An amazing gem in the west loop. A collection of ARTISTS who know hair ! The owner is responsive professional and knows how to actually run a business and do hair! Love ! I moved to the burbs so its tough to get back as often my son swears by it! read more

Those of us with curly hair probably have just accepted that there are no stylists out there for us. We are quite used to being discriminated against for presenting a challenge during appointments with simply having the kind of hair we do, and have a horror story or maybe five about treatment issued to us in salons. I found Rori on naturallycurly.com. She had excellent reviews, and it had been a year since my last big girl hair cut, or one that was not in a family friend's basement. I decided to give it a chance, since my waist length curls were collapsing under their own weight and I had no spring. Rori turned out to be one of the coolest people I have ever had the fortune of meeting. But her being an incredible, beautiful, down to earth zen goddess who makes you feel like you are in her home from the tea to the music, still isn't what makes this place get five stars. She made my hair look like Botticelli painted it. Not only did she listen to what I was asking for, she intuitively knew how far to take it, approached my hair like an artist by focusing on the overall flow of the haircut, and wanted to coax the romance out of it into the haircut. Even if I didn't specify anything, she would have already understood. She cut my hair wet and then once more after she'd diffused it dry to tailor the curls to frame my face. She went step by step on everything she was doing, explaining steps for care and maintenance without once making me feel like my hair was anything but a treasure. And when it came time to pay, she did not push forty products at me and and sneer when I didn't opt in, like most places. She did tell me the name of the mousse and leave in conditioner she used and told me she bet I could find it somewhere cheaper (!). I left with a head full of spring glory, not believing my luck. If you have curly hair, you are safe in the hands of this amazing woman. I'm sure the same goes for every other type of hair too. Book now for springy glory. read more

Beauty Mark Salon - Springy glory - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

spotless and fair priced fast service. Support Traci and her team for a truly urban hair experience.

I like to think of beauty marks as charming and lovable surprises that one only finds when one is patient, attentive and persistent. They are hidden behind a knee, delicately placed at the base of the neck or concealed in a remote spot nobody knows about. Beauty Mark - the salon - is exactly the same. It is not a trendy, right-in-your-face place. Quite the contrary my friends. It is a wonderful little place (one room, two chairs, one wash station) situated in the back of a wonderful red brick building. No sign to lead you there. It is a secret for the happy few in the know. Don't be afraid to climb the 6 steps and ring the bell. You will be rewarded. Once inside I had the most satisfactory and valuable two hours of my hair life. Rori walked me through my indecision, put some sun in my curls, used scissors and razor and let me leave with a nice wavy mane, totally smitten. So smitten that for the first time in my life I may come back again and again and endlessly let her work her magic. The hair experience in itself was not life-transforming - for the first time I went the safe way - but I love the cut she gave me, the highlights are spot on. I now trust her to do WHATEVER she wants of me. But more than that Rori is an incredible person who came to hair to "touch" people in all possible ways , who talks with passion about her travels in Bali and the Easter Island and just brings happiness in your day. Her positive energy is so contagious that I left her enchanting place with a big smile on my face and a myriad of projects to think about. Being touched by such radiance is even more precious than finding the "comb" of your life. How lucky for me that I found both on the same day. read more

