This is my second visit to this salon with Terez after 6 months to get my hair colored again.. at 18 my first dye on permed hair started to break off & a lot fell out. Now at 35 I wanted to trust the process and knew how to take care of my natural hair.. let me tell you!!!I'm just ecstatic that I was led to her with a bit of google researchWhen I say it was worth every penny!!! Being a single mommy I needed a pamper, to feel good walking out the door & it's exactly what I got.. Calming atmosphere & everyone who worked that day were all great! So many compliments.. Thank you EssenceVip!!! Special special thank you to.. Terez!! I'll provide both colors read more

Essence VIP - Hair color highlights - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been coming to this salon for over 7 years. It is one of the few black hair salons in the lincoln park. My hair is so much healthier since I have been coming here. I get a relaxer but they do a lot of styling with natural hair and Tereze the owner and main stylist is known for her coloring. The prices are average for the services they provide. Only down side is that they sometimes have been over booked and you have to wait a long time. Its a true black beauty salon with good music and a lot of chatting between stylist and clients. read more

So excited to find this salon under yelp's Black owned businesses in Chicago, and they specialize in multicultural hair. I called to schedule a cut and was able to get scheduled within days which was great! My stylist was Terez and she took great care of me and got me in and out so fast because I had a limited window. She exceeded my expectations and everyone was kind and so welcoming. This was the first time I actually got my hair cut while it was curly and I love it! Will definitely be back and highly recommend them! read more

Essence VIP - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had such a WONDERFUL experience my first time at Essence VIP. Cruz hooked me all the way up! I grew tired of my hair and wanted a change. I wasn't entirely sure where to go to get a big chop but coincidentally I found the salon. I called rather last minute to see if they had any availability and luckily for me they did. Cruz was such an amazing stylist! The entire experience was wonderful. Throughout the whole process he hyped me up and encouraged me that I made the right choice with my hair cut. When I tell you this man has vision! I was slightly apprehensive since I've had long hair my whole life. But he truly was able to see the the potential before I did. I walked out of the salon so confident and ready to take on the world. I'll be returning soon to get it colored. A few clients were in the salon getting color to their hair, and based on what I saw, I know I am in really good hands. read more

Essence VIP - Big chop haircut - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is late post, but still relevant, nonetheless. I have never liked salons. In the past, I was ALWAYS disappointed with the results every time I went to one. They kept trying to give me "high-end" style whenI am more of Bohemian, laid-back, and sassy. They kept giving me styles that didn't fit my personality. Back in 2019, when I went to Essence VIP, I was nervous. It was my first time And I am deaf. I had really short hair (I shaved my hair off completely and let it grow an inch before going to them) I told them what I wanted. They listened and communicated well with me. They GAVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED!!! They made me a platinum blond with texture. I posted pictures. I just love it so much. It was who I was. I got a lot of comments on my hair. The price was steep but WORTH EVERY PENNY OF IT!!!! I am stuck here in Washington D.C. for my graduate program, but I am coming back soon for my break. I am thinking about going back now I have a longer hair on the top.... read more

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I was visiting Chicago with some friends and went for a long run in the morning (currently training for a marathon). The humidity (I'm from Arizona aka the driest place in the world) and bouncing caused my hair to turn into a extremely matted/tangled DISASTER. After a bottle of conditioner and 2 friends trying to detangle it with little to ZERO progress... we realized we had to go to a salon. I was stressed and scared that we were going to have to cut it... We called Essence and they were able to get me in. Adrianne spent an hour brushing through my matted MESS. She never once suggested we cut it and was patient and made me feel comfortable. The team at Essence is professional, kind and hilarious. I'd trust them with my life lol. Thankful for y'all. I'll see you in October!! read more

