Love Melissa!!!!!! She's amazing, honestly she has transformed my hair color to perfection and consistently produces the perfect color for me during my bi-monthly touch ups. That may sounds like it's easy to do, but no....my hair is light and I dye it dark, so before I started seeing Melissa, stylists would always just do the same old and ruthlessly color my hair until it was like this really strange super matte pitch point-of-no-return-black color rather then dark brown with a purple tint. So many colorists quickly ended up turning my hair into a matte black atrocity, I didn't even know it was possible to avoid. But it's been a few years now since I found Melissa and she has been nailing my color ever since my first appointment. Melissa is a Color Pro who is super well educated, extremely thoughtful and very strategic when it comes to coloring hair, and she formulates the perfect custom color for me that she ensures I keep consistently. She alternates between glaze and dye as needed .... and I don't really know how it works (..lol..), but all I know is that it does work and my hair has never looked better. I even get compliments on my hair color from random people all the time, which never happened once when I had different colorists in the past. She's honestly a perfectionist and just like really-really good at what she does. In conclusion: Melissa is a super dope colorist and i would recommend her 10/10 times. *low key really enjoys getting all the hair color compliments* read more

Called and scheduled an appointment. Hairdresser was over 20 minutes late and the man at the counter was very rude and wasn't willing to assist. read more

I love Rhi , she has done my hair twice ... And she is very talented, not only she is helpful at explaining her job , she is very nice and kind. She always answers back on social media to any questions , she was willing to give me a consultation where we went through every step and what my goal was and she nailed it !!! read more

Marianne Strokirk Salon is handling COVID better than any business I can think of! They're really communicative about updates, have modified the stations to create distance, everyone gets their temperatures taken, and of course, we all wear masks. However, it feels like such a nice slice of normalcy. I'm so happy with everything they are doing and so appreciate the hard work. Thank you to everyone at the salon during this incredibly weird time! read more

COLOR: DANIELLE I am very picky when it comes to my hair color but DANIELLE at strokirk is absolutely fantastic! She turned my brassy, orangey hair into a beautiful light sandy blonde. I am naturally a brunette and I could not believe how natural she made my hair look. AND with as little damage as possible. Danielle is also incredibly friendly and personable-she made me feel welcomed and comfortable. She walked me through every step of the process so I would know that I was getting the color I asked for. I have been going to Danielle for 4 months now and I would never let another person color my hair after her. Believe me after you go to her once-you'll never want another person coloring your hair again. read more

Marianne Strokirk Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Braxton is absolutely amazing! He is kind and professional. I highly recommend anyone who wants highlights to check him out!! I have gone to several salons and he has become my families absolute favorite! read more

My hair was incredibly damaged from all the bleaching I've done to it the past three years, so I knew it was time to give my hair a break and go back to dark hair. I'm so glad I went to this salon and had my stylist Rhi! She's such a sweetheart and took the time to explain to me exactly whatever was needed so I felt informed and comfortable with what I was doing with my hair. She did an amazing job with the color itself. Instead of going straight back to black, we opted to do a dark brown first so I could transition back to dark hair comfortably without feeling like my hair looked too one-dimensional. The second time I returned, I was able to go back to black fully :) both times we did a conditioning treatment and it definitely has helped my hair feel healthier! Thanks for the amazing work, Rhi! read more

Marianne Strokirk Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This review is specifically for Mimi (colorist) - SHE IS AMAZING!!! She is so incredibly talented, and just overall an amazing person. She brightens my day whenever I see her. I got married this year, and she was an absolute perfectionist when it came to making sure I had wedding ready hair. I have never loved my color more!! Pictures do not do it justice - she is a color magician!!! The salon itself has some positives and some negatives, but Mimi's talent deserves one million stars and makes up for any shortcomings with the salon. P.S. She also colors several of my bridesmaids' hair (we all found her through a friend) so you can see a couple examples of her work in my photos. read more

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Mini is the best! She takes great care of my hair makes sure it's healthy. Listens to me and gives me her ideas as well. She's so loving and great at what she does. read more

