This is one of the worst experiences I have had with a wax service. After my wax, I experienced bruising and severe redness, which I've never had when going to other salons. I reached out to the salon directly to let them know what happened so it could be addressed and other's wouldn't have the same experience. The management blamed me the first time, and after I posted the review, she texted my private number and stated again that it was all because of the length of the hair. As you can see in the article screenshot, bruising is caused by poor technique. I've also had dozens of waxes at this point so I am well aware of how my skin reacts. Unfortunately, the service took 40 minutes and was also the most painful waxing I have experienced. The wax seemed like it was very difficult for the esthetician to remove. At one point, the esthetician used hard wax to remove more hard wax. Multiple times the stick got unstuck and she had to place another one on, or she just pulled too early. While the esthetician herself was a truly lovely person and a pleasure to talk to, I strongly advise not getting this service. read more

H2O Salon - Hair Removal Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

See all

Last week McKenna gave me the best haircut of my life. There's some magical technique she used that has made my curls look perfect every day, no matter the weather or what I've been doing. Everyone's noticed, and I've been getting a lot of compliments on it. I couldn't be happier. read more

H2O Salon - Perfect, no effort curls. Loving the hidden layers. - Hair Removal Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

My friend recommended I come here and request Maggie and I'm so glad I did. Upon entering they offer you something to drink and you also get a scalp massage! The staff is friendly, products are recent, establishment is clean and they really know what they are doing. A medium haircut is minimum of $50.00 and some may think that's pricey but you get what you pay for. They also have first time customer perks/discounts for referrals so don't forget to mention who referred you and save some $$$$. One thing I want to point out (but I don't consider it an issue) is their scheduling. I had to reschedule my appointment for a later time and notified the staff so it wouldn't count as a no show but an hour later I received an email stating they were going to count this as a no show because they had yet to see my initial email I sent the night before. Not to worry, they apologized and were very professional about it. I appreciated the professionalism displayed during our scheduling conflict. Check out their website for more services because it's a one stop shop here and they do more than just hair :) read more

Had a shaggy bob style haircut here and loved it! Super friendly staff! I would recommend this place.

Every time I go to H2o Salon, it's amazing, and going now during the pandemic has raised my already high opinion of them to an entirely new level. I live with someone high-risk and I'm half-made of Clorox by this point, but H2o is so thoughtful and meticulously careful, I feel as safe there as if I were in my own home. I haven't been anywhere in Champaign-Urbana that left me feeling as safe as H2o Salon. They're even offering the option of doing haircuts outside now, just to help keep everyone even safer! I've been going to the salon for years, and I've had hair color and cuts done by Maggie and Amy, and they're both outstanding. I love my multicolor hair (I've got a mix of purple, teal, and blue right now, courtesy of Maggie; the color before this was a variegated wine-color and pink courtesy of Amy). The hair color product they use for colors like mine (Elumen) stays SO vibrant for months, which makes it super economical too. The haircuts are always great. Maggie and Amy helped me grow my hair from a super-short pixie cut with shaved sides, out all the way to my shoulders. Every cut they've given me looked awesome, even during those typically awkward middle stages. Honestly, I've grown out my hair a few times in my life, but usually I have to wear a hat or something during those middle stages. Not with H2o. They really know what they're doing, and I trust them to consistently give me a look I'm going to love. I've also had a manicure and pedicure with Jeanie, who is so friendly and kind. She's got many colors to choose from, and she knows her stuff. I learned a lot about nail care and foot care with her while getting a beautiful teal color on my nails and a really relaxing pedicure too. Edith, McKenna, and Jenna have done waxing for me, and they're really great. I've gotten my eyebrows and my legs waxed with them, and my sensitive skin doesn't mind it at all. Everyone at H2o Salon is so friendly and welcoming. The salon has a unique, relaxed atmosphere in a historic building in downtown Urbana with a really cool tin ceiling. They've got a strong environmental focus, and you can come in and get refillable hair care products at their "zero waste eco-station." They're LGBT-friendly and super respectful of pronouns, and you feel so welcome when you're there. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great cut, color, wax, or nail service in Champaign-Urbana. read more

Amazing! Maggie is a true artist! This is the best salon of the four I've tried since moving to C-U. Maggie's understanding of color is unrivaled. read more

