Since I was old enough to know who Brigitte Bardot was, I've basically wanted to channel her. The effortlessness of her sex kitten meets girl-next-door look certainly didn't go unnoticed, did it? From the winged-out black eyeliner, to the demure pout to that softly mussed, voluminous, big bedroom hair. The hair - how does one exactly achieve that hair? Enter the perfect blowout. Sigh. Over the years, I've found out that it's much more elusive than you'd think. Too many times, I've walked out with heavily-sprayed helmet hair. Or hair so stick straight it appeared lifeless. What's the point of going in for a professional blowout when you end up undoing all that handiwork or worse, washing out all the elbow grease only a few hours later? Recently I started considering extensions (just to add a little length to my already thick head of hair). I also found out that owner Frank delivers one hell of a Bardo-esque blowout! Since preliminary reconnaissance was already accomplished, I called quick for an appointment. Turns out, Frank is a maestro with the blowdryer. And well-versed with wrist-flicking, back-combing and blowdrier twirlin'! I walked out with the kind of style I've only seen in high-fashion magazines and surprisingly, it looks just as good today as it did yesterday. It's a head of hair infused with volume, texture, movement and best of all: It's soft! Cost: $35 and up. For a round-brush blowout on my type of hair (long, thick and coarse) it's $60. Definitely a rare indulgence but then again... I'm worth it and so are you! PS: If Frank isn't available, I hear Michael also gives a fantastic blow-out. And if his pompadour is any indication, you're in good hands! read more

this place sucks. I used to go to Alex..and he ruled. But of course..he left. I went to frank once..and NEVER again. After being charged $250 for a cut and root touch up. I left with a BAD hair cut. He was saying something about how he thinks of hair cuts like math. whoa. stay away. read more

Jennifer is my hair SAVIOR. My cut and color are always amazing. A bit pricey, but pretty standard for a cut and color. I have noticed that they maybe seem to be overbooking their stylists a bit. The past few times I have gone in I have been one of a few clients being serviced at the same time. Next time I book I will probably ask for an appointment during a slower time... Non-the-less... I always walk out feeling great. EDIT: I recently learned that Jennifer isn't at this salon anymore. :( But I hear that she is close by! :) read more

I am an admitted stylist whore. I bounce around; I look at reviews, try a place, like it and then look again. Usually not because of bad service, hair cuts or color (there have been a few of those cases), just because I want to see what else is out there, if there is a price difference and locations sometimes need to change due to moves. So, when I moved to Riverside, I knew I would be looking again for a new stylist. I read some reviews and noticed Pagani in the heart of Riverside and thought it looked to be a pretty nice place. I set up an appointment and met with Allison. As others have mentioned, the atmosphere is great; warm and welcoming. Allison was wonderful as well, super nice and easy to talk with. She listened to what I wanted and got right to work; offering suggestions while keeping in mind my personal needs and preferences. As far as the service! Wow! Great cut, color, highlights and conditioning and all at a wonderful price!!! If it is your first visit, you get a discount. Even at my second visit, I felt the price was extremely fair and I appreciate that. I just made an appointment for a third visit and have no reservations recommending this place to everyone. read more

Their ex-master stylist, Alex, was fantastic. At $60+ (incl. tip) it's on par with what you'd pay in a big city for an experienced stylist. Too bad he's no longer there. I went back once after he left, and the cut was sub-sub-par. Aren't there any decent hair salons left in OP/RF?? read more

What a great place! I got my hair cut by the owner, Bill. He was friendly and put me at ease immediately. He actually listened to me during the consult, and suggested some ideas that sounded good, so I let him roll with what he wanted to do. Love my hair cut! I have sort of fine, straight hair, so I usually wear it about chin - length in some sort of bob concoction. He cut and styled and fine tuned it, and then actually showed me what to do to style it well. He spent a lot of time with me, and not only am I happy with the cut, but he is fascinating! You'll get some good stories as he's been in the business I think 44 years, and he's owned Basili's for 30! It doesn't look dated, though, as he's kept up with it's design, and he heeds the advice of his two daughters who work there as well. (He could use some new lighting above the stylists chairs - that's my only critique...) Bill obviously LOVES his craft and his optimism and passion is infectious! If I were a stylist I would want to work for him. read more

