I made a mistake in coming here for "corrective" brow shaping. After waiting months for my brows to grow in, I tried this spa because of their reputation. Cheryl left me with tiny mid-90s brows that are thinner than they were in my teens. It will take months or more to repair the damage to my natural brow arch. Unless you want very thin brows from a bygone era, skip this. read more

Update w pics from first time I went to Cheryls to today- although I haven't gone back consistently Cheryl gave me a great foundation to grow my brows and I will be back to shape them once I feel they are at Max bushy! I love my grown brows and can't imagine going back! read more

Channing's Studio & Spa - September - 4 months later - Skin Care Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cheryl is the best! I started going to Channing's over a year ago for eyebrow shaping and correcting and love how my brows look now. I used to get my brows waxed elsewhere, but my skin is very sensitive and I broke out from the wax. It also ruined the shape of my brows. Cheryl only plucks the hair which is much better for your skin and more precise to shape them in a way that flatters your face. She also has her own tinting and filling brushes and tools that she can recommend for you to use at home to make sure you can replicate the look on your own. Also, Cheryl goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. One day she could tell I was stressed so she had one of her technicians give me a free massage! Without going into too much detail, I was going through some tough personal issues and the massage was exactly what I needed. It was so thoughtful it almost brought me to tears. I'll never go to anyone else for brow shaping. She's truly the best! read more

They say eyebrows should be sisters, not twins, but mine have always looked like second cousins once removed. So many people over the years think THEY'RE the ones to fix them but I have just always hated my brows. Enter Cheryl. After quarantine (and zero maintenance) I figured I'd give her corrective shaping a try. For the first time in 25 years of eyebrow shaping I left THRILLED. I have gone back to Cheryl once a month for the last year and have left absolutely loving my brows, every time. Her eye is amazing, I give her free reign on the shape and tint and it's perfect every time. Make an appointment now, you won't regret it! read more

Love love love Zach Winston, the hair stylist who works here. He is professional, knowledgeable and creative. If you're looking for a fun hair color and style, he is your guy. I came to Channing's for the first time in January 2017 and have been back every month ever since to change up my hair color. I'll post pictures of his work once I'm done with my review. As far as the salon goes, everyone here is attentive and polite. I believe they replaced the receptionist that everyone seems to complain about on here, so I didn't encounter any of the issues with rude service. From the election of tea, to the decor, to friendly chatter, to the zen music, this place is my shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city. read more

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When it comes to Brows..Cheryl is the ONLY one to go to!!! You won't find a better brow artist.

I've been working with Cheryl for a year to subtlety improve the shape of my brows. I have very full brows and have always managed them on my own. Cheryl has an amazing eye for shape and how to keep the natural feeling of my brows, but improve their overall shape to fit my face. I really appreciate that she is helping make my brows suit me and not someone else's more "polished" aesthetic. Definitely worth the cost and the trips downtown and I always leave my appointments feeling happy and more myself. read more

I am very satisfied with the service provided with getting my eyebrows done, Cheryl is the first person to look at the shape of my face and determine how my eyebrows need to be, she is currently working with me on correcting them and I am so happy for that! read more

Have been going to Cheryl for brow shaping for several years and could not be happier with the service and the result. Have also had lash tinting and pedicures with Grace - lovely person and great results. Facial hair removal with Kenzie - also very well done. Tried and infrared body wrap recently - so comforting to the arthritic joints. Cheryl will let you know about services and products that might be a good match for you, but she will not give you a hard sell. Space is tight but light, pristine, well organized. read more

