Kristen is amazing, the salon is clean and the products are top-notch. Cannot more highly recommend.

I've been looking for a salon for a year and I've finally found it! East studio salon is the kind of place a perfectionist (yes you heard it) can go-to for everything - their cuts and colour jobs are commendable. I had an appointment with Robin, who was amicable, stylish and so knowledgable.. It didn't take more than a few words for her to completely understand exactly what I wanted! I had my base colour (I'm a brunette) lightened and a haircut and I came out feeling renewed and relieved... My search for my favorite salon has ended :) They carry an extensive range of kerastase products (my fave) and the staff was very professional, polite and helpful. It's a diamond in the rough in the salon scene in Chicago and I'd recommend it to both starters and novices alike - an all round nourishing hair experience read more

not bad, no great--just OK. I bought a voucher from Gilt for a haircut. It was great that they were able to accommodate me within the same day. The salon itself is pretty large and modern. However, I didn't feel that "I can't stop looking at myself" feeling after getting a haircut. I've asked for a similar haircut before at a comparable salon in the city and I felt great. This place is on the pricey end without a voucher, so I expected a bit more of that artistic talent to show. As i was leaving the salon one of the more senior stylists made a comment to my stylist saying "that was quick!" Not something I wanted to hear as I was leaving since it made me think--"did she rush?" I was in and out in about 35 minutes. Unfortunately, I don't think I would return here. read more

I've been here twice in the last year and really enjoyed the service, treatment from staff, and the great cuts! Laura cut my hair a few months ago, and I received more complements on that cut than any other in my life. The cut also looked good for the months afterwards as it grew out. I didn't have anything specific in mind, just gave her a general idea of the length I wanted (slightly longer than chin-length) and asked her to cut it in a way she thought would look good. She took her time, explained what she thought would work best for my hair-type & bone structure before she started, and made sure I was happy with it. I miss this place now that I live in New York, and will definitely be making an appointment next time I'm back in town. read more

I am writing this review with a two year delay. Joseph and his team used me for a hair show that they organized in fall 2007. At that time my hair was tired and dried out from the Florida sun. Joseph did an amazing job in cutting it and hydrating it. Peter did an amazing job with the color. My hair never looked better. Two years later, after going to different hairdressers, always looking for bargains...I just realized that you get what you're paying for. I just went back to Joseph and I will never experiment with my hair again. It's such a waste of time and money...I am a very happy customer. read more

If Alice didn't deliver, I wouldn't have been returning for the past 12 years!!...Yes, 12 years! I left my last salon as a change of owners changed the quality of service. So, I researched several salons in the neighborhood for the next 2 years. Although Genacelli was logistically closest, I dismissed it as I was intimidated by its sleek, upscale looks (hard to get rid of that "beauty parlor" mentality). After miserable results from other salons in and out of the neighborhood, I finally decided to go in for a consultation. I told the reservationist, "I need someone who knows how to work with fine hair..." And that didn't mean that I should be scheduled with someone who **would be willing to cut fine hair!** It meant that this operator educationally and technically needed to know how to work with fine hair--in the past I've had disasters, burns, and frizzes that, except for **having** to go to work, would have kept me sobbing in the house for weeks! At my consultation with Alice I stated that if we didn't agree on ideas and visions that I wasn't interested in wasting her time and my time & money, and that we'd say Good-bye with no hard feelings--12 years later I'm returning on a monthly basis and couldn't be happier! When there was a span of time where I was at a complete loss as to what to do with my hair, Alice respected that emotionally I just couldn't see anything but the most basic style. Then one day I said, "What do you think I'd look like with this style?"...and an hour later I looked terrific, felt terrific, and received compliments from just about everyone over the next few days! The salon's Spa services are terrific with Cynthia's soothing touch; they have wonderful "salon party" ideas such as "Girl-in-the-Know Boot Camp" where they instruct **you** as to how to style your hair at home!!! The products available are quality so that I can duplicate the same texture and look that I receive when I leave the salon. Since I travel from the Edgewater neighborhood, Genacelli is conveniently located around the corner from the Diversey Brown Line El stop. Joseph and Cynthia have brought together a staff of highly skilled professional operators, which includes the attentive, friendly staff at the desk. Genacelli has every reason for me to keep coming back! See ya next month, Alice!!! read more

