Amy Novachis is the absolute best. She has cut my hair since 2004, and I have never even considered going anywhere else. She is a sculptor, perfectionist, magician. She can see the shape of your face, your own personal beauty, and cut your hair to accentuate your given features. But she also listens to you, she hears your personality, your activities, and she cuts your hair into a style that speaks you, that tells people something about you. I get compliments on her cuts everywhere I go, whether its from a group of teenage young men hanging out in front of their house, or traveling at the airport in another country. It has an effortless feeling of perfection. Over the years, she has shifted my hair, as I have shifted and grown, only repeating when I wanted, and completely giving me a brand new look, even when my hair was only 2 inches long! She takes her time to meticulously shape and sculpt your hair. It is a super relaxing environment, as she focuses on you alone with no other hair dressers in the room. So the whole experience feels like a quiet time to focus on you. The looks Amy has given me each are a work of art in themselves. And her goal each time is to meet your needs, so that you, the client walks out satisfied. She wants you not only to relate the haircut on the outside, but also that it feels right on the inside. And she will spend the time with you until it gets there! Erika, the new colorist at Novachis Salon, is also impeccable. Her sensitivity and knowledge of color and products is superb. Each coloring has been perfect, and she notices any changes or shifts, effects of products or the suns, and makes perfect adjustments and recommendations. People are shocked to learn my hair is colored as she obtains such a natural and perfect tone for my hair and skin. Erika is extremely attentive to quality of both the service and your overall experience. There is no one else I would trust to color my hair. They are a one stop dream team. People are always asking me who does my hair, and I would never answer anyone other than these two! read more

Amy Novachis is the BEST KEPT SECRET in Chicago! I have been going to her for about 5 years and have never been less than excited about my new hair cut. Amy is an artist in the truest sense--neither her nor her work are artificial or pretentious in any way. She is a warm, funny, relaxed, honest, smart, hip and unfailingly real, down-to-earth gal. She will not style your hair a certain way just because it's what she wants and she won't lie if a certain style won't work with your hair/face shape/ lifestyle. My own style has changed over the years, but it is never less than superb. I have a highly layered cut and it always grows out beautifully, which is quite a feat. I honestly have had strangers on the street and the assistants at the salon where I get my hair colored ask "Who cuts your hair?" I have sent my mom, sister and friends Amy's way and they are all devotees--even my mom who swore that Supercuts was fine for her and doesn't ever want to spend money on herself ;-) Amy's new location is in Ukrainian Village, and while not as accessible by public transportation as her previous studio, it has easy street parking and is close to the center of the city and off of main streets and is equally close to 90/94 and 290. Amy's space is beautiful and serene and an oasis for the hour that you are there. Enjoy a beverage, one of her own hand-made chocolates or caramels (she is a chocolatier too!) and even ask to plug your own iPod into her speakers and enjoy the hour. I cannot recommend her highly enough.Treat yourself or a loved one to a haircut experience unlike any other! read more

I had the typical male mentality about my hair before I started visiting Amy. After almost losing an ear at one of those $10 dollar places, I thought I'd try the trendy upscale salons. I never really felt at home at the salons. Some salons were full of BS & attitude. When I would find a stylist who remembered my name, they would leave for another salon. A couple years ago I met Amy, she is a true artist and professional. She possesses a warm disposition and makes you feel at home in her awesome, one woman-West Town- salon. The bright and airy loft space is roomy(bring a friend for a group cut) and has a stocked bar(because we have all had one of those days) and diverse music selection on her iPod (from Concrete Blonde to Dolly Parton). Aside from the great space Amy is the reason I return. She has the eye of an artist and has used her talent to compliment my lifestyle. I work in a very conservative profession by day and was born to be wild after 5.. Amy has cut my hair to fit both sides of my personality-and it is great to receive compliments during the day and after hours. Everyone needs a good lawyer, doctor, dentist, banker and an Amy. read more