Predicament: Hairstylist out on maternity leave. (Julia R, Hairitics...congrats!) Reaction: Fret. She's the only stylist/colorist I've been faithful to. (10 months!) Yelp Search: Hair Salon, Chicago. First Result: Beauty Mark, all 5-stars. First Thought: Where is this place? Realization: Hidden gem! Perusal: Read many 5-star raves, even from close Yelp friends. Follow-through: Appointment made with Rori, via email. (takes a few days) Result: Pretty damn good! Location: 1304 Washington, it's in a seemingly residential building between Ada and Throop streets. Walk up the stairs, and buzz Beauty Mark, they are located right on the first floor. Street parking is relatively easy in the evening (watch out, some side streets are permit, most aren't), but may get tricky during the day with a multitude of West Loop workers flooding the area. There is a pay lot (mechanic shop) just east on Washington that is about $5 (cash only), short walk. Green line is walking distance, though it's 6 blocks at least. Don't wear heels! Setting: Cute 'n quaint, funky 'n spunky. It's an old, vintage building with all the touches. My kind of place. Comfortable, non-pretensious. It's a small salon (two stylists), but the vibe is stylin'. No rushing around, great music (XM Coffeeshop makes for a very lovely haircutting vibe, I must say), eccentric trinkets. No cold factory-esque salon people, all dressed in black with harsh red lips and asymmetrical bobs unfit for the real world. None of that. In fact Rori (who I now adore) sports dreads to her waist and an old soul full of stories, wisdom...and a fresh face. Seriously. She's great. Cut: FANTASTIC. It's been almost 4 weeks, and it actually keeps getting...better? Yes, better. Funnily enough, I HAVE an asymmetrical bob...but fit for the real world. Rori is a sculpter of hair, a wizardress with the scissors. I feel very confident going back...she's got a great eye, and whips up a wonderful head of hair. Color: This is the ONLY part that gets docked a star...though I LOVED the color when I left (rich red), it faded within a few days, and despite a few applications of toner, I could not get it to stick. Finally, I resorted to "red-in-a-box" which has proved quite beneficial. However, for the price tag I would've really wanted more than a week's worth of hair color. I realize it's not always possible to predict how color will hold, though...and do not hold Rori responsible for my hair's inability to commit to this reddish color I had been forcing upon it. Just think its noteworthy. Total price: $160 for cut, color, blowdry and tip. They do NOT take credit cards, but do take cash and checks. Be prepared! Overall: Would definitely come back for a cut...will be more careful with the color (expressing what I really need out of it), and would send anyone to Rori. She's great. She's gone for the month of February in Indonesia, but I suggest you call if you are looking for a great 'do. Appointment only. read more

Once again, I am faced with a review I don't want to write. I don't want to share the enchanting hour I had with Miss Traci. I want to covet the grand hallway in an unmarked location that leads into an oasis of girly, unpretentious delight. Everything happens inside a wonderful room with buckets of natural light and plenty emanating from Traci herself. She's a sunbeam, for sure. While I gave her minimal direction (I trust artists implicitly, even if it's licentious), we got down to business on who we are, where we're from and where we're going. The whole experience was spirited and genuine. I feel like getting this satisfaction from a salon is somewhat blasphemous but, I'm officially a follower. The coterie that has found Beauty Mark won't be so exclusive for long. Charming, enchanting and a GREAT cut. I'm enamored. read more

I would love to give Rori 5 stars, she was very nice, however she gave me the worst haircut of my life. After all of the 5 star reviews I was expecting competence at the very least. I should have paid more attention to the reviewers who gave her lower ratings and commented on her lack of precision, they were right! Setting my appointment was a breeze! The experience at the salon was nice. Rori is very sweet, the salon is pretty and has a personal touch. My hair looked conservative, but decent, when I walked out the door. It had been cut, "styled", and blown dry with a round brush so it was curled under a bit. I have a bob... looks simple, deceptively difficult. She was very quick to cut it, no attention to detail and I knew walking out the door I would not be back, but I had NO IDEA how bad it really was. I washed it, blew it dry and straightened it the next day. It was a full half inch longer on the left! It also looked like someone had gotten ahold of it with safety scissors, there wasn't one straight edge on my entire cut, it was chunky. I am not talking about texture chunky either, I am talking about "I tried to cut my own hair when I was 5" chunky. I had to go to another salon and get it fixed. My new stylist exclaimed, "Oh my god, what happened to the back of your hair?!" I can't even imagine... My bangs had also been butchered and actually cut rounded (high above the center of my nose, long and wispy by my cheekbones) making my eyes look too close together and my jaw huge. I am still waiting for the sides of my bangs where she cut them too wide to grow out. My new cut thankfully allows for and hides this... Rori was inexpensive, yes. Would I recommend getting a haircut from her? Absolutely not. read more

