I am shocked by the bad reviews here. I have been going to Sadaf for many years and get great cuts and exquisite color. Sadaf works with me to tailor the color if I am in the mood to mix it up, and she has creative ideas about cutting my hair according to its characteristics. The vibe is always relaxed. read more

Well, I should have listened to my intuition... I went shopping for a salon in the highland Park, Highwood area. I wasn't looking for anything fancy, just something that wasn't a chain. When I initially went in to blow by blow (what a stupid name btw), they're pricing seemed ridiculous, and they seemed pushy. It was 80.00 for a haircut and 80.00 for a color treatment. I decided to give them a chance any way because the woman making appointments was extremely kind and helpful. Color: I went in wanting something different for summer, but not crazy. The stylist had 0 creativity and 0 patience and pushed me to a color of her choosing -surprise surprise, it was my natural color, exactly. Also, she only dyed the top of my hair, then did something they call a shine treatment, which seemed like plain old conditioner. I told the stylist I expected a full color treatment, and wanted to make sure I'd have the same color root to tip. She said I was wrong and shouldn't question her professionalism. When they dried my hair, I showed her that the tips of my hair were definitely not the same color as my roots. Instead of fixing it, she argued with me for 5 minutes, then insisted that she knew what she was doing and my hair looked good to her. I didn't want to risk having my hair completely ruined by an angry stylist, so I didn't push any further. Haircut: I showed my stylist a picture of exactly what I wanted and told her exactly what I didn't want. . She again said she knew better than me and said that the picture of what I wanted was the style I didn't want. She dried my hair with no product, parted my hair differently than I do for the dry haircut, argues with me for every point from length to style, keeps me.away from the mirror until it's too late to tell her that everything is 100% wrong. Ugh, I want to cry. I've grown my hair out for 2 years only to have someone hack away at it. I can't even hide it in a ponytail. She knows I'm unhappy and sort of tries to appease me, so she gives me curls, which hide my bad haircut, and I walk out with exactly the wrong color and cut and am out 200.00 and 2 hours of my time. Tldr: unprofessional hair stylists don't listen and bully you into taking whatever they feel like giving you. read more

Blow By Blow - Ugh, what is that crazy chunk in the front? Its too short to even reach a pony tail! - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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I am SHOCKED & DISGUSTED again by this Salon (Please see my other review first). My mom has dementia and insisted on going back with her caregiver unbeknownst to us (We would have never let her go there again after what they did to her). Well... she went in for color and was charged $100 EXTRA because she was "so grey"!!! I've never heard such a thing and have asked a few salons and stylists because it doesn't make any sense. If you're coloring someone's hair that is VERY THIN what is done differently with some grey or a lot of grey!? It's all getting colored!!!! I'm DISGUSTED with Blow by Blow and hate talking poorly about any small business but I honestly feel like my mom was taken advantage. Shame on the owner Olga for taking advantage of any client but especially an elder with dementia and a long standing client and to not even have the decency to speak with us or return multiple phone calls. read more

Got the most amazing blowout from Olga the owner! I have thick curly hair and she got right to the scalp with the blow dryer and it's never laid so flat!! Skip all of the other blowout bars and come here! read more

I would never recommend this place. At first they were great & worked with me when my grandmother died & I had to reschedule. Fast fwd 3mo. I order 6colored hair extensions for a pop of color, within THREE days of install every. Single. One. Came out, they accused me of using product that would dissolve the glue. Mind u, I use THEIR PRODUCTS BOUGHT IN THEIR STORE. Second of all, I hadn't even washed my hair!!! When I originally called only 3wxtensions had come out, by the end of the day all 6 were out. I've had a FULL head of extensions that I bought from AMAZON that lasted a million times longer. Makes u wonder where they are getting their stuff from. I then got bronchitis & when I called to re-schedule for Sadaf to put them back in they told me they wouldn't honor putting them back in @ no charge since it was over a week. I'm a nurse at a hospital who deals with sick people All day, so they wanted me to come in with bronchitis, sick as heck?! Lastly, I asked to speak to the owner- the owner wouldn't even give me the time of day nor respect to pick up the phone & settle this. Seems like all the reviews are pretty consistent with how horrible this place is. I definitely wish I would have done more research before spending so much money here. I have been a resident of Highwood for 16years & to have a business like this in our town is atrocious. Do better. read more

