I have been going to Philip James Salon for 10 years. That speaks for itself. I have very difficult hair, and Jim makes it look healthy and full. He's reliable and has taken great care of me over the year. I'm moving or I'd still be going there. I'll miss him and Tanya - they're great people and very good at what they do. read more

I wear extensions and recently I found myself visiting Chicago for the holidays. Two of them were giving me problems and I wasn't sure I would make it through the holiday without a couple of casualties. I called and they were extremely accommodating in re-taping two extensions and were very reasonable in what they charged. read more

Came here after not being satisfied with my tape-in extensions from a "high-end" salon. Jim was very knowledgeable and understood my concerns and exactly what I was looking for. He explained why the tape-ins were looking run down and what would work better for. I appreciated the detail and consult. Went in for color and sewn extensions. My expectations were exceeded. The color turned out perfect and he was able to match the hair to look more natural than before. I've had the hair for a few weeks and it still feels like the day I got it. Very full and easy to manage. Would highly recommend. Especially to get away from downtown salons where you, as a person, aren't given the attention to detail. read more

Terrible experience after being a long time customer. Rude staff and not reliable. Ghosted me with extensions in my hair and no way to have them removed. Constantly changing prices without notice. read more

Not courteous or professional. Was ghosted by one of the 2 stylists and she left me high and dry with extensions I could not remove. Would not recommend. No price list posted. Prices change without notice. read more

I researched Yelp over and over again until I decided to go to this salon for extensions. Philip James' website has the most thorough explanation of the processes and types of extensions. I was on time for my end-of-day consult. The reason for the one star is that the guy who looked at my hair acted as if he were putting his hand in ca-ca when he touched it. And when I asked about doing something about the front (I want bangs) he said, "that?" with such disdain and near disgust that I was completely verklempt! I was so embarrassed and upset. HOWEVER, I want extensions. I waited and thought for a couple of weeks, and I have to tell you that I don't care how good he is, I won't do business there. In five minutes I was treated so poorly. I figure that I'd just be a complete mess and in tears from his attitude if I had to sit through having extensions put in. The pictures on the web site are BEAUTIFUL - but not worth that treatment and attitude. read more

I'm driving from Nebraska to come to this salon and get my hair redone, complete waste of my time. I send in a picture and was prepared to come in tomorrow morning, After confirming all the details, I was asked to send a picture via e-mail, I did with a few questions when I got the quote back and it was $200 higher than what I was quoted on the phone. I simply asked why!! The reasoning was responsible and I was told to call and leave a deposit, had a meeting, and following that I called back to leave a deposit and was told the appointment had already been taken by someone else!! WHAT!!? Very Disappointing! I already said I was coming and put in the time I planned on coming and the guy gave me a rate! Very Upset!!! They knew I was coming from a different city and I was looking fwd to getting the service, they could have at least called to confirm rather than just blow me off! I truly would recommend you look else where, for people who actually care about you, and not just your money!!! read more

I read all the reviews posted here before my haircut last Tuesday, and I was not lead astray! This place is great. My hair was cut by Tonya, who did exactly what I asked, was polite and friendly--but didn't attempt to make too much awkward small talk--something I hate doing while having my hair done because i just like to zone out and imagine the dye seeping into my scalp- yeah i'm weird. Anyway, the color and cut came out perfect, and although it wasn't cheap ($113) it seemed like a fair price for my all-over color, and cutting my long hair. I will definitely be going back! The manger-type person whose name I didn't catch was also extremely laid-back and friendly, he and Tonya consulted before picking which color to go with for my dye, and he really seemed to know his shit! read more

My wife and I have been getting haircuts from Jimmy for years, and now our boys do too. My dad cut hair for 50 years, I have seen it all growing up in this business. Jimmy has one of the best salons in Illinois. Not sure where others are coming from with any negative reviews, this salon is top notch. read more

