredible stylist, and she gave me recommendations to give me a style that fit my face and personality. She even gave me tips on how to style it at home!
My hair + their knowledge = good look.
As I was donating to Locks of Love, the cut was half off, but it is definitely worth the full price. Trust me. I actually loooooove my new, super short hair (compared to what I had before).
Might I add:
free drinks,
relaxation,
good company,
and HAIR HAPPINESS,
will come out of any visit here.

I’ve been here twice and both experiences have been great! The first time I went, a couple months back, Daniel gave me a beautiful balayage. I was a little apprehensive (I have long dark asian hair that doesnt like to listen) but he was great and I loved how my hair looked. Sometime after that I wanted to add more cooler blonde coloring and went somewhere else (bad decision). I was left with brassy, orange, animé highlights.
I called up the salon this past Sunday, thankfully they could get me in same day, just with a new stylist– Hanna. She is wonderful. She listened, had great recommendations. Professionalism on point! She was also a blast to just talk to, great chair-​side manner. ANYWAYS, my hair doesnt look exactly what I had in mind, it looks way better!
Thank you, Hanna and Daniel for a great experience. The salon itself is clean, staff has always been very accommodating and professional. I’m going back!

Expensive, but totally worth it! Called for a cut n color and was set up with an appointment the next day with Hannah. Upon arrival, I was offered a glass of wine which I gladly accepted! I waited a short time before Hannah came up and introduced herself. I was nervous about getting highlights, baliyage specifically, but Hanna put me at ease and helped me choose a color that wouldn’t be too over the top, but noticable at the same time.
I walked out feeling like a million bucks, and got so many compliments on my hair! I absolutely LOVE my new style, and will be back to visit Hannah!

The word «LOVE» does not even begin to describe this place. Because I have some many wonderful things to say about this salon, I’m just going to make a list.
1. The location is great if you don’t have a car. It’s just around the corner from the CTA Fullerton «L» stop.
2. The salon is very clean and neat and the staff is very friendly. When I arrived they offered me something to drink and took my coat.
3. Rocky was my stylist and he is AMAZING! I was chopping off several inches of my long hair and dying it for the first time so I was super nervous. I had been looking at pictures for weeks and even sent him a few for inspiration. We talked a lot about my final look, and then went step by step through the process to make sure I was comfortable with the length and color. He took such great care of me and gave me a killer scalp and neck massage too.
In conclusion, this is my most favorite hairstyle of all time! Rocky gave me exactly what I was hoping for and I’ve gotten a million compliments already. I highly recommend this salon.