I have been going to Kristen for almost 4 years and couldn't be happier! Not only are the prices reasonable and the evening hours convenient, but she does an amazing job every time!! I have long, super thick, wavy hair, so it's hard to find someone that can give me a cut I love and do it quickly!!! The salon uses high-end products and has an upscale feel, without charging the prices you would find at similar salons. I used to switch salons/stylists with every hair cut based on where I could get an appointment. Since I discovered Kristen, I don't go anywhere else! read more

I went here twice and only because I returned for a corrective haircut. I think I must have had a fairly new hairdresser because she literally cut a shelf in my hair. She did not really know how to layer hair. Luckily, when I went back someone oversaw the cut and instructed her on what to do. I expect this kind of thing if I go for a cheap cut, but not for these prices. read more

This was legitimately the best salon experience I've ever had. Laura is a master in color, cut and product. Hands down the best.

Great salon! It's unpretentious and welcoming; a nice neighborhood place, and close to the el. You do pay salon prices, but they're not as bad as some, and at Genacelli it's worth it. I've been going to Beth for about a year and she's great. Can't wait to make my next appointment! read more

I love Genacelli! Everyone who works there is nice and the whole place just has a very friendly vibe throughout. Laura has been cutting and coloring my hair for a few years now and she is the BEST. She is so sweet and fun, and she is GREAT at giving me the style I never knew I wanted! Eveytime I leave there I feel like a hair model :) She rocks! read more

My hair was getting really long to the point where I decided I might as well donate it since otherwise it'd just go to waste. But then I got so bored with it. After reading the good reviews about Genacelli I decided to go in to get a little bit cut off and to maybe get a little bit of style. When I arrived I had to fill out a hair profile which was really great-- it asked questions like what was my overall fashion aesthetic, etc. Then I met with Peter, my stylist. I had made my appointment online (which was so convenient) and had written that I was growing out my hair to donate so he knew he wasn't going to do much. But I was so... sad about my hair... really really bored and he could tell by my body language. So then he started measuring and figured out that if I didn't mind going quite short in back, then I had enough hair. He started describing to me what this short hair cut would look like and I could tell he really knew what he was doing so I went with it. I was NOT disappointed in the slightest. He gave me the chic-est little haircut that made me look so much better! No longer was I weighed down by all that hair! I absolutely love it. One of my co-workers loved it so much that she ran her hands through it with reckless abandon when she first saw it and let out a squeal of delight. Seriously. I have gotten numerous compliments on my hair and even about a month out it still looks great and is so easy to style. And everybody at Genacelli was so nice to me, I even got a little goody bag when they left. They called me a few days ago to ask how my haircut was going. I will definitely go back! read more

I love my haircut. Crystal is the girl for me, follicle-y. So far, this haircut has lasted two months, with a couple of bang trims. That's skill. Reasonably priced, nice atmosphere and they give great coupon offers and advice for products and services. Oh, did I mention the complete lack of pretension of the place and peeps here despite being really pretty? Chicago feels a bit more like home with a good hairdresser. read more

Don't want to re-say what's already been said - simply here to speak high praise of Crystal. I've been to many other local boutique salons, Aveda and the like, and no one listened to me nearly as well as this single hair stylist. I got EXACTLY what I wanted with the addition of a great lesson in how to re-execute the look in a practical amount of time. I know everyone there is fantastic - but this experience definitely stood out. Also, the offering of wine doesn't hurt! read more

