For background I had originally gotten my haircut at a different salon and I got my hair absolutely messed up. I tried to fix it and it made it even worse. I had remembered that a while ago I had looked for local salons that would do alternative style haircuts and I found Urban Lift! I got my hair cut by Belle, she was super nice and very easy to talk to, in fact everyone was really nice there. I felt very comfortable and they took great care of me. The shop itself was super cool and I really love how my hair came out! I recommend this place a lot as I felt so much more confident and they fixed my hair up real nice. I definitely recommend belle! read more

I love this salon. Faith and Vanessa are my gotos, but you can't go wrong with anybody from there. It's a truly very comfortable atmosphere and they do exceptional work. They really listen to their customers. read more

Urban Lift Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chic, comfortable, coordinated The salon is welcoming and everyone seems to work together well. I have an outstanding pixie cut. I even have some knowledge on how to style it. It was so cool to have a stylist ask questions about my hair goals and routines. She didn't tell me what to do or condemn my bad maintenance. She figured him out how to incorporate her cut into my life rather than giving me a cut I don't have the ability to maintain. As someone who can get overwhelmed at salons (I worry about judgement and beauty standards and etc), this place was perfect. So stylish also so real. It felt fun rather than scary. Definitely recommend, and I'll definitely be back! Plus a dog! read more

I have gone to Urban lift since it opened. My son has had long hair for 9 years. He decided to cut it. Major change. We trusted UL and they did not disappoint. Fantastic cut and style by Camilla, their newest stylist. Highly recommend. read more

Vanessa is fantastic. She listened to what I wanted- worked with me and didn't push me into things I didn't want. She took her time and made an absolute return customer out of me. Her recs on product have been fire. I have been growing my hair back out and while the cut took off more than I wanted ( I wanted no length off which is impractical when getting a HAIRCUT) she made it look amazing and leveled it all out so that it will grow into something more along what I want in the end. 10/10 from me fam. Ask for Vanessa and get a wonderful skillful haircut along with good conversation and a comfortable experience. read more

Urban Lift Salon - Hair cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have been coming for half a year now, 4 visits, and I love it. Vanessa is very kind and understanding stylist. It was my first time getting a cut since COVID. My hair is wavy and wanted a no fuss cut. Am more of a wash and go gal. I also wanted to colour my hair but was unsure. Vanessa listened to me and made me feel comfortable with my new 'do. It was nice when she first colored my hair but I wanted it a little bit more intensity/vibrancy. She did just that a week later for free. I love my hair and now I'm hooked on the colour! The place is relaxed, nothing pretentious. They served drinks and snacks. And have a very cute dog. read more

I found this place because one of my students suggested it, and I'm so glad I took her suggestion! There's paid parking right out front and some free parking if you look around. Or you can take the bus that drops you off right at the corner, which is what I did. This is my first time going to a salon that wasn't my mom's, so I was a little nervous. However, the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming, so my nerves went away. The place itself is also very nicely decorated and aesthetically pleasing. John dyed my hair and got the color exactly how I wanted :D also seeing his adorable dog made the experience all the more better. Prices are very reasonable and there's no uncomfortable pressure to buy products or book another appointment right away. I can't recommend this place enough! Will definitely be coming back :) read more

John and his staff are so friendly and professional every time I go! I have been going to Urban Lift since I moved to the city in 2017 and they are the only people I trust with my hair! I get balayage, trims and glosses from Urban Lift. Highly recommend to everyone! read more

