Tried this salon on a day when I had a couple of hours, wanted color, and my former salon was booked up. They had a cancellation and everything went smoothly. I've been going here ever since. The last time I brought my husband for a haircut and beard trim. He's happy as well. Highly recommended. read more

Have been here twice for two separate services - once for a haircut and once for a blowout. I have been pleased both times. I have long, thick curly hair and paid 80 USD (excluding tip) for a haircut and 70 USD (also excluding tip) for a blowout. The hairstylist, Nesa, was super friendly and gave me the haircut and the blowout at different times, two weeks apart. I did not go in with a reference picture and just asked her to do whatever she thought would look best. I was not disappointed. I was a little bit confused about the price of the blowout v haircut. It struck me as strange that there was only a ten dollar difference between the two, given that when I had the haircut, the blowout was included in the 80 USD I paid. I have never had a blowout as a separate service (in any salon) before, so I don't know if this is typical. This is a very unassuming salon in a university neighbourhood, with a ten dollar discount for students (unsure if this is just for UChicago students: call and check). The ambience is clean but unexceptional. Overall, I recommend this place. Of the other hair salons I have been to in HP, I have liked this one the best. read more

I love the regular haircuts and brow tints I receive from Ruza at HDI. She listens to what I need and delivers with great skill, consistency and care. I have been a customer for over a year. An all round very pleasant experience I would recommend without hesitation. read more

Amy is friendly, and took the time to understand what I wanted, then gave me the haircut I wanted efficiently and quickly.

Hair Design International is the salon that you wish for! In my case, I've been getting my haircut by Tina for probably 20 years. She knows I like the same haircut, and she can do it every time. However, if you want something new and different, she can do that too. She did color for my grandson who wanted to "look like a tree", with dark green highlights against his brown hair. It came out perfectly! And he is thrilled. He looks like a tree, albeit a gangly teen age tree. The salon is as welcoming to newbies as it is to us old timers, and there is none of the pretension that there can be if you go to Oak Street! In the course of my many years, I have been to many many salons, Lincoln Park, Oak Street, South Loop. But no one has been able to approach Tina for consistency, efficiency, fun and the perfect haircut. Highly recommend! read more

After moving to Chicago in 2003 it took me three years to find Amy and I never went anywhere else. Didn't need to. Ever. The security guard at my job knew that I had not had any luck finding anyone who could cut my naturally curly hair. I was looking for a hip, sleek, versatile precision cut that I could wear curly or that I could straighten with a flat iron. So when she saw a woman with a sharp haircut come through the building, she asked her who did her hair. She passed me Amy's info when I stopped by her desk later in the day, and the rest is history. I'm black and Amy is not, so I was skeptical at first. But when I walked in and saw that she had a can of Dudley's at her station, that was all she wrote. Amy gets me in and out of the salon in 30 minutes or less, even when she washes, blow-dries, and flat-irons my hair. And she cuts it so well that even when it grows out, it grows into a cute new style! I get compliments on my haircut/style even 3-4 months after I've been to Amy! I recently moved to NYC and, in 8 months, still haven't found anyone who can give me a decent precision haircut for less than $125. So I was thrilled to be back in Chicago on business and to be able to make an appointment with Amy. In and out in 15 minutes, and she brought all my style back just like that! read more

I can't speak for all the stylists at HDI because I've only ever been to one. Amy. She was the first and only stylist I've been to since I moved to Chicago 5 years ago, and she's WONDERFUL. She's trendy, sweet, and a great stylist. I've moved all over the city, but I will still make the trek back down to Hyde Park for her to cut my hair. $40 for a cut and blow dry, AND $5 off on Tuesdays. can't beat it! The salon itself is clean & bright and I've never been kept waiting for an appointment. Note: You can pay by CC but they only accept cash tips. read more

After living with painful ingrown toe nails for years and them getting worse with time and the wear of heels. It was time to see a doctor who recommended surgery! I hated the thought of going through that, when I mentioned to a friend about my problem she recommended Jenny at hair design. After only 3 pedicures I have never felt such relief! This woman is amazing and the kindest person you will ever come across. She is a magician! Seeing my doctor recently he even mentioned what a great job she did! Highly recommended go here now. read more

I've been going to Amy for as long as I can remember! Once in awhile I go in & tell her the length I'd like & tell her do something fun with a style & to suprise me! I know that'll she'll cut something great that fits the frame of my face & for me, the styles are easy for me to take care of! She's also great with highlights! The salon has a pleasant atmosphere, Karen at the front is always super friendly : ) (no pretentiousness here!) read more