I am an entertainer and on stage I want to look my best so this is where I've been coming for years. My husband has been coming here for 20 years for haircuts and styles. I work at a different salon where they specialize as hair colorists, but still.....I only go to Jim-he knows his stuff as well as his staff. Claudine always has some good input as well. Whether it's color, extensions, hairstyles...it's rare to find someone who can do the retro 50's & 60''s hairstyles. I don't allow anyone else to touch my hair. No way man! The atmosphere is friendly, mellow and relaxed. Some people like chattering nonstop (I'm guilty of it) some like to just sit quietly and let the magic happen. Jim's more of a listener which works out great for me. I've always known him to be a funny guy with a dry sense of humor, patient and professional-even when dealing with difficult clients....hopefully I'm not too bad! I've never known Jim to be rude when I've asked for some pretty crazy stuff. He's either made realistic suggestions or did exactly what I wanted...and I've always left happy. I've never held up a picture of Kate Moss and said "can you make me look like this?". No, Jim can't make you look like Kate Moss. I'm appalled at some of the negative non-sense I've read and must say something must have crawled up those ladies' rear ends. If people have a problem with Jim they're probably the ones with issues and should do this establishment a favor and make a different salon miserable. I've seen it all, love this place, won't go anywhere else. It is worth you checking this salon out for yourself. read more

I got the microlink sew in extensions and was really nervous about getting them because of the cost and the fact that I have paid for hair extensions before, only to have to take them out because the bad quality of hair or workmanship. It has been almost 4 months now since I got the extensions put in and they still look great. The process took a little over 2 hours (I parked at a meter and one of the stylists ran out to may car...2 city blocks away...2 put more change in). I love my hair, it looks very natural and held up just like he said it would. I could just go back in and get the extensions tightened because the hair they provided held up so very well (especially since its curly and I wash it almost every day and I took a vacation to Miami with the sun and salt water), but i want a different wave so I'll get a redo. The best part about this place is that they did my consultation through email! Great for me seeing that I didn't want to drive to the salon for a brief consultation. read more

I have been going to Phillip James Salon for about 5 years and have never been disappointed. The staff (Jim, Claudine and Dana) are all very laid back and extremely good at what they do. My hair extensions always look great, are extremely affordable and I obviously like them because I keep coming back. The hair is excellent quality and Jim always gives me great suggestions on how to make my extensions last longer and to keep them extensions looking great. I am always able to get an appointment when I need one and if I need a quick touch-up or adjustment, I can usually get in the same afternoon. I highly recommend the Phillip James Salon - and can't imagine going anyplace else in Chicago. read more

Rude staff. Was talked down to like I'm an idiot because I didn't agree with the way I wanted my hair. Claudine was so condescending and, quite frankly, had a total b*tchy attitude towards me. Won't ever visit or recommend read more

I have to agree with all the reviews. I came here years ago and am so happy to return. The stylist I had was great and very responsive to my suggestions. I love the atmosphere too...the music is also great... I love it all and I'll be back. Nicely done! read more

I went here after reading about it on yelp and it was ok. They do a decent cut but nothing to write home about. I got my hair dyed, tho, and even brought in pictures and it was way off! Expensive, had to fix it on my own, and still looks horrible! Its nice if you have money to burn and don't want anything too complicated. read more

This place is great. I am not the sort of girl who has a regular stylist but after going here today, I might. They did extensions to correct hair that was way to short on one side. They actually did it the day of my consult and I was out in 20 minutes. When I got home my fiance couldn't tell which hair was mine and which was extensions. I thought that it was very reasonably priced as well. From my brief time here today, I would say the rave reviews are well deserved. read more

After searching for a stylist in the city I finally found Claudine at Philip James. I have been here for about 2 years and although my appointments are spread out (try 2-3 times a year) I still feel right at home when I'm there. She gives the best cut I have ever had and the color job is always to a tee. Last year I went for a much shorter do and loved it. Now, growing it out again, I'm excited to go back and see what she can whiz up. So happy I found them! read more

Literally THE rudest man I have ever met. Do not go here it's the absolute worst. I went in multiple times to inquire for help and philip sounded like he was either high or he just didn't give a shit. This salon SUCKS. read more

No fuss, no muss. Jim is skillful and quick and charges a reasonable amount for hair extensions. I don't get a lot of chit chat out of him, but that's fine with me. Instead of making distracting small talk, he's focuses on making my extensions look natural. He corrected the extensions I received from another salon. He had to start over from scratch, but was a total professional who didn't overcharge or badmouth the other stylist. read more

I would say the best hair salon in Chicago, very professional and friendly. My hair extensions takes for an hour and last for months!

if your looking to get great extensions Phillip James is the best in the chicagoland area! Ive been going there over a year for my extensions and i love them and half of my friends still don't even know i have them in! i have very brittle short blonde hair so i was very nervous getting them the first time (because i have seen extensions gone wrong) but they do such a great job that even with my hair being so thin after a couple months u still couldn't notice! they do such a great job down to the friendly enviorment to carrying the best quality hair. i travel alot but i refuse to let anyone do my hair besides Jim ,he listens to what you want and will tell you whats best for you since they have a variety of hair to choose from. It definitely deserves 5 STARS!!! read more