I googled "Chicago Spa Bargains" and managed to find a 50% off coupon to Channings for any first time service. I didn't want to experiment with a new spa for anything big, so all I scheduled was an underarm wax, which the website said was $30. With the discount, it was only three dollars cheaper than my regular salon (considering the fact that you have to tip on the full amount) but I figured that the reason they put out the coupon is that they want to attract new customers, and I wanted to see what it was about. I saw that it was on Oak Street, so I figured it must be nice. Wow. So their interior designer is T.J. Max's biggest fan. I walked in with several shopping bags and a coat. The receptionist took me up to the top floor to wait; when I asked her if I could leave my bags and coat anywhere (the place was completely empty, from what I saw) she told me I could just hang on to them. Thanks. I waited in a cheap, stiff, uncomfortable chair and ogled all the weird furnishings around me. It wouldn't have looked half as bad if they just had *less stuff*, but whoever set this up definitely had no restraint. The wax was bad. She didn't bother taking a light and tweezing all the tiny hairs afterward, though she didn't miss too much anyway. But four days later there was a stubble like I had shaved. What a waste of time and money. She didn't get anything by the root. And then I got some discoloration ( I have dark skin) because the wax was too hot. The only time that's happened to me was when I was 17 and decided to get waxed at the mall. When I got to the front, I was told the wax was $45, but with the discount it would be $22.50. Seriously? You usually charge more than the Peninsula? For a ten minute basic wax with no essential oils, ambiance, or even a bottle of water to drink? For a wax that was not even a good wax? When I had to carry my new sneakers and clothes into the wax room with me? I pointed out that the website said it was $30 - she told me "Well, I was told that it's $45, but if you heard somewhere that it's $30 we can certainly honor that." So I got my discount, paid and left. On the way out I grabbed their menu and looked up the prices - they didn't have their waxing prices listed. So I suppose if I hadn't mentioned the website they would have just charged me more, because I'd have no way to argue it. Really unprofessional. They were taking advantage of the fact that I didn't ask the price over the phone when I scheduled. Disappointing - I was sort of hoping to learn a little about the spa and consider coming again if my experience was good. I can honestly say that they made zero effort and were entirely uninterested in gaining me as a future customer. read more

Who has movie star eyebrows again? Pick me! Pick me! I cannot believe that I ever cheated on Amy who gave me the most amazing brow shaping back in my Gibson's era! Channings is quite well known for their brow prowess but how did I find them? Give a guess... I was enjoying a cocktail at a bar and two super funny and sweet girls sat down next to me. I envied their beautiful skin and coveted their stunning eyebrows so as girls are want to do, I asked where they got those beauties...and they giggled and explained that they were Hollie and Amy and they worked at Channings. Aha! I was going on a bad blind date so I went to see Amy and she did such an amazing job of shaping those monsters that I felt like she had transformed my face. And the results lasted about two months and then only required maintainence which totally justified in my head the pricetag of the shaping. Fast forward a year or so and after getting gift certificates from well meaning friends from other salons and letting them wax my brows just to use up the balance, I came to terms with my mangled brows and returned to Amy. She welcomed me with open arms and plucky tweezers and fixed them to their soon to be iconic status. I will never go anywhere else for brows, ever! read more

I came to Channings hoping torecover from a brow nightmare. My brows were over threaded and super skinny, and from they're website they do 'corrective shaping'. Maybe I set my standards too high when I shelled out the $50, because the whole thing was pretty quick and she seemed to only care about what she wanted to dow ith my brows and never asked me how i liked them or anything to that regard. I give her a plus for only plucking because I know waxing can be bad for your skin, she also did a pretty good job coloring them in but unfortuately once i stepped outside it melted off in about a hlaf an hour leaving me pretty bummed. Overall if you have the money to blow go for it, other than that you can get the same thing done for $20 at other salons and it'll be just as good if not better. read more

Got a groupon SPA package for a $245 value for $99, felt like false advertisement, the receptionist didn't book the entire package together I had to be the one to remind her that I had other services purchased. Felt like I was being treated like a second class citizen due to groupon, overall not the "relaxing experience" I was looking to have that afternoon. Add the parking and poor customer service and you can surely find a much better deal elsewhere. Would not recommend. read more

I picked up a livingsocial to get a scrub here. Then I saw them on a bazillion other groupons for this place; that's when I knew to lower my expectations. This place needs some serious feng shui up in here. It's all dark and maroon w/ silk lamps. I'm sure it was once sexy and stylish - maybe in the 80s but now it looks seriously outdated. I felt like I was in an old brothel. Jennifer did my scrub and it was nice to have someone rub sugar all over me (without licking it off) but it's a total ripoff. (Ladies - do it at home - sugar + lemon + evoo.) I imagined the saving grace would be a expansive rain shower at the end of the tunnel but was really disappointed when I was shoved into a cramped bathroom with a regular shower in a regular bath tub. Ick. What a waste of time and money. read more