Essence VIP - Before RIP - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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TLDR; Herbert relaxed my hair without my permission. The owner dyed my mom's hair purple/green when she asked for grey. We were never offered refunds. I have naturally curly hair (see the first two pictures) that was relaxed for about 10 years of my life. In the last nine, I've made a decision to stop relaxing it. I get to the salon and I explain this Herbert. He seemingly understands. I have to wait a little bit (no biggie) because Herbert had clearly overbooked. There was another woman he was working on at the same time he worked on me. She was getting a relaxer touch up. Hebert goes and mixes her touch up and my scalp wellness (required) and deep conditioners. When he puts it my hair, I immediately recognize the smell of relaxer but assume it has to do with the other client. Anyway, he puts the gunk in my hair and puts me under the dryer for an hour. When I come out, he washes it (again I smell the chemicals). He does a fantastic job of cutting and straightening it. Honestly it was the straightest I've seen my hair. Flash forward to a week later, I washed my hair for the first time and the relaxer smell is so strong. I get out the shower and notice that my curl texture is gone. I mean to the point where some of my curls are dead straight. I call Herbert and he denies relaxing my hair. He tells me to come in and he'll do an Olaplex treatment. I come in. He does the treatment which takes hours and lies and says "look at those curls coming back". He offers to have me come back every week to do the same treatment free of charge. I decline because 1. The treatment didn't do anything: 2 I'm a lawyer and don't have hours of my life to give away and 3 I don't trust him. The second picture is how my hair looked after he "fixed it" As for the owner, she dyed my mom's hair and did a horrendous job. It came out purple and green. Instead of offering to fix it, she told my mom she looked good and charged over $300. I wasn't there or I would have fought it. Needless to say, we haven't gone back. I'm still in disbelief at how bad my hair looks every single day. read more

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I love!! Terez and Hebert were awesome. I arrived early and Terez started me early. Great conversation and really transparent about how to take care of my hair. Terez's price are very affordable as well. My hair was dry and I mean really dry. There was no judgement, just advice. Hebert did a great job with the wash and with flat-ironing my hair. I've been to other salons where it has taken a long time to straighten my hair, he did it in no time. His 32-years of experience shined! Terez made sure to let me know how much she was going to trim my hair before she did it and gave me some good tips for styling my hair. I definitely will be coming back and I would totally recommend coming here. They are fast, efficient, knowledgeable, and kind. It's easy to have a horrible hair experience. I'm so glad I found Essence VIP! read more

Essence VIP - My hair after. Sorry didn't take my before. Trust me. I look better. - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been gone for a while, but prices are wayyyy too high. 125 dollars for a perm come on

I love this a Salon. Terez is a master stylist and I don't care what picture I go in Essence with...she can make it happen. She is professional, and since COVID she has taken EXTRA care to ensure her clients are comfortable by employing strict standards and safety practices! read more

Essence VIP - Curly hair - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had sores in my head after I left. I requested to have my color in the front retouched as it had been six months since I had my color done at my original salon which was at the time that I made my appt booked until Sept. I have never had a stylist wash my hair first to color my hair NEVER especially when bleaching. The color as you see is in splotches because the first time yes the first time the color was put on she didn't cover with foil after application and it wasn't changing also did not part my hair seeing that I only wanted the perimeter of my hair colored so where it should've been parted it bleeds into my hair. I'm so frustrated because I have to have my hair looking discolored like this until I can safely have it retouched. I've read the other reviews of people who say they've been going there for years even people who have similar hair color I don't know if the stylists that work based on those reviews don't work there anymore or what but this right here is not right. read more

Essence VIP - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One word: YESSSSS!!!!! Moving to a new city as a woman of color with bi-racial crazy curls is probably everyone's worst fear. Why? You have to find a NEW hairstylist all over again. If you're anything like me, you've gone to the same stylist for over a decade so switching sounded like a nightmare. After visiting a few other subpar salons in Chicago after moving here two years ago, I called Essence VIP in a panic. Calm, collected, and kind Terez picked up and I knew I had found my new spot. Not only is Terez a staunch professional who values her clients satisfaction above all, but she works magic with my hair. I've been getting an Affirm relaxer for years, and those are not easy to do. They require serious technical expertise, understanding of hair, and more. You can't just go to anyone. On top of that, a bad dye job made my hair dryer than ever before and I was loosing my curl pattern. The moment I went to Terez, I had no more fears. She's a master. There was ONE time I didn't feel as though my relaxer made my hair as "smooth" as usual (usually a result of not leaving it on quite long enough or using a different brand of relaxer than you are used to) and she re-did it with the right amount of weeks in between to keep my hair safe at no cost. It's back to being flawless again! Ever since my first trip to Essence VIP, I have vowed to never go anywhere else! Terez's salon is always clean, she works efficiently to make sure you start at the time of your appointment and you are done in a timely manner, and her assistants are conversational and masterful as well. She is a great listener (so you know your hair will come out just how you like), knowledgeable, professional, and works wonders on your hair. She even does a "scalp wellness" treatment that makes all of the difference. I have never had healthier, more beautiful hair and I cannot recommend Terez and Essence VIP enough!!!!! Take it from me and make an appointment. You will not be disappointed!!!! She has also taken extra serious precautions for COVID to keep her clients safe and the areas entirely sanitized. See my attached photo. You'd never believe I have 3c, black and Italian bi-racial crazy hair! read more