I got my hair done here for my wedding last month, and it turned out lovely. My hair stayed in place for the entire day and the stylist (Mimi?) was a great professional. Reasons that I'm not giving a full 5 stars: Overly nosy desk staff Other staff bordering on unprofessional (interrupting my stylist to ask for today's newspaper - really? Really?) Not a lot of space for waiting clients to sit In the desert of Hyde Park, this is one of the best. read more

This is a Hyde Park gem two blocks from the Booth Business School. Clean, open stations and Tuesdays they give $5 off. They can do all kinds of hair and fabulous color!! I've been going to Steve for over 5-years and always have a great experience. Does great color, cuts for men and women. Real variety of stylists, so they always have someone for your hair type! Really convenient to the University of Chicago and they take walk-ins. read more

Hair Design International - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My hair looks like it got caught in a lawnmower! I had had a great cut, and Steve the stylist told me it'd be no problem to trim it when it grew out. Disaster ensued. Even his fellow stylist was aghast. She did what she could to fix it up a bit, but people asked if I was growing out bangs. I've never had bangs. I won't be going back. read more

Beautiful cut by a gentleman who gave me exactly what I asked for with very little guidance. Shop is clean and beautifully maintained.

Amy, Amy, Amy. I need not say anything else... she works magic. Even on the super crazy people like me who give her a five minute speech about hair types and neuroses about haircuts. Was it a five minute speech? Maybe it was nine. ***you have to tip in cash. They won't add it to your bill. read more

On the plus side, they were very friendly and able to fit me in right away. Overall it was a good experience -- they won't mess up your cut, and they are cheap and convenient -- but I'm probably going to be going elsewhere for my regular maintenance. I went to the male stylist (whose name escapes me). I asked for a trim and some bangs and he did a fine job. However it's not the same kind of treatment you would get at a high-end salon. For example, every salon I've ever been to in my life has recommended layers for my hair. The stylist here instead just evened it all out. Perhaps it's my fault for not asking for the layers, but a more high-end place usually helps you out with suggestions rather than giving you exactly what you request. read more

I've been going to Hair Design International for over 20 years. It's an incredible hair styling secret, because for half the price of pompous uptown hair salons, you can get a really great hair cut, color, or style for a really reasonable price. They do the hair for men, women, and children and have experience with all types of hair. These are people who actually care about you- whether it's a dinner dance you want a great hairdo for, a special cut for a job interview, or just your regular trim. I've moved out of Chicago but I still come back to see Steve, who did my hair. I miss his comraderie almost as much as I miss their quality and prices! read more

This is a great neighborhood place at a pretty reasonable price (and cheaper on Tuesdays). The staff stays up to date on current trends and hair are products. I go to Mimi pretty exclusively. She's great at interpreting when I have a clear vision in mind and even better when I've got nothing in mind and just want something new. I don't color my hair so can't speak to that but the cuts are pretty great. read more

Update 5/16/2010: I was reminded today that my haircut experience was just one of the many stylists on staff. Other people I know have had great experiences and I even saw a really great haircut today that is from there. If I can get the name of that stylist (and it's not the gentleman from my first experience) I might just give them another chance. I never thought you could mess up a very simple layered haircut. My hair falls just below my shoulders and I have a few layers and bangs. Simple, right? All I asked for was a trim. I couldn't really tell you HOW the guy screwed up my hair but I can tell you that he DID screw it up. It was the first and only time I've been on the brink of tears after a haircut. My bangs were too short. I asked him not to cut a section that I was growing out and he did. And I honestly do not know what he did but my layers were all screwy. When I went for my next trim at another salon they jokingly asked if I trimmed my own hair. On top of that, the manager and another woman who work there were right outside the front door smoking when I got there so I had to walk through their cloud to get in. And the the credit card machine was broke so noting printed on my receipt - I helped them change the roll and ink and then was told that I had to go next door to the ATM to pay cash for the tip. They made me leave my driver's license to make sure I came back. read more

Love this place. I used to get my haircut here when living in Hyde Park. The staff are very friendly and professional. I got some great looking haircuts here. The place is clean and they even sell quality hair products. read more

Imogene is the absolute best! She works quickly getting you in and out and you look like a million bucks when she's done. I've been going to Imogene for better than 10 years and would not trade her for the world. She is appreciative of my time and I can actually plan events to start AFTER my appointment ends. I don't need to spend an entire day in the hair salon. The salon itself is inviting, clean, and all of the stylists, receptionists, and nail technicians are friendly and courteous. This salon is the best kept secret on the south side of Chicago. read more

