Don't go here if you're looking to get a relaxer. I came to Marquin with a full head of very long, thick, natural 4C African-American hair. After 7 months' worth of touch-ups, protein treatments, deep conditionings and all that, I ended up with a nightmare. My hair is now incredibly damaged, despite following his directions to care for relaxed hair to a T. It's now thin, lifeless, and very uneven due to most of it falling out. The edges and back were damn near bald during my last visit to him. His solution? Keep coming more often for more $40 protein treatments and deep conditions, despite my valiant efforts to keep my hair moisturized and strong with the incredibly expensive Moroccan Oil/Mizani products he sells. I should have listened to the red flags on my very first visit. One of his female assistants repeatedly complained about how "thick and kinky" my natural hair was as she forcefully combed through it. Once the first relaxer application was prepared, Marquin rushed through the process so quickly that he slung some of the relaxer into my face. Had I not closed my right eye just seconds before it landed on it, I would've likely been blinded. After whispering a couple of apologies and guiding me to one of the sinks to rinse my face and wash it with a chemical neutralizing shampoo, he let me sit back down and wait for the relaxer to do its thing to my once lovely mane. It seems he forgot about me as he hurried off to cut some girl's hair, because it felt like ages before he decided to rinse the relaxer out. After the whole nightmare ended, my hair actually looked great. I made sure to buy the moisturizing products he recommended to keep it looking good. But as the weeks went on, it began breaking off slowly. I went back to ask why I kept finding bits and pieces of my hair everywhere I went, and why my hairbrush was full of hair every time I brushed it. He said it needed protein and deep conditioning, so I jumped on board in hopes to save my hair. It seemed to help, and I let my hair grow out until I had about 3" of new-growth appeared, a little over 4 months. I had protein treatments and deep conditions done once a month by him, and washed/deep conditioned my hair every weekend at home. After my first touch-up, my hair began falling out ridiculously fast. I found globs of hair in my brushes, split ends left and right, and my hair became see-through at the ends, no longer full like it was in the beginning. No amount of deep conditioning and protein would stop the breakage. I noticed on my last treatment day, he used little to no heat protectant on my hair as he took a 450'F flat iron to it. Under no circumstances would a freshly relaxed head need that kind of heat. I had no hair in the back anymore. My edges were all but gone. The hair at the top of my head had broken off so badly, it began to stick upwards no matter what I did. I asked him over and over why is my hair falling out, despite coming in as often as possible to get my hair treated by a professional. Despite avoiding flat irons at home, sleeping with a silk pillowcase, using only the products I bought from him, and never wearing my hair in ponytails or other tight styles. His suggestion was to just keep coming in for further treatments. I just stopped going to him after that. Luckily my hair has grown back now that I'm wearing box braids again, but it will take years to grow it to mid-back length like before. I regret ever setting foot in his salon, and if you're looking to try a new chemical-laden style on your beautiful natural hair, please don't do it here. read more

Marquin is a Godsend. It's almost impossible to find a skilled stylist to do my hair in Wicker Park. After being turned away from other local salons for not being able to work on my hair type I was trilled to find Marquin. Not only can he style my hair he is also concerned with it's health. I'm also in and out of the salon in about an hour. I'm so happy! read more

Montgomery Marquin is an international competitive hairstylist, extremely talented, and we are lucky to have him in Wicker Park. I needed a cut and chose Marquin because it was close to home. After a quick phone call, Montgomery brought me in 15 minutes later and I got what I can honestly say was the best haircut I've ever had. I hadn't asked how much the cut was beforehand, and had $60 waiting in hand at the counter. Much to my surprise, I was only asked for about half of that! I've paid much more money for mediocre cuts and mediocre service Dipping my hands in wax and offering a free Miller Lite doesn't make up for a lack of talent. Marquin is simply the best you will find in Chicago. read more

I really liked this place. The best part was that I called on a Wed afternoon and was able to walk in 20 min later. When I first walked in I saw a lot of African American hair magazines and was thinking that maybe I wasn't their type of client. Turns out the owner, Marquin, learned how to cut hair on Caucasian peeps but then also studied how to work with African American and curly hair. He was great-- I showed him a picture of what I wanted and he made it look like the picture. What more can you ask for? I'm giving it four stars for now b/c I haven't yet lived with the cut (just got it today). I'll revisit this post once I have a final decision! read more

