Finding a good salon is like finding your soulmate; it's an endless quest that's so tenuous, you might think it only happens in the movies. For those of you still searching high and low only after a bad bang job, we feel you. But maybe—just maybe!—you haven't found the perfect fit because some of Chicago's best beauty services are hiding in plain sight, just around the corner from you...like, hello! Well, search no more because we've sourced five fabulous hidden salon gems you need to know, now! Whether you're still hotly awaiting The One or just looking to moonlight on your current hair flame, one of these stellar salon finds are sure to make the cut.
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1. Trianon Salon
You came in a blonde and you left a pumpkin. Never again! Trianon gets our vote for best color in the city. It may be easy to pass this cute space nestled on the end of Armitage Avenue, but once inside you’ll wonder how you could've missed it. No sooner had we walked in the door than we felt the immediate shift from urban rat to Marie Antoinette. The salon's product line, Davines, smells amazing and is extremely high-quality. The best part about Trianon is that they’ll let you know if a color won’t work with your skin tone. You'll leave with the richest, most gorgeous color you've had…well, ever. Trianon Salon, 1166 West Armitage Avenue (at Racine Avenue); 773-880-8401.
You came in a blonde and you left a pumpkin. Never again! Trianon gets our vote for best color in the city. It may be easy to pass this cute space nestled on the end of Armitage Avenue, but once inside you’ll wonder how you could've missed it. No sooner had we walked in the door than we felt the immediate shift from urban rat to Marie Antoinette. The salon's product line, Davines, smells amazing and is extremely high-quality. The best part about Trianon is that they’ll let you know if a color won’t work with your skin tone. You'll leave with the richest, most gorgeous color you've had…well, ever. Trianon Salon, 1166 West Armitage Avenue (at Racine Avenue); 773-880-8401.
2. Kelly Cardenas
If you’re anything like us, you don’t want to trek all over town just to get good hair. This hip Wicker Park salon, easily lost in the jungle of Akira stores, will give you the best of both worlds and have you leaving with the hair you’ve always dreamed of. The employees are edgy and incredibly enthusiastic about hair. Students of the Paul Mitchell school of thought, these stylists use the "it takes a village" approach. By the time you’re done, everyone including the owner will have helped shape your stunning new look. If only this salon had a nail bar, we’d never have to go anywhere else. Kelly Cardenas Salon, 1909 West North Avenue Chicago (at Wolcott Avenue); 773-342-4474.
If you’re anything like us, you don’t want to trek all over town just to get good hair. This hip Wicker Park salon, easily lost in the jungle of Akira stores, will give you the best of both worlds and have you leaving with the hair you’ve always dreamed of. The employees are edgy and incredibly enthusiastic about hair. Students of the Paul Mitchell school of thought, these stylists use the "it takes a village" approach. By the time you’re done, everyone including the owner will have helped shape your stunning new look. If only this salon had a nail bar, we’d never have to go anywhere else. Kelly Cardenas Salon, 1909 West North Avenue Chicago (at Wolcott Avenue); 773-342-4474.
3. Mixed Co. Salon
In keeping with River North tradition, this salon is on the pricier side of things. But sometimes in life you get what you pay for, and in this case, you pay for amazing services. If you’ve got some extra dough or just love to splurge on your hair a little, this spot is definitely worth it. Our favorite service (and current obsession) is Balayage. Also referred to as "ombre," Mixed Co. has this technique down pat. Of course, they wouldn’t sully your hair with anything other than Kerastase products, so rest easy. Indulge yourself in luxury from shampoo to blowout. Hair is important. Mixed Co. Salon, 22 West Erie Street (at Franklin Street); 312-929-2627.
In keeping with River North tradition, this salon is on the pricier side of things. But sometimes in life you get what you pay for, and in this case, you pay for amazing services. If you’ve got some extra dough or just love to splurge on your hair a little, this spot is definitely worth it. Our favorite service (and current obsession) is Balayage. Also referred to as "ombre," Mixed Co. has this technique down pat. Of course, they wouldn’t sully your hair with anything other than Kerastase products, so rest easy. Indulge yourself in luxury from shampoo to blowout. Hair is important. Mixed Co. Salon, 22 West Erie Street (at Franklin Street); 312-929-2627.
4. Salon Envy
Salon Envy’s previous location was nothing to be envious about. Originally located in a strip-mall on Clybourn Street, you would have driven by without noticing it unless you were stopping to get a Jamba Juice. Never fear, this diamond in the rough has officially moved to Halsted Avenue and is easily accessible by car or El. Envy is a waxing wonderland, and the best part is that if you subscribe to their online newsletter, you'll get amazing deals and discounts. Between us, we’ve never paid full price for a service, and that’s just the bare truth. Salon Envy, 2658 North Halsted Street (just south of Schubert Avenue); 773-880-5033.
Salon Envy’s previous location was nothing to be envious about. Originally located in a strip-mall on Clybourn Street, you would have driven by without noticing it unless you were stopping to get a Jamba Juice. Never fear, this diamond in the rough has officially moved to Halsted Avenue and is easily accessible by car or El. Envy is a waxing wonderland, and the best part is that if you subscribe to their online newsletter, you'll get amazing deals and discounts. Between us, we’ve never paid full price for a service, and that’s just the bare truth. Salon Envy, 2658 North Halsted Street (just south of Schubert Avenue); 773-880-5033.
Photo by Kevin Tanaka.
5. Fuga Centro
An impressive number of Chicago guys and gals spend their time in the Loop, and we're noticing that this teeny-but-packed section of our city offers some damn fine services to workerbees. Fuga Centro is a new salon that hopes to make you feel right at home, if your home is...you know, Italy. Don't let the Italian salon menu freak you out—think of it as a learning opportunity that leaves you looking really hot when it's over. Fuga Centro is full-service, so feel free to enjoy your cut and color with a side of mani/pedi. Fuga Centro, 8 South Michigan Avenue Suite 200 (at Madison Street) 312-332-3842.
An impressive number of Chicago guys and gals spend their time in the Loop, and we're noticing that this teeny-but-packed section of our city offers some damn fine services to workerbees. Fuga Centro is a new salon that hopes to make you feel right at home, if your home is...you know, Italy. Don't let the Italian salon menu freak you out—think of it as a learning opportunity that leaves you looking really hot when it's over. Fuga Centro is full-service, so feel free to enjoy your cut and color with a side of mani/pedi. Fuga Centro, 8 South Michigan Avenue Suite 200 (at Madison Street) 312-332-3842.