Terrible experience here in April 2019. Went in for color correction and full highlights with M. We discussed in detail what I was trying to achieve (pale ash blonde) and she assured me she would be able to do it. Three visits and 10 hours later I have extremely damaged yellow hair with stripes of bright yellow Called to request a refund after my third failed appointment. Spoke to John (managing partner) who told me they do not do refunds. He offered to have me come in so he could "take a look" at my hair with M but I think three chances are enough So disappointing. I live in the neighborhood and would have loved to make this my regular salon. Not a good way to run a business On another note, M was very nice and accommodating. I really appreciate the time she spent trying to fix my hair UPDATE After reading other reviews I see that they do in fact issue refunds. Makes my experience with John even more disappointing read more

I have been going to Maddie Brady for the last couple of years. I am a blonde and my hair use to break all the time and I could not grow it pasted my shoulders until I started to see maddie. I love my hair color and I now I have long healthy blonde hair that is not over processed. I also love all the products Maddie has suggested to use. Thank you Maddie, not only are u great at your job but your a pleasure to see. I would never let anyone but you do my color. read more

For haircuts, Fred is great and I highly recommend him. For color, consider going elsewhere. I've had one person completely ignore my instructions and give me exactly the color I asked her not to give me. The next person -- a senior colorist -- did a moderately good job the first time I saw him, but the second was a disaster. I booked partial highlights. When I arrived, he already had a color mixed (they normally discuss color with you ahead of time) and then proceeded to touch up my roots because my prior highlights had grown out. But he touched them up with single process color without even discussing this with me. Why? His explanation had to do with saving me money, but it was still really expensive because they charge extra for glaze and a conditioning treatment that are normally included elsewhere. So now I have no highlights (and, in fact, a weird reddish color with lighter hair at my scalp, a dark band below it, and then my grown-out highlights below that--somewhat muted by the glaze). The colorist was also very sloppy with the color--he slapped it on, got it all over my forehead (and one eyebrow!), and didn't bother to wipe it off. So now I have a stained section of skin around my scalp. This was a senior, expensive colorist. Like I said, I'll go back to Fred for cuts, but I won't go here for color. They don't do a good job, charge for things they shouldn't, and don't seem to follow basic procedures for discussing what will be done with their customers. Honestly, if you haven't started going here yet, I'd give it a pass and try somewhere else. Avoid the mess. read more

Love getting my color with Rhi and cut/style with Tyler. They are both very talented in what they do. I love coming there but hate calling or checking out. The front desk seem to be bothered when I ask a question or inconvenience them. I only there because of my two talented stylist and will keep going to them! read more

The WORST salon. You can NOT rely on the front desk. Every time I've made an appointment the stylist is not there or unavailable but they'll give you another stylist ...usually the weakest link. Unreliable it will ruin your day, event and hair!! read more

Great salon for haircuts, blowouts, and manicures! Alicia gave me a precisely clean trim while my stylist was out of town for an extended trip. The blowout post-cut was voluminous, with my strands feeling and looking incredibly healthy. Kerastase, Renee Furterer, and Oribe are the product lines used here. Hated the Furterer line, as none of the products work on course/thick hair. To the contrary, Kerastase works wonders for course hair. Manicures are always neatly done, and the color selection is vast. All in all, I'd return here for a dusting/trim if Anthony C is out of town! Manicures- I'd certainly return for. read more