I heart Pagani!!!! Their staff, is super nice. I love my girl, Sheryl, who I can only trust with my luxurious locks. Although I'm sure all of the stylists are just as good, no one can beat her. (Ok, yes, I'm totally biased, but hey, at least I can admit it) She is super sweet and has been training with Bumble and Bumble in New York for a while now. This girl knows her stuff. There hasn't been a time I haven't walked out satisfied with how completely hot my hair looks. I don't dye my hair because I love it in its natural blonde state, but I'm sure she's good at that, too. I like the atmosphere... It's a small, cozy storefront, which I love. I can't stand going to the salons you can get lost in, it seems more like a factory in that format to me. And the prices are surprisingly not outrageous, like the factory salons. read more

Pagani broke the bank So I needed a new salon when I moved to Oak Park. I tried out a different place on Oak Park Ave (it didn't work at all) and then I booked an appointment at Pagani. I've been coloring my hair for longer than I care to share -- and had plenty of stylists at different salons -- so I have a good idea of what it should cost. Let's just say I've never paid more ... and it was just a so-so job. I'll give Sheryl some credit -- she never rushed and she did give me her full attention. But it took FOUR hours! For an entire hour, my head was in the sink as she tried toner after toner to get it right (without ever showing me the progression). And after all that, it has a brassy, almost orange tone rather than a golden blond color. The cut was fine. No real complaints. read more

I love this place! Amy did my hair for my wedding, and it was PERFECT! I got sooo many compliments!

I still love going to Pagani. What I cannot love is the fact they have 67 filtered reviews. People love this place, including me and I think everyone should know about it. Read the filtered reviews while making your decision whether or not to come to Pagani. read more

Pagani- Frank Paganis - Hair Salons Near Me - Riverside, Illinois

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I don't put a lot of focus or love into my hair, and that's why I go to Pagani. Frank knows exactly how to cut and style my hair so it's as easy for me to manage as possible. I used to go to the cheapest place around, but ever since I started going to Pagani, I refuse to go anywhere else. The entire staff is friendly and welcoming (they always offer you something to drink when you walk in the door). They also make a point of making it a relaxing experience. The wash includes a nice head massage and they really make an effort to make sure you're comfortable. Frank always takes the time to explain what he's doing and give me pointers and tips that I can use at home. I've gone in for a trim, highlights, updos, and even cutting off all my hair to a short pixie, and I've always loved the results as well as the experience. I definitely recommend spending the extra cash (which, of course, is relative as I am a poor young adult) to go see the stylists at Pagani. Having a bad hair cut is a terrible experience, and by going to Pagani, I never have to worry about not loving my hair when I walk out the door. read more

Alisa makes Pagani rock! Fantastic place, friendly staff, and excellent cut and coloring services. I just put myself in my stylist's very knowledgeable hands, let her work her magic, and I always walk out feeling great about my hair. I also like that Alisa is very good about sharing her expertise with clients. Since I've been going to her I let my 'natural curl' out instead of straightening and blow drying and generally torturing my hair every day, and my hair has been so much happier and healthier as a result. I've never been to anyone else there, but in general the stylists seem very friendly and helpful. I hope this spa extends its services to include waxing. And if they ever became a full-service with massage and facials, I'd probably live there. Thumbs up for a city-chic place in the boring burbs! read more

I come here for cuts and Balayage every 8-12 weeks with George. He is incredibly experienced and never disappoints. Book much in advance, he fills up quick! Be careful though, if you google them...it is the wrong address! read more

I only write reviews if I love a place or if I hate it. So Basili's is a Love It Review If you need a dye job, go to Basili's. I can't believe how gorgeous my hair is and the condition of it, is AMAZING. The staff is VERY friendly and personable. They have young staff and older staff so whatever age range you're in, you can get what you want. If you're younger and are looking for an edgier look or something different, they're perfect because they know what's in style and what looks best. I used to go there when I was in high school to have my hair dyed and I wish I never left! I came back though once I moved back to the burbs and they're STILL amazing at what they do. I called on a Friday evening and was able to get an appointment for the next day (thank god!). I had Matt who was very friendly and understood what I was talking about of what I wanted and Bill is honestly a genius. I went in there just to get a touch up and some highlights/low lights and a trim. Things didn't go how they were planned with my hair because of what previous salons have done and the condition of my hair. I was there for a good few hours and had to have some corrective color done (which can be VERY expensive at many places). I am SO glad I went there for it. My bill was going to be 190 bucks for everything I had done. Because I was so patient and friendly, Bill knocked off 30 bucks!! I haven't been to a place where they actually care about their clients and refuse to let them walk out the door if they're unhappy in a long time. I'm so glad they're a block away from me! I LOVE how I look now! If I wasn't so tired from sitting in the chair so long I probably would have screamed out of excitement. I will definitely be back and will be promoting their salon left and right because they're AMAZING. read more