FANF*CKINGTASTIC!!!! That's really all I can say. Rori is a gem. I have had the hardest time finding a stylist that I like in the 9 years I've been in the city. I've been comtemplating trying this place out for awhile but I was too chicken and kept driving up to Lakeview to my old stylist. Well not anymore. I have found my person, finally!!!!! Like everyone says this is unlike any salon I've been to. There's no snotty receptionist looking you up and down. There no 19 year old there to wash your hair and not speak. And there's no weird small talk about the weather. Rori has gorgeous dreads to about the middle of her back and makes jewelry on the side (also gorgeous). No one is pushing you to buy bumble and bumble or aveda or any other product for that matter. I f*cking love this place. The place is small, 2 chairs and one sink. Rori sat me down and we talked about what I wanted and didn't want. She explained what she thought I should do and then busted out pictures. You can tell she's really trying to make you happy. During the cut she doesn't ask you generic questions about your life or talk about your plans for the weekend. She talks about real shit like you've been friends for ages. And she's got amazing stories....she's totally the type of stylist I'd want to drink wine with and get hammered. I just hope all these rave reviews don't make it impossible for me to get back in next time. :) read more

Don't be fooled by my photo (in which I'm wearing a wig). I'm actually a girl with very curly hair. In general I've found that I need a hairstylist that also has curly hair so that they *get* it. I've had success with a number of folk that I've found on yelp, but it's always a super expensive ($120+) venture - so haircuts can't be a regular thing. (Instead, I grow it out and braid it back). Fast forward: My hair is stupid long and I'm sick of it. A friend recommends Traci at Beauty Mark. Granted - this friend has straight hair, but says they know that Traci does curly well. You know what? It's just hair - I'll try it. BEST. DECISION. EVER! I cannot say enough good things about this experience. Beyond the fact that Traci is extremely friendly and fun, she really knew her way around some curls! This is the first time I've left a salon feeling good - not just about my cut, but also about the way my hair was styled! (With other stylists, I can tell it's a good cut but I'm not happy until I go home, rinse, and restyle). So for the first time, I cut off a huge amount of hair (enough that Traci offered to donate it to charity) and didn't feel sad about it being gone! I've got beautiful curls that frame my face, while still having a shape and structure that looks edgy (as requested) - and it only takes me 10 minutes to deal with in the morning. Traci seemed to be having fun the whole time, and it was infectious. She also gave me a lot of advice on products (not trying to sell me on stuff in the shop, but specifically giving me names to go look for at Ulta - in a variety of price ranges). And the whole experience ended up costing about half of what I'd normally end up paying at other salons. I've found my new place! Don't be scared if the front looks like a spa/eyebrow threading place - just head on in and to the back. Traci will take good care of you. read more

I have been going to Rori at Beauty mark for over 5 years and I so look forward to coming in every 6-8 weeks for many reasons. I have had my hair long, short, wavy, straight, red, dark brown and highlighted golden. Not only is it a perfect experience every time, Rori has talked me out of some bad hair decisions and definitely helped correct a bad home dye job. There is literally nothing this woman can't do! She is very precise about the way each and every piece of hair lays and take the time to listen to the problem areas. The products are very gentle on your hair and you will will surely get compliments from strangers on your newly created style and/or color. I do. In fact I found Rori by asking a girl in a store who cuts her hair. Oh... did I mention she was cool too! Rori is very good to her customers and works around your schedule so if the online calendar is booked try giving them a call. I hope you enjoy your visit with Rori as much as I do! read more

Beauty Mark is the "speak easy" of high quality Chicago hair salons. Walking by it from the outside, you wouldn't even know a salon of this caliber existed inside. I've been going here for two years, "cheating" only twice - both times I was away and desperate for a cut. Hey, you know us Italian guys, we have great hair and we keep it looking fresh. Got that? :-) Well, Rori and Tracy keep me looking like a million bucks. They're prices are more than reasonable for the high quality of work. Rori is my regular stylist but Traci gave me a cut once too while Rori was away. They are both extremely talented stylists who are also just mad cool and down to earth people. I'm at the point in my stylist-client relationship with Rori where I go in and say, "Rori, you have total control over my hair. Do whatever you think will look great." And it always does. That's Beauty Mark. read more