Went for the pretty city specials..a pumpkin pedicure and a mini facial... I can honestly say neither service was worth more than the 31 dollar deal. The Pumpkin pedicure is just a regular pedicure with pumpkin scented items. The lady who did me was too busy talking to me she forgot the lotion my legs and forgot to scrub the Left foot.. the facial lady was not bad, her name was Holly. She was actually decent but talks REALLY loud...and it was kind of hard to relax.. The ambiance of the place sux! The floors creak, the paint is old, its very dingy..and not at all a relaxing atmosphere...I don't think I'll be going back... FYI, there is a parking garage that you can validate at Channing's for 14 dollars. read more

I came to Channing's after purchasing the M'Lis Body Slimming Body Wrap from You Swoop. I walked in and the salon was completely empty for the most part which was a little different for me. The receptionist was very nice though and walked me to the waiting area and showed me the tea/water. She also told me about the Feb $39 Pretty City specials they were going to be running. Some might find this pushy but I was okay with it because I always like participating in those deals so it got me thinking. I had Ursula for the body wrap and she was a really nice lady. I felt very comfortable with her since I had stand practically naked in front of her and she was very informative about what was going to take place. The actual body wrap? Meh. Mostly I just felt like I was in a sauna for an hour. I tried to fall asleep and did for a tiny bit but I was counting down the minutes for the hour to be over. I already knew going into this that I wouldn't have some miraculous weight loss and things like this require multiple visits but I still wanted to give it a try. I felt no different after the wrap but I didn't day full price so I'm okay with it. As far as not being able to sleep because the caffeine lotion, I didn't have a problem with it. In fact I was falling asleep two hours later and slept the whole night thru. So maybe the wrap did help in relaxing and helping me sleep. Hehe. As I mentioned before, the salon being basically empty was a little strange but I still scheduled $39 massages and facials for me and my Mom in Feb. read more

This review is for the infrared sauna wrap only. I used to get services here many years ago when they were at another location down the street. What a disappointment. I have wanted to try a sauna wrap for a while. There are not many places in Chicago with this unique wrap. I don't want to sweat in a box at a colonic place. I was finally able to carve a bit of time and get one in. First of all, it is not a real body wrap, merely 2 sleeves for your legs and two short sleeves for your arms. This thing is ancient, no prehistoric. They shouldn't even advertise it as a real wrap. Your entire torso is left out. It does not get all that hot. They stick you in a tiny room, staring at a wall, no entertainment. The room is off a hallway and pedicure station. Good luck trying to take a nap. They don't even offer you a bottle of water! The assistant did check on me every 10 minutes but even turning up the temp, I barely broke a sweat. A complete waste of $100 plus gratuity. Save your time and money. Go elsewhere. read more

I have to agree with Mia B's response. I was given a gift certificate for a spa day session consisting of a body scrub, a facial and a massage. Service was OK at best - they did the job, but it would've been nice if they gave me a run down of what they were about to do before each session. Don't be fooled by the deceptively modern staircase - it only leads to a cramped waiting room filled with cheap, dusty, and sun-damaged furniture (someone seriously had a field day in the clearance section of Marshalls). Completely lacked everything I expected out of a GOLD COAST spa - elegance, class, and luxury. Don't even get me started on the bathrooms! I had to remind myself that I was in a spa and not someone's janky house! Ew. All in all, service was meh - ambiance was garbage. Basically, it just left me wanting to leave as fast as I came in. The receptionist was super nice though. :) read more

Sigh. I really wanted to have a good experience at Channing's. I came for Spa Week and booked a $50 massage that is normally more than $100. First, when I arrived I was told to change in a small room that had to be shared with other guests. I went into the room and saw another guest's clothes and flip flops strewn around the changing room. There wasn't a spot to place your clothes, which was a little annoying. There were three robes hanging on hooks so I grabbed the first one, put it on, and was immediately grossed out: it was damp! I grabbed the next one and that was wet too! Ewww...do they wash their robes here between guest use? I grabbed the last one and it was dry. Phew. My massage was just ok, it felt like she could have put more pressure on my massage. It basically felt like she was just lightly rubbing my skin with oil. I'll just say I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this. It may be Oak Street, but it did not feel luxurious. read more