Essence VIP - When it air dries, my hair is flawless, moisturized, healthy and curls softly. Every gal's dream for a relaxer! - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When I walked into Essence I was immediately greeted with a smile by every stylist in there plus a few of the clients who were definitely regulars. I love the homey, warm and inviting feel at the shop. Feels like a true neighborhood type of place, and that's hard to find in Lincoln Park. I went in for a retwist from Cruz and he did not disappoint! I've never had my locs professionally retwisted and he worked with what I had and I walked out looking fresh. The conversation was also fun! You can tell they're like a little family there and I enjoyed hanging out. read more

Wow! Can't remember ever having my hair look this good. I can't stop looking in the mirror. Already getting compliments. I went in with a busy Fro. I want to embrace my natural hair and it's sort of loose curl pattern. I also want stylish. I got all three plus the bonus of having another punk chic look if I blow it out. What I've always wanted. Going here made my dreams come true. Reasonable price and my hair was so soft it was like touching a butterfly. Love, love love my hair. read more

I didn't realize the owner was the same lady who did my hair back when I was just a child. A very experienced team who will nourish your hair as if was their own! I did the silk press with a trim to get rid of my split ends and I couldn't be more satisfied. I will definitely be returning soon. read more

I've gotten my hair straightened twice and colored. I really like their thoroughness and attention to the customers hair. The stylist are always professional and easy to talk to. Great place if you're looking for a black salon on the northside. read more

Essence VIP - Hair pressed in 2019 and hair colored and pressed in 2018 - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I usually rock my curls natural so I only visit the salon once or twice a year for a trim and a blowout when my ends get really raggedy. I got bored on a Saturday, and desperately needed a trim so I called Terez and asked for a same day appointment. She was actually able to squeeze me into her schedule and hooked me up! Although she was really busy, I asked her to give me partial highlights in addition to a deep conditioner, blowout and trim and she was sweet enough to make it happen despite having a full salon. She did the balayage technique on half of my hair and gave me these ashy blonde highlights that looked so good and way more subtle than I expected - sometimes blonde can be hard to pull off. I also appreciated that she's not scissor happy like many stylists. I told her I was trying to grow out my hair and she only trimmed off maybe an inch when she could have took off at least three (my ends were that bad). She straightened and bumped my hair, and even gave me some tips on how to care for my hair when it's natural to avoid having it dry out and frizz up. She was so sweet and humble, and very gentle with my hair the entire time. Her staff is also very good - Adrienne and Devonte I think - they all have a playful relationship and make you feel at home in the shop. I think her prices are more than fair, especially for the caliber of work she produces. I look forward to going back for another deep treatment and seeing how she can help style my curly hair soon. read more

Essence VIP - Fresh 'do - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Terez and her staff are simply amazing!!! I first scheduled a consultation with her because I have been struggling with my dry, natural hair with the Chicago weather. As a LA transplant, I didn't know where I could go to get my hair back into shape. Terez was so patient and listened to my concerns. I am very active and exercise daily, so my hair was being bombarded with sweat and salt. She was compassionate and very honest letting me know that a relaxer would be the best way to maintain my style without further damaging my hair with constant high heat. She also addressed my premature grey hair and suggested using it to my advantage to highlight my dark hair. Finally, the short haircut I opted for came out sooo beautiful!! Terez took her time and shaped the haircut for my face. I also like all of the precautions she has taken to safely administer her services during COVID-19. She and her staff were wearing masks, did not seat clients next to each other and all seats or items touched by anyone was sprayed and disinfected for the next person to use. She and her staff are so pleasant, friendly and such a joy to laugh with!!! The ambience is great and I love the African motif in the shop. I love my haircut and get compliments everyday! I even referred a friend to Terez who also did an amazing dye job. I have finally found my hair salon for the duration of my stay in Chicago!!!! If you are in search of a professional, honest, creative and kind stylist, book an appointment here TODAY!!!! read more