I've been a fickle client of Twisted Scissors for a couple of years now. Mostly because the price is pretty decent and it's super laid back. Oh, and the hair wash is to die for. But lately, I've been feeling pretty "Meh" about how I look when I leave. Not to mention, it's stupid far away for me to travel to without a car. So, I decide to bite the bullet and pay a little more and branch out on a search for a dedicated stylist that will really listen to what I want. I'd been mentally bookmarking Beauty Mark Salon for some time now and decided to take the hint from all the sparkling reviews. The online reservation system was easy and straightforward. I was able to secure a Saturday afternoon appointment with Rori just a few weeks out. As others have mentioned, it's not your typical salon building, it's in a room in a large house. The room is cozy and welcoming, as are the stylists. Rori is cool and hip and super friendly, you'll totally feel at ease. She took lots of time to study the pictures that I brought, asking me questions and making suggestions. And the end result? Super cute pixie cut, exactly as I imagined it! The boyfriend liked it so much he practically meowed. I'll update to give it the full 5 stars after I've been there more than once and things stay consistent. I'm sure that they will! read more

Thanks to yelp I discovered this salon and Rori! And it's walking distance from my place! Woo hoo! Rori is fun and so very talented. You can tell she truly loves what she does and it shows in your hair cut! She's not scissor happy either which is always a plus! Street parking is available and easy. Not too pricey and never have to wait long! read more

I darkened my blond hair to a darker blond over the winter. Recently I decided I wanted to go blond again but knew it would be impossible to do myself. I searched around for a salon via the web and came across reviews for this one. I'm glad I went, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was unique. I saw Traci and she was cautious about bleaching my entire head which was a good thing. She highlighted it heavily and my hair is fabulous. The ladies there are really nice and friendly. The prices are reasonable and they definitely know what they are doing. I look forward to returning again in 8 weeks to get my touch up! read more

Wow. Rory is one of the best hairstylists I have ever been to. She did an amazing job fixing my color that another salon had botched. I don't know what kind of color Rory used, but it barely smelled and is the best color I've ever had. You know how stylists always hand you a bunch of cosmopolitan magazines to go read while your sit with color in your hair? Not Rory. She actually hung out with me while we waited and we talked about traveling. She pulled out a National Geographic and we looked at the pictures. Amazing! Also, she recommended some great products but didn't try to sell me anything! To top it off, she new instinctively at the end that I would not want my hair ironed stick straight. I hate it when stylists just assume that we all want the straightening iron! Rory played up my bit of wave and gave me a loose, tossled blow dry. She is wonderful for helping you customize your look! read more

Just tried this a couple weeks ago after I just moved to the area. I'm with the other ladies on these reviews, I'm afraid by giving it a great review it'll get too busy for me to make an appointment. The atmosphere is great, I was a little skeptical walking into an old house but it was pretty awesome. The salon itself is really unique and has a lot of personality. Traci was great with the suggestions and I'll definitely be back again. read more

Since moving to Chicago 6 years ago, I've hopped from salon to salon and stylist to stylist, but I think I've found one to stick with Rori at Beauty Mark. On my first visit, I went from Blonde to Red and Rori made sure that we didn't pick something that I would regret (in fact everyone thinks I'm naturally a red head and that I'd been dying my hair blonde!) My test for stylists is to ask them how they think I'd look best and, in the past, they've all cut my hair in the same feathered bob that frames my face well but not my personality. Rori talked to me about my tastes in fashion, interest, etc and she even noticed that I play with my hair a lot (in the 10 minutes I waited while she was finishing up another client's hair). The haircut she chose (and the color) seemed like it came from someone who knew me. She's a keeper! read more

Traci is fantastic and she is NOT for woman only. Seriously - she will makes your barber look like a child cutting paper. she knows how to make your hair fit your face and your personality. thank you..... read more