I don't know if Ursa is still around, but she came all the way down to St. Louis, armed with a box of stuff, and did the hair and makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and the bride's mom in a small hotel room. Everyone looked amazing. read more

H2O Salon - Beautiful Bride's Hair - Hair Removal Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

McKenna does amazing work! Great price too. Normally I get a cut and it takes a full week for me to like it, but here I always leave loving the cut right away. Queer-friendly, clean establishment, all employees very kind. They are taking extra precautions during Covid-19 and as someone at risk I feel safe every time I come here. A gem in Champaign-Urbana. read more

I had a wonderful experience at H20! First of all, they take COVID seriously by practicing every possible precaution, something that I appreciate very much. I wish every local business was as conscientious as they are. My stylist McKenna was attentive and engaging. She listened to what I had to say and delivered one of the best haircuts I have ever had. I couldn't be more pleased. I will definitely continue going to McKenna at H20. Great stylist; great place! read more

This is one of the few places that genuinely makes me miss Champaign-Urbana. On a recommendation from my friend, I booked an appointment there with Jen. She was amazing! I brought in a few photos of a cut I liked and she worked with my face shape and hair type to ultimately give me exactly the style I wanted! I'd been growing my hair out for a very long time following an extremely awful short cut at a higher priced Chicago salon, but had never been able to wear it down. This cut fixed all that, and even achieved flattering straight-across bangs (a style I'd been afraid of since 6th grade). They also did the hair and makeup for our end of the year fashion show, and did a wonderful job with incorporating multi-colored braids into the hair in a way that flattered the clothing as well (and great makeup!). I recommend H20 to almost everyone, and it's one of the few motivating factors in my life to taking the dull 2 hour drive down 57 back to C-U. read more

Carly did a great job on my hair. A little bit of funk, but still professional for work. What I really appreciated was how great she was at telling me about the different products I was using, suggesting tips on how to take care of my hair, and also not assuming I had the money to buy the expensive stuff. Great place in Champaign-Urbana for the 20 somethings crowd to go for cuts. Very welcoming atmosphere and good music playing too. read more

I've since been back for 2 haircuts, one from Edith and one from Lauren. They both did an excellent job and gave me exactly what I wanted--something that's rarely happened in all my past salon experiences. I usually have a vague idea of what I want my hair to look like, and both Edith and Lauren were able to take those vague ideas, add their own flair, and give me a perfect haircut. Really, I don't think a salon experience could be better than that. I also really like the products by Eufora that they use here; adds to the experience, and feels (and smells) luxurious. read more

I've tried several of the other salons (Ippatsu, Timothy Johns, and Spa Envy) but I always come back to H20. I like the red brick modern ambiance and the fact that they do charity events. Ursa has been cutting my hair for years. I've had her do short haircuts, long haircuts, spot color, and highlights. I have always been very happy! They also have a particular shampoo and styling product that I like and haven't found anywhere else. To tell you how much I recommend it: H20 is a grown-up kind of place but I also bring my daughter here for a haircut (age 8) and Ursa is very good with children. At first she was afraid but now she wants to go and sees it as a treat. read more

I just got my hair cut here for the first time this morning, and I'm really happy with the results! Maggie listened to my wish list hair-wise and gave me exactly what I wanted. I'll definitely be back! read more

I just moved into town, and I was nervous about finding a new stylist. I decided to give H2O a try and was really impressed. My hair was long and flat and in desperate need of a cut. I went ahead and got an angled bob - done by Ethan. He did a fantastic job, and I highly recommend him. He listed to my concerns and gave me different options, but first and foremost, he listened to my needs! The price was $45 (not including tip), which at first I thought was the base price, but the shampoo and blow dry was included. The products they used were high quality, and the experience was well-worth the money! read more

I needed a new stylist and so I actually did a little yelp research for a salon in the CU area. I also went to each salon's website and checked out their different stylists. I finally settled on H2O and decided that Lauren would be a good fit. I called and made an appointment. When I got there, Lauren introduced herself and we talked about what kind of cut I wanted. I usually just do a straight, plain cut. I wanted to do something different and so she did an angled layered bob cut with the long layers at my chin. Ever since my cut, everyone has complimented my new haircut. I will definitely be going back to Lauren for all my haircut needs. Lauren has moved to Kane and Co now. FYI. read more