Robin does wonders for my hair. I give her 5 stars. She fixed the horrible things that had been done to the color so I would look great for my wedding. The big downside is that Genacelli is pretty far away from where I live now:( Only one bad experience with another stylist, I went in for a color last minute before a getaway and she wanted to cut a lot of my hair before the color. Not happy about it, I let her do it. Once she cut she then realized she was over booked and did not have time to do my color. I left spending over $100 on something I never wanted and with no color. I think she was just trying to hurry me out because the bangs she cut were pretty botched too (not really something you can fix). If you don't have time don't start and then half finish. I'd give one star for this experience. Robin is the only thing saving it overall. read more

I got my hair cut with Laura last week and she did a fabulous job! The salon is comfortable and clean and they really take their time to make you feel relaxed. As a hairstylist myself, I sometimes go to other salons to remind myself of what it's like to be a customer. This place knows how to treat their guests! (which unfortunately, isn't all that common in our indusrty) And their prices aren't outrageous, either! Five stars for sure! Thanks, Laura, for the wonderful experience! read more

I was referred to Chrystal at Genacelli and I have become a huge fan! Everytime that I need to squeeze a haircut into my busy schedule, they are able to fit me in. The salon is clean and Chrystal always listens and gives me the cut I am looking for. As a first time customer, you get a discount and a "welcome package" that includes lotion, and coupons. I was able to get a cut on New Years Eve and she even gave me a little up-do to go out in that night, free of charge. How sweet is that? I have been back since, and recommend it to all of my friends. For the price, service, and location (right in between the Diversey and Wellington stop) this salon truly deserves 5 stars! read more

Yet another person complimented me on my color today, and it motivated me to tell others about Genacelli. I have been a happy client for many years, with Joseph giving me great cuts and Alice keeping my gray under cover. But a recent color was an epiphany -- my brown hair had lightened to auburn from the sun and needed some depth. Alice suggested adding low-lights via balayage so that I could have the best of both. The results were perfect and more than a few complete strangers have commented on how gorgeous my hair looks -- what a great feeling! On a general note, I love the friendly vibe of this salon and recommend it regularly. So nice to support a local business while getting great service! read more

I'm a bi-racial girl who doesn't have bone straight hair nor do I have thick kinky hair. Im of Afro-Latino decent and have naturally curly hair. Of course thought there was NO way I would a salon in Lincoln Park that would be able to service my hair property - then I walked in to Genacelli! Pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I've only worked with Alice but she cares and nurtures my hair and does an amazing job. This is the healtiest my hair has ever been! She listens to exactly what I want and doesn't tell me what I need yet offers her opinion when its appropriate (and her opinions/recommendations are usually spot on!). So glad to have found a place that sees you when promised, extremely professional, and it seems like everyone knows what they are doing! A proud and satisfied customer here! read more

I found this salon because I was interested in getting my hair colored but don't like the uniform and too perfectly spaced look of highlights. I read an article about this technique called Balayage and East studio popped up in a search for this type of highlights. I LOVE the results. Amanda, my colorist and stylist, gave me the exact color I was looking for and a perfect cut to match. I love the results and my hair looks like I just was out in the sun all summer, which is exactly what I was looking for. I also found a coupon for an anti-aging facial which I tried and really liked. I think I'll go back for their express $40 facial which is the same thing just a little less of everything. They put this foam-like mask on top of the lotions that seals everything in, then peals off with little indents for each pore. Kind of strange/cool. Everyone is very nice and the vibe is casual and hip. read more

I started going here 4 years ago on the recommendation of a friend, and can't stop, even though I can barely afford it. I see Kristen, who works in the East Studio, for both color and cuts. She is some sort of expert in ballyage (sp?), which are painted on highlights that don't look like they're growing out. Kristen is also great for curly girls! She always has my color perfectly mixed for me, and volunteers to re-do a few strands anytime if I go home and decide it's not bright enough. What excellent customer service! Salon is always clean, staff are friendly and helpful, and cuts meticulous. Worth the price! read more