White people, don't be fooled by the facade. Montgomery, the owner of Marquin, knows how to cut your hair. With a mop of curly, difficult hair, I was consistently unsatisfied with my Chicago haircuts until I saw Montgomery. I haven't been anywhere else (in Chicago) for years. read more

My sister and I have been going here since we were kids. Marquin does an amazing job with hair really good at what he does. We actually met him when he was working at a different location. Then he decided to branch out as open his own shop. Good for you read more

I have to admit that this is long overdue I have been going to Monty since 2002 and I've never had better hair! He is a true professional and always listens to what I want/need for my hair. He explains everything as he does his thing. The ambiance is relaxing. And not only do you get a great hair cut but a drink too! Thank you Monty you have been my hair savior!!! Added bonus: They open late until 8pm - Monday thru Friday and are in the middle of a bustling great hood! So hurry up, go book your appointment today! read more

This place requires more publicity. I have come twice, and I have received nothing but personable service and fantastic hair. I appreciate the service, and feel appreciated. Thank you Marquin, and keep being awesome. read more

This place is amazing. I got my hair cut by the owner, who is this bad ass French dude! $25!!! (Although it was a Thursday afternoon might be more after 3 or on weekends?) That's it. I had an amazing experience and totally recommend it! He knows a lot about the neighborhood. He is kind. He is not judgmental on who you are, what you do, and what you look like. This is his own business so if you go here you are supporting a local business and not some cookie cutter salon that over charges you for absolutely everything. Overall, amazing experience. read more

Best kept secret in Wicker Park! I work right next door, and am not sure why it took me so long to try going here. I have now been here a few times, and have not been let down. Monty is professional and knowledgeable about hair. I have long wavy/curly hair which can be challenging, and he has always done a great job and also has introduced me to some good products. Monty, as well as the salon itself, are understated. Simple, but not leaving me wanting for anything else. read more

I went to Marquin Salon for a hair cut. I like the customer service, weekend hours, and offering of hair products for men and women. The parking around the salon is excellent and it is a near walk to many shops on Division and places of interest in west town. I definitely will be going back to this salon in the near future. Keep up the good work and we will be visiting you soon. Best, TC read more

I happen to walk by on a Sunday morning and noticed that they were open. I was expecting to be turned away as the place looked busy, but there happened to be a stylist visiting from out of town who was able to fit me in for a hair cut. I walked out with an updated cut and some advice about styling and couldn't be happier. I will definitely be back and recommend them. read more

Just moved to the area and needed a haircut badly. Marquin's was just around the corner and offered reasonable price. The staff was super friendly and accommodating, Marquin was excellent, and I was extremely pleased with my haircut. Straight edge razor shave was a nice finishing touch. Will definitely be back! read more

Can't say enough about this establishment my brother inlaw introduced me to Montgomery and after the first session I was hooked no more barbers no more chopped hair again and again perfect cuts no problem very friendly staff great vibe I been loyal costumer for almost 2 years and that won't be changing anytime soon Highly recommended read more

I was recommended to go to Monty about one year ago by my girlfriend. I must admit at first I was a little nervous as I had been going to the same stylist for quite sometime. I arrived for my first appointment and was greeted instantly by someone who took my coat and sat me in a comfortable chair and offered me something to drink. I was then given a very nice and relaxing shampoo/condition and then Monty was ready to consult me on what I wanted done. I completely left my hair in his hands and I must say I was very impressed. Monty is completely up to date with all the new trends and styles and gave me a great haircut which was also easy to maintain! But not only is Monty a great stylist, but he is a great person. I read a previous review on the salon where Monty cut one person's hair for no charge because of the time of day and how it would have conflicted with his religious beliefs. I can't think of too many stylists who would do that! I truly enjoy coming to the salon and I look forward to my next visit. Thank you once again Monty and see you soon! RB read more

I decided to give a shot to this new salon and do my highlights there. Salon is very nice and the atmosphere is very relaxing. I left very happy with new haircut and color and of course discount for first time customers 25% off. I will be back there soon. Now it is turn for my boyfriend to get his haircut there :-) read more

First time customer and I loved it. After trying many places on West Town, I finally found this place and will definitely come back. I walked in on a Tuesday morning, luckily it wasn't busy, Marquin is very talented and professional. read more