Essence VIP - The front of my cut - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had come back to this establishment back in 2021 and had gotten a perm touch up. I am from Brazil and usually get the Brazilian blow and have always gotten them (side information, I have tried in the past going fully natural and I just did not know how to upkeep my hair and never had a great community to help besides YouTube so eventually I went back to Brazilian blow outs as they don't damage my hair and controls it). However since moving to the US, I did not have the money for a Brazilian blow out. I have a lot of hair and it is long so a lot of the time I am chargers 500+ and unfortunately I do not have the money for that. My hair has grown a little and I just started a new job. I need to take pictures for badges and will be seeing my coworkers on Tuesday 5/17/22. I decided that doing a relaxer retouch won't be too bad since I don't have the money to get the Brazilian blowout and it will calm my curls a little. I made an appointment for today 5/14/23 at 12 pm CTS. I was set down at the salon chair and prepped. One of the ladies told me "oh wow you have a lot of hair" and I just laughed and said "yes I do". I finished getting the cape on me and the hairstylist came by and said "do you have highlights on" which I responded to "I do but I just need a touch on my routes so is that okay?" She said "okay so just a touch up so that is fine" She still had finish someone else's hair, so she turned to the person and started saying "I don't understand why people still get relaxers, they hair look so frizzy and dry and these people don't want to hear it. There are keratins now that you can do that is so much better but these people never change" then client she was telling this was agreeing and saying how stupid people like that were. I sat there think "wait am I hearing this correctly? I know relaxers can create some damage but it is all I can afford" I felt so embarrassed and was in between staying or leaving. But like I said in 3 days I have something and really needed my hair done. I wanted to cry and get angry but I just got up folded my cape and towel and told them something came up and couldn't get it anymore. I wanted to make this post to say that if they do not agree with relaxers they should not offer it. And she could have told me about keratin and maybe we could have talked about pricing but I did not deserve to be belittled like that today. Hope they can be better in the future. read more

This is the worst my hair has ever looked after reviving and iron out from one of the stylists. I had 3b/3c type hair and my curl pattern is now ruined due to the amount of heat from ONE iron out. My hair has never been this damaged/ destroyed from one iron out. If you have the same hair texture be aware that their flat irons will damage your curl pattern. The pictures attached are for reference. I will not be returning. read more

Essence VIP - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was visiting Chicago for the weekend after training outside the city for the week and needed a blowout and trim. I found this salon while searching for places who do black hair and looking through reviews and found Essence VIP, and I'm so happy I did. I arrived early and was still seen immediately, received a nice shampoo/scalp massage and my hair was blown out, trimmed, and styled to perfection. Truly appreciate the hospitality from everyone in the shop. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking. Thanks again! read more

This team is very aware of COVID protocols. They sterilize everything between customer services. The color and cut are superior to any I've ever received. The music and camaraderie is harmonious with a focus on "customer experience". Lastly, this is the only shop I've gone to, in the continental US, that is sensitive to the clients time. Deeply appreciate and will always patronize this level of professionalism. Also my hair is the healthiest it has ever been as a result of the top shelf products and techniques used by the owner and stylist. Thank you team! read more

Very poor customer service! The stylist here is simply rude, incompetent and hostile over their hair practices without taking into account the client wants. I called to try and arrange for a simple wash and blow dry because I had surgery recently which makes it difficult to wash my hair. I said I did not want deep condition, only wash, quick condition and blow dry. How hard is it to follow instructions? I was told that not receiving a deep condition treatment was detrimental to the health of my hair, especially after surgery as the "anesthesia can wreak havoc on hair." Simply not true. I am in the health field studying to be a doctor and not a single peer-reviewed medical journal has ever documented such. That information was egregious and speaks to the education level of the hair stylist. I was also told that a blow drying session has never taken 10 minutes to complete (mind you, not the washing part but just the blow drying). Okay maybe for YOU but my stylist back home has no problem achieving that level of efficiency with beautiful results. I get it, you haven't achieved basic proficiency in blow drying. That doesn't mean other stylists can't do the same. You told me on the phone that you have never seen my hair before, so why would you assume you know anything about its health and how to manage it? Listen to the client, who has had to deal with that hair on their head for the many years they have been alive. I could feel her increasing aggression through the phone which is not professional at all. Practice LISTENING the client and discuss without berating them. Sad to see that this is a very poorly trained hair stylist on many fronts. read more

I'm new to the city and needed to get my hair done for a special event tonight. I'm so happy that I took the advice of the reviewers on this page and booked an appointment at Essence VIP. Herbert did such a great job on my hair! I received a touch up relaxer, scalp wellness treatment and blowout (with a little clean of my ends too). My hair feels and looks great. It feels silky smooth, healthy and has plenty of bounce and movement to it. I highly recommend their services and hope to make it before I leave the city. Ps. I forgot to check-in in order to redeem the free scalp treatment so make sure you check-in! I hope to use it for next time ;) read more