I found this place on Yelp and I love it. The price is great and the hair stylists are really nice. I got a hair cut and it turned out great. I am going back to get hair extensions pretty soon and I am so excited because James and Tonya took a lot of time explaining everything I should know and gave me a price and time to call back and make a final decision. I did feel like I was at the Olive Garden with all the frank sinatra music which didn't bother me much. I am going to tell everyone about this place. Ask for Tonya she is really sweet. Their website is the most helpful thing ever so I suggest you go and check it out and look at their numerous before and after pics! read more

I emailed the salon to ask if they service African Americans. The response I got back was that they don't do Weaves. I'm very offended because clearly that is what the shop specializes in. Hair extensions ,hair weaves what ever name you would like to use. It 's all the same. Perhaps there is another reason they didn't want to service me. read more

This place is a great place to get your hair done. I went there to get a color and extensions and I came out extremely pleased. Not only do they do a great job, but the atmosphere is very down to earth. By going to Philip James Salon you're able to get the results of a high end salon with a family type atmosphere. I highly recommend Jimmy-he does a great job! read more

All I can say is SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AND CLICK ON "FILTERED" REVIEWS! The 1 star ratings in the filtered section reflect more of the type of experience I had at this salon. Since I was driving from almost an hour away I was very thorough with Claudia over phone. My first question was in reference to their comfort level with ethnic unprocessed hairtypes. I was very clear that I had no intentions on relaxing or processing my hair in anyway at all. Claudia continued to encourage me to drive an hour to her salon. I explain I had close up photos of my hair texture and what I wanted to achieve and wanted to make sure my hour drive would not be futile. I wanted her to take a look at my photos what I wanted to achieve before coming in to make sure this was even a job that was in their lane. Claudia seemed annoyed with my phone consultation questions. Well to get to the point she talked me into the hour long drive for her and Phillip to simply say I must relax my hair to get extensions! After telling her OVER THE PHONE BEFORE DRIVING AN HOUR that I have not relaxed my hair in over 17yrs and a relaxer was not an option. Phillip was apologetic Claudia was dismissive, rude and clearly did not care about my time and $ at $4.50 a gallon in Chicago WASTED. SAVE YOUR $ PPL EXTENTSIONS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE TO DEAL WITH AMATEURS. read more

Philip James is awesome! I went to Philip James for extensions and, eventually, a hair cut and the extensions were PERFECT. Perfect color, length, etc. (And I have seen many sets of extensions that were not) Jimmy is extremely meticulous about every step of the process. Very consultative and friendly--completely unpretentious (as with everyone who works there). He even gave me free product to work with my extensions. I drove from the far NW suburbs to come here and it was completely worth it. (Also, don[t be deterred by a lack of parking lot--I have never had a problem finding street-metered parking right out front of the salon) Anyone working there is great, however my experience with Jimmy will go highly recommended. read more

I have had mirco weft extensions and am happy with the service and quality received at this salon. As someone who has had all types of extensions for years I can say that the correct method was chosen for me by the stylist. The hair quality exceeded my expectations and feels brand new after 3 months. read more

I go to Tonya and she does an amazing job. She is super friendly and easy to talk to. I would recommend her to anyone.

I can't say enough good things about Philip James Salon. I have moved around a fair bit the past fifteen years, but Jimmy remains the BEST stylist ever. I have never had a bad haircut from him. He seems to intrinsically know not only what looks best on a client, but also what is most suitable for that client's hair type. Philip James Salon is the best-kept secret in Chicago!!! read more

My husband and I both get hair cuts here and have for over two years. Excellent cuts by both Claudine and James. Both are very good at cutting for the individual in the chair. My hair is very thick and curly. Claudine makes it behave and look great! read more

I recently went in for a consult and ultimately extensions. I don't normally do anything to my hair, so I was extremely nervous. They were very patient with my questions and very educational about the process. When I got them done, I ended up going back a couple days later because I wanted the bottoms thinned out. They were amazing... Took the time to fix it and told me to come back if I have any other concerns. I miss the length after the recent adjustment and may call back but I know they will be amazing and accommodating. I would recommend this place to anyone. Great staff and super knowledgeable. I would keep coming to this salon for my extensions and cuts read more