Not sure why all the reviews keep disappearing on this one, especially since it was recently featured in Chicago Magazine. I've written reviews multiple times, only to return and find them erased. Yelp says that it's "very rare" but to basically just suck it up. Anyway, I can say only a few things because then words become repetitive. This is no normal salon. This is a custom salon, catered to your experience. Amy is a genius- Vidal Sassoon trained and frighteningly creative. She can do classic, conservative, perfect precision cuts or she can funk you up so that people take pictures of you when you are out. Customer service-exceptional. Amy-magical. She'll talk if you want and she'll say no words if you want to just relax. Haircuts-flawless. It's a fantastic, private space. She now has a colorist who is just as perfect as Amy. Is it pricey? Sure. But tons less than those ridiculous pretentious downtown salons. She spends all of her time with you- from consultation to shampoo to cut to blow-out to styling to checking out. She doesn't want anyone else in the mix messing it up. If nothing else, give her a try. She is the next best thing to Vidal. read more

I have been seeing Amy for about six years- I followed her from Sassoon to Trio and now to her own space. She is also in the process of moving to a new space in West Town and expanding (she is so booked!- but always loyal and ready to get new clients in). She provides a private, upscale service- it is like nothing I had ever heard of before. She charges $95 for a haircut, but I would pay 10x as much- she has trained everywhere and with everyone, but even that doesn't matter. She is just an amazing stylist. She is kind and thoughtful, creative and smart- she can work with any hair, in any condition and can do what you ask or can make absolutely amazing recommendations. Seriously, every time I leave an appt with her, I either get asked out on a date (my boyfriend just loves that!) or am stopped by someone dying to know who cuts my hair. It's unbelievable. To top it all off, she is unpretentious and really funny. She makes you feel so at home and never makes judgments about you or anyone else. She is truly an artist. If she ever stops doing hair, I am in trouble. CALL her- you will not regret it. read more

I actually just joined YELP because I saw the review by Katie S for Novachis Salon. I haven't seen this salon mentioned anywhere because it is so private, so I was quite excited to see that Katie put it out there. Basically, Katie hit the nail on the head. My favorite part about seeing Amy Novachis is that she doesn't shortchange men. She doesn't use razors; she spends the full hour with me, cutting my hair into perfect lines using scissors. And she's cool. Low-key. She almost seems to cater to men, but then I have to take that back because my sister is one of her most dedicated fans and she feels just as pampered as I do. And you know what else? Honestly. I'm not embarrassed about my concern for my appearance, but it sure is nice to be able to see Amy in such a quiet, private place. I don't have to advertise my presence to anyone or listen to a bunch of people gossiping and staring. It's so, well, sexy. Like a really high-end barber shop, only with better haircuts. THANK YOU, KATIE for bringing her to the attention of Yelpers. read more

I too joined Yelp just so that I could tell the world how awesome Novachis Salon is (although now I think I'm a bit obsessed with this site...). I have been seeing Amy for years and can't imagine anyone else providing the same extremely high quality hair cuts in such a private and comfortable setting. To top it all off (as if that weren't enough), Amy is really one of my favorite people - she possesses a truly artistic sensibility, but has a fantastic sense of humor, is super laid-back, and makes everyone who walks in the door feel comfortable...or at least just me. I moved from Chicago to Los Angeles over two years ago but I still go exclusively to Amy for my haircuts. So, even if that means that I go six months without a haircut it's totally worth it and the cuts are so great that literally no one ever notices. So, anyway, if you are looking for an edgy but elegant haircut in a comfortable, private setting with the coolest hairstylist in the world, then look no further. This is what you've been looking for. read more

A haircut by Amy is one of the best expriences you will ever have. You may go once with the idea that you will just give her a try, you will be addicted. Her space is private, relaxed and totally professional. Her haircut will last you so long you won't be able to tell when it's time for another one, but when it is, you will go back to Amy. If you do anything to treat yourself this is it. Amy has cut my hair for eight years and each cut has been consistent and complimented. You wil love your haircut, so will your friends. Enjoy! read more