KE is top tier. I've been a client for over 10 years. I moved from the neighborhood and tried two other salons and ran back to Elena after realizing that no one is better. My daughter gets her hair cut at KE as well. Highly recommend. read more

Unprofessional. Would not recommend. Had a 10am appointment. Hair dresser had not even arrived at the salon 20min later.

Been going to this neighborhood salon for years. Recommend Elena to anyone who wants their hair done right. I have long hair and get my coloring Their whole team works seamlessly together when needed. Great team! read more

This review is long overdue as I've been coming to Kemal for my haircuts for more than six years! Kemal is friendly and thorough, taking the time to make sure your hair is exactly as you want it. I've gone through a bunch of different hair styles over the years, and have experimented with other barbers here and there, but I always come back to Kemal for a reliable, consistent cut with professionalism and courtesy. One of the best salon cuts I've had in the city, and the place I'll keep coming back to as long as he'll have me. read more

I have been going to Kemal for my haircuts for over 15 years. He is easily the most efficient and sharp hair stylist I've ever known. Because he's fast does not mean he isn't meticulous as he very much is. The man simply knows what he's doing. Trust him. Beyond that his easygoing nature makes for a most comfortable visit. In fact, the whole team at KE Salon is a solid, reliable crew in my years with them. Give 'em a chance, you won't be disappointed! read more

Amazing salon!!!! Got an amazing blowout and style. Super friendly service as well. I will definitely be coming back! read more

KE Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I loved this salon atmosphere! Aida cut and colors my hair and it's difficult to work with as its curly, she did an amazing job and my color looks so beautiful. I went for an ash brown with highlights and it makes my curls pop so much! Awesome job Aida read more

KE Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been to Elena 2 times before and loved her. This time she was in a real hurry. She did highlight foils and cut and blow dry and curling on shoulder length hair in under an hour! Normally it takes 2 1/2 hours and you have to sit under the heat. I kept asking her how she could do it so quickly. The result? Damaged hair. I don't even use flat irons or curling irons. And now I can't even use a hair dryer. The first time I washed my hair after the color, it looked like it had gotten stuck in a hairdryer. The strands were all broken and bent. I couldn't even figure out what happened until my friend explained it had been over processed. I lost a lot of hair due to thyroid issues. It was just starting to grow back. Now it's all damaged again. I have super fine thin hair to begin with. I contacted Elena and she said no way did that happen from her color. Ok really? So I just woke up like that? It probably all needs to be cut off. Really sucks. The pic is after 3 months of using K18. read more

KE Salon - Over bleached hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Aida did a fantastic job making my hair look and feel beautiful! She is super friendly, welcoming, and professional. I'm very happy with her work and I know you will be too! read more

KE Salon - Before! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Basic mens hair cut and is rough with the clippers and takes too much hair off even after specifically telling him not to. If you want to pay to have all of your hair cut off then go here. read more

Kemal is an amazing hair cutter. I've gone to him every time and he cuts my hair that I have grown out, shorter. He does charge a lot, being $30.00. I think it is worth it, but if you want a frequent haircut, I would suggest to go to somewhere else that is cheaper. Still, amazing haircut. read more

This is the best haircut and blowout I've gotten in Chicago. Elena is wonderful and extremely skilled on any hair type. I look forward to going back and would highly recommend! It's cash only and a more basic storefront, but they do a great job. read more

I used to go to a Paul Mitchell salon near Damen/North, and even though my stylist was great, the salon was WAY overpriced and the products washed out within a week. I decided it was time for a change and decided to try out KE Salon. Camilla had great reviews, so I set an appointment with her. Unfortunately, I was running almost two hours late on the day of my appointment, and thought I would have to cancel-- but Camilla came through for me and saw me between other clients. This was a huge help, because I'll be moving soon and wouldn't have been available on a different day (my fault, I know). But she shuffled some things around and I was told she would still see me at 5pm. I got a haircut (trim straight across, trimmed layers & trimmed bangs) and highlights and toner for close to a third of he price I usually pay! This was incredible, considering that Camilla did a wonderful job. I'll post some photos later, but the gist of it is that I went from a warm medium blonde to a light ash blonde with highlights and a lot of color dimension. She also cut my hair to perfection. She knew exactly what she was doing with color, and even gave advice about what I should do, which I'm not used to, but as it turns out, I needed it because I didn't know how to get to where I wanted-- but she did! My hair looks wonderful and I couldn't be happier. Lots of compliments the next day! read more