The staff is what makes Channing's Day Spa a good experience. I was a first-time customer with a $50 off coupon, and yet I was a little late. We all know there are spas who would not have been that welcoming to me, but the receptionist and nail tech at Channing's were both great -- flexible and friendly. The tech, Anna, did a good job. My pedi looks great. But it wasn't as SPECIAL an experience as I was expecting. The lotion and exfoliator she used weren't unique. The chair wasn't adjustable and (since at 5'2 I'm obviously shorter than the last client) I wasn't comfortable. Anna brought me a pillow for my back and a glass of ice water with a slight touch of cucumber (refreshing on a hot day), so the issue isn't her. It's just that for the neighborhood and the non-promotion price, I was expecting a more luxe experience. Still, they are pleasant and my nails are gorgeous. So if I need a pedi during the week, I wouldn't hesitate to go back. read more

There have been a lot of mixed reviews about this place, so I didn't know what to expect. I decided to come here with 2 other friends and take advantage of the "31 dollars for 31 days - Pretty in Pink" spa services. I got a pedi, one friend got a massage, and the other got a facial. I suspect one reason Channing's gets really bad reviews is because of the actual layout and feel of the place: it's not a very inviting environment. The space is small, their waiting areas are not comfortable, the staff are friendly but not very accomodating, etc. In other words, there is nothing "spa" like about this place, except for the fact that they offer spa services. I enjoyed my pedicure, although like most people, wasn't really sure where the "pumpkin" part came in. Both of my friends really enjoyed their treatments as well. We went in on a Sunday afternoon, and were the only ones in there, which may have contributed to anti-spa atmosphere. You must be wondering: why is he giving this place 4 stars? Well, let me first start by saying that I would really give Channing's 3 stars, but here's why I gave 4: They still gave me and my friends the 31 dollar special even though it was Nov 2nd! They didn't have any open appointments on the weekends for the special deals until the 1st weekend on Nov, so the woman I spoke with on the phone (who was very nice!) suggested that we come in then and she would still give us the discount. That alone merits them 5 stars, but I knocked it down to 4 avg out the two. And I'll end this note on a positive: I LOVED the fact that they had tea and ice water there, and made sure that there was boiling water for tea, and that the ice water was fresh. I probably won't go back, but it was a decent experience. Basically, I got what I paid ($31) for. read more

I was getting ready to go on vacation and felt that I needed to get a quick tan. I've tried Mystic before and felt that it was OK but always a bit blotchy during the fading. So I heard about Channings and their airbrush tan so I booked an appointment. The tan was around $60 but the color was mixed for me (not too dark, not too light) and I stood in a booth while a girl airbrushed it all over me. The process took about 15 minutes. The tan looked heinous that night. But by the time I rinsed off in the morning shower, it looked perfectly tan and even all around. The little bit that wiped off on my clothes came out in the laundry. Not entirely sure if it was worth the extra money. It was much more even and the color was better than mystic but it didn't last much longer (about 5 days max). The staff was very friendly and if I ever need a special occasion tan again, I'll probably go back. read more

Best eyebrow shaping in Chicago!!! Cheryl is so knowledgeable and can transform your entire face in a matter of 1 appointment. Amazing!!!

Allure magazine pointed me in Channing's direction. In particular, to brow guru Cheryl Rennella. I was looking for someone who would shape my brows since I tend to pluck a bit too much. A first visit with Cheryl is $100, $55 for each subsequent visit. While she does an amazing job, I tend to think I could find someone to do just as good a job for a much lower price. If price is no object, definitely visit her for your brows, you won't regret it. Additionally, for an Oak Street spa, the interior of this place is decidedly unglamourous bordering on grungy. read more

I was looking for a new nail place close to home and stumbled onto Channing's. I will not be returning to get a mani or pedi at this location. Pedicure was mediocre at best, I'd rate it a 3 out of 10. It sadly lacked a good foot exfoliation, which is one of the most important parts of a pedicure. I expected at least the use of a foot file under my feet. Polish application was also so so. The no-chip mani-experience took the cake, with the polish going on so streaky, I declined the service at the end. Almost 3 hours later, I walked away completely disappointed. read more

Went for an eyebrow shaping and consultation with Cheryl. Amazing! I had outgrown my brows and after the shaping came out with new brows that properly framed my face. 100% recommend. read more