I had had the same stylist in since I was 10 years old and I always waited to go back home to get my hair cut...not many people can cut Asian hair well. I have had some not so great experiences in the Chicago area but after reading multiple reviews praising Rori, I decided to go to Beauty Mark. It was a great decision as Rori was completely professional, gave me her honest opinion on what to do with my hair, and gave me the best haircut since I've gotten to Chicago. A random stylist even commented on how he loved my haircut about two months after Rori cut it...she is awesome! Definitely 5 stars. read more

What a great experience!! Recently I made a rash hair decision and decided to get a spur of the moment trim, which turned out to be an absolute hair massacre!! I was given Rori's name by a friend and immediately called in my distress. She got me in within days, making plans to stay late for me. At this point anything was better than my post-massacre look which my brother compared to "a bad Halloween mullet wig." Rori exceeded any expectations I could have had. She was calming, sweet, and made me feel at peace just by stepping foot in the salon. She listened to what I wanted and remedied my bad hair cut. Not to mention great music and a wonderful cup of tea. She explained to me how to best style my new look and gave me great product recommendations. I would recommend Rori and the Beauty Mark Salon to anyone, any day of the week! Look out for Rori's new yoga studio! read more

I had been going to a very trendy Wicker Park salon for many years. I loved my stylist and colorist, but their prices kept going up and I was freaked out by how much money I was spending there. I had been looking for a more reasonable place in my West Loop neighborhood for quite a while, but I had never heard about Beauty Mark until a read about it on Yelp. Rori is, as so many people have described her here, a warm person who is fun to talk to and seems to have an instinctive sense of just what kind of haircut to give you. I have had many complements on my hair and color since I've been going there. Even my cousin in Detroit, who always hates my hair, loved it when I visited her last month. read more

Rori is awesome. She listens to what you want. She is great at color and cuts. Your not going to walk out of there with a cut you cant manage when you get home. You also arent going to walk out of there looking like some over made/ over hairsprayed person. There is also no pushing product or services. It is an extremely comfortable enviroment. Its just like going to your friends house to hang out, talk and by the way get a great haircut and highlight at a totally reasonable price. read more

I give the salon, the stylist, and my hair 5 stars. I began my relationship with Rori about 2 years ago when I moved to Chicago. There is no such thing as cheap haircuts or highlights in Chicago, but Rori's fees were manageable and worth it. Rori is a very friendly woman who is alot of fun. She will always offer you tea and some organic snack. She'll also let you bring booze if you'd like. She always knows what I'm trying to ask for and can usually explain it better. She gets my highlights right every time. Last summer I had to stop getting my hair highlighted because I couldn't afford it. She was able to lower my highlights so that they were very close to my natural color and they grew out flawlessly. Recently, the highlights have summoned me back to her. I asked her to go easy on the highlights so I'd have freedom to maintain them as often (or as little) as I like, and she did it wonderfully. I also love that she spoils me with sweet-nothings about my hair, which I'm sure she does with everyone :) The salon is very small and cozy. Like many people on here, I like that because it is more personal. She's getting a little too popular these days, but she always does her best to fit you in when she can. So if you can't get an appointment, call the salon or email her. Also, come with cash or check. They don't accept cards. On my first visit, she allowed me to run to an atm down the block and come back. How awesome is that?! read more

I love this place. It's not pretentious or overpriced, which is rare in this part of the city. It's a really relaxed atmosphere, and Rori has always done an amazing job cutting my hair. She's really fun to talk to too. read more