Essence VIP - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Called on my lunch Friday and was booked for Saturday and also my mother. Best choice everyone was beyond friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and caring. Loved the vibe and our hair. Michelle was a sweetheart. read more

What can I say... I've been with Essence VIP for over 10 years and it never disappoints! I feel truly blessed to have found this salon. This place has made a world of difference in my life and I trust them 100% with my hair! I highly recommend Essence VIP! read more

There is lack of professional accountability. My unfortunate experience left me with extensive hair damage, hair literally fell out from the root! Instead of taking ownership of the damage Terez caused, there was constant deflection/circumventing of the truth. Terez had the audacity to say hair pins was the cause of my extensive hair damage. That day, I walked into the salon with healthy vibrant hair, but walked out with ravaged dried out hair beyond comprehension. Terez was negligent in upholding the "Sanitation and Hazardous Chemicals Compliance". She used a comb on my hair, without properly cleaning or disinfecting it, that she used to apply a Keratin treatment on her previous client. As a result of her willful and gross negligence, instead of getting just a shampoo/finish, I also received an unrequested Keratin treatment, that was improperly executed and left me with extensive and catastrophic hair damage. I was a client of Terez for nearly three years. I literally never did my hair myself, I went to Terez religiously. My experience proves it only takes one incident of gross negligence to undue any supposed hair care she provides. It's ironic that on Essence VIP's website, it says she has "experience in repairing the mistakes of other, less professional hair designers". But obviously when she is the one who causes the damage, there's zero professional accountability on her part! My review is to caution, always be aware of what is being used/put on your hair and don't mindlessly trust someone just because they are an "expert" or if you've been a client of theirs for years. read more

Had another great experience at EssenceVIP! I went in knowing a general idea of what I wanted and walked out with what I needed! Which was a fabulous colorist who knows how to work naturally kinky curls into shape! Terez explained to me that with my hair being naturally dark brown, to change the color, I would need to color AND tone my hair to get the results I wanted. Color can only go over more color (dark brown + deep red). In this instance, toner was the miracle worker! It lifts the brown out of my hair and made sure the red stuck and blended well to create a natural overall color. Similar to some women 'bleaching' their hair to blonde, 'toner' holds the same effect in dark hue instances. Terez is the only hairdresser that I come to for my hair services because she has over 30 years of experience and have opened 5 salons in her lifetime. I've been a client of hers for the past 8 or so years and I would never go anywhere else. She's a class act, keeps me smiling and always has on a good tune! read more

There are hair stylist, and then there's Herbert Cruz - one word BLESSING. A master of the art of healthy hair. I have been to quite a few salons and none have been more welcoming, clean, knowledgeable and reasonable. Mr. Cruz is fun, funny, amazing, patience, charming, warm smile and goes beyond to explain what he is doing. I had no clue what the end result would be; however I never second guess it. The end result was more than I could have asked for or imagined. Despite it being 90 degrees outside my hair felt light, looked and felt healthy. I have found my perfect fit with Mr. Cruz. Amazing experience from start to finish. Looking forward to a long, healthy hair journey with Mr. Herbert Cruz. read more

The best experience that I've ever had in a hair salon. Terez and Cruz were amazing. The ambience and vibe was very welcoming. Martha gives the best shampoos. Great great place!!! read more

Just visited Essence VIP this past Friday! My hair has been a wreck because I recently moved to Chicago and with no family or friends who could provide a hair salon referral I came to yelp to help me out. I've moved around about 6 times in my life and always have to find a new hair and nail salon each time! This time i found a gem! Essence Vip is a nice and clean hair salon with true hairstylist who are willing to give advice on hair care and provide excellent service! Not only was the salon nice but the team worked so efficiently together that I was in and out in such a short time ... Compared to other salons I've visited. My hair was very damaged after months of irregular relaxers and recovery from braids! Terese gave me excellent advice on how to upkeep my hair and maintain its health and glow. I work out almost everyday so the sweat is tough on my hair, Terese immediately noticed my damaged hair and provided great advice! I couldn't be happier to know my hair is in good hands and I will be in the salon again two weeks from now :) thanks Terese and team! read more