So if I could review my pedicure and shellac Manicure separately I would give the pedicure 5 stars and the manicure 3. My pedicure was fantastic. Color was applied beautifully and my feet feel great. Less than 24 hours after my shellac manicure, my polish has already started peeling! The polish wasn't cured at the end for 90 seconds likes they usually are and my nails aren't entirely covered with polish. I didn't notice till I came home. Maybe it's due to the color being a light pink but they look pretty awful. I love the nail technician. Such a sweet person. I would definitely come to h2o again for a pedicure but not a manicure, still hunting for the perfect place. read more

(Disclaimer - this review is from 6/20/11) My boyfriend and I went in for tandem haircuts last week. He had an appointment with Ethan and I with Carly (after reading the fabulous reviews here). Ethan performed magic on my fella (I knew he was handsome before but MY GOD! And it's so easy for him to take care of, too!) and Carly gave me absolutely the best cut I've ever had. We will definitely be back; it's absolutely worth the few extra bucks. read more

I had Terra. She was really great at listening to what I wanted, but also suggesting and doing creative things that she thought would look good, Very happy with the outcome. They fit me in last minute, right away, and were very nice and friendly. read more

I have come here for almost a year now and I have NEVER been disappointed. Edith, the owner runs a free spirited, lgbt friendly shop that offers the works. Maggie, the senior stylist uses the straight razor very well and is a miracle worker when it comes to color. She and every other stylist do nothing short of amazing work. From everything to your not so typical color cut ombre with brow wax all the way to a quick clean up. You will NOT be disappointed!! With the offer of refreshments throughout your appointment and a head massage on top? It cant be beat. Walk in friendly for junior stylists means you can always see someone with great talent. Or if you would rather have someone more seasoned take care of you, call ahead because the pros book fast!! Once again, Maggie does me but the whole shop deserves 5 stars! read more

nice place, modern but tastefully so. less pretention than at ippatsu in downtown champaign. $40 for a men's haircut isn't cheap, but the results last months; my hair didn't grow all over the place in two weeks. the ladies are nice to hang out with. minus one star for the 20min wait (although i was on time), and the endlessly looping soundtrack which gets repetitive after a while. Dec 2007 update: my 2nd haircut here did not last too long, despite having the same hairdresser. i guess this is hit-or-miss then. and the wait time was excruciating... total 90 minutes for a guy with short hair? read more

Edith is alright, kind of a rude boss, but whatever. Maggie creates problems where there are none and she seems to think it is okay. Beautiful building though, unfortunately the high rise of new staff makes the place uncomfortable. read more

I got my hair cut at this salon for the first time recently and I saw Lauren. I was looking for something somewhat low-maintenance that would work with my hair type. I've had some pretty bad salon experiences in the past - I have very very thick, wavy/curly hair and many stylists have found it very difficult, or cut it wayy too short, or something. One of the other reviews mentioned that Lauren helped take their vague ideas and gave them a perfect haircut, and that was exactly my experience. Lauren asked a lot of questions to help me figure out exactly what I wanted, and I ended up with a really lovely, versatile haircut. She did a great job and gave me a great cut for my hair type that I can wear curly or straight. She provided product advice, but did not do it in a pushy-salespeople kind of way. She also styled it very nicely. The salon's vibe is nice and pretty easy-going, and I saw people of all ages and hair types in there. Everyone was friendly without being too talkative or too pushy. I will definitely be back to this salon. read more

I have been to H2O salon three times now, and have had two different stylists take care of me, Ethan and Lauren. I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled with their work. Admittedly, I had previously gone to the cheap 'clips' and 'cutters' places, and I thought a hair cut was a hair cut. After my first experience with H2O, I realized what I was missing. They do so much more to make your hair cooperate with your style, they wash it with really amazing products (the conditioner makes your head feel cool, I think there's mint in it) and they offer useful styling tips as well. The most recent time I was there, they gave me a hot towel face massage and hand massage (I think it was a daily special that they were running). I almost fell asleep because I was so relaxed! The environment is very hip, with brick walls and really cool art hanging all around. I absolutely recommend checking this place out. They have me for life. read more

I've been meaning to post my positive review since I got my haircut here by Carly (I think) back in January 2011. She totally fixed my last two less than desirable haircuts and cut it a little less boring. However, that didn't mean my hairstyle lost professionalism and went totally hot and trendy. I could do it either way, which was perfect. I'm looking forward to going back to get the cut freshened up. Carly has moved to Kane & Company, and so did I. I like her so much, I wasn't willing to switch stylists. read more