I went to Amy today for the first time; I asked her to give me a Judi Dench hair style and she knew immediately what I wanted and went to work with scissors that seemed partnered with her skill and in half an hour I had what I wanted. It isn't just her ability that makes me want to return, but her relaxed and friendly attitude put me at ease and it's nice to feel that comfortable so easily in a new place. read more

Just got a haircut from Denise today, and had a really good experience. Denise is amazingly friendly and a great conversationalist. She also took time talking about what I had had done to my hair before and what I wanted, as well as what she thought would look nice. read more

This place is a joke. After paying $150 for my haircut and highlights, I left the place with dripping color down my neck, which I did not realize until I got home. The guy who did my hair seemed more concerned to tell me about his life story (inappropriate too) than focusing on what he was doing. Since I had just moved to Hyde Park, I asked for a reference from one of my coworkers and called to make an appointment. She told me to call the salon instead (way to go to attract new clients!!!!) I did. No one returned my call! So much for second chances... read more

$30 haircuts most days, $25 on Tuesday. Amy does great cuts. Is it as good as something you'd pay closer to $100 for? No. But I believe there's no reason to pay that much at some posh downtown location while this place is around in Hyde Park. read more

I literally just got the worst ever manicure at this place. The manicurist was so sweet and well-intentioned, but unfortunately that's not what I went there for. The aesthetician seemed to be following some wiki-how definition of how to give a manicure -- all the elements were there (hot towel, hand massage, base coat/two coats of color/top coat, etc.) but they were performed incredibly poorly. She got nail polish all over my cuticles and fingers, and apologized when I pointed this out to her, but seemed to truly be unable to see them as her "clean up" job failed to remove any of the excess polish. My manicure chipped on multiple fingers literally within 2 hours of getting it. Not a cheap manicure, and definitely not a good one. The quest of a place to get nails done in Hyde Park continues. read more

I met Amy when she did my hair for my wedding 5 years ago. She had been cutting my mothers hair for years before that. I currently live in Seattle, and Amy is still the only person who cuts my hair. I come to Chicago at least twice a year, and always see Amy. She is absolutely wonderful. I don't even need to tell her what I want done, she just does something and it looks amazing... now can I get her to come to Seattle???? read more

I had a terrible experience in this salon, about 6 months ago. I asked to have my hair dyed back to my dark ash blonde and after almost four hours of suffering, I came out with tri-colored hair: black, golden and copper. Oh yes, I paid some 160$. Do I need to say more? read more

I've been going to HDI for over eight years now for my haircuts and have rarely been disappointed. Some of the stylists are better than others (I now go to Steve) but, on the whole, what you see here is what you get: a fashionable place serving the needs of the community. The prices are certainly cheaper than what you would pay downtown. And if you go on Tuesdays, they offer $5 off. For Hyde Park, this place is as good as it gets. read more

I tried some of the best downtown and although they did a nice job on occasion, I couldn't stand the attitude and the price. Stumbled on HDI one day seven(?) years ago when I was desperate and have been going ever since, even after moving back North. Although I've heard many good things about the people there, I've been very happy with Steve. His cuts and color are as good as the best downtown but the price and friendly attitude make a difference worth traveling a few extra miles for. Besides, there's a great bakery next door so I never go home empty handed. read more

I have been going to Amy since...hmmmm...Clinton was president? Maybe even Bush 1. I cant remember. It has been a long long time. I am a man and I think my hair is easy to cut compared to the ladies. But Amy has always been great. Cheerful, trendy....interested in me as a person and happy to let my daughter play under the hair drying bonnet, whatever. She really knows what she is doing and is a real pro. I can not recommend her high enough! read more

I got my hair cut here as a walk-in last summer. I have long hair that is somewhat wavy. I basically needed a trim. In her attempt to reshape the layers, the stylist made a very thick cut on the side of my head, leaving me with a chunk of hair about 2" long. It looked sort of the way that you might expect to look if you used kitchen shears to cut a big wad of chewing gum out of your hair. A big wad of gum. Amazingly, the woman cutting my hair seemed to be pleased with her work. It took a year for the "clump" to grow out. My future stylists were appalled. To be fair, the stylist at Hair Design had been recently rehired after a long hiatus; perhaps she was not up to their usual standard. I probably should have complained on the spot, but I didn't really see how the problem could be fixed. I'd have needed a crew cut. And I was eager to put a distance between that stylist's scissors and my head. I can imagine that some stylists at Hair Design do much better work. I'd heard good things about the place before I went. Still, I don't plan on going there again! I would suggest getting a recommendation for a particular stylist if you want to try the place. read more

