Chicago: Beauty, Barbers, & Wellness City Guide
Known for its vibrant arts scene and jaw-dropping skyline, Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwest and a bucket list vacation destination for many travelers. Located on the shore of scenic Lake Michigan, the city is known as the birthplace of deep dish pizza and the home of not one, but two Major League Baseball teams. Chicago is also famous for its rich musical tradition, as it played an important role in the development of jazz, blues, soul, and hip hop. Foodies, sports fanatics, and music lovers alike have plenty of reasons to love the Windy City. Whether you’re visiting Chicago, moving there for the first time, or a seasoned local, it never hurts to have a few beauty and wellness recommendations at your fingertips. We compiled a list of the highest-rated hair stylists, barbers, nail salons, and spas in the city, so that you can look and feel your best while you’re enjoying Chicago.
Table of Contents
Beauty
Hollibeauty Salon Studio
520 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 3, Phenix Salon Suites, Suite 119, Chicago, 60611
Hollibeauty Salon Studio in the Near North neighborhood of Chicago offers cut and coloring services, as well as salon services for men and bridal hairstyling. Megan, the owner and stylist, studied at the David Pressley School of Cosmetology in Detroit, and she worked at a variety of salons in Chicago and Detroit before deciding to open her own salon suite. Clients praise her talent with color, including blended color for a longer grow-out period. One client raved, “Her balayage is pure perfection! I… have not gotten mine touched up in about a year and a half.”
LOFT 24
1640 W. Division St., Salon Lofts, Loft 24, Chicago, 60622
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Loft 24 is a trendy salon suite owned and operated by Amanda and located in the heart of Wicker Park. It’s accessible by subway by taking the Division blue line to Ashland Avenue. Amanda specializes in coloring, including creative and corrective color services, and hair extensions. One client praised the space for Loft 24 for its clean, unique, and nice-smelling atmosphere, adding, “Amanda is super friendly and made me feel very welcome.” Another praised Amanda for her attentiveness, writing, “She listened to me and talked through the process with me, asking for my feedback along the way… [She] gave me the exact cut and color I wanted.”
Jessica Taylor @ Glam Studio 304
2150 S.Canalport Ave., Lacuna Lofts, 5-1a, Chicago, 60608
Jessica Taylor is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in natural hair, wigs, weaving, and custom coloring. Her salon suite is located at the Glam Studio 304 on the Lower West Side of Chicago. Jessica is popular with customers for her attention to detail and her talent with wigs, with one writing, “She is so sweet, kind, and knowledgeable,” and another declaring, “This girl is a genius in her craft.” One reviewer praised her as a “very talented Individual who … makes you feel comfortable and welcome and does an amazing job on hair!”
Nouveau Hair & Beauty Studio
1640 W. Division St., Loft 17, Chicago, 60622
Nouveau Hair & Beauty Studio is a bright, stylish salon location in the Wicker Park neighborhood. The stylists offer creative coloring services in pastels, bright neons, and more natural hues. One client praised the atmosphere of Nouveau, writing, “The salon is super trendy and really laid back. I love how welcoming everyone always is.” Others appreciate how attentive the stylists are, with one writing, “The stylists are thoughtful, and they listen to you! Lisa cut and styled my hair, and she did a fantastic job.”
The Curl Whisperer of Chicago
1507 S. State Street, Chicago, 60605
Stylist Starresha Renaé earned her nickname as the Curl Whisperer because she’s an expert at cutting curly hair. Clients rave about her ability to transform frizzy or lifeless curls into soft, bouncy, voluminous perfection. Many mention how knowledgeable Starresha is, noting that she doesn’t just cut her clients’ hair, but educates them as well, answering any questions they may have and offering advice on styling and choosing products for their hair type. Located in the Near South Side, the Curl Whisperer salon offers a warm, friendly, comfortable atmosphere to clients looking for a top-notch haircut.