Elena gets it! She understands perfectly your needs and gets you the coloring you want even if you don't really explain what you want, she gets it. Great place and reasonable prices. read more

As the 5-star caption says - as good as it gets! I just moved to Chicago from DC and, as always when moving to a new city, it's really stressful to find a new stylist. I should also preface this by saying that I am in the top percentile of pickiest hair clients. In the past, I have spared no expense when it comes to hair, because I have always valued quality. I had my stylist in DC for 4 years, she was amazing, a leader in her field, and I was sad to leave her. That being said, I am so fortunate to have found Elena. I found them through a friend's recommendation and the stellar Yelp reviews. I arrived, explained to her what I wanted, and gave her the history on my hair. Yes, my hair has a history - I first got this cut in Spain, where I used to live, so since Elena is also from Europe, she knew exactly what style I was trying to achieve. Not only that, but she was able to accomplish it easily. She gave me a custom color for my hair, because I told her I like it really dark, and I love how it came out. She also cut my hair beautifully. You can tell a good hairstylist by the way they cut. She really looked like an artist at work, as she made the finishing cuts, she looked like she was in the zone. It's always great when someone not only genuinely cares that you are happy with your hair, but they make it their priority and they put their best work into it. And the best for last - the price! Let's just say I paid more for one cut at my DC salon than I did for the cut and the color at KE. That makes this place all the more perfect. Top notch stylists for an extremely reasonable price?? I'm in! I will definitely be returning to this salon to see Elena. I live in South Loop and it's more than worth the trip. read more

It doesn't matter how far I am or wherever I move- KE Salon's wonderful Elena is the only one who seem to have the magic touch. I came to her almost 3 years ago to chop off my locks by blind faith of a yelp review and never went anywhere else. I came to her in hope that she would be willing to cut my hair that reached my waist to a "VOB". My oh my! She's a genius!ive never gotten so many compliments in my life. Since then it's been a struggle to grow it out- not because my hair grows slow, as a matter of fact it grows like ragweed (a gift!). It's more of the fact that I'm always itching to chop my locks short. The struggle is real. Fast forward to today, I have had my hair to my shoulder blades. I couldn't stare at myself any longer with my hair into a messy pouf that somehow resembled a scraggly birds nest. It's quite a pain to maintain and grow hair long. So many products and takes a very long time. I've had enough and knew who to call. Elena was able to take me in despite of the short notice. She even took me in despite the fact that it was past her last client for the day. Oh dear I adore her! Before you know it, I was back and sitting in her station chatting away like long lost friends. Elena transformed my mop from drab to fab. I'm inlove! Elena- no one is ever allowed to touch my hair except for you even if I have to fly 2000 miles. KE salon- only place where you can get a $35 dollar haircut and walkout feeling a looking like a million bucks!! No really. This salon in Lincoln Square is a diamond in the rough. Thank you KE and thank you Elena!!!! You guys are amazing!!! read more

KE Salon - See?! Elena is the bomb dot com. Yes I said. - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

THE BEST. I was debating on cutting my hair, and just decided--the hell with it! I'm going to book an appointment with Elena. Thankfully, Elena was able to fit me in last minute a few hours after I made my appointment. Elena is wonderful. I was nervous to get 12 inches of my hair chopped off, but Elena was really comforting. Even her voice and attitude is really laid back and mellow. I was jibber jabbering and Elena was so calm the entire time. Even when I freaked out about the length in the back of my head, Elena said "Dont worry!". My hair turned out wonderful!! I really had nothing to worry about. I never should have doubted her. I feel ashamed. I have been shopping around for hair salons in Chicago for a really long time. Everything seemed to be so expensive and good, but not "excellent" type good. Elena really sets herself apart from all the other hair stylists I've been to. She is the ONLY stylist I've been to that knows how to really cut my hair the way my stylist back in California did. It is a bit of a trek for me to come all the way to Ravenswood from the downtown area, but it is so worth it. I am extremely confident in Elena's skills and there is no turning back. Its smooth sailing from here without any worries! I get a haircut once every year, so I will be back Elena!!! Same time, same place--see you then! Everyone here is super nice. Kemal assisted me with getting my hair washed and he and I had a really nice conversation. Such good people here!! The salon closes at 7pm and a couple walked in at 630pm asking if it was too late for a walk-in. Being the nice people that they are here, they said, no problem! Oh, by the way, she is seven months pregnant, so if you want to get your haircut by her, you should book your appointment NOW!!!! (Again, she's 7 months pregnant on her feet all day and she's still so CALM and COOL! Incredible.) FYI, cash only. read more

