I recommend Manal Studio without reservation. The team and service are exceptional. You should go there for your next cut or style. (I write this review as a man who has typically sought professional cuts.) My recommendation is based on fifteen years of service (at least) and a good amount of market research. I have been a client of Manal's for nearly fifteen years and have followed her through three different locations. Lincoln Square, to Skokie, and now to the current location. You may then think I am recommending Manal Studio without being able to make a comparison. Not so. I live in the city on the near north side and work in the Loop. Over the many years, I have made numerous attempts to use other high end salons or traditional men's barber shops. This includes expensive salons in the Loop, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park, as well as and hipster joints out in Wicker Park. And here I am, with Manal Studio. The basis for my recommendation is Manal's exceptional skill and client handling. Her personal level of excellence then carries over to the full staff and location. Manal has built a great business. For the haircut, I'm a man with a thick hair and at least three cowlicks. My preferred cut has changed over the years: from very short to longer and more full, yet still professional. She always leaves me looking and feeling great and manages my unruly cowlicks well. She's willing to talk through her approach, adjust the cut, and take and implement feed back. I think this last point is what I have appreciated most. The ability to share feedback. I have found that it can be difficult to express with the person cutting my hair a difference of opinion - that I wished something had been done differently. But not with Manal. She's open to hearing how I think the cut is going during that visit, or has grown in since my last visit. She's easy to talk to. And she's friendly. Also, she works with me to talk about what products will work well with my hair, but I never feel like she's over selling me. Lastly, the studio is comfortable environment and the staff is great. They're responsive with scheduling and the prep (shampoo and condition) is always great. Go to Manal Studio. read more

I'm so glad I finally came here! After my stylist at another salon moved away, I was on the hunt for not only quality and convenience, but someone who wouldn't overcharge me. I absolutely found that here at Manal Studio. I appreciate that they have an online booking system so you're not confined to business hours to work on your plans for the week. The system also sends out text reminders which are always helpful. Upon arrival (free street parking on side streets, by the way), you're greeted with nothing but good vibes. It smells lovely, everyone in there is kind and happy to see you, and there's soft music playing. Ahhh, an oasis. Muna took care of my color and Manal handled my cut. It was really comforting to have the owner with 25+ years of experience cutting my hair. Picking a new salon is anxiety-inducing! Both ladies are so lovely and did a wonderful job on my hair. Manal did a consultation with me ahead of time to better understand my hair color and cut preferences and worked her magic to help me leave with the desired results. I'm looking forward to coming back again soon. :) read more

Manal Studio - Fresh cut, roots done, and toner applied. Love it! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am very unhappy with my haircut. It was not a thorough job and it looks bad. I do not recommend Manal Studio.

I had the most amazing cut and blow dry with Sam! He was absolutely meticulous and though I was only looking for a maintenance trim and didn't really know what to do with my hair he made it look amazing. read more

I had my hair cut by Sam and showed him a picture of what I wanted. Very happy with his work and will come back. Also, the place has a chill vibe. They offer tea or water when you arrive and it feels like a place you go to and get pampered. read more

Manal Studio - My haircut from Sam K. Love it. My hair before was boring, straight and had no layers. - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband & I are so thrilled to go to Manal Studio. Sam does amazing work & is so kind & patient. It takes us 3 minutes to arrive by walking. Staff is fabulous & always friendly read more

Very great experience! So nice & really listened to what I was looking for in a haircut. Great job too.

I'm shocked it took me so long to find this place! One of my pet peeves in getting my hair done is how long it takes, but with Manal, I was in and out in 2 hours! And I had the most wonderful scalp and head massage. The prices are reasonable, and I loved the addition of Percy, the owner's dog roaming around the place. I'll certainly be back! read more

A friend recommended Manal at this studio for a haircut, but I booked with Sam because he had more availability. I am so pleased with the whole experience! From the relaxing wash to the meticulous haircut, Sam did a wonderful job. He took his time and cut the perfect layers into my long hair. All around a great experience! I will definitely be back! read more

I've been coming to Manal for few years. I love her work. Yesterday I wasn't able to book with her because I needed my haircut ASAP. They booked me with Sam. I was honestly hesitant try another master. At the end he did an Amazing job! I loved my haircut! Thank you for my fresh look, Sam! read more

Went to Manal based on a recommendation from a Facebook group and had a great experience. I love my cut by Manal and highly recommend.