Perhaps this review should be more about Tracy Kucia because I would follow HER, I don't care about the salon. I met Tracy years ago when I had fire engine red and yellow hair. I found out that I had to go to Taiwan to teach a class in less than two weeks and everyone else wanted to dye my hair black!! Um no... I look mean enough as it is... So she was the first and the only one who said she could take my hair back to a natural color without 1)Breaking it 2)Burning it 3)Cutting it all off. Now I have to admit, I am a tad vain about my hair. It took me 25 years to figure out that if you have hair like mine, no one can tell if you are having a bad hair day of if you did that shit on purpose... which has served me well in my busy career. It took Tracy two weeks but she was able to preserve the texture of my hair and give me a fantastic color while keeping with a tad of that "rockstar" kick. She made a friend of me and I have never stopped going back since. Yes, its pricey there but someone who knows what the hell they are doing with your hair is worth it. Another thing to note- I am biracial so I have curly, thick, long hair... and a lot of it. She is able to manage my hair and take care of it. I know she does a good job and that doing my hair isn't easy. So if you have "ethnic hair", don't shy away! She is great! Love her! read more

I felt a pretentious vibe as soon as I walked in. The kind you feel when hot girls look you over from top to bottom, make an inward judgment, but then are outwardly all smiles and nice to you. Hey, as long as I still get quality service by the time my appointment is done, then the fake attitudes are ok by me. Rosemary was my hair stylist, and she did a great job with my outgrown bob. She actually advised against the way I wanted my hair cut so I let her do her thing, and I was really glad she didn't let me have my way. read more

A friend recommended Marianne Strokirk Salon and I have been a client of colorist Margaret for several years and recently became a client of stylist Anthony. I am thrilled with the professionalism and fun that both Margaret and Anthony bring to their jobs and my hair always looks fabulous. The salon is bright and clean. I have to give a special thanks to Kimberly in scheduling and reception! Kimberly made a point to remember my difficult name and she treats every client, even from the first visit, like they are long-time clients. Truly exceptional customer service. read more

Finding the perfect colorist is like finding the perfect man... it takes a few rendezvous with the wrong ones to find the right one! But once you find him/her, you must never let go! THE STYLIST: I have been a client of Mimi's for the last two years. When she recently moved to her new Oak Street salon, Marianne Strokirk Salon, so did I. Not even one iota of hesitation. I mean, would you leave your man because he got relocated from the River North to Gold Coast? Of course not! Besides loving Mimi for all of her non-hair related awesomeness... such as the fact that she is young, hilariously entertaining, actually listens to you talk and remembers what's going on with you, great fashion sense, and is someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with and would totally hang out with on the weekends or workout with... I also love her because she is a complete professional and REALLY KNOWS HER STUFF! I'm a medium colored blonde, so when I first met Mimi (a skinnier Kardashian sister look alike) I was sort of assuming I'd be working with a blonde stylist. But Mimi has been the only stylist who has EVER gotten it right consistently! I know what to expect when I visit her: 3 hours of laughing, relaxing, and leaving feeling like a brand new, better than when I walked in woman. She always listens to her clients goals for their hair, and thoroughly checks the dry outcome before you leave. She also encourages you to switch off between full and partial hi-lights to keep your hair the most healthy (and keep your pocketbook that much happier). THE SALON: Marrianne Strokirk Salon is located on the third floor of 41 E Oak Street (conveniently located next to Tory Burch... love!). It's a minimalist modern design, extremely well lit by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the shops. The receptionists are super friendly, and the stylists assistants are seriously on top of their game. For example - I found street parking right outside the salon and was going to run outside with foils in my hair to fill it and the assistant did it for me without so much as a blink. She was totally happy to help, and I was SO appreciative (as there was a cop a few cars down and I would have otherwise gotten a parking ticket!). Everyone seems to truly enjoy working here and they all have such a friendly, family like demeanor with each other. Its so obvious that when employees are treated nicely by corporate and by fellow staff, that everyone has a more positive experience... including clients! I would highly recommend Mimi for any of your coloring needs, and the salon for an enjoyable way to relax while getting pampered! read more

Kate for color! Seriously she is a color goddess. I have been seeing her for the last three years since I moved downtown, and I wouldn't let anyone else touch my hair. I also go to Ingrid for cut. I adore both ladies and HIGHLY recommend them. The salon is always in pristine condition, and has a very modern feel to it. The staff is wonderful and gracious. Also, if you refer a friend you both get 50% off. read more

