Chicago Hair Guide
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.
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.