Manal is the best! I've been seeing her for my haircuts for about 5 years now. She helped me "troubleshoot" my hair and provided me tips on how to get my hair looking its best. I love how my hair looks after a haircut with Manal. The studio has a very spa-like feel. I highly recommend Manal Studio! read more

Highly recommend this studio! The prices are reasonable and they do a fantastic job. Everyone has been so friendly and kind during all of my visits. The workers really listen to what you want in your haircut and execute very well. Will be going back here for all of my haircuts in Chicago. read more

Sam is an amazing hair artist! He really perfects his craft! One of the best haircuts/style I've ever had! The salon itself is clean, modern & has plexiglass between the chairs to maintain social distancing. Amazing service & quality haircut! read more

I got a no chip manicure and regular pedicure with Mona! She did a beautiful job with my nails. It was a very relaxing and fun experience. I have been getting my hair cut at Manal Studios for a few years and was happy to add this experience! Thank you Mona read more

My daughters and I have been going to this hair studio since its opening. We have had our hair colored, cut, styled and eyebrows threaded. Manal is an incredible professional as is her staff. They are friendly, punctual and communicate well with their clients as well as sell amazing products. The salon is beautiful and always immaculate. The recent additon of Sam who cuts and blow drys beautifully also makes us very happy. Stop in and visit Manal's Studio, you will not regret it. read more

I came here with fully dark brown hair and left with a beautiful blonde. This was about 2 years ago and my hair is still strong and blonde. My stylist name is Lety! Would recommend 1000% this is a pic of my current hair! read more

I have been going to Manal Studio for over five years. The staff is always beyond friendly and they do an excellent job styling and cutting my hair. I have had multiple stylists cut my hair, Letty was yesterday, and none of them disappoint! Even after I moved out of the neighborhood I still travel to see them. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Lety helped my hair recover from 8 months of COVID neglect... great cut, excellent social-distancing and health precautions in the studio, and totally convenient location. read more

New favorite hair salon. Sam was excellent and gave me a great cut and blow out. I love that they use aveeda products. Everyone was very kind and professional. Already recommending to friends! read more

Very clean and safe inside. Lety nailed my haircut. Super chill, kind and skilled stylist. I finally feel like me again!

My husband and I have both been going to Manal for 4+ years. He has coarse straight hair and I have fine wavy-ish hair and Manal always makes both of us look good. We are incredibly fortunate that her studio has such a convenient location just down the street from us in north Lincoln Square. It's a lovely Aveda-product salon. They are taking all things covid super seriously (temp checks & hand sanitizer required on entry, plus masks for all of course) and have plexiglass between all the stations for extra protection. We actually started bringing our 3-year-old here as well (Letty did his cut) as we felt more confident in Manal Studio's covid precautions over the lukewarm "masks encouraged" statement that was on the great clips webpage for the salon we normally take him too. All around a great, boutique salon where you'll get a great cut at a reasonable price. I just got a French bob at my last appointment and someone stopped me at the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market to ask where I got it (not kidding). Go see Manal, I told her read more

I came in to the salon wanting to get some highlights and lighten my hair up overall. The consultation was very thorough and I was appreciative of that. Lety did an amazing job on my highlights! read more

Manal Studio is amazing! It is always pristine, the staff is nice and professional, and the salon always has a relaxing atmosphere. The prices are reflective of a quality salon, but they won't break the bank. Manal has been cutting my hair for years. She is not only a great stylist, but a wonderful person as well. She really listens to what you want and discusses why it will or won't work for your hair. She never pushes you to buy products but is always happy to recommend one or even a particular tool that will work well for your hair and the style you want. If you are looking not just for a great haircut or color, but a place you can come to for years, Manal Studio is definitely a salon to check out. read more

Sam did an amazing job, i would recommend him to absolutely everybody! I hadn't been in a salon in some years and i was very nervous, but he exceeded my expectations by far. He listened and delivered exactly what i wanted. My hair feels and looks amazing! I have never seen my hair look or feel like this. He's truly talented. read more

Everyone interested in going to a truly excellent hair salon should checkout Manal's Studio. Manal has created a relaxing, attractive environment and assembled a great team focused on welcoming their customers and providing great services. I have used all three women, Manal, Lety and Ashley to cut, style, and color my hair. I was very pleased with all three. The salon has my highest recommendations. read more

Chill vibe and professional women. They know a lot about what they do and really take care of you. read more

Manal Studio - Very chill vibe of professional women. this place. - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had my first visit to Manal studio for a balayage update. I'm always nervous to try a new hairdresser but Sam did a really wonderful job on both the cut and color! I could not be more pleased with the work and the friendliness of the staff. read more

Manal! She is fantastic! She has been my stylist for 5+ years and highly recommend her. She really knows her stuff and is fast & efficient. Her new Solon is gorgeous and offers all my Aveda needs. I live in the city and was more than willing to make the drive to the burbs so Manal could do my hair. She is now here in my neighborhood and couldn't be happier. She even does brows, phenomenal! Go here and you will NEVER be disappointed. read more

Manal is absolutely fabulous. She's skilled as a stylist, and somehow knows exactly what you want with little direction -- every single time. I cannot say enough about her, but what is more important than anything else is her genuine appreciation toward her clients. She's kind, makes you feel comfortable, and goes beyond small talk. The experience is more like visiting a friend! Her new salon is beautiful, well-kept, and operates with incredible class. Definitely recommend this place. read more