Just recently got my curly hair cut here by Ethan. He did an outstanding job! I wanted to try something new- bangs- but was a little skeptical that it could work with my hair type. He really listened to my wants and worries and worked with me to find a great style that would show off my curls! He's actually a really smart guy and a curly hair expert. He also explained to me what kind of products are best for my hair. He didn't talk my head off like some stylists do but made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Yes, the prices are high for a college student's budget, but definitely worth it. My hair hasn't ever looked this great and for once, I didn't cry after a cut! :) read more

After failing miserably at trying to find a CU salon for a year, I finally gave H2O a try and was pleasantly surprised. My appointment was with Kyle on a Saturday morning right at 9:00 when the salon opened. I was impressed that the door was open and the salon was ready for my arrival at 8:50. Kyle was personable, prompt, and thorough. She took the time to explain back to me the haircut I was describing and also offered her professional opinion. Through each step of the appointment she explained what she was doing to my hair and why. The exposed brick walls of the salon offered a modern city vibe while still maintaining a peaceful and relaxing setting. I received one of the best haircuts I have had in my life and have now found my go-to salon! read more

I love my new cut! I've had some bad experiences with other salons in the area, so I'm very happy with how my hair turned out. Amy was great! I will definitely be read more

Not my favorite place to go. I went in the first time to get my hair done ombre and the woman talked a lot, which is okay, but while talking she said the look that I wanted was trashy...so she toned it down...I went back for her to fix it, which she didn't charge me for, but she used a different method that wasn't as great at blending the colors. The surroundings are okay, doesn't have a super clean or polished look. read more

I found out about H2O salon on yelp and gave it a try. Everyone there was extremely nice the moment I walked through the door for my appointment. I came in with curly hair down to my waist and came out with the most spectacular cut right above my shoulders. I like drastic change and Susan gave me exactly what I wanted. Before even taking out her scissors, she sat down and talked to me about what I want and my lifestyle. I'm a single mother of a four year old and needed something easy. She gave me everything I wanted and more in a cut and color. I will go no where else for all future haircuts and coloring. Susan was so amazing no other place can match it. read more

I am very into keeping my look up to date. I liked the art on the walls and the music, however I don't like paying quality prices for messed up hair. It was an expensive fix and if you have the money to waste on this salon all the power to ya! There is a saying. "You get what you pay for. " Meaning quality service is expensive. I ended up paying quality prices for a mediocre job! I will leave out the name of who and what she did, however I will never be going back to H20 when such a stylist is working there. If some how those who she is teaching read this, I recommend finding another salon to further your education. Besides the sloppy work, I was disgusted to see a cockroach on my way to the restroom!! Any respectable place should be spraying for things like that! Unfortunately the only quality in this salon is the toilet paper. Some salons are quality and some salons are pretentious pretenders. Be wary of this salon if your choosing to try a new place! read more

Ethan gave me a very good haircut. He asked plenty of questions along the way to make sure that we were on the same page, which seems intuitive, but many stylists fail to do this, leading to hilarity/disaster, depending on your p.o.v. Anyway, Ethan is a very skilled professional who does excellent work. Only 4 stars and not five because the services at H20 are just a little too dear for my budget. I am not saying their prices are unreasonable, because they are fair to be sure, but they are just a bit out of my range. read more

I don't write many reviews but I wanted to take some time out and say what a good experience I had here. I had a haircut and overall color with Angela. When you first walk in, it doesn't seem all that. Although, everyone is very friendly. I sat down in the chair, immediately Angela asked me what I wanted. I showed here two pictures, one of the haircut style I wanted and another of the color I wanted. She looked at the picture for less than 2 minutes and said okay I'll be right back. She spent about 2 hours on my hair which included the color and haircut. She was very nice, funny and witty. It was honestly one of the best hair experiences I've had in a very long time. I'm so happy with the result. She did exactly what I was looking for. Angela is definitely going to be my go to girl! I might have to come back to Champaign after I leave just for my hair :) read more

I decided to seek out a new stylist in town after getting bored with the same ol' thing. I saw the reviews and decided to give H20 a try. I called and made an appointment with Edith. She is FABULOUS. Not only is she personable and professional, she also does really great work. She was teaching some of the junior stylists while doing my hair. My hair is a thick and wavy, but I really wanted a bob. She explained that the models who have bobs often have thin hair. However, she did say it could be done, she would just have to use some special techniques. She explained everything and made me feel very comfortable. Not to mention, she taught me how to blow dry my hair in 5 minutes flat (a task that usually takes more than 10 minutes). I will definitely be going back. read more