Monty is the man. Stylish, laid-back and he's got the touch. There's not much to be done with my hair. But what could be done, was done to a tee. Thanks! read more

1st time customer and I was very pleased with the outcome. I have long thick hair and its very hard to find a stylist who can straighten it. I saw this establishment as I was driving down division street one day and it was still on my mind the next day so I decided to try it out. I absolutely loved the decor of the shop and the products they use. My stylist was very friendly, knowledgeable about hair, and able to provide some tips for taking care of my hair. She did a fabulous job on my hair and from the time I left the shop I was getting compliments on it! I will be going back! read more

5 stars does not begin to do this salon justice. I recently moved to Chicago from New York City, and I was desperately looking for a good salon. I reluctantly took to Yelp, and found Marquin Salon. It had five stars and I thought there was no way, but I had nothing to lose. I was able to make an appointment with Saka who is the assistant at the salon on short notice. I got a wash, deep condition, and style. Monty is the owner and talented stylist. Saka gave me the BEST shampoo I have ever had in my life. I showed Monty some pictures of the type of style I was looking for and he did it beautifully. The service was amazing and his prices are VERY reasonable. Comparable to what you might pay in the suburbs. Monty works with hair of all ethnicities. I'm black with natural hair, but it's in a pixie cut and I usually get it pressed. I am not exaggerating. Please believe all the wonderful reviews about Monty and this salon. They are true! From top to bottom, this place is a true gem, and they will certainly receive my repeat business. read more

First time going there - VERY IMPRESSED. I don't maintain my hair that often because a) I'm too busy, b) my stylist is too hard to get into specially scheduling last minute. This place is literally around the corner from my house, always pass by the place and today, I decided, "why not" since I was in dire need of a color, highlite and cut; walked right in. Marquin is a great professional stylist who took the time to explain what he was going to do with it. He and his staff are very friendly, as well as the customers. The end product was stunning and I love it! I literally walked out of the salon and a couple of steps on the sidewalk, a woman was walking right behind me and said "Oh my God, I love your hair!" I said "Oh my God, go right there! I just walked out their door!" Thanks Marquin! read more

My daughter's have came here multiple times, and he has done a great job! I remember when he used to work at this other salon before he opened his own. You definitely get what you pay for that's for sure. I recommend this salon everyone, they also do men haircuts. I'm not sure if the guys any good, but I've seen multiple men go in there. So check him out if you're in the neighborhood, or want to travel for an amazing haircut or style! read more

As you are looking at the reviews trying to see which Marquin Stylist has the best reviews, you should know that Montgomery, Monty and Marquin are all same person. With that being said, if you are trying to find a salon that specializes in "healthy hair," you should probably try here. Earlier this week I needed a last minute appointment to get my long, natural hair washed, blow dried and flat ironed. I was able to get an appointment within 2 hours AND when I arrived I did not have to wait! Hooray for not having to go to "double booking purgatory!" FIRST STAR! Marquin Salon is in a great area with lots of metered parking in the vicinity. The salon is open, airy and clean..........SECOND STAR! The hair care products sold here are high quality------Moroccanoil, Unwash etc. Another pro is that this salon doesn't try to "hard sell" their products.......Hey, if you want to go back to your cheap, jacked-up products------HAVE AT IT! Quality hair care products-----THIRD STAR! The person assisting Monty, LA, somehow managed to get my hair so clean that it squeaked! I'm not kidding! And she did it without using a traditional shampoo with suds! FOURTH STAR! Just in case you were wondering: * This is a multi-cultural salon *Sunday and Monday hours are offered! *I paid less than $50 to get my hair done and was in and out in about 2 hrs. As for my hair upon leaving the salon....If I was a model, I could have gone directly to a photo-shoot and "killed it!" read more

I love Marquin salon! I have been going for a few months now for trims and a wash and style. My hair looks so healthy and he uses Moroccanoil products which smell divine! His prices are very reasonable as well. I love the diversity of the salon, men, women, curly hair, straight, it shows his versatility. read more

I visited the salon last week. Monty was fabulous!! He educated me on how to better care for my natural hair. He washed, blow dried, flat-ironed/styled my hair and it felt gorgeous!! I will be returning to Marquin Salon very soon. read more