What a wonderful salon. I've come here for a few hair cuts and I feel like it's one of the best deals in the city. I heard about KE Salon from a friend who heard about it from another friend and so on. They wash, cut and style your hair for a very reasonable price. But don't forget it's CASH ONLY! The staff is very friendly and it's relatively easy to schedule an appointment, even last minute. I've had a few different stylists and they were all wonderful. My only complaint is a few times when I had my hair styled after the cut the stylist promised to would stay all night. By the time I got home it was a limp mess and I had to redo it. read more

I never go get my hair done, but decided I wanted a change and read great reviews. I also read that they did a great job on Asian hair, so thought I would give them a try (I specifically asked for an appointment with someone with a lot of experience with Asian hair). I asked for a gradual ombre that started about eye level, but came out with highlights that were much lighter than I wanted the lightest part of my ombre to be. I'm still kind of confused what happened... The stylist curled my hair and I kept telling myself it looked okay, but it's not. The top layers of my hair are brown and bottom layers are blond. The various streaks are different sizes and start at various levels of the roots. Everyone was very nice there, but I seriously don't know what to do. I hate my hair so much, especially since it is everything I did not want. read more

KE Salon - I asked for ombre... - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just love this salon. Elena is spectacular as a stylist and person-always fun to chat with. I've seen Camilia in the past too who is just as incredible. Skilled colorists and cuts always are on point. Still blown away at how affordable prices are too! 5 stars for sure all around! read more

I visited this salon doe the first time today was was SO HAPPY with my hair cut. I had a 12:00 appt and my stylist, Jamie, was on time. I had her give me a pixie cut +which can be tricky and I've had my share of bad experiences) but she was GREAT! She was fast, and the cut came out PERFECTLY! I highly recommend this salon and especially Jamie! I will def be going back here read more

KE Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time at the salon was three years ago and it was the best hair cut I've ever received. Scheduled an appointment for a color correction and a trim...it's been a little under a month and I still hate my hair. One side is longer than the other. She gave me really short bangs and my layers are very choppy. My natural hair color is brown (what I asked to get back to) and now my hair color is pitch black...disappointed big time for what I paid. read more

Camelia is amazing for haircuts! She knows exactly what you want and is super nice! Love it that she talks just enough to not make it awkward but at the same time even the silence with her is not awkward at all! I love it when hairstylists are like that, not trying to sell you too much but respectfully giving you what you want! The prices here are excellent!!!! The salon is really nice and remember: it is cash only! read more

I took all 3 kiddos for back to school hair cuts and they did a great job! My son has difficult hair and even after we washed it, it still looks good! We will be back! read more

Jaime was FANTASTIC! She understood exactly what I was looking for. I got a cut and blonde highlights and it's absolutely perfect. The price was reasonable as well. I will definitely be going back! read more

Even when you're out touring and the wind is blowing KE keeps you looking great. Well the sunglasses help. I've been a client for almost 10 years and have never been disappointed. They all work to create natural looking color unless you want something extreme, I've seen that too. I'm often stopped and asked where I go for styling so that tells me they've created a good look for me. I would highly recommend KE Salon, just don't try to nab our standing Sat appointment, that's right a group us meet for a social Hair day about every 6 weeks. Thanks KE! read more

Great salon. I saw Camilia and was very please with my experience. I will definitely be back for a cut and partial highlight very soon!