I had an excellent experience with this salon and would definitely recommend it. Before everyone gets all up in my grill about cheating on my Beau, relax, a friend bought me some highlights arranged through Pretty City. I was able to make a spur of the moment appointment with Gia and was really happy with the results. She turned my sad, dull hair into warm and buttery beautiful in just a few short hours. Given that I was using the Pretty City thing and on someone else's dime, I couldn't get my haircut there because I received a gift card for another salon that wouldn't let me cancel my appointment, yet let me wait 45 minutes when I was done at MS Salon to not get my haircut because I was then running late. Gia did a great job and they offered me a new customer discount for the next time I went. I was also quite thrilled when one of the partners did a follow up call on Monday to see if I was happy with my services. Here is your answer sir, yes, I was very happy and also glad to see this salon still at the top of its game. Vibe was hip and fresh, stylists were up to speed on trends and styles and receptionist was exceptionally accommodating and friendly. I will save the fifth star for my next visit. One note: please tell the young ones to spit out the gum. Only bad practice I saw! read more

What a refreshingly great salon experience. Every time I leave a salon I feel like the life force has been sucked from me. Not here. From beginning to end I had such a great, stress-free and personalized experience. Booking my appointment was a breeze, parking for free right in front of the building (near the Gold Coast no less), and being greeting by the friendly reception desk set the tone for the rest of the appointment. The salon is in a beautiful space, an airy loft, whose location is somewhat hidden by Le Cordon Bleu culinary school that shares the same building. Good. Best that no one finds out what a great hidden gem this salon is. I was given a robe to change into, and a locked cubby for my things before I was greeted by my stylist, Jesse. Now don't pretend you don't take one look at your stylist and judge them on their appearance, cause you know you do it too. Anyways, I could tell I could trust him to give me a haircut that wouldn't make me look ridiculous, but still unique enough to not be boring. Jesse was friendly, appropriately talkative without talking my ear off, and genuinely interested in my hair and what I wanted. He was very detail oriented and spent a lot of time with me making sure everything was just so. End result was a great hair cut at a surprisingly reasonable price, about $65 not including tip for a Level 1 stylist. I came with my mom who got a single-treatment color by Justin - not only did she find him adorably cute, but hooray, he was very competent and talented, and gave my mom a color she loves. She plans to go back and get a hair cut soon from Chris, whom he recommended. All in all, so refreshing not to be amidst a hoard of women talking loudly on their cell phones. Everyone, down to the apprentices sweeping hair from the floors were friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back! read more

First time going and Got my cut by Cristina and color by Mel and I'm obsessed with both! They did a great job and gave me the exact cut and color I asked for. I have really thick hair so it can be a struggle to manage and they did such a good job tami read more

Marianne Strokirk Salon - So pretty, looks great straight and can't wait to try curls color by Mel cut by Cristina - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is arguably the best hair salon in Chicago. It features expert hair stylists and colorists that are very experienced and demonstrate a high level of training and years of designing and coloring hair. They are warm, gracious, and welcoming in their treatment of clients. I and many of my friends have been clients since they opened their doors over 30 years ago! read more

Jillian is the best colorist! My coworkers and I all go to her and our hair always looks amazing after leaving the salon. She's balayaged my hair twice, with the sessions being around three months apart, but my hair looked like it could last around 5 months without a touch-up. My hair grows fast too! I went lighter the second time and my hair still managed to look and feel soft. She always accomplishes what I want and exceeds my expectations. She's also super friendly and fun to talk to! read more

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A friend of mine gave me a treat this holiday, a manicure at Marianne Strokirk Salon. He has been seeing Tracy at the salon for years and loves the service and the style. I like that the salon is large, there is ample parking and the decor is pleasant. The salon is modern & minimalist which leaves one feeling a bit "cold" but it is very functional. My manicurist was a nice woman, she filled me in on other services, explained the history of the salon, seemed to enjoy her work and did a good job. My manicure lasted one week (which is normal) and overall, I was pleased. read more