I just got butchered at Philip James Salon by Jim. I have never left a salon in tears, but this place took me there. I came in for some maintenance on and a few replacements of my extensions. Problem #1: Neither Jim nor Claudine was able to replicate the technique that was originally used to put in my extensions--a method that does not require the use of wax, glue, or any other type of adhesive, which can be damaging to the hair. Problem #2: Although I provided my own extension hair, which is a very close match to my own hair texture and color, Jim used his own extension hair that was not anywhere near my hair texture and too dark in color to match the extensions I already have and my own hair. When I pointed out the texture difference, Jim told me that the difference was that the hair he was using was blown straight. Nonsense! The hair I arrived with was brand new and straightened. I know a texture difference when I see and feel one. Problem #3: Either he doesn't know what he's doing, or he purposely butchered me. Claudine, the person with whom I originally had my appointment, at least admitted she didn't know how to do my hair. Jim's hands were shaking, which should have been an indication to me that either he was nervous about what he was about to do to me, or that he was nervous about the lie he was telling me--that his hair extensions and my hair extension hair were the same texture and color. A first year beauty school student could have done a better job than what I paid for. I arrived home and found several spots where my hair is fused or stuck together. Also, Jim didn't keep the existing border between my hairline and the extensions so that the extensions could be concealed. Problem #4: He never touched my hair with a comb or water! For this alone, I think his license should be pulled. I have never in my life gone to a salon and not had my hair touched with a comb or a brush, or washed. I noted to Jim that my usual beautician combs my hair to get rid of any tangles or matting. His response was it didn't have any. Really?! Not a single tangle that required combing especially considering that I went to the salon this morning without combing my hair. I told Claudine and Jim that my hair needed to be washed, and it had to have been obvious to anyone working in my hair that it needed to be washed, yet I left there with my hair unwashed and not styled. Even if it was an additional cost for the washing and styling, it should have been offered to me as a service especially since I said I wanted it done. That further goes to show how much Jim did not want to do my hair. Problem #5: Jim acted very put out to do my hair. He didn't ask me one question about my hair or my desired look. He did ask if I wanted a magazine and if I was okay when I started crying. When he was done jacking me up he literally said, "Are we done here?" Problem #6: I left Philip James looking exactly the same as I did when walked in save for the extensions that he put in, which aren't visible anyway. I left with dirty, uncombed hair. There was another woman getting extension at the same time as I was, although the technique they used on her was different than the one I wanted. Her hair had been washed, combed and was styled by Claudine. This was the worst "salon" experience of my life, and that's saying a lot considering that I've been to Savad's Hair Studio and dealt with Charita who is most unprofessional, but at least she is well skilled in her craft, and when I left her salon I looked as though my hair had been professionally done. Philip James Salon was a waste of money and time. Save for Lillie R on 4/13/2010, the previous reviews are misleading about the level of service Philip James offers to all of its clients. Not only was it an extremely disappointing experience, I felt insulted at the way I was treated particularly given the attentiveness and level of service that was given to the woman seated behind me. read more

I can only speak for hair extensions. I went here for 2 years for them, and while it was never a very friendly or welcoming place, and I never saw a single other client there when I went, it suited my needs and wasn't ghastly expensive. the past few months everything has changed. They want your money, so they won't tighten but once, and then demand you buy new hair and have it put in. Also, new hair plus application is the same price as just application. huh? Tightening was a different price every time, and there was very little consistency with placement. Now, I have found a new place that can order any texture, any length (even over 16inches gasp), and color, and will highlight or tone to match your hair for free. They will also tighten 4 times before making you re-attach. These are all things PJ said they could not do. Look around and you'll find better. And why is there never any clients in this place? telling. read more

So I was looking for a hair salon that did sew ins, I've had them done before and normally the process was expensive and very painful. I came across Philip James hair salon website and it had multiple videos of hair extensions procedures. I was interested in the procedure where they add extensions without braiding the hair using a beaded method and also sewing in the hair onto the beads. This method was so quick and painless I just couldn't believe how nice and normal my head felt after the process. The stylist Jim!!! was very professional he ask me how I wanted to look and he listened to my concerns about my hair. I showed him a picture of my hair when it was full and healthy, Jim matched the extensions to my hair so *** perfect!!!! I told him that I wanted to look NATURAL and by goodness he did exactly!! That. I've never ever had weave/extensions that looked and felt so good and natural! Jim made me feel and look like a new woman. I haven't had this much confidence in my looks in years!!! If You want to look beautiful, radiant and natural go to Philip James hair salon and let Jim work his magic!!. Thank you so much! read more