I love Rori! I found Rori on yelp a few years ago, and have gone to her religiously since. I'm someone with "trust" issues when it comes to who I let touch my hair. I've had friends refer me to hair stylists, and I ended up disappointed and unhappy with the result. Rori is the first stylist I've found in Chicago that is 1. amazingly talented at what she does, 2. genuine and easy to talk to, and 3. reasonably priced. The list goes on, but you get the idea. ;) Not only can Rori envision a look and style, she can deliver. It's like she reads my mind and gives me exactly what I had envisioned. Rori adds dimension to my hair without taking off too much length, and goes light on the product, giving me the natural look I love using all organics. Rori doesn't push you to buy expensive products off her shelf, but rather gives natural styling tips that won't break your bank. Rori is a true artist in all senses of the word. Not only can the girl cut hair like the pros, she designs Ireations jewelry (see her stuff at http://ireations.com/) and teaches private yoga sessions. Rori has to be one of the coolest people I know, I'm lucky to have her as my stylist!! You have the ability to book appointments online, but if Rori is booked solid and I really need a cut, I'll just send her a quick text and she'll get me in no problem. Rori will always make time for her clients. I've never had to wait more than a week for a cut... my last appt. was a Friday night at 6:45 pm! Rori puts her clients first (unlike the 9-5 salons), you have to respect that. The salon is located in the West Loop near Ada and Washington, street parking is easy and free... bonus! Trust me when I say this... Rori is one of the best, and will not disappoint. If you can find someone out there better than her, let me know, but so far I haven't had one person prove me wrong. read more

This is a hard review for me because not only did I want this place to be fantastic, I liked the owner and what they had going on. Worse, I was so desperate to find a colorist I really trusted and could rely on, I didn't even want to believe that my hair color was so mediocre. The name Beauty Mark appealed to me, because I am a sucker, I wanted to keep using the same brand of dye my last colorist used (they use Redken products) and, on the phone, Traci seemed totally cool and really wanted to do a good job. I think these are all good signs. After a two hour trek on CTA (2 trains and a bus!) to get here (I will cross mountain, sea and chicago buses for a fierce dye job), I stood outside the building, which I recognized from the Yelp pictures, but didn't think it could be that apartment building with some old handymen smoking outside, guarding the door. After looking lost and a little bit unsettled by the otherwise deserted street, I finally asked the old men if there was a hair salon inside. After ten seconds of the men staring at me, one slowly got up and unlocked the door. I found the door to the salon (straight back) and surprised Traci, since I didn't buzz in. The salon is about the size of my bedroom, with a large closet where the supplies are kept. I wish my closet was that big. We talked, I gave painstakingly specific instructions on my hair, showed her a picture of the otherworldy handiwork of my lover in LA who did my hair before the big move to the midwest, and we got started. I was really emphatic about the lack of blue in the hair. I wanted it very warm, a level 7 with no blue. That purple-y red that does not exist in nature is my greatest fear in life, after being trampled, of course. And I had a picture of my hair. She created a concoction of 3 shades, and I waited. Normally, the color oxidizes to almost orange. This time it was oxidizing pink. Since it was the same brand of dye I've used for a couple years, I knew this couldn't be a good sign, but I kept thinking good thoughts. Besides a quick hair cut for the next door neighbor, I was the only one in the salon the whole time (Rori was on vacation), and Traci dyed my eyebrows while I waited, and we chatted about everything from college, to Russia, to her experience at a Yelp event, to her stints on reality tv. Good times. By this time it was late afternoon, and the great, giant windows in the room were good, except the afternoon glare made it hard to see exactly how the color was when it was done. She blew dry my hair, not the greatest of blow outs, sadly, and my hair was more of a level 6 than a 7, definitely had that terrifying, purple tone in it, of which I am terrified, but I really couldn't see it that well because the lighting was rather spotty. I want to stress Traci really did want me to be satisfied, and told me to come back if I didn't think enough of the purple washed out after a couple washings. Still in denial that it was anything than perfect, I wrote her a check (no cards), and began my epic journey back home. The single process took just over two hours and cost $100, which is about the same as the larger, fancier salons downtown. On the bus/train rides home, I did that really awesome, subtle photographing of myself with my phone, and began that painful process of realizing that the hair color was less than fierce. As it turned out, the roots were really hot, and the color didn't seem to take evenly, and as it faded, the warmer, coppery color came out in some places and the terrible bluish red stayed in others. Also, I guess there wasn't enough dye on my brows, because only every three hairs were red, and the rest were the ashy, light brown god cursed me with. It wasn't a nightmare (not like that time I got an accidental mullet), but it was mediocre at best. Although Traci offered for me to go back, I was honestly kind of scared, and since i was going back to LA for a visit anyways, I ran back into the arms of my beloved Paul at Louis Licari and he made it all better. I think the idea of the place is great and I wish more salons had the vibes of Beauty Mark, I just don't recommend getting red color there. I would give my color two stars, and the experience five. read more