Marquin Salon is the best, hands down on all types of hair...it has a nice, friendly staff, and Monty is God-sent. I found Monty when I first moved to Chicago and the rest has been history! I now travel from Memphis, TN on a regular basis just to receive the knowledgable, affordable, quality hair care services provided at Marquin's Salon. Once you try Monty I'm confident you will be hooked as well! read more

I received excellent customer service from the owner here today - and I was only there to buy additional product. I was so impressed that after this, and reading other great reviews on here I will probably get a hair cut next time too! read more

I love this place! I have Natural Hair and he leaves it shiny bouncy and Straightened, I recently went from black to color and my hair is still so healthy and shiny. I have gotten compliments everywhere I go! read more

Marquin is an artist. Raised in French Guyana and trained in Europe, he consistently gives me the best haircuts I've ever had. I am a youngish (32) white male, and was initially a little intimidated about going here for a haircut. I had never seen a white person getting their haircut here, so I assumed it was just for black folks. Well, it's not! Marquin can make any kind of hair look fantastic. So give him a call, I guarantee you won't regret it. Plus he's a super interesting and chill guy, i just enjoy chatting with him while I get my cut. read more

The Marquin Salon, Monty and Ella are fantastic! I went in yesterday evening, and received my second trim, and straighten. I am natural, so I am always hesitant about straightening my hair and who I go to but the Marquin team nailed it again! They use the most amazing products that leave your hair feeling like silk and really take the time to explain what you can do to improve the growth, health and beauty of your hair. I will be back again soon! read more

Originally from the Dominican Republic (country with amazing hair stylists) I moved to Downtown Chicago in July 2010 and I was deperately looking for a hair salon. I went online, called different places and most of them required an appointment just to assess your hair and then another one to actually do the job. I kept calling different places until I got in touch with Mr. Montgomery, the owner of Marquin Salon. Monty opened his door on that same day w/o hesitation. The experience has been excellent since then. Monty is truly a professionnal, he really knows how to care for different types of hair, he's extremely pleasant and caters to his clients needs. My hair is long and healthy thanks to him. You can't go wrong with the Marquin Salon. read more

I started going to Monty about 6 months ago after stylist from a different salon turned my "blonde" hair to the brassiest looking mess ever and a friend recommended I try her stylist. At my first appointment with Monty he asked if I knew what she used on my hair. I told him that I went to her with a formula a stylist in Vegas gave me which this stylist clearly did not follow. He spent a lot of time staring at my hair, frowning, and asking what this lady was thinking. He explained to me that we'd have to work slowly towards correcting my hair as it could turn green or it could all break off since he had no way of knowing what she used on me and she had damaged my hair pretty badly. He told me up front that he wouldn't be able to give the the color I want right away but that he'd get me in the right color family. He then told me to come back Monday so he could he could spend the weekend trying to figure out the safest approach. Yeah, it was that bad. Monty was true to his word. The color was far better than I hoped for and the cut was one of the best I ever had. Best of all, I didn't feel the need to hide from mirrors or other people anymore. And he didn't take advantage of me by charge me an arm and a leg as he easily could have. I mean what women wouldn't sign over a week's wages not to look like a circus act? Over the course of time, I transitioned from over-processed, damaged hair to healthy hair. And I have to say I looked pretty darn good during the process. I think he's a genuine artist. read more

This review is long over due.I have been going to Montgomery, the stylist at Marquin Salon since I was eighth grade and I am now 25 years old. I am so happy that I have Marquin Salon because living in the northside of Chicago, it is like a black hair salon desert. I have natural, and very Kinky curly hair and Montgomery has never had a problem getting my hair super straight or doing any other style I ask. The best part is that unlike other salons, he doesn't weigh my hair down with product and my straightening style will last for weeks. Montgomery is genius and a veteran at his profession, and he doesn't only care about my hair looking good, he cares about healthy hair. There have been many times, I have suggested some crazy styles or color to him that he will honestly reject because of the toll he knows it would take on the health of my hair. He is not the type of stylist to just want your money, he will be completely honest with you about his abilities and about the maintenance of any style you request. When you find out about all of Montgomery's international experience you will see that his skills and experience are unique and exemplary. I have tried some other salons, including some fancy ones in the downtown area and I would never trust anyone else to do my hair besides Montgomery Marquin. He simply does the best job not to mention that I love the Morrocan Oil products that he uses on my hair! I have always had long hair, and kept my hair natural because I've always had Montgomery to help me manage it. The end. read more