I came in as a walk in and was treated very well by the staff. They were able to get me in for a bang trim by one of the stylists right away. She was very sweet and did a nice job. She went above and beyond by braiding my long hair after the cut. The products she used smelled heavenly. The price was fair for a bang trim and I was given their pricing guide for future use. I liked the simplistic design of the salon and their drink bar was very inviting. Parking is by the street and during off peak times should be no trouble. It seems to me like a high end style with people who are laid back and not judgemental. I felt no pressure here and didn't feel judged by coming in with yoga pants on. It isn't inexpensive, but price is only an issue in the absence of value. I felt that this was a fair price for all I got. They are know for blow outs but clearly do much more than just that. read more

If I could give 6 stars to Blow By Blow I would! Conveniently located on the North Shore, the staff always provides professional services in a friendly and personal environment. Sadaf is a master colorist and stylist and consistently provides beautiful and natural results suited for her clients. Olga,too, is a master stylist whom I've been seeing for decades! Her eye for design and detail are unmatched and her cuts and styling are precise and personalized. The salon itself is large,sunlit,lovely and pristine. The entire staff provides an excellent service keeping their clients beautifully on trend and pleased. read more

After reading some of these reviews, as a 5 year weekly regular client of Blow by Blow, I feel the need to defend this business. First of all, any woman who takes the time to try and destroy a small business that is a woman and specifically Latina owned business while cherry picking the details they shared, should be ashamed. Sadaf has been doing my color from the day I started coming to Blow by Blow after being a client at Elizabeth Arden for over a decade. She is by far the most professional and technically trained colorist I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. She is a blonding specialist and the handful of times I have gone to other salons for blow outs, her work has been recognized immediately and fawned over by other stylists in the area. I get compliments on my color constantly and this is by far the longest and healthiest my hair has ever been. I completely attribute that to Sadaf. Sadaf is a master colorist and not only uses the best products on the market but has more hair & product knowledge than anyone I've ever met. If Sadaf tells you to not use ANY product in your hair after getting extensions, it's not for nothing. And that includes using Moroccan oil on the tips. No product is no product. Not brain surgery. If you can't follow simple directions, you don't deserve to be refunded. Entitled much? This being after that customer tried to bully her into putting in those Amazon extensions mentioned and knowing Sadaf her reasoning I'm sure was along the lines of not being comfortable using low quality hair that would've been a reflection of her work. Blow by Blow is a high end salon but a small business. They are priced very fairly for the services and products they have available and their time should be valued just like anyone else's when it comes to missing appointments. They have always been very understanding and accommodating to me but I respect their time and show up for the appointments that I confirmed the day before. Worth mentioning they're the only salon I've seen carry the Balmain line plus always being fully stocked on the hair god Kevin Murphy line, but I digress. Also, if another salon is telling you that your hair is falling out from being "over processed" 9 weeks after you had color at a different salon, that is them trying to cover their mistakes. If you were over processed your hair would've started falling out within a week. The more you know. I have never been unhappy with any experience I've had at Blow by Blow. The women at this salon are absolutely amazing and I don't trust anyone else with my hair. Anyone who has anything negative to say is simply mad this business did not give in to their demands and stood their ground and defended their hard work. I wish there were more businesses in the area like Blow by Blow. I can't recommend them enough. read more

Sadaf is AMAZING!!! She does color like no other!!! From hair color to hair cut yo hair styling. She does it all!!! Love her!!! Rita & Tina are sweethearts too!!! Olga is SO nice!!! Should I go on??? Great salon. The decor and location are real nice. It's close to the train in Highwood. If you want your hair to be taken care of just as well as yourself. Look no further. Check out this place. It's worth the drive!!! read more

Blow By Blow - Love the color and the style!!! - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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I went to see Olga on a friend's recommendation. I spent hours curating pictures on my phone of the cut I wanted and what I thought would look good on me. As soon as I sat down in Olga's chair, she looked at my face shape and my hair texture and told me what she thought I needed and it was literally exactly the same as the pictures I had saved. I like that she has a lot of feedback about what would work for you. I don't like going to a stylist and getting no input on the cut since I rely on their expertise. Everyone at the salon is very nice and it's a beautiful shop. Definitely my new go-to. read more