I started seeing Frank years ago, then moved and hopped from stylist to stylist based on recommendations. None of them made me happy with my hair as Frank was able to. Either the color was way off, the cut was blah or I felt like my bank account was emptied. Light bulb went off, and decided to go back to Frank this past year. Best decision ever!!! No fluff or frills--great hair cut and color as always. He has a great eye for style and what looks good. Great thing is if there is not availability at one salon there is at the other in Oak Park. I also find it reassuring that his staff is so diverse for different clients. Everyone is welcome at Pagani! read more

Pagani now has a location in Riverside too, it's in the spot where Basili's Hair Salon used to be. I have been going to Alisa for years now and Frank used to do my hair. They are both amazing. Alisa is the sweetest most tallented stylist, she actually listens to what you want and does it, unlike some stylists that just do what they think will look good. You will not regret trying her out. You get what you pay for, and if you want to look fabulous, go to Pagani! I live downtown in the Goldcoast neighborhood, there are high end salons every other block down there. I still make the time to come out here to have my hair done by Alisa, and I am super picky, so this should give you an exaple of how happy I have been with their services. read more

ALISA IS GREAT! We just recently moved to Oak Park so I'm trying to get all my services in Oak Park and got a reccomendation for a friend for Alisa at Pagani Hair. When I got to Pagani, I waited only a few minutes before I met Alisa. She sat me down and talked to me about what I would like done. I'm pretty boring and have long hair so i simply wanted a clean-up. After the consultation I was shampooed and given a great head massage by the shampoo girl then Alisa cut my hair. The conversation was great....nothing awkward, too personal or annoying. It's been about three weeks since my cut and it still looks great and requires little maintenance... would highly recommend pagani and alisa. Price for a cut for long hair from Alisa was $55. Deal Tip: You can get $10 off if you are reccomended by a friend(aka me) and your friend will also get $10 off the next time they come in. read more

I don't typically like to travel more than 15 minutes to get my hair done, but when I found out Amy was working at your salon, I new it would be worth the trip. I was warmly welcomed from the moment I walked in. I was offered something to drink, and within minutes had a hot cup of coffee in my hands. The only reason I had a short wait was because I arrived 15 minutes early. The waiting area was comfortable, with a large screen TV and plenty of magazines. (And not outdated ones like most salons) The salon was buzzing with activity, and I could tell that the clients being taken care of were happy. Lots of smiles and laughter. I was there to have my hair styled for a fundraiser. Amy took me back and came up with a very pretty, appropriate look. She styled it perfectly, based in the details I gave her about the dress I was going to wear. The owner came over and said hello, as did another stylist. I was very impressed by the hospitality. Overall, I am very pleased by the staff, skills of the stylists, and the prices are fair, to boot. I recommend Pagani for anyone, any age, when you need your hair done. I am looking forward to going back when Amy works with new color for me :) read more

I guess this is a mixed review. I loved my stylist - Jennifer. She did a great job and was very knowledgeable about hair - offering great tips for blowing out at home and products to use without hard selling the salon products. The salon, however, is a bit off. It's the quietest salon I have ever been to - I was there on a Friday morning. The staff talk more to themselves than to the customers and just generally seem unfriendly. Part of going to a salon is for the whole "experience" of gossiping, light chit chat, etc. Basically - I loved Jennifer - wasn't too crazy about the salon. UPDATE: The salon has really turned around since I first started going in Feb. The new front desk people are awesome - super friendly and the two new assistants are chatty and friendly and just great. Now, I like the Salon (almost) as much as I LOVE Jennifer. read more