Barbers
@MrOfficial /Official Cuts
10500 Southwest Hwy, Chicago Ridge, 60415
Mr. Official is the founder and owner of Official Cuts, a chain of four barbershops in the Chicago area. He’s also widely-known as one of the most talented beard specialists in the world. Clients in Chicago Ridge can visit his shop on Southwest Highway for haircuts and cleanups, eyebrow grooming, waxing, facial services, and beard or haircut enhancements. The shop boasts a five-star rating out of 177 reviews, with one client praising Mr. Official for his down-to-earth personality and the “respectful environment” of the shop. Another wrote, “Mr. Official is a master at his craft. Hands down this is the best haircut you could ever get. He makes you look and feel like a million dollars!”
Ruel Rockstar
1849 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60622
Ruel is a well-known barber who works out of a shop in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. His nickname “Ruel Rockstar” is well-earned, as Ruel writes, “I have a reputation for making sure that all of my clients look fresh and feel like rock stars before they leave my chair.” His customers appreciate the quality of his cuts, as well as the “great vibes” and attentive service. Many reviews mention the atmosphere of the barbershop, where the staff go out of their way to make clients feel comfortable. Ruel Rockstar offers elaborate cuts, including designs and fades. One review sums up how a lot of different client feel about his work: “Ruel is a magician with hair.”
Elegance Studio Chicago
23 W. Hubbard St., 3rd Floor, Chicago, 60654
Elegance Studio Chicago, located in the River North neighborhood, bills itself as a “one-of-a-kind barbershop,” featuring “the most professional barbers in Chicago, who can perform any kind of haircut and design.” The shop offers complimentary popcorn and drinks in a home theater lounge, so clients can relax before their appointment and parents can kick back while waiting for their kids to get their hair cut. Many reviews praise the “cool vibe” and professional atmosphere of the barbershop, with one customer writing that the “barbers are skilled, awesome, talented individuals.”
TEE @ Rockstar Barber Shop
1849 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60622
Tee is a friendly, talented barber who works out of the Rockstar Barber Shop in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Tee writes that he “loves to express himself with a pair of clippers and a straight razor blade.” Clients appreciate that Tee is prompt, professional, and provides great customer service. Others compliment the atmosphere of the store and Tee’s consistent work, with one customer writing that they received the “best cut I’ve gotten in a long time.”
Lorenzo @ Rockstar Barbershop
1849 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60622
Lorenzo, also located at the Rockstar shop in West Town, offers “upscale [barbering services] for gentlemen.” He offers a variety of different options to clients, including lining enhancements, eyebrow maintenance, shaves, graphics, tapers, haircuts, and beard trimming. Clients praise his attentive work and clean lines, with one customer writing, “Lorenzo really takes his time and makes sure he gives you the best cut. His blending skills are off the charts and he overall gave me the best haircut ever.” Another thanked Lorenzo and wrote, “[He] got me right for my birthday and had me feeling like a million dollars.”
Nails
Spifster Nails
2158 W. 18th Pl., Chicago, 60608
Spifster Nails, located on the Lower West Side, is the salon of Spifster Sutton, a nail technician known for her unique, elaborate designs that often incorporate a variety of patterns and overlays. Clients love her eye-catching creations and great company, with one writing that she’s “a rare gem… a great conversationalist and the best hands down on nails.” With an Instagram following of over 40,000 people, Spif offers one-of-a-kind nail art to her customers, and they respond with glowing reviews of her work: “The attention to detail is like no other! From the patience, passion, and just watching an artist in their zone is reason enough to get your nails done by Spif.” Another customer raves that her experience was “phenomenal in every single way! Her work is one of a kind.”
Jenilea
Logan Square, Chicago, 60647
Located in a comfortable, private studio in Bucktown, Jenilea offers gel and acrylic manicures, as well as “bespoke nail art for positive self-expression.” Clients praise her unique creations as well as the collaborative experience of working with her to get the perfect manicure. One reviewer writes that it “always feels like you’re working on something together, even though she’s the one providing the service.” Another writes, “Jenilea took my vague idea and crafted a beautiful, unique design.”
Zodiac Nails
5016 S. Campbell Ave, First Floor, Chicago, 60632
Zodiac Nails is a salon in Gage Park that’s owned by Maribel, a 24-year-old Latina nail artist, who’s been a licensed technician for three years. She offers a variety of designs and accents, as well as add-ons such as extra nail length, CBD pedicures, crystal accents, and a lavender and mint spa pedicure. One of her clients wrote, “[I] got a lot of compliments on my nails, and I was very happy with the results. Maribel took her time and she even recommended what would best fit best and made my nails look cute.” Another praised the durability of her manicure, writing, “I usually get acrylic … and they never break or lift. I’ve gotten compliments that they look natural!”