Cheryl has years of experience working in magazines, film, and television. She will give you eyebrows like a movie star - for real - not a suburban-looking imitation. My face looks younger and lighter every time she does my brows. Highly recommend. read more

I absolutely love Channing's and Cheryl is genuinely an eyebrow goddess! My whole family has been coming to see her for years and she has transformed all of our brows. I will not let anyone else touch them. I recently did the brow lamination and I love it. Very clean and safe during covid. read more

I recently went here as part of spa week, and got a Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap for a discounted price of $50. Channing's is located on trendy Oak Street in a converted townhouse on two levels. The interior is pretty neat, and rather "homey," using leopard covered seats and butter-colored walls instead of lots of glass and light colors like many modern spas. It felt a bit like a country retreat. Unlike a previous reviewer, I had very positive experience with the staff who were attentive and kind. I did have to wait a bit before my treatment, but I was shown to a changing room where I got a comfy robe and was able to enjoy some snacks and beverages before the treatment. In terms of the spa service, I was underwhelmed. My aesthetician, who was very nice, merely gently wiped some chocolate/mud mix on smaller parts of my body, not realy massaging in anything or covering all of me. This took less than 10 minutes, after which she wrapped me in blankets and left me in the room for 45 minutes. While it was warm, comforting, and relaxing, for around $100, I would expect more attention than 10 minutes worth. By about 30 minutes, I was wanting to get up, and a few minutes later, my hips were hurting a bit from laying on the table for so long. I think a lot of my issue here was just with a bad treatment selection, as I would be willing to go back for a facial or massage. After getting out, I was taken to the shower, which I expected to be kind of "spa-like," but instead, it was basically just a bathroom like you would have at home, with a normal home shower. Another thing to note is that you cannot give gratuity on a credit card (where can you not do this anymore?!), and as I had no cash, I ended up leaving without giving a tip, making me look rather inept and bitchy. Excellent! The front desk girl said there was an ATM downstairs, but it was closed by the time I left. read more

Just had brow lamination with Cheryl and I cannot say enough good things about my result. I have very thin brows and honestly wasn't expecting to see much of a difference. I was at a loss for words when I saw my thick looking brows. I have not seen my brows this thick since I was a teenage. read more

I went here over the weekend with my future sister-in-law and one of my bridesmaids for a bachelorette spa day. Overall we really enjoyed it. Upon finding out that we were a bachelorette party, we were brought a complimentary bottle of champagne which I thought was really sweet. The receptionist was incredibly nice and gave us ideas about what else to do in Chicago this weekend. The black robes were absurdly big but whatever. The woman who did my massage (Jessica) was all right but for some reason breathed really heavily during both my massage and my future SIL's. Kind of distracting but maybe she had a cold...? The facial and peel I got were great. Holly was very sweet and my skin felt amazing afterwards. We had a Living Social deal so I might need another one of those to bring me back, but we generally had a great experience. read more

I recently visited Channing's for the Pretty in Pink October spa special. For $31, I got a 30 minute mini-facial complete with a sea scrub, extractions, and steaming. I was really satisfied with the service. The staff was attentive, the place was clean, and it is conveniently located in the posh Gold Coast neighborhood. Only down side...you can't put tips on credit card, only cash, I wasn't prepared for it! I would be back to try some other spa services. read more

Did the sugar scrub on a groupon or similar deal. Thought the actual process and person was ok. Thought the staff helpfullness and friendliness was ok. The decorations and atmosphere, again ok. Overall, worth the money if you get one of the their deals, but otherwise no way. There bathrooms are regular household bathrooms (it is a converted home after all). They have changing rooms, but nowhere to store you stuff after you change. Also, after the staff take you upstairs they don't tell you what to do. My person finally came by and showed me the dressing room, but didn't explain about robes or the under garments or sandals or where to put my stuff once I changed. Some basic info would have been nice since they were aware I had never been there before. read more