I did not have a great experience here. Frank's father handled my cut and color/highlights and I wasn't satisfied with the color/highlights at all - very brassy and stripey (something I specifically said I don't want). and TOO PRICEY - $70 for a haircut, come on!. plus there was a little too much self-promotion chit-chat for my taste. read more

I went to Pagani a few times. I enjoy having my hair done and it's something I don't usually mind spending a little more money on. However, it seemed every time I went I was charged at least twice as much as the price on the service menu. They'd tell me they were going to do this or that, but didn't tell me that they were charging me a bunch of extra money for it. It seemed really dishonest. Plus, if I'm paying that much for a cut or color I'd expect my hair to be dried for free - if it's the middle of winter am I really going want to leave with wet hair? I liked the salon and how my hair looked, but even I couldn't justify spending so much money every 4-5 weeks. read more

I came here to get my hair highlighted, no cut because I had recently had one elsewhere. The color was somewhat "brassy," and apparently drying/styling my hair was not included, so my stylist briefly ran a dryer through my curly hair and sent me out with a mop of wet curls. When I got home, I finished my hair and that's when I saw the color was off. I wasn't happy considering the price was high. I haven't been back since. read more

My friend, Jennifer, is a wonderful stylist and recently did my up-do for my wedding. As you can see by the picture I uploaded, she did an amazing job. The staff at the salon was very friendly when I had my entire bridal party in getting ready for the wedding. Macs also did a wonderful job with the rest of the girls. If I lived in Oak Park, I would go back to Pagani all the time. Thanks Jen! read more

Do not waste your time. Horrible experiance. I wanted a simple soft suttle layered look. Instead, I got a choppy look that I had to go to another salon with the hope that they could fix the mess I recieved at this salon. But you will be your own judge if you decide to visit this salon despite my review. I'm hoping my hair grows a few inches before summer to fix the horrible mess. If I could vote negative stars I would. read more

Although I've lived in the Oak Park area for over 10 years, I never found a local salon I liked (I've tried dozens). Discovering Pagani a few months ago fixed that problem. Its convenient location, hip but cozy atmosphere and quality of stylists and products will keep me coming back time and time again. You can also follow them on Facebook to get styling and product tips: http://www.facebook.com/paganihair. read more

Decided not to make an appointment after receptionist told me haircuts start at $55. Their website says $25. I tend not to trust people who make prices up over the phone. read more

Michael's Balayage treatment (a type of highlighting/coloring) was great and he is awesome! I was a bit surprised/upset when I paid my bill and was charged much more than I'd anticipated. I'd been given a conditioning treatment during my shampoo which I hadn't requested. Also, the prices online had not been updated to reflect current rate increases. Upon calling the manager when I got back home, he was very apologetic and refunded my money. I was very pleased with the prompt and courteous response to my pricing inquiry. I'm sure I will be back again. read more

I just wen to Pagani yesterday for the first time and I loved it! They do such a great job on hair coloring. The cut was also really great and they have reasonable prices for the professional quality they give! I am definately going there from now on. read more

I was so sad to learn that my regular stylist Amy no longer works here, but I made an appointment with Frank and he did an outstanding job! Not only did he do a fabulous job on my hair, but he took the time to explain exactly what he was doing and why. His tips will definitely come in handy for those times I can't make it to the salon! read more

I've been a customer at Pagani since they opened and Jennifer was "my "stylist. I've never been happier with my hair! I was so sorry when she left, but I was more then delighted to find her at Macdaddy in Forest Park! I got new, fantastic haircut from her! So this is to all the people looking for her and her talent , you know where she is! read more

I've tried several places in the suburbs and my experience at Pagani has kept me going back. After doing a bit of "research" I made an appointment with Allison. I had been growing out a short cut and color and was in need of a good shaping and some highlights. Allison took the time to listen and the results were amazing. I have found that I don't have to go as often because the style has held its shape and is growing in nicelyand the touch ups are seamless. The rest of the staff is so friendly that I immediately felt comfortable in my robe and towel. I would recommend Pagani to anyone! read more

I scheduled an appoinement at Pagani on 12/23/08 for a cut, color, and style for the holidays. After waiting 45-minutes, I found out from the receptionist that my stylist had taken a different client in my slot. I left after waiting 45-mintues, as the staff was unable to tell me how much longer the wait would be to initiate my appointment : ( read more