It sounds like coloring might be more of their speciality, not haircuts? The stylists seem wonderful but truly the worst haircut I have ever gotten. The right side of my hair is three inches shorter than my left (truly!), and I just asked for a trim and subtle layers in the front. I would not recommend coming here for a haircut. read more

I have been going to Manal for about 12 years now, I believe. I've never had a haircut I wasn't 100% satisfied and Manal also happens to be among the nicest people I've ever met. I can't say enough how glad I am to have found her all those years ago! read more

Manal Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Manal has cut my hair for the past 12 years at three different shops, including Manal Studio, which she owns. In fact, she has cut hair for my whole family--she also styles and colors my wife's hair and has cut my kids'. I have received many compliments on my haircuts including, "Whoever cuts your hair really knows what they are doing." I also appreciate the style and natural looking color of my wife's hair. The salon Manal built is stylish and spotlessly clean and when I arrive I am always made to feel welcome. I don't think I have ever not been offered water or tea when I came through the door. I am also very impressed by the fact she is extremely punctual. Manal listens carefully and always makes sure I get out of the chair happy with the results. I wholeheartedly recommend Manal Studio. read more

Scheduled an appointment with Manal at Manal Studio based on the excellent reviews on Yelp. I was NOT disappointed! The shop is lovely and so is Manal! On my hair - I have hair that is a little longer than shoulder length, thick and has a natural wave. (Don't hate! :) Most stylists want to either thin, or over-layer my hair to make it lay nicely which only makes it more wavy an unmanageable. I can't tell you how many times I've explained to stylists that my hair needs to be only textured on the ends to give it movement with some angling on the front. They nod and agree then cut it like they see fit. ARRG! About 6 weeks ago I went in and asked the gal who colors my hair to give me a trim. Just a TRIM. She didn't listen. She layered and textured my hair and the shorter layer gave me what I call "mushroom head". I knew that once again, I'd have to grow out my hair and start again. SIGH. The second I saw Manal, I knew I was in good hands as she had thick hair like me. I explained what I wanted, I had pictures and we agreed to take about 3/4" off the ends to start the "evening up" . Manal asked if she could take micro/ minimal cuts of the ends of the new layer to help with the frizz due to the over textured ends. I agreed. Manal actually listened to me and did what I asked and what she said she would do. Woo!Hoo!. I know it will be about a 8-12 months before my hair is where i want it, but I know Manal will help me get there. I may get a Keratin treatment after my next color. Manal explained the process to me and when I shared my concern about the formaldehyde used, she explained the type she uses has the lowest possible amount and if she didn't trust it she wouldn't use it as she's more exposed as a stylist. Anyone who's had a Keratin treatment, I'd love to know your results. How long does it last? Does it make your hair shiny? Does it lessen blow drying? Inquiring minds want to know! Also she carries the Aveda line of hair products which I like. read more

What a lovely and talented stylist Manal is! I'm always interested in supporting small businesses, especially women owned ones and Manal provided great style and service! The atmosphere is great- clean, great music, amazing Aveda products, a glass of wine, accompanied by a team of friendly, professional and caring staff. I went for a wash and blow out and was very satisfied with the speed and style. I'll definitely be back! read more

Manal and her staff are seriously the best! I've lived in the area for a while, but finally decided to come here for highlights and a haircut. I had such a great experience! Manal took her time to listen to what I was looking for, did an EXCEPTIONAL job, and I left feeling like a supermodel. Her salon is super clean and she follows COVID precautions without concern. I'm all about supporting small businesses, and Manal Studio is definitely one to check out! read more

I loved the haircut Manal did for me. Exactly what I was hoping for. She's friendly, quick, and I could tell she knew what she was doing. The atmosphere is very relaxing. The only thing is it is expensive...a women's haircut (including tip) was $66. Tjatvis more than I'm used to paying but I will say it was worth it! read more

I can't say enough good things about Manal Studio. From the quality of their work, to the relaxing atmosphere, to their extraordinary COVID preparedness, everything about Manal Studio is top notch. Manal has been cutting my hair for several years now and I am always delighted with the results. read more

I had a great experience for my haircut here! Covid safe and Lety really listened to me. I was super hesitant to have my haircut since I havent had it cut professionally in over 10 mos since I left my home country, but I was so relieved. read more

I recently moved to Nashville from Chicago and was in Chicago recently for business and knew I desperately needed my roots done. I have not found the right salon in Nashville yet for highlights and have yet to be satisfied. Friends of mine highly recommended this salon so Saturday morning they called to see if they could get me an appt. they were very accommodating and were able to secure me an appt for highlights with Leti. Leti did an AMAZING job. Not only did she rock it, she was quick too....so a double bonus. You are talking about someone that is so picky with how their hair comes out. I am over the moon happy and received a ton of compliments at a holiday party this evening. I am considering to just come back to Chicago once a quarter to have her do my hair....so worth it!!!! read more