Saturday I went here to get a haircut and was a bit nervous because it was my first haircut ever but I left feeling beyond pleased! I've been receiving compliments on my hair left and right! It's been so long since I've received compliments on my hair; it feels so good! I will definitely be returning! read more

I'm obsessed with my hair after my keratin treatment with Terez yesterday !! I'll definitely be back :)

I came here to receive a loc retwist by a visiting stylist (Damian Walters ) . Even though I was not her client, the salon owner (Terez) was very kind! She is professional, welcoming and has beautiful energy. She offered the clients of the visiting stylist refreshments and was very helpful. I can only imagine the care she provides her own clients. The salon is beautiful well appointed and played great music! read more

Essence VIP - The salon front. - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to this salon over a week ago and it was the worst experience ever. I believe Gladis was the name of my hair dresses. She was soo rough and kept pulling my hair so tight while just washing it. I told her it hurt she told me to just deal with it?? Um no I'm paying for this I shouldn't have to deal with it you should adjust. I can in for a wash deep conditioner and trim . 1st of all she gave me a 'scalp treatment' instead of a deep conditioner which I clearly asked for. She just didn't wanna admit she didn't have the product. After washing and the intense scalp treatment she barely put any conditioner in my hair it was so dry. They while she was blow drying she didn't even comb my hair first she just started. Everyone knows curly hair gets combed from bottom first then top to avoid breakage. But she didn't care. When I tolls her how I wanted it she started arguing with me and saying "I've been doing hair for 30years" ma'am i don't give a damn this the first time you doing MY HAIR. Anyways next she trims my hair and I said ONLY A TRIM! Tell me why she gave me layers without me asking?? She is just terrible and doesn't understand that the customer is paying to get their hair done and it should be how they want NOT HOW YOU WANT GLADIS! Ion know they get away w treating people so shitty. I gave her bitter ass a tip still tho so she can go get herself a drink or something cuz Ma'am you needa COOL OFF and retire ASAP! read more

I have thick mixed curly hair being black and Puerto Rican. It is hard to find a hairdresser who does black hair in the city but I believe Essence VIP has the experience and high quality products to get the job done. The owner, Terez Zeigler, has over 20 years experience with black hair and pressed my curls right out to leave long, shiny, straight hair. I will definitely be coming back, especially since her location is easy to get to from most directions. read more

I am so glad I found this shop. The stylists are excellent and they really take their time with your hair. I highly recommend this salon.

I had a great experience here today. I purchased a Groupon for a haircut & highlights. I could not be happier with the results!! I will definitely be back. Also, as a side note, I have "white" hair - they work with everyone and were so nice ! read more

Would give zero stars if I could!!! Do NOT go here unless you don't mind sitting for hours and being worked in and around other clients. I'm new to the area so I called for an appointment and the lady happily booked me. Granted it was a Saturday as they were slammed. I did not need immediate assistance, however, she insisted I could come that day. I arrived 5min before my appointment and was instructed to sit on a bench and wait. After one hour of not so much as being talked to I got up and said I had to leave. They said "ok". No apology, no attempt to reschedule. A week later I decided to give the salon another try. Why not? Reviews look ok. Bad choice. The manager--who remembered me sitting and leaving--told me if I was able to get there within 30min she could "have her assistant" prep me so she could hurry and finish me before her next client. I was requesting a blowout, deep condition, and hair trim. She had 30min before her next client. Not sure on what planet those 3 things can be done in 30min but she insisted I come anyways. I bailed on the appointment. Is it that hard to find a black salon in this city where you can book an appointment, walk in, be helped on time, and have a provider complete your service start to finish?? If I'm paying for a service as a customer I don't want to be "worked in" I simply ask that someone plan their schedule accordingly to give their all to one client, rather than shuffling them around to maximize capacity. read more

After coming to Essence VIP, I can finally say that my attitude regarding beauticians and hair salons has changed completely. Terez runs a very professional business and her energy is very positive and uplifting. Adrienne is just as professional and extremely personable. They both brought life back to my hair. I look in the mirror and am 100% satisified with the results. I was given a keratin treatment (first time) and the silky softness of my hair left me speechless. I have never been without some sort of weave after having my hair washed/conditioned/styled, however this time I wore my hair proudly without any weave. The keratin treatment can last between 3-6months and decreases frizz and puffiness from sweat/humidity. It's been 2 weeks so far and my hair is still straight and no signs of frizz! My hair looks so healthy and happy! I am thankful that there is a black owned salon for all hair types. Thank you Essence VIP!! read more