I had my hair colored & my eyebrows colored too & they look fabulous!!! Denis did a great job! I am sure the rest of the people there are good too. I just moved to Chicago & found this on Yelp & boy oh boy I found my new Salon. Denis did a wonderful job I am so happy with my new highlights. They tin foiled my hair which I prefer. They also dye your eyebrows here too which I love. I also had my eyebrows waxed great & pretty painless job. Denis is also very sweet & nice which made my Salon day even better. Denis has the best sense of humor she had me smiling & laughing the whole time. All the girls there are sweet & nice. I highly recommend going here!!!! It's a bit pricey but so totally worth every penny. Denis knows her job & has a great eye for coloring. I am sure all the stylist are great at there jobs. Thanks for my new look. Husband lived it!!!!! read more

A great place for a good haircut. A really friendly team who do exactly as requested and always deliver consistent results. My wife has very strong feelings about my haircut and very few places meet her exacting standards, but this one delivers the goods every time. A haven for haircut beleaguered husbands!! Also, I really love chatting with the staff; it's a great place and I won't go anywhere else. read more

Marshay is a very good stylist and does a great job with coloring and really takes her time to learn what he clients want and need !

My review is only for Amy. I've been going to her since way back when I was single, married, divorced, and now married again. Her price is so reasonable but the finished style is like what you would find at a posh salon. Only once did I not like my hairstyle and Amy did not take offense to it. She is a 20 minute drive but I'd rather take my chances with her than any of the hair salons around my neighborhood. read more

I had a haircut here with a woman stylist, I can't remember her name. I was not impressed at all. They charge 40$ for a very average hair cut, worth about $20 if you ask me. I was expecting a skilled stylist able to transform my hair, but she gave a pretty simple unimpressive cut, and couldn't even style it decently afterwards when drying it. I will say she was very friendly, and the atmosphere was just fine, so maybe it was just my hair, as other people seem to think the place is fine. Will NOT be returning here, whatever the case, I'd rather deal with the moody people over at 57th Street Hair Salon. read more

I've willingly given my head of hairs over to the able and amiable AMY here for over 5 years now. She is the best!!!! I usually have no prerequisites and allow her to mold and manage my unruly hair. Without a doubt, the best haircuts and highlights I have ever had. I receive many complements after she works over my locks and I send everyone I know to Hyde Park to see her. read more

I wasn't sure if I should give them 3 or 4 stars, so I opted for four. I called early Saturday and got an appointment for a cut the same day with Mimi (I believe). Mimi was great. She was very focused on understanding what type of cut I wanted and really took the time to figure out how my hair had been cut before so she could maintain my style. I really appreciate this in a stylist. Mimi also maintained what I think is the perfect balance of conversation while she was cutting my hair, a few questions at the beginning, but then she just focused on her work. The downside of this salon is the overall look and feel. I was admittedly nervous when I first walked in, fearing that their work would be similar to their decor (outdated, dingy, 'blah') but Mimi was a great surprise. At $40 it was a good deal, although I would have preferred 30, given that they don't use high-end products, and the decor could use some love. Overall, I'd recommend Mimi to a friend, she's definitely a keeper. read more

This review is mainly for Amy, as she is the best hair stylist I've ever had. Seriously. I'm probably the only early 20s woman in the world who is not that picky about her hair -- I usually just leave the art of styling to the stylist herself. So, when I first went in to visit Amy, I just told her to put some layers in it, shorten up my bangs, and I let her do her thing. The end product was perfect! It framed my face so nicely and my bangs turned out so cute that people were complimenting me on it even six full weeks after I had gotten it done. Plus, Amy's friendly, warm demeanor and hilarious stories made me feel right at home. I went in again to get a bang trim and Amy was on vacation so another woman there helped me. While my bangs turned out fine, the next time I saw Amy, she immediately knew that she hadn't been the one to give me the trim. She ended up fixing some problems with my bangs that I didn't even know were there. The front desk staff has always been really friendly to me, and be sure to let them know if you have long, thick hair so they can book you a longer appointment. Also, bring cash for the tip. read more

Made an appointment based on other yelp reviews and friend's recommendations. Steve was great, on time, easy to talk with, did a great job with my thinning hair. I will be back! Not plush, park benches for seating while you wait and pretty basic set-up, but that way you don't feel like you are paying for fancy. read more