I had a dry cut (hair trim) with Rocky. He was focused, accommodating, and WOW.
I called in the late morning for an appointment on a weekday and they had several open appointment times available during the afternoon and evening. I like how easy it was and flexible they were to schedule an appointment on the same day.
Rocky’s very friendly and has a warm personality. We first did a consultation sitting down at the chair in front of the mirror. He listened to what I wanted and even asked me why I wanted my hair to have a v-​lined shape, which helped him get a clear idea of how to give me what I wanted. That shows awesome initiative in trying to gain understanding of his clients. He took a look at my current hair and then we went off to shampooing. He keeps his conversations (small talk) light, I appreciate how his questions aren’t intrusive at all.
He gave me a hairline massage (including my neck!) during conditioning my hair and talked through how to get salon-​quality hair when I’m not in the salon. He invited me to touch my hair after shampoo/​conditioning to feel how soft it was and IT WAS SO SOFT. He’s so knowledgeable and I like how he shared tips with me. I like how he informed me about the pros and cons about buying hair products from stores versus salons.
I really appreciated how he walked me through the whole hair-​cutting process. Every step he took while working on my hair, he announced what he was going to do next. I like that communication! I also appreciate how he made sure I would be set to take good care of my hair without visiting the salon all the time. He wasn’t so talkative during the hair-​cutting, which I liked because I like my quiet time and just watching him do his thang on my hair. He wasn’t completely silent while cutting my hair, as he did make comments here and there and answered my questions when I had any. He’d pause and talk, which meant he was very focused on my hair when he was working on it.
Rocky was extremely accommodating to my needs. He asked me how I felt when he finished and when I told him I wanted face-​framing layers, he gave me face-​framing layers at the end even though he had been with me for more than 1 hour already (dry cuts take longer than wet cuts). I like how he also explained different things to me such as different hair products he was using and what the term ‘hollow’ meant. I appreciate how attentive he was in helping me maintain my length. He’s not ‘scissor-​happy’, as he only trimmed my ends about 1 inch or even less. He remembered that I don’t like having too many products in my hair and even asked me if heat protectant was okay (so thoughtful!). At the end, he asked me which way I wanted my hair parted and started parting it, then I changed my mind and he went along with it so kindly. Thank you, Rocky, you’re so sweet!
Rocky used point-​cutting for my hair, which ensures the ends aren’t blunt and completely straight across. He was so concentrated while snipping the ends of my very long hair. I like how he was so careful and straightened my head again before every section he worked on in the back. He seemed very precise in his work. I felt so pampered during my visit!
At the end of my visit, Rocky let me check out my hair by myself and waited for me over by the front desk. He told me about their referral system and asked if he could get me any hair products. He gave me his business card. He even grabbed my coat for me (he grabbed a different one at first, which was endearing) and enclosed my hands in both of his to bid me farewell.
The salon is in a great location as it’s only a few minutes walk from the red line Fullerton stop. I walked up stairs to the entrance so I’m not sure if there’s a ramp or elevator for anyone who can’t go up maybe about 5 – 7 steps. Beverages are offered to you upon entering and the wait time between arrival and starting was very short. I like how they had a TV (with captions) and plenty of magazines for patrons to use.
The rest of the staff is nice and polite. The place is well-​lit and there are mirrors everywhere so you can check yourself (and any other people) out. Music is upbeat and not too loud, which is good since I can still hear and talk with my stylist. I’m okay with having to tip in cash and I like how flexible they are with their payment options. Who uses checks for every-​day transactions anymore?
They’re also open every day of the week and have flexible hours for before and after work, which is a plus. I also like how I could bring my purse with me to the station so I could keep an eye on it. Someone is also sweeping the floor so there’s hardly any hair sprawled on the floor for any long period of time. It’s so clean! The salon itself seems to be very organized. The hair dryers hang from the ceiling. HELLO. Hair products are compartmentalized on shelves and it all just looks very neat. The hair coloring boxes behind one of the counters are organized by color and the arrangement is colorful.

Recently moved to the LP/​Lakeview area and have been looking for a new hair person. Managed to get a last minute appointment on a Saturday for a color, which is always risky and unlikely.
Hannah did an AMAZING job, I wanted to get rid of my ombré from about 6 months ago. She matched up my natural color perfectly, I’ll definitely be coming back.

Daniel is an amazing stylist. He is personable and knowledgeable. I left with great tips and advice for managing my curly hair.
Salon U gives you a drink while you wait. Smily staff.

I was in the neighborhood and wanted to change up my hair style. Salon U booked a cut and color appointment for me within minutes.
I was paired with Elizabeth. She was a wonderful stylist and very warm person. She was also incredibly patient since I opted to go for the balayage hair coloring, which takes at least 2 hours to complete. I love my new hair style and plan to go back whenever I’m in the city.
The whole staff is very pleasant and attentive. Plus, you get complimentary drinks while you wait! I recommend Salon U to anyone looking to change up their hair game or try out the latest hair trends. The prices are reasonable, especially for the quality of the hairstyle you receive.

This place is amazing! They serve drinks (including beer and wine) while you are there! That by itself should entice you to go! All the staff there are very professional. The price is reasonable for the area and the quality service.
I have been going to Drew for a while and he is simply the best! Highly recommended!