I have been going to Olga for almost twenty years, following her from one salon to her own salon Blow by Blow. She has the best instincts and talent of any stylist I've ever gone to. She's meticulous, precise, and as daring or conservative as you want her to be! I've never gotten a bad haircut; she is also fun and engaging, making the cuts so enjoyable. She's the best! I've also had some color treatments with Sadaf and have been very happy with the process and results. You can't go wrong with either of them!! read more

If you want your hair CHOPPED OFF, Olga is your gal! If you want FRIZZY, ORANGE highlights, then I highly recommend Sadaf! You'll get your $ back but your hair will be destroyed for at least a year, at best! GOOD LUCK and don't say I didnt WARN you! Truly a devastating experience, right before the Holidays! read more

PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE. RUN. Do not go here unless you want your hair to fall out. I have been getting my hair colored since the 6th grade, I am now in my mid 20's. I have never had an issue until I moved to Chicago and decided to get highlights at Blow by Blow salon. THEY OVER PROCESSED MY HAIR WHICH IS NOW FALLING OUT AND BREAKING ALL OVER MY HEAD. This business would not do anything about it. My hair is a huge mess. Please do not go here especially for highlights, it is likely that they will over process your hair. Oh, and they do not care at all and will not do anything to make it right. Oh, and after paying $200 for a cut and color they will charge you $40 to blow dry it. LOL. do not go here. read more

I finally made it out to Blow by blow and I'm really happy I did. The place is new and it has this stylish feel to it that I absolutely love. It's very city like with an open layout, gorgeous decor, rustic floors, just a very cool feel that makes you want to get your hair done here. Upon arrival the guy who checked me in offered me complimentary coffee or water which I thought was very nice while you wait. They have a nice comfy couch you can sit while you wait to get your hair done. I had requested Sadaf as I used to see her at the red door spa in Northbrook and was very happy with her work over there so I needed to follow her wherever she went and I'm so happy as the prices are very comparable but yet you're in a new glam atmosphere. I also noticed that they have a nice little nail space so you can kill two birds with one stone and get your nails done while you wait for your color to soak in. Anyways, Sadaf took me in even a few minutes early which was very nice of her as she is never late. She worked on my color and I have to say as some of the other reviews mention, she's absolutely hilarious and make the time just fly by with her personality. But you can also see that she's focused on what she's doing to make sure that her clients leave happy. After she was done with the color, I had an excellent shampoo done with their shampoo lady who did this awesome scalp massage so I know this place is for me. Sadaf than styled my hair and she does amazing work. Always exactly what I ask her but my favorite are her long soft curls that she does that really show the color. She does a balyage technique on me which isn't the stripey over bleached blonde look that is so 92, this is the most up to date coloring techniques and I'm glad she knows her stuff as this is our hair we are talking about. Anyways, I can't wait to visit them again and obviously ask for Sadaf as she knows her stuff and goes above and beyond to make her clients happy! I left very happy and was ready to show off my hair! read more

Having Olga open Blow by Blow on the North Shore is heaven sent since many of her devoted followers had to trek downtown to Oak Street for her services. So happy to have her back in the burbs! During the day, there is ample street parking so there are no worries about running late due to lack of parking spaces. The salon is well designed and the space is quite ample for the various services offered. I have seen several great reviews for specific stylists but I have only tried the owner, Olga. She is a phenomenal stylist and I trust her unconditionally with my hair. I get compliments on my style quite often and its all due to her expertise. I also use the salon for Keratin treatments and if you have curly, frizzy, humidity reactive hair, I definitely recommend trying the treatment at Blow by Blow. The salon has a great reputation for color and I am soon to try it. They currently are not offering nail services and I really hope they reinstate the service as a "one stop shop" salon..... much easier for customers who need multiple services for a night on the town! read more

