How to Choose a Hair Salon in Chicago Using Real Portfolio Photos
Use reference photos to find a salon that matches your hair goals, then compare the location and booking details for your top choices.
Every image you see is a bookable style. Click any photo to view details and book an appointment with a stylist.
Finding the right salon in Chicago starts with a clear picture of what you want. A salon's portfolio is the best place to find examples of finished styles, but choosing a stylist requires more than just a pretty picture. This guide shows you how to use reference photos to shortlist salons based on your desired haircut or color. Once you have a few options, you can compare the practical details, like the salon's neighborhood and booking process, to make your final decision.
Find Your Desired Dimensional Color
From warm caramel to cool ash blonde, balayage and highlights can be customized. Use photos to identify the tones and highlight placement you prefer.
Portfolio examples from Lira Guzi Salon (River North), Arsova Salon (River North), Epoch Studio Salon (Wicker Park), Sine Qua Non Salons (West Town). Portfolios are a great tool for comparing different approaches to dimensional color. The examples below show a range of results, from soft, blended caramel tones to brighter, cooler blondes. Notice the different effects at two River North salons: the work from Lira Guzi Salon shows bronde waves, while Arsova Salon's portfolio includes a cooler blonde balayage. In West Town, the example from Sine Qua Non Salons shows a bronde color on layered hair. The photo from Epoch Studio Salon in Wicker Park illustrates a caramel and blonde blend on long waves. These finished looks don't show the starting hair color, so bring photos to your consultation that resemble your current hair and your goal.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- My hair currently looks like this. What is a realistic outcome for one appointment, and what would the process involve?
- What does the price for this color service include? Does it cover a toner, root melt, and final styling?
- Based on this goal, what is the maintenance plan for keeping the tone and health of my hair?
Best For:
- • Adding dimension without a dramatic single-process color change
- • Blending color for a softer grow-out
- • Customizing blonde, bronde, or caramel tones
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Discuss with your stylist how often you'll need to return for a toner to maintain the color and a trim to keep ends healthy.
Compare Textured and Layered Cuts
Shags, wolf cuts, and layered looks depend on your hair's natural texture. Look for examples that match your hair type, whether it's curly, wavy, or straight.
Portfolio examples from Sparrow (Logan Square), Sine Qua Non Salons (West Town), Epoch Studio Salon (Wicker Park), BangSalonChicago. The success of a textured cut relies on how it's adapted for your specific hair. The Sparrow portfolio in Logan Square includes a shag on naturally curly hair with bangs, which creates a distinct shape. The work from Sine Qua Non Salons in West Town shows layers on wavy hair for a softer, blended effect. Compare that with the long, subtle layers on straight hair from Epoch Studio Salon in Wicker Park. An even more textured look is the long wolf cut from BangSalonChicago, which features shorter, disconnected layers. When you find a photo you like, compare the model's hair texture and density to your own.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- How would you tailor this haircut for my hair density and growth patterns?
- What styling routine and products are needed to achieve this look at home?
- Can you show me other examples of this type of cut you've done on hair with a texture similar to mine?
Best For:
- • Creating volume and movement
- • Removing weight from thick hair
- • Enhancing natural curl or wave patterns
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Textured cuts may require more frequent trims to maintain their shape. Ask your stylist about the recommended upkeep for your specific cut.
Consider Different Types of Short Haircuts
Pixie cuts can range from soft and chic to textured and edgy. Reference photos help you communicate the exact shape and finish you're looking for.
Portfolio examples from Sparrow (Logan Square), Lira Guzi Salon (River North), Sine Qua Non Salons (West Town), BangSalonChicago. Even within a single category like the pixie cut, there are many variations. The photos below show four distinct takes on the style. At Sparrow in Logan Square, the example is a chic, dark-toned pixie with softer texture. Lira Guzi Salon in River North shows a highly textured platinum blonde pixie with more defined pieces. The look from Sine Qua Non Salons in West Town adds accents of fantasy color to a textured pixie. Finally, the example from BangSalonChicago is a copper pixie with blonde highlights and choppy layers. Use these visual differences to pinpoint the details that appeal to you.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- What is the day-to-day styling commitment for a cut like this on my hair type?
- How will this cut grow out, and what does the maintenance schedule look like to keep the shape?
- Are you more comfortable with scissor or razor techniques for this type of textured cut?
Best For:
- • A significant style change
- • Low daily styling time, but requires regular trims
- • Highlighting facial features
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Short haircuts require regular appointments to maintain their shape. Ask your stylist for a personalized recommendation based on how fast your hair grows.
Consultation and Booking Tips
Ask Who Created the Look
A salon's portfolio showcases the work of all its stylists. If you love a specific photo, ask which stylist created it to ensure you book with the right person for that look.
Get a Clear Quote
Salon pricing can vary. For example, the sites for Sine Qua Non Salons and BangSalonChicago note that prices change based on stylist level and service details. The Lira Guzi Salon site specifies that its balayage service includes a toner. Always ask for a full quote and confirm what it includes before the service begins.
Match Your Starting Point
When choosing a reference photo, find one where the person's hair before the service (if available) looks similar to your current hair in color, texture, and length. This gives the stylist a better idea of the transformation required and helps them set realistic expectations.
Before You Book Your Chicago Appointment
1. Shortlist Salons by Style
Browse portfolios and save a few images of your desired result. Pay attention to which salons consistently produce work that matches your aesthetic. Note the salon name and its neighborhood, like River North, Wicker Park, Logan Square, or West Town.
2. Verify the Address and Plan Your Trip
Once you have a shortlist, check the salon's current address. For instance, the Epoch Studio Salon site advises clients to use their North Avenue address, not an old one that may appear in rideshare apps. Use the CTA trip planner to check the real-time commute for your potential appointment time to make sure it's convenient.
3. Book a Consultation
A consultation is the most important step. Bring your reference photos—including pictures of your current hair—and be ready to discuss your goals, budget, and maintenance routine. This conversation ensures you and your new stylist are on the same page.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.