Susan’s Nail Studio
4235 S. Archer Ave., Studio, Chicago, 60638
Located in Brighton Park, Susan’s Nail Studio offers gel and acrylic services as well as classic manicures and pedicures. Susan is a certified nail educator with years of experience in nail art. She often incorporates delicate, feminine designs and fun accents into her manicures. Clients praised her speedy work, professional demeanor and clean environment. One wrote, “She’s such a sweetheart, and her work is great.” Another praised Susan, writing, “She takes her time with every detail to make sure that you are satisfied. It was worth every penny. I’m happy I decided to try a new nail salon.”
Luxuri Nails
2629 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60622
Located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Luxuri Nails is a clean, cozy studio with private rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. The nail studio offers gel and acrylic manicures and elaborate design add-ons, including marble manicures, stamping effects, and “bling” in the form of jewel and crystal accents. One client praised the technician, writing, “Xiomara was so wonderful and made my nails beautiful again.” Another raves about the quality of her manicure and the atmosphere of the studio, writing, “Myself and the staff have become extended family! My nails are always poppin because anything else would be uncivilized.”
Health & Wellness
VitalitySpa.Club
1905 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 60657
Located in the Bricktown neighborhood, Vitality Spa offers eyelash extensions, facials, chemical peels, and detox deep pore treatments in a clean, relaxing environment. Multiple clients praise the staff for their attentiveness, with one customer writing, “She truly listens to concerns and your skin background and explains the science behind the techniques and products she uses.”
Another praised the results of her treatment, writing, “Gala has magic in her hands and is very knowledgeable about the skin type and the products that she is using. Was definitely worth the visit. My face looks radiant and has a glow to it.”
Mitazi Salon
2433 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60614
Mitazi Salon is a chic, brick-walled salon in Park West that offers a variety of services, including manicures and pedicures, waxing, spray tans, massage, and facials. The salon aims to provide the highest level of professional care in a friendly atmosphere, and that effort is reflected in many of the salon’s reviews. Clients praise the “great atmosphere, nice staff,” and “polite and clean environment.” Customers also appreciate the speed and talent of staff, with one reviewer praising her technician, writing, “She is quick and does a wonderful job. The bonus is that [she] is an amazingly caring and smart person who is wonderful to talk to.”
SKYN STUDIO
2860 N. Broadway St., Suite 44, Chicago, 60657
Located in Chicago’s Lake View East neighborhood, Skyn Studio is a calming, relaxing medical spa that offers microblading, cosmetic tattoos, dermaplaning, and skin tightening services. One of their clients praised the staff, writing, “Kristen is a brow witch! [She worked] some serious magic on my brows!” This appreciation for the talent and service of the Skyn Studio staff is reflected in another review, when a customer wrote, “She is so well-informed, enthusiastic, helpful, and committed to her clients and their great results! What a great investment in personal appearance and youthful enhancement for me and my friends!”
GLAMRŪM
2860 N. Broadway, 2nd level, Suite 18, Chicago, IL, 60657
GLAMRŪM is a salon-spa that offers eyelash and hair removal services in the Lake View East neighborhood of Chicago. The company hopes to showcase each client’s unique beauty, and the clients appreciate their “professional, pleasant, and gentle” approach. One customer praised her lash technician, writing, “She was very careful, and even spent time removing and replacing old lashes applied from a different tech that were improperly applied … My lashes look great now!”
Salon1908 at Salon Lofts
2301 N. Clark St., Lofts 17 & 18, Chicago, 60614
Salon1908 is a multicultural, high-end salon in Lincoln Park that recently partnered with Salon Lofts. The company caters to a wide variety of hair textures and styling concerns, offering cut and coloring services, men’s grooming, hair removal, color removal, and facial treatments. Clients appreciate the relaxing environment and thorough, professional work of Stephanie, the stylist. One client praised Stephanie, writing, “She does such a great job figuring out what my hair needs and what products will work best with my texture and style.”