The salon itself has a very open space with lots of windows, therefore lots of light. While definitely not new construction, the place is well maintained. The elevator may be a little slow (and there is only one) so try not to be in a rush for an appointment. I really liked how there are mirrors on the entrance hall wall at a level showing shoulder and above--what a difference watching myself walk in versus watching me walk out! Bonnie washed, cut and styled my hair--she did a great job, if I say so myself! And it was a serious haircut--she took off 5 inches!! I was so pleased, I booked an appointment for two months out. She was pleasant to talk with and quickly identified not only what I wanted, but what would fit with my lifestyle and face shape. This salon signed on with PrettyCity's $31 Pretty in Pink program for the month of October, which prompted my visit. The salon is more expensive than I usually prefer, but if I can get a great cut every time (I fully expec to), I can handle the cost. Haircuts start at $65. Tips need to be in cash and you can't write a check until your second visit. I was a little disappointed in the waiting area, which was just a few chairs pushed against the wall facing the reception desk, but obviously there are limitations of space in the older buildings in the Gold Coast. read more

You know those haircuts that keep getting better and better? Like after 3-4 weeks you are still so pumped about how awesome your hair looks and what a great cut you got? Yeah, I got that at Marianne Strokirk. Janelle was my stylist, and she did a fantastic job! At first I was a little nervous, b/c Janelle seemed to have a very clear idea of how to help my hair, and I was nervous getting even a little chopped off. However, Janelle knows what she is doing! My hair now looks so much healthier, and happier (can hair look happy? I think so :-). Marianne Strokirk is the quintessential Oak Street hair salon...upscale, modern, everyone in black, etc. The salon reminds me so much of NYC. All the folks that work at Marianne Strokirk seem to give great haircuts/color with a bit (slight bit) of an edge. I'll definitely be back to see Janelle! read more

My rating is based on a manicure/pedicure I received from here. I have no experience with their hair service. The man/ped was ok if not blah. For the price they charge, I'd expect a lot more. Pedicure area is in a tiny little hole of a room and the lady was not too friendly. She barely cleaned the bottom of my feet (still felt rough when I got home). Manicure was not good. Fall is the season for dark colors and she seemed to get the color all over my skin (which is a HUGE no-no). Go somewhere else if you need a man/ped. Positive: the staff at the front desk was very nice, especially the gentleman working as a receptionist. He was so kind, friendly and thoughtful with all the clients who walked in. The place is very grungy opposed to luxury. $5 private lot available read more

I went there with a Mani-Ped/Haircut Groupon in December. Overall I would describe the atmosphere as somewhat chaotic. There is just so much going on in such a small space that it was not a very relaxing experience. The haircut was good, although the stylist was an over-sharer. I did not need to hear the details of her sex life 10 minutes after meeting her. The haircut was pretty good though. The mani and pedi were very rushed. When I go for an manicure I expect the nail polish to completely cover each nail, but this was not the case. It looked sloppy. I know that normally (without a Groupon, etc.) the mani pedis are not cheap, and I would definitely not recommend going there for that service. read more

Good-bye artificial nails, HELLO SHELLAC! Here's my story: I went to the America's Beauty Expo at McCormick last month. I stopped by CND's booth where they had nail techs applying shellac and shatter manicures for everyone. Shatter is a bit too punk rock style for me and I was immediately attracted to the shellac manicures. One of the nail techs did shellac on me and I LOVED it. Since then, I've been looking into every nail salon that carry shellac. Shellac manicures are typically around $40-$60. I think it is $50 here but don't take my word for it. I'm not sure how much it is. =T This particular manicure does NOT ruin your natural nails like gel/acrylics. This special nail polish is applied just like a regular nail polish except more sturdy and NO chipping! It's a multiple process of cure after cure. It does not take as long as applying gel to your nails but a little longer than regular nail polish. The best part is, your nails are dried instantaneously after the last cure! So you can dig into your purse all you want and your nails will not get ruined. :) I came to this location with a friend to get a shellac manicure done by Ganka. She's the only nail tech there and she does an AWESOME job. Not sure how long it took to get my nails done because we were too busy chatting, time seemed to go by real fast. I know she's been with the company for over 20 years as a nail tech and I hope she never leaves! :) I will definitely come back to get shellac manicures by her. If you have not had shellac manicure done already, I highly suggest you believe the hype and make an appt with Gangka. read more