I had an appointment with Kristen at The East Studio Salon. She did an amazing job! They use lux Kerastase products at the salon. You can schedule your appointment online. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience. read more

I have been coming here for several months now. Not only did East Studio save me on that one disastrous day, Britni was able to get my hair from a too-dark-for-my-complexion brown to a beautiful; soft, luxurious auburn. I love it. I am so happy I stumbled upon this place. It's awesome and I'll never go anywhere else. read more

I've been going to Laura for over two years. She is amazing, seems like a great teacher for the studio, and is generally just f*cking cool to talk to. She is the only person I trust to color my hair. Everyone at the studio is polite and professional. The facilities are clean and modern, and they use high quality products. Highly recommend! read more

I've lived in Chicago for 3 years now and have been on the elusive search for "the" hair salon and a fantastic stylist to match. After 4 tries at other neighborhood salons, I think I found it! I had an appointment with Erin and she was great. I wanted to really change up my hair look and she took the time to consult with me to make sure the style would work with my lifestyle. She was super friendly and actually takes to me instead of making it an awkward 45 minutes. It's been a week since I've been and I'm still loving it. She is going to make me a repeat customer! read more

I've been going to Peter for years, and love how he cuts and colors my hair. Recently he recommended a new treatment, the Brazilian Blowout. My hair is normally so thick and fizzy. With this treatment my hair is now smooth, shiny and looks healthier than every. Totally worth the price, especially since it cuts my drying and styling time in half! read more

I have been going to KJ from East Studio since she began with Genacelli. I have never had a beautician be able to dye my hair without the gray coming through after the next wash. She was the first to actually listen to me when I said this and made sure my grays stayed covered. I have completely stopped going to anyone else but her. She does a great color and cut!! She is always pleasant and will continue to get my business. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

went there for a men's haircut as I was referred by a friend. KJ cut my hair and did an amazing job. While the haircut is a bit pricey (I believe $50 with tip), she definitely took her time and takes pride in her work. I guess, you get what you pay for :) Also really conveniently located off the Brown line read more

I've been going to Erica at the East Studio since I moved to Chicago 2 years ago. I have had nothing but great things to say about her in regards to service and personality. I will continue to recommended her to friends looking to get a fresh cut while enjoying a cold brew and some good conversation. read more

Peter is awesome! He knows exactly what to do even when you aren't sure. He's engaging, friendly and most importantly, I trust him with my hair. Loved it and I'll definitely be back! read more

Not only did I love the salon's atmosphere, but the receptionists at the East Studio Salon were very attentive and kind. It was my first time here and I feel fortunate I got Amanda who makes you feel comfortable right from the beginning. We chatted the whole time, especially about both of us moving to Chicago, but even more pleasing than the conversation was what Amanda did with my hair. The cut was so beautiful and healthy and even kept up its healthiness and ease with straightening well after a month. Also, I'm pretty picky with how people color my hair and Amanda got the shade of blonde perfect as well as getting so close to the root that you could barely see the original dirty blonde color. I enjoyed my experience. read more

I see Laura for my hair and love her and what she does for my hair. I've sent my mom and fiance to see her and they also love her. If my review was based solely on Laura it would be a 5 star review. For a few times I saw Cynthia (the owner) to have my eyebrows and eye lashes tinted. I had never had this service done before but I really liked the result. Four weeks later I went back thinking this was going to be great. It was awful. She put the dye on my eyebrows and lashes and left me in the room longer than usual. I could hear her talking to customers in the reception area. It was the holidays and they were talking it up about this plan and that family member. I was starting to panic and that's something you should NEVER pay money for. I had my haircut after wards and during the haircut my eyebrows go darker and darker. When I got home they were nearly black which did not look good next to my strawbery-blonde hair. I was completely freaked out. She even left some of the die on! I had to wash it off at home! I couldn't go back in to have her to correct it for 4 weeks as I left town the next day. So, I went through a business trip, Christmas, my birthday and new years looking like groucho marx. When I went in she apologized and gave me a free lash tint and then said she would also cover my next brow tint. It took 3 months for my eyebrows to go back to "normal". When I did go in to have my complimentary eyebrow color she forgot that she said it would be complimentary and I was made to feel like I was the one who was trying to rip her off. I left that day feeling that not only did I have to remind her of her mess up but that the job she did that day still wasn't that good either. I'm worried that she isn't focused on her clients and that she's too distracted. I won't spend my time or money on that kind of customer service ever again. read more