UPDATE: I came back to the salon two days after my original appointment and had my hair redone by Annie M. (as a side note, Annie M. and Anna are NOT the same person!). Annie was extremely pleasant to work with. She not only completely understood my frustration, but also apologized for my poor experience and was exceptionally meticulous with both the recoloring and the recutting of my hair. I appreciated her sincerity and her dedication to making sure I was satisfied with how I looked. My previous haircut was so choppy and uneven that not too much could be done to salvage it, but Annie tried her best and I appreciated her effort. What I appreciated the most was when John, the owner, came to talk to me after the appointment. He apologized tremendously and took the time to listen to my suggestions. Chicago is a massive hub of potential clients-- he could have easily brushed off my bad review as an outlier. But instead of disregarding my experience, he listened to my suggestions and offered the recut and recolor free of charge. John cares a lot about his business and his clients' happiness, and for that, I am grateful. --- PLEASE READ: I made an appointment for a haircut and color with Anna about a month out. This salon was recommended to me by a coworker and I decided to give it a try. I left in tears. Anna asked me what I expected from my color. I showed her pictures and asked to be as bright as possible while still looking blended enough to grow out well. My previous salon did this fabulously, but they are back home in Michigan. Instead, Anna kept commenting on how she prefers to be seasonal with her hair colors. What? PLEASE listen to your clientele. She also asked me how I wanted the cut to be. I explained that I wanted a "U" shape. Longer in the back, shorter in the front. I straightened my hair for the first time today and was in shock. This all completely fell on deaf ears. Please look at my pictures. My hair is not only REALLY choppy (what is this long piece she completely missed??) but completely in a straight line with bronze undertones. It's also several inches SHORTER in the back than the front. If you are confused by what your client wants, please please take the time to ask them more questions. I am so, so disappointed and have to wear my hair in a pony tail the day after I got it done. The owner, John, was extremely apologetic and offered to recolor my hair today. I will be revising this review based on my experience, but I doubt this haircut can be salvaged without losing more length. I should also note that parking for this salon is an absolute nightmare when there is a Cubs game. I called the salon to confirm where I could park, and they failed to mention that they offer permits and even garage (!!) parking upon request. I only found out after I parked in an illegal spot (no parking for cubs games without a permit on most side streets) to make my appointment on time. One of the receptionist was extremely kind to move my car for me, but I couldn't help but feel frustrated that no one told me about the permit ahead of time. Again, this review will be edited based on today's experience. read more

Urban Lift Salon - Completely straight line. I asked for a "U" shape... - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time I've gone to a new hair salon/stylist in 10 years. I went to Brian P. He as well as the salon were super thorough following all Covid rules and regulations they have right now, which made me feel very comfortable to begin with. My hair hasn't been colored or cut since December and he made it look great! He gave me a trim and I LOVED it. I'm not great with hair myself so he gave me tips as well as suggestions on how to get my hair healthier and ready for the next appointment we have scheduled. Really excited to have a new hair stylist!Thanks, Brian! Also their products smelled so good and made my hair feel so much better than the current ones I just ran out of. He taught me how to apply them and super excited to use! read more

Went to this salon years and years ago. I was back in town and needed a haircut fast, so I called and got an appointment for the same day. Lovely experience. read more

Growing up with curly hair was a pain in the ass, it involved tons of bad hair days and a considerable number of bad hair cuts. Until recently, finding a stylist that genuinely specialized in curly hair was no easier than looking for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, it's becoming easier to find stylists and products catering to curlies with hair that's temperamental at best. I've never been that person who is devoted to their stylist or sees them as a confidant; for years I bumped around from person-to-person and salon-to-salon. But, unlike the saying, it is possible for a leopard to change her spots because I'm having what might be the longest relationship I've ever had with any stylist. When Lori L. mentioned that Krista at Urban Lift practiced the Deva cut, I was interested, but not sold. At the time I had a salon that catered to curlies, one of the first I believe, skilled in Deva cuts. What got me to bite was their prices and location; as much as I liked my old place, it was a hassle to get to and at least $10 more expensive. Krista is a doll, frankly all of the people I've encountered at Urban Lift are pretty great. She's very knowledgeable and most importantly, talented. I've been extremely happy with all of the cuts she has given me and never felt upsold to buy any additional products or services. While I can't speak for the other stylists, lots of the other customers seem pretty close with the folks here and I think that's because they know how to treat them right. You can schedule and confirm appointments on their website. Additionally, the salon offers Love Points, a loyalty program awarding points for visits, referrals, etc. They carry a great array of magazines to pass the time while you wait your turn or for your hair to dry, etc. They also stock a fridge full of beverages too, should you become parched. I'm not usually one to gush about a stylist, let alone a hair salon, but I'd be lying if I didn't say Urban Lift is the bees knees. read more

Update. *Walking down Lake Street downtown.* I've got my earplugs in (as it gets kind of loud especially beneath the El tracks) and a young guy is waving and hollering at me to get my attention. "Or you can just ignore me, that's fine!" he says, trying to be witty. I realize he is indeed talking to me, so I kindly stop and remove my ear plugs. "Oh, that's why I can't get any girls downtown to talk to me. You're all wearing ear plugs," he says with a cheesy grin. Cute. So, what the heck does he want? He says he and some other people are looking for gorgeous women around the city to essentially be guinea pigs and have their hair done and receive spa treatments for free. I admit "free" does sound nice what with the cost of hair salons and spas these days, but.... "No, thanks." I said. "I love my salon. And I don't cheat." "Well, that's okay. You can still be my sugar mama!" He yells after me as I walk away. The moral of the story is, I love Urban Lift, have always loved Urban Lift, and will always love Urban Lift. I may not have enough to be a sugar mama, but I'll sure as heck save my pennies to make my hair sojourn to my beloved salon. Because they're that good. read more

John and his team are the best! Have been coming since I moved to Chicago in 2020. Always leave with a great cut and a smile on my face.