Terrible! I went to have my hair bleached and dyed silver and IT TURNED OUT BLUE! I went back for her to fix it and it looked even worse. Totally destroyed my hair and I DO NOT RECOMMEND! read more

Meh. I really wanted to like this place..but..significant up sell on products by every stylists which was a turn off, disappointed with results of hair, expensive, and it never seems busy there. Just my opinion though. read more

One fantastic haircut, two subsequent not so great with little regard to style that I requested. Will take months to grow layers back to place that I can work with. read more

Have been going to Bonnie for years. She gives the BEST haircuts! My hair is thick, wavy and long and she always blends my hair well. Visited the salon yesterday and Isaac gave me an amazing shampoo with a scalp massage. The shampoo bowls are the most comfortable shampoo bowls in the world! Love the new location and the new look. Anyways, Bonnie for cuts and Ashley for color. read more

I went in for a haircut. I came out with a haircute. Halley was my stylist. Not only is she super nice, making you feel really comfortable from the get-go, but she is also really skilled. I felt like she listened to me, took a look at the picture I brought, and did her best to make the look happen. My haircute even made me buy a new dress the next day, telling me that if the top half of my body was looking so foxy, I might as well splurge on the rest of it. So I did. Because who can say no to such a sassy little vixen? read more

So glad I FINALLY found a salon in Chicago. One place, two different stylists= magic. Erika and Kristin are amazing, they've transformed my hair and confidence about my hair in less than a year. I'm a blonde and it's always hard to find people that really listen to what I want and the changes I need, but they do a good job of making my color and cut just right for me! Only reason I didn't give five stars are the prices, but with the Oak-street location, I guess you have to expect that. Definitely try this place, message me for info on how to get % off by using me as a referral! PS They are open late on Thursday nights which rocks! read more

Go to Toni!! I have been hopping around to different salons over the years to try & find the perfect cut. SO glad I came here. Due to getting some previous bad layers at other places I was very hesitant to let someone new go for it, but she made me feel very comfortable & clearly knew what she was doing. I highly recommend Toni, loved her cut, it was exactly what I wanted & asked for! The only downside to coming here is how expensive it is. With a 50% off coupon I still paid about $50 which means I would normally have to pay close to $100 for a hair cut which is a bit steep for me on top of typically getting highlights as well. read more

I enjoy going to the salon itself because it is fast paced and doesn't make me want to fall asleep like most salons do since, to me, getting pampered makes me feel like the day is wasted and tiring. I've never gone there to get my nails done but I have gotten my hair cut and colored. I don't particularly like how you have to get your hair colored by one person and cut by another, just because it's not entirely convenient, but that's just how they run the place I suppose. I have gotten my hair cut by a few different people but mainly, I get my hair cut by Halley, and she always does a great job--and I plan to continue going to her to keep my locks healthy and trimmed. I haven't gotten my hair colored by anyone but Melissa, a new colorist that recently got her chair about six(ish) months ago. I first started going to her when she was working for her chair, as a colorist's assistant. She had highlighted my naturally dirty blonde hair to a lighter shade numerous times. And just recently, she died my hair a dark brown (a huge deal to someone like myself-- that's done nothing but highlight my blonde hair for all 23 years of my life). Each and every time I have enjoyed the results and I'd recommend her to anyone I know. She really has a passion for being a colorist and that's easy to see. I've trusted her with my hair during minor changes, as well as drastic ones, and I have every intention on following Melissa where ever she may go. 5 stars! read more

Great color experience with Justin! Love the parking easement door, as well. So convenient! Justin evaluated my hair, made suggestions, then followed through EXACTLY. I looked FAB for my Cabo vacation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more