I got a deep tissue here from Rachel. She was very good. Too bad she said I'm super-super tense, and that a full-blown deep tissue would leave me sore for days. She suggested going once or twice a week for a month to get my body used to being worked on! yes, I'm stressed and my body shows it. Either way, she did a good job. Lots of forearm use and she did concentrate on the areas I requested, as well as getting my whole body. good stuff. I definitely like how this salon is a cute little nook on Oak. I went on the day we had our first snowfall and had no problems since I walked! The convenience factor is absolutely a plus. I'm not a huge fan of all the leopard print in this salon, but I could appreciate the uniformity throughout. Definitely a spa feel here too! Complete w/ robes and flip flops in the changing rooms. The staff is very nice, professional. They have a good selection of products in the reception area too (make up, lotions, etc.). I purchased some gifts and even made a return visit the next week to pick some more up. Can't wait to go back to Channings for more spa services. : ) read more

If you are looking for someone to get your brows to live up to their full potential - look NO further than Cheryl! I had really sparse eyebrows and always struggled to have them properly shaped. I did my homework on who the brow guru of Chicago is, and let me tell you - Cherly is the truth! She put me onto using Revitabrow to grow out my brows and she's completed transformed my look with getting my brows into the proper shape. Not only is she great at what she does, she is just an awesome person and between her and the lovely, quiet, convenient space on Oak St, my visits are always great! read more

We have been coming to Channing's for several months. The spa is beautiful, location perfect, and you feel relaxed the minute you walk in the door. The staff, so friendly and accommodating. We recommend getting your eyebrows done!! We have been waxing our brows for years, never again ...stop the waxing!! The products (revitabrow) and process are truly miraculous ! Your brows look and feel better even before the end of your first visit !! read more

Hands down Grace does the best lashes in the city! She can do anything from natural and subtle, to very dramatic, and 10 times faster than anyone else who did my lashes before! She's a sweet wonderful lady and somehow even with their Oak Street address, very inexpensive! The staff at the salon are very friendly, it never seems to be an issues to get an appointment. I somewhat hate sharing my secret hidden gem with everyone else but Channing's and Grace deserve it! read more

I went to see Grace at Channing's for eyelash extensions and they look incredible! She did such a wonderful job and was super friendly! She was confident in her application and recommendations (which she made after having a look at my natural lashes.) This reassured me that I was working with a qualified technician! (She has been certified by the manufacturer of the extensions for quite some time - which I think is much different than most of the franchise/pop up salons out there!) The receptionist was super friendly and the facility is extremely well maintained & peaceful. I even managed to fit a quick nap in while she was applying my extensions! I WILL be back! read more

I would give 1 star but I was happy with the results of my lash lift service so I'll give them 2. Customer service needs improvement here. I had scheduled a lash lift and upper lip wax and I decided last minute that I didn't want the upper lip wax (which required me to show up 5 minutes before my lash lift - no detriment of time was lost of their part) but wanted my lash lift (the bulk of the cost $175 and time). The lady was rude upon checking out. They adhere to their 24 hour cancellation policy like their life depends on it. She charged me the $20 for the upper lip wax that I didn't get. I'm a first time customer and this makes a horrible impression considering I got my $175 lash lift but forwent the 2 minute lip wax. I understand if the service I forfeited was 20-60 min in length but this was such an unnecessary way to make a first impression and I definitely will not return because of that mentality. I've been put off entirely. They offered for me to use the $20 towards another service within 7 days. I told them I don't live here and I'm from out of town but frequent the city often for work and will not be able to use it in 7 days. No compromise was made. Additionally, I've gotten numerous lash lifts at other spas in the past and as a customer paying almost $200 for a service, I've always gotten a 10 cent spool to brush out my lashes with. This place doesn't even give them complimentary. I was told spools are $15 at the front. They nickel and dime. I don't recommend if you're focused on a spa that provides reasonable customer service and fairness. read more

Since I started shaping my eyebrows years ago, I've either had them waxed or threaded and I've never been truly happy with them. Usually too much gets taken off and they end up looking too thin. I read a lot of reviews online about the best place in Chicago to get shaped and Channing's kept coming up. An eyebrow shaping costs $50, which is a lot more than the usual $10 I use to pay, but I've never been happier with how my brows look. Ive gone there twice now and have enjoyed both experiences. Since I started going there, I've received multiple complements about how my eyebrows look better shaped and fuller. I'd recommend the place to anyone. The price is a bit steep, but I'd rather pay more than have my brows messed up again for $10. read more