My last yelp experience wasn't that good--so I was somewhat anxious about putting all my itty-bitty short hair in the hands of another person I found via some reviews of strangers. I mean, I have super short hair and when it's not done right you can't very well go to someone else and say "Fix It"--there's no hair there to fix it with--so you're just screwed. But my appointment with Rori approached and I looked forward to finding someone I can call my own new hair stylist. I was the first appointment of the day, so the salon was quiet. I brought pictures of hair styles I liked, and some that I didn't, and we discussed what should happen with the cut. This woman knows how to cut! Scissors and razor were used to get a precise cut that doesn't look hard. Shape was just what I asked for. I will definitely be back. If you are looking for a fancy-schmancy salon with lots of dressed-in-black employees, beautiful locker rooms, and pushy products sales pitches, this is not your place. But if you want an amazing haircut, go to Rori. When I woke up the next day, my hair looked the same as it did when I went to bed. If you have really short hair you know that's a really, really good sign of a good haircut. read more

been going to this salon for years now!!!! located in a historic building...........AND has great stylists!! I personally go to Rori De Leon....as does my mother. Rori knows asian hair, btw. I've been complimented MANY times on my hair by perfect strangers!! read more

I was somewhat skeptical when I walked into this salon--there is no sign, and the salon is essentially two chairs in a room in an old victorian house tucked away in the West Loop. Rori, my stylist, has waist length dreadlocks--not what you'd typically think of when you go to someone who highlights, cuts and styles hair. However, the experience I had was awesome. First of all, she offered me Yogi tea (instead of the usual crap coffee or costco brand tea you get at many salons) and even took a moment to point out the sage words on the tea label. When I told her what I wanted, she actually pulled out a book full of pictures of haircuts she'd been collecting--celebrities, pictures from magazines, pictures of past clients, etc, and then pointed out a few that were EXACTLY what I wanted. Then, when she finished cutting my hair (after great, and interesting, non-typical salon conversation) it turned out to be just what I wanted, and to boot, she did amazing color! The whole thing cost me $150, which for a precision cut and color in Chicago seems pretty fair to me. Loved it! read more

Rori, Rori, Rori...this lady is my sister AND hairstylist...a visit to her is a guaranteed adventure...

Having just moved to the West Loop one of the first things on my agenda was to find a great place to get my hair cut. Yes, I'm a guy - but I'm extremely picky about who cuts my hair so I did a bit of research and came across Beauty Mark. Let me back track for a second. For a few years I have been going to Sarah at Milios (who is fucking awesome) - but having moved from the Loop (red line access) to the West Loop (not so much), it no longer became even semi-convenient for me to head up North for my cuts every couple of weeks. I think to best describe Beauty Mark, I need to put it into perspective, relative to Milios (which is a much more well known place in Chicago than Beauty Mark) Lets say that Milios is like Crobar circa 2001. It's loud, its fun, the clientele includes just about every different type of person you can imagine. It's the kind of place that you go to knowing you'll have a good time but not sure what to expect when you venture in. Maybe you'll walk out with blue hair and a pocket full of xtc or maybe you won't even want to tell anyone that is where you went. It's the kind of place where you kinda want to know someone because you don't want to end up sitting in the wrong person's chair. It's not exclusive, but it has history and that makes for a good night out. Or, a good haircut. Beauty Mark is pretty much the exact opposite. Let's say you went to Crobar in 2001 and had a really long night and ended up at someone's house for an after hours party. But, not your typical after hours party. More like an after party that you try describe to your friends a few days later but really aren't able to put it into words. Maybe there was a pot smoking monkey. Maybe there was an old asian woman doing tai chi on the balcony. Maybe you met your soul mate but lost their phone number because maybe they didn't even exist. Maybe the following weekend when you go out you want to take your friends to this place but even though you know the address, your cab driver rides around for 30 minutes and still can't find it and everyone with you thinks you're a liar. That's Beauty Mark. I know where it is, but I'd be hard pressed to be able to tell you exactly how to get in. Luckily when I arrived, someone was leaving the building. Oh yeah - the haircut. Rori was the shit. read more