Stunning consistancy, rapid quickness and unbelievably affordable prices have caused me to follow Kemal and Elena to their brand new spot on Montrose. Just as every other review has said, this is simply one of the best salons i've been to. It's tough to find someone to cut your hair for a good price without going to some cheap-cuts joint where they butcher your hair or a $5 mexican joint (cort de pelo) where your description gets lost in translation and you walk out with a Puerto Rican pompadour! These guys have always been the best. The cuts I get are of professional quality and would go for much more anywhere else! I always walk out looking look like a Wallstreet Tycoon. Their new spot is bright, clean, cozy and AIR CONDITIONED, which is a change from their old spot at Studio 4 Hair and much more convenient than their previous Foster Avenue location. Don't waste your time elsewhere! Also....if you're looking scruffy, one seldom known fact is that Kemal also does straight-edge razor shaves if you ask him....you'll never experience a closer shave. Highly recommended...they're the best. read more

Kemal gives THE BEST men's haircut that I have received as an adult. He always does a first-rate job, and is a pleasure to chat with. I mean... this is my first ever Yelp review.. that should accentuate how highly I think of my most recent haircut. read more

I came to KE Salon following the yelp reviews for Elena on WMC Salon. When I first got there I was very skeptical because the last person who did my hair completely destroyed it. I have a lot of hair and it's wavy, dark, and thick..so you can imagine how bad. Elena is the best, I told her I wanted a different color but wasn't sure what color exactly. She explained to me that my hair was too dark and she pointed at the color I was going to get. She is very pleasant to talk to unlike others that you're just afraid to mention anything. i didn't know exactly what I wanted but I sure knew exactly what I didn't want and she listened to me and took everything I told her in. I told her I didn't want to look old (I had yellow highlights with dark hair which made me look 10 years older), I didn't want volume, and I wanted bangs but not many. After she was done, WOW!!!!!! Exactly how I pictured my hair. It was an amazing experience. The price is reasonable. She charged me $100 for color, cut, and style, again, I have A LOT of hair and it's pretty long. It was well worth the money and I can finally say this "I have a hair stylist, her name is Elena" !! read more

My family and I have been going to Elena and Kemal for a better part of 4 years now. They do my hair, my wife's hair and all 3 kids. They are two of the best stylist in the city and amazing people as well. I highly, highly, highly recommend everyone checking this Salon out and I guarantee you that you won't be disappointed!!! read more

Previously posted this regarding their prior location, and as soon as I can get my act together, I am going to visit them at this new location: I found my new hair salon. That being said, let me tell you why: Elena 'gets it'. And by gets it, i mean, she gets it like "i know what you want your hair to look like, i know what you want/need to talk about while you're sitting in the chair, and i know you dont want to pay a lot when its all over" kind of gets it. In the end, my gorgeous haircut cost $25 bucks, and that is after a wash, cut, and blow dry/style. You cannot beat that. (I mean, at that price, I would feel nervous sitting down in the chair in any other salon, but never once did I feel like Elena didn't know what she was doing. She was amazing.) I will be coming back to this salon for my next cut, for sure read more

I have been following Kemal for many years and their new location is nicer than ever. There is something about quality hair-cut instead of going to a butcher shop. Working with men's hair, he knows what works with the person before he starts and this way I always leave him looking my best. Highly recommended! read more

I got my hair cut at KE yesterday. I called, got an appointment about an hour later and was done with my haircut 15 minutes after I walked in the door. Better than all that, the hair cutter Kamal, actually listened to what I requested and then, wait for it.... cut it that way! As a man who's losing his hair I can't tell you how many haircuts I've gotten that just make my sad little half moons at the sides of my temples that much more noticeable. So, its not too much to ask that we go the other route and cover 'em up a little with the hair that exists. I'm glad to have found a place in the neighborhood that is fast, cheap, and gets the job done. It's also probably salon-like enough for women, but definitely not so much that it turned me off to go. read more

Kamal & Elena are back in the hood! I started going to them at Studio 4 Hair, then I followed them up to WMC, and now they are back in the heart of Lincoln Square! Thanks guys! Kamal has always given a great haircut...fast and professional! Love their new location, about a 5 minute walk for me! I am sure they can get tons more walk in's in the Lincoln/Montrose area too! The prices went up a notch from $10 to $15 for guys, but still it's worth it. So if you're in the area and need a fast good haircut, go see Kamal! read more