You get what you pay for doesn't apply in this case. The shop is pricey and the quality is low end. I gave one star because they tried to fix their mistake when I called them on it. The only reason that I tried them (and more than once) is because of the perception that they were superior with hair color. I tried a new salon and the stylist identifed and corrected the problem right away. I also don't like the pricing; extra for blow drying. Do they really want people to leave the shop with dripping heads? read more

Pagani Salon is a miserable, expensive experience. I used to grit my teeth and sit in silence because I liked two of the stylists. Often, however, I questioned whether it was worth the agony and the money in order to have them do my hair. I had almost decided to move on when my stylist left-- thank goodness!! Frank and his remaining staff are quite condescending, and they charge much, much more than the quality of their work deserves. read more

I am reluctant to review Alisa here because I do not want to wait for appointments with her. She is worth the wait. I have never colored my hair and at age 57, I put my hair in her hands and have never been disappointed. Alisa is an artist and I have nothing but the best to say about her professionally and personally. She makes every visit a pleasure. I love the salon especially when the music is muted. Go to Pagani. Put yourself in their very professional and creative hands. I did and have never been happier with my hair. The shampoo person is wonderful and her scalp massages are the best. The other stylists are friendly and they all consult each other, which I love. I cannot praise Pagani in Oak Park enough. Love the salon; adore Alisa. read more

If you want great service and attention, you have to come to this place. I wanted a whole new look and went in to see Bill based on the prior YELP reviews. I knew Bill was an older gentleman so wasn't sure if he would be the best person for my new "do". He was awesome. He listened well, and gave me a whole new look. He took the time to show me how to style it. Everyone took great care of me as soon as I arrived, taking my coat, getting me coffee, and the owner took time to introduce himself. While I was there, the owner helped 2 other new patrons that came in for help with their dye jobs. Didn't see how they turned out, but the stylists spent a lot of time consulting with them before they started "fixing" their hair. read more

This place is amazing. I followed up on a tip from a friend and also was encouraged by the great reviews. The people are so warm and friendly and Frank is an excellent hair stylist. I will definitely be going back! read more

When I first moved to Oak Park, I reviewed Pagani & thought it would be a great salon for cut & color. When I discovered that the owner, Frank & my stylist, George, were fellow Greeks, I was elated. I like patronizing Greek establishments. I went to George for a year, for cut & color. I felt I wasn't getting anything special, especially for the price, which I thought was overpriced for the quality. I decided to have Frank cut my hair, so I called & made an appt. 2 hours before my appt., Frank calls to tell me he REFUSES to cut my hair, because I'm George's client & he likes the rapport we have & he hung up on me!!! I normally am never at a loss for words, nor do I let people push me around, but I was so stunned at what I was hearing from the owner, that I simply said thank you & hung up. Who is Frank, the owner, to tell me who I should be happy with & who should cut my hair? I PAY HIM, HE DOESN'T PAY ME! I was so insulted, that I never went back & never referred them since. The owner should want business for his salon, regardless of who I want to go to. Frank NEVER asked me why I wanted to switch from George, or why I wasn't happy, but had the nerve to tell me we had rapport. I also never liked the manager. She's obnoxious & loud mouthed & has no class. No matter where she's at in the salon, you hear her big mouth. I go to a salon to read & relax, not hear the manger's every word & phone conversation. I saw her at a store twice, when a client, & she ignored me & that turned me off. That's not good business. I can't believe that's who they want as their manager. I wasn't impressed & they shouldn't be. read more

Love this place! Love that the business is family run for years and years! Alisa was able to give me the perfect ombre that other stylists kept messing up! Very friendly atmosphere! read more

1st timer...last weekend I read other reviews and decided to give it a go...got Sheryl who listened to what I wanted and delivered. I did feel a little tag teamed between the stylist Sheryl and assistant Val, they took turns cutting, drying and styling all while working with other clients, but in the end Sheryl finished the job and I was happy. I do agree with other reviews that the salon itself lacks ambiance but the stylist and staff were friendly yet not overly. No sales pressure to buy products and prices were reasonable. $50 for a haircut I was finally happy with...not bad! read more