I went to The East Studio which apparently is Genacelli's ugly step daughter. I had my highlights done and was very clear and specific over what I wanted. I basically just had roots that needed a touch up. I expressed how blonde I wanted to still be. Well I walked out with splotchy brown/Carmel hair. I looked like a cheetah. I called a few hours later and scheduled a fix. The stylist claimed that is how balayage is and the effect it gives. Um no! I know the difference between well placed highlights and something slapped on. Besides that the color was all wrong! The owner even walked by during my redo. I thought she would stop by to make sure I was pleased given I was there for a fix but nope nothing. Fast forward to now and my hair is an awful yellow/brown color. I got home and cried. I have another appointment at different salon now to get this fixed! read more

I had a great experience with a GILT voucher here with Erica. I will now be going here for color and cut!

I've been going to Genacelli for the past 12 years. Sure, I've cheated every now and then but I always end up coming back to Peter. You will not find a better hair colorist then Peter. He is a true artist. He also is an outstanding hairstylist and will listen carefully to your needs and style accordingly. He trulyl is a master stylist and you will not be disappointed by the outcome! read more

You will be over-charged at this salon. Friend came in and they charged her more than $300 - all she received was a color job, and she has a bob. She came home crying. They also snuck in two treatments that she did not order and added it to the bill. I am disappointed at such a dishonest practice...enough that I had to write. When she called to complain, they said they don't have "set prices" - i.e. they are going to charge you whatever they want. read more

I have been searching for a stylist for five years. I know that seems like such a long time. I've tried all over the city. The last cut I got left me in tears. But it has been four months and something needed to be done. I chose Genacelli because it was conveniently located and I could make the appointment online (Hooray for not having to talk to a receptionist!) I chose Peter based on Yelp reviews. And I know that everyone says this kind of stuff...but...he really the most amazing stylist I've ever been to. We talked for a long time about what my expectations were of the cut and what was realistic for the lifestyle I lead (I don't even own a round brush). Peter came up with the top three options and then we went for it. All along, he kept saying that we could fix it if I didn't like it. I especially appreciate that he never once tried to sell me products. While he was coloring my hair, I learned (through a bit of prodding) that Peter has been a certified stylist since 1986. Even though he is a master stylist, he continues to rigorously participate in educational events. Peter clearly is working in his gifts and passions. What a delight! When I came home, my husband said, "that's the best hair cut you've ever had." Enough said! read more

I purchased a Gilt voucher for 3 blow-outs at East Studio salon. I've used 2 so far, both with Erin. She's done a great job taming my curly / prone to frizz hair, leaving it with a lot of volume and shine. Her normal price for a blow-out is $35, which is totally worth it for a night out or a special occasion. She's also super friendly and personable and the salon is really cute. I would highly recommend both! read more

I love my hair always from Laura. She is truly amazing with hair. She is very knowledgeable with hair and knows how to give me exactly what I am looking for! I adore talking with her and always enjoy my salon visits read more

I came to Joseph nearly in tears, after a botched haircut at another salon. He helped devise a strategy for transitioning into another look altogether, which ended up working extremely well. It's great to work with someone so professional. Joseph did my hair for my recent wedding and that turned out very well too! read more