I needed to get a haircut before my study abroad trip started at the end of May, and was recommended by a friend to get my hair done by Carly. Wow, what an awesome recommendation! She was really relaxed and open to my ideas, while still letting her creativity be reflected in my hair. I got nervous when she blew out the hair because it looked tamer than what I am used to, but the next day after I removed the professionalism out of it, I had really funky, adorable hair! I also appreciate that she let me postpone my eyebrow waxing because she felt it wasn't necessary yet. Thus, I went this afternoon to get them done by Amanda, who did a marvelous and thorough job. read more

went there for a brazilian wax. Waxes are painful, but i made it through! The woman waxing, Olivia, was nice. I still have hairs tho...like random ones. long ones. She didn't explain to me why she didn't remove the randoms. I feel like they were in the "brazilian zone" and should have been removed. Maybe it is my fault for not asking enough questions but I did tell her it was my first braz wax. The set up was kind of weird, you go in the back room for waxes and nails. Someone was getting a pedicure outside the little "room" I was in, and then someone came in for an eyebrow wax. Actually, someone was giving themselves a pedicure.... also kind of strange, shouldn't employees not do that during business hours? Anyways, it was not very private and I could hear it all and felt even more self conscious about my "ows!" because I knew they could all hear me too. It was not really a room but four walls that did not go up to the ceiling creating a lack of privacy. I have heard about friends getting waxes and the person was really good and thorough .... I would not say that about this wax. She did not go in with tweezers after to get strays hairs...and it was so painful I was just ready to go so when she said she was done I didn't question it. I will just trim them myself. sigh.... $60 plus tip .... Might try somewhere else next time. read more

Just got my haircut there yesterday with Angela, who is new to the salon. It was WONDERFUL! I have been looking for a good salon in C-U as my previous experience at a different salon was horrible. Angela did a great job cutting my hair and the finished product was exactly what I was looking for! I will be going back for sure and have found my reliable salon in Urbana! read more

It's too pricey for what it is. I got a balayage and a cut. Don't get you're hair cut here - $35 for two snips with the scissors?! I've gotten better haircuts at hair cuttery. As for the color? I showed Amy what I wanted and she said it'd be no problem. My hair is now brassy and uneven (some places the color is nice and in others it's a split-ended brassy nightmare). Now I have to find and pay for someone to fix it. Thanks? $200 down the drain. read more

Carly is great. She's very creative hair stylist. I love the way she cuts my hair, edgy and modern. She gives great advice on how to do it yourself hair styling and maintain your scalp and hair healthy. I will miss her. The spa section is also great. Ursa is also great. I'd been going to her for 5 years. She is very passionate about styling and her business. read more

Have been here twice now. Once for a haircut/style and another time for manicure/brow wax. Haircut was great, I think I had Lauren (its been a while since I was there and Im bad at names!) and she did great. I told her I wanted to do something different from my hair, I was bored with my current plain and simple style. She styled my hair by shortening it a little, and adding some more defined layers and updating my bangs. It look "new," great on me, and I am able to do a lot with it (make it look elegant, simple or edgy etc). More recently I got a brow wax and manicure. Technician was personable, made the usually unpleasant brow wax experience pretty comfortable and she styled them great. I've gotten some brow waxes in the past (at other salons) that end up with me having barely any brow left. She instead asked what I was looking for, gave recommendations on how she could style them and in the end it looked great. Manicure was also great. Part of the process was putting my fingers in this warm lotion thing which I've never had before but it was actually really nice! Technician (Jeanie) was very nice and personable. Explained all the options to me (regular paint versus shellac (not sure if I spelled that right), and I end I got regular paint because its cheaper. Nailed looked great, and lasted a long time. She was very considerate and since I was riding a bike home (which involves using hand to take off lock and put on helmet) she said to come back in if I chipped any nails through that process. I didn't but it was nice to have the offer. Id recommend all of the services I've had at H2O, great place, local business, sweet interior, personable people, everyone I had asked what I wanted and gave recommendations to me. Will continue to visit H2O and I encourage you too as well! read more