I was scared to come here at first. Since the last haircut i received was awful. I like funky hairstyles you know were one side is short, the other long and parts in between different size's stylist don't understand that and make it either all the same size or a horrible look. I love love love Rori, she is awesome! She understood what i meant and gave some hints on what would go well and what would not and why... i love that! Definitely will be back read more

I left Beauty Mark Salon today feeling refreshed and happy, like I just woke up from a nap. I can always tell when I'm having a good hair experience by how much i almost nod off during the cut and color because of the relaxing energy. Rori cut and highlighted my hair, she seemed to have a vision of the way my hair should be, I'm always up for letting the professional make the final decisions, and I'm really happy with the outcome. I just moved to Chicago from SF so it's a relief to find Rori, especially since the location is just a short walk from my apartment! Major bonus. Plus the salon is located in this incredibly beautiful historic building, beautiful flower garden out front. Very charming, looking forward to returning in a couple of months read more

Traci is AWESOME........... I just left her new gorgeous salon and here's the experience I had. Traci gave me some wonderful advice on top of the style that I found. She took the time to review the style, asking me to email it in advance: nice! Her thoughtful approach to my need for a very, very upscale ball was wonderful. Clearly, she has impeccable technical skills, no question. What is wonderful on top of that is her fantastic demeanor, listening carefully too all my hair challenges and creatively consulting on the approach we should take. SO HAPPY that I had to yelp about it! I am not someone who cares to sit online all day babbling in a pseudo copywriter style. I wanted to share a real experience with an exceptional stylist. read more

I had an appointment for a haircut and color with Rori. She was very sweet and personable. The cut was fine, btw I have very curly hair. She didn't cut too much off so that was fine. I just had some layering done. The cut looks ok. The styling and coloring is a whole other story. She styled my hair in ringlets by wrapping my hair around her fingers and sitting my under a drying. The style was awful. I just ended up putting my hair in a bun. She also forgot I wanted my hair colored so she rushed and the hair color is nothing close to what I wanted. I guess my expectations were a little high from all the great reviews. I would not recommend this place or be going back. This is exactly the reason I usually cut and color my own hair. read more

Rori is a long hair advocate for sure! She did an excellent job thinning out my mop and triming as little as possible!

I went to four salons asking for what I thought was a simple thing -- cool, pale blonde highlights; my hair is a dark, ashy blonde. Each salon gave me brassy, buttery yellow hair. Then I found Traci here at Beauty Mark and no one else will ever touch my hair again. I have these incredible near platinum highlights (and healthy hair, too)! She also gave me the best cut of my life. I have curly hair and, while I've gotten compliments on my hair itself before (always when it was really long), I have never, until I started seeing Traci, gotten a single compliment on my haircut. Now I get them all the time. She's amazing and I love her ... and you will, too! read more

I've been going to Beauty Mark Salon since it opened. Both Traci and Rori are excellent stylists and color experts. They are especially helpful if you only have a vague idea of what you might want. read more

I had the worst experience here a few years ago. They were very friendly, but gave me the most horrendous haircut that left my hair frizzy and uneven. It took 2 additional haircuts and several months of growing my hair out to get it human-looking again. read more

This is the worst salon I've ever been to. Rory used terrible tactics to cut my hair. My long, gorgeous, silky hair was a lopsided frizz ball by the time she was done. I had no idea my hair could look that bad. I had to go to a competent person to get it fixed, and then wait for it to grow back. Yes, she's super cheap, but the price is still expensive for her skill level. I've never been so appalled. read more