I hop a lot from stylist to stylist, but I think I've finally found my haircutting home. Located conveniently across the park from me, I decided I needed a cut so badly I'd just go to the closest place. Because it was last minute, ole reliable Aveda salon had no slots available. I called KE Salon and they fit me right in. Like some of the other reviewers, I generally go to expensive salons, paying 60-75 bucks. I've just had my hair butchered by one too many cheap salons. Admittedly, the $30 price point made me a bit hesitant, but with a deep breath and prayer to the hair gods, I gave KE Salon a try. I give it 5 stars mainly because the cut and style I got for $30 was as good as (if not better than) any high end salon cut I've ever received. The stylist (Petya) listened, understood, and executed exactly what I wanted. She paid attention to the details and styled my hair exactly right. I often leave salons looking like a newscaster, as stylists LOVE to add volume to my already thick hair (yuck). Here I left with a light, smooth, silky, gorgeous look. If you're a high-end salon gal (or guy), you may miss the following luxuries: * No head massage with your shampoo * No place to hang your coat * Hair clumped to your sweater when you leave * Not a product place- she didn't use any heat protector or smoothing cream on my hair prior to styling, like most salons do * Cash only- so bring your Benjamins I don't consider those luxuries to be worth an extra 40 bucks, so I'll definitely return. If you're looking for a solid, high-end haircut, for incredibly reasonable rates, you've got to check this place out. I will definitely be back. read more

Last night I sat in front in front of my computer for hours trying to find a new salon . Tonight I am sitting in front of my mirror admiring the new cut/style done here by Petya, absolutely LOVING it! Thank you "Yelpers" for helping me find my new hairdresser! I was able to get in for the last appointment of the day which was perfect & it was doors away from 2 convenient bus lines for me - - also perfect. From washing my hair to chopping my split ends, creating new bangs & straightening my hair slick, Petya was meticulous & super thorough - - absolutely a professional. And no boring awkward banter which always makes me nervous when I first try a place out. Interesting conversation flowed almost as easily as my hair did in the wind when I left! (cheesy, but very true) Plus, my hair is pretty thick & long, but the whole thing cost only $35 (wash, cut, layers, bangs, blow-dry, straightening). Awesome experience, will definitely be going back. My only regret is that I didn't tip more, this chick definitely deserved it. read more

Love it! One of my best haircuts ever! Just moved to Chicago and needed a haircut. I think most girls have a big fear of getting a horrible haircut, and that was definitely on my mind because I am seeing my long distance boyfriend next week, and you know, I want to look good! Petya was great! She is friendly, listened attentively to how I wanted my hair cut, but also gave me great recommendations. I'm loving my medium length hair with face-framing layers and thick below the eyes side sweeping bangs. I walked out of the salon with a big sigh of relief and absolutely loving the cut! Also, amazing prices! Will be back before I leave Chicago! read more

My stylist was Camila and she was very friendly and professional. We worked together to find a fresh new color and highlights that flatter my complexion more than my last color. She worked quickly and was pleasant while working. After the cut and blow-out, she took her time to style my hair with curls that lasted all night. The salon is small but well-decorated and clean. They sell the work of a local artist on their walls, which I love. I got a same-week appointment and a great price, too! read more

Listen up Lincoln Square fashionistas... You no longer have to drive all the way up to Devon or Kimball for that $8 eyebrow threading!! They offer it here! A buddy of mine recommended I visit Kemal (one of the business owners and stylists) for a haircut. I guess he had been visiting him for 7 years. Three cuts later, I personally recommend Kemal. Luckily he's a foodie like myself so we have plenty to chat about, an extra perk. He's super down-to-earth and is always sure to show you what he has done and allows me to say "a little shorter" after he has put in his finishing touches. I'm also super pleased because I can have my hair cut and eyebrows polished up all at the same time and place. I can never rationalize spending $30+ on a haircut, nor do I like to visit a chain that does only a mediocre job. KE only costs $15 for a men's doo (Women $25), a steal! They also offer waxing, coloring, conditioning, and extensions. Keep in mind that they are CASH ONLY and closed on Sundays. I always recommend making an appointment ahead of time, not only because they prefer it, but because I have already referred a few ladyfriends to take advantage of the threading deal. Be aware that they do sometimes run behind 5-10 minutes. read more