STAY AWAY FROM BLOW BY BLOW! Terrible job with highlights and Olga the owner was awful to deal with. Gave them 2 chances to fix it and they still couldn't and owner refuses to refund me. My hair is easy to highlight and no one has ever messed it up except Blow by Blow. Owner blamed me! She even took it as far to say she was going to review camera footage to see if she could hear my reaction to see if I said I was satisfied with the highlights to the stylist! Never in my life dealt with such an unprofessional salon! Advice to owner, if a customer says she's not happy with the highlighting job, don't blame the customer! Take ownership and make it right. I have 3 friends who also had bad experiences here!! read more

So happy that I was able to follow Rita to the new beautiful Blow by Blow Salon. Rita is the best and always willing to accommodate me, my mom, and my sister even on a busy day. She consistently gives the best blow drys that last for days. I always feel glamorous and gorgeous when Rita does my hair. She really is the best!!!!! read more

I moved to Schaumburg but still come out to blow by blow to see the best colorist Sadaf. I love the way she does my hair! She's very professional and always up to date with the trends in hair. I had some bad stripey highlights from another salon but she fixed them. She has also done balayage on me and gives a great haircut and blow dry. The salon is very clean and modern too and there is always parking. It's a longer drive for me but it's worth it. read more

Clean courteous and professional are the words. Quality people for quality service. Seems to be one of the locations making Highwood the new place to go for up scales services and dining Manager at desk is beyond professional. Very experienced, pleasant and understands the concept of customer Have been there several times never disappointed also quality products of professional grade. You get what you pay for Beautiful salon definitely the place to go. They have other place on Oak street. Men and women are serviced and lots of people coming from Lake Forest to check it out This place is a winner. You've got to try it. I will return read more

Went in for highlights and color. They did an awesome job and everyone was super friendly. Great stylists!

I have never had highlighting services and hair cutting services that equal Blow By Blow. This is by far the best hair salon in the North Shore. I absolutely love Olga and her staff. read more

This is a great salon for a blow out as well as color, cut and waxing services. The vibe is really nice and not your usual chatty and trendy salon scene. Olga is the owner and is professional and friendly. Dinara is a great colorist and Margaret does a great job waxing. My new go to spot for sure. read more

I just left the salon with a fantastic blow out from Victor - I was visiting from out of town for a downtown Chicago wedding. Victor was friendly, personable and gave me curls and volume I didn't know my thick hair could ever achieve! Salon space was minimalist chic. Would definitely come back to Victor for my regular cuts and color if I lived close by! read more

Sadaf saved my hair. I finally found this place after several years of searching for someone on the North Shore that actually knows how to maintain tasteful, updated blonde hair. I had been to multiple colorists who left my hair in terrible shape. I gave Blow by Blow a try and I will not go anywhere else now. Sadaf knew exactly what to do to get my hair back to healthy and updated. Is it the cheapest place around? No, but you get what you pay for. If you want an expert, look no further. Highly recommend. read more

Went here for a blowout for my rehearsal dinner and it is one of my favorites I've ever gotten. My maid of honor felt the same way! We loved the space and the employees. I would highly recommend them! read more

Wow! I walked through the doors of this beautiful new salon to see the most talented stylist (Rita) and was absolutely in awe of the space. It is modern, yet inviting. It is clean, upbeat and genuinely a stunning space where you feel relaxed as soon as you step through the doors. I can't wait to return next weekend. I genuinely found my new favorite spot on the North Shore! read more

I let the staff know ahead of time that I would be 10-15 minutes late for my appointment as I have been very busy dealing with a difficult family situation. They could not accommodate my appointment unless I was willing to let them do only "what they had time for" with highlighting. That is not 5 star service in my opinion and not the way to keep loyal customers. Such a shame... read more

I love that Olga has opened another shop on the North Shore!! Have been going to her for years!, no one gives a better hair cut! So Percise! Love the fact I can now go there for color, nails, make up, etc...Her staff is of the utmost friendliest and so professional !! What a wonderful experience everytime I'm there! read more

I was been taking care by Rita and she was great! She is a sweetheart and does an amazing job, my blow-dry lasted for a long time- Thank you again!! read more

I love blow by blow! The entire staff is amazing and the facilities are impeccable! I have been loyal to Rita for years and she is amazing for all things hair! Sadaf is an amazing colorist and Tina is the best manicurist around. All highly trained and passionate about keeping their salon current and trendy and providing the best customer service available. Once you go, you'll never go anywhere else!! read more