I was waiting a week to write the review because I know in the past I've had initial reactions but they don't always hold true a few washes later! I loved the hair cut Melle gave me! I loved the place, the atmosphere, everything! The first thing that stood out to me is how deep a relationship all the hairdressers shared with their clients! They were chatting with them during the shampoo as if they have weekly GNOs to catch up on lives! The service was great and while I had a small wait, I got the opportunity to paint my nails and enjoy a beer! Coming to my own haircut - I had really wanted something different after wearing my hair long and straight for a while now. Every time I told a hairdresser I wanted to cut my hair short, they'd be a little scared and say well let's start with a few inches and next time you come, we can do a few more. Melle was adventurous and brave and took a good 7inches off and still made my hair look good! The other thing I was super-impressed with was that she didn't need to blow-dry my hair into a fancy style for it to look good initially and wear off after a wash - my hair cut actually looked good and in fact, she was patient in teaching me how to achieve that look too! I actually had a very positive experience and am still getting used to my shorter hair, but enjoying the actual hair cut (and while won't cut short again, am glad I did it and did it right with Melle). read more

Love the salon and the staff! John I want to thank you for recommending the bonding treatment during my last appointment. The texture of my hair was noticeably smoother and my color stayed in longer! Stephanie B read more

Forget all the other salons in Chicago. This is the SPOT! After watching a couple tik tok videos I totally thought I could lighten my hair a few shades by myself. It turned out awful! Complete nightmare! I called around and no one was available. Then I called Urban Lift. John, the salon owner, answered and was soooo kind! Squeezed me in today and they legit fixed the hair color nightmare I created! My hair looks amazing! The stylist was also so sweet and so kind! I also got a hair cut and it was equally as lovely! Thank you Urban Lift!!! read more

No hate to the woman who did my haircut, she was so nice and friendly and made me feel welcome, but i did not get what i asked for and i do not like my hair at all. I knew and understood that the style i wanted was a little longer than what my hair was, but so much length was cut off after i've been growing it out for almost a year and it feels pretty bad that it all just disappeared. It looks like a choppy bowl cut that's way shorter than what i wanted. There's no way to style this with how short everything is and i don't want to sound dramatic but i'm heartbroken that i have to live with this for a while until it grows out. She was trying her best and she did end giving me a big discount because i didn't like the way it turned out. Great shop, great hairdressers, and great customer service but i do not think i will be coming back just because i got unlucky. read more

This place is aces! I love going here to get an A+ haircut. I personally go to Melle (http://www.urbanliftsalon.com/pages/contact_melle.html) and she is wonderful. The receptionist even remembered my name as I walked in and it was just my second time there!! Thanks for the awesome hair Urban Lift I gladly make the journey out to see you from Oak Park :) Also, as an example just check out my profile pic to see what Melle does with my hair. read more

Urban Lift Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing experience all around! Paul was able to get my hair to the PERFECT platinum blonde color I always want but other salons just don't seem to be able to do. I haven't been this happy with my hair color in years! He also gave me a great cut after getting a less than stellar pixie cut at my previous salon. HUGE improvement and my hair feels much more "me" now! The staff was all so fun and helpful, and the salon dog was an adorable bonus! I was so pleased they were able to get me in on such short notice (two days after I called to schedule) because I know how busy the holiday season can be for salons. Very impressed. I can't wait to come back! read more

I'm not exactly sure how long I've been coming to Urban Lift, but it's an amazing place to be! After my old stylist moved I thought I'd never find someone I liked again, but I ran across ULS and thought I'd give it a try. I met Mel and immediately felt at ease with her. She knows her stuff & indecisive me walks in not knowing exactly what I want done, but she always knows what's going to look good and I'm happy every time! Not only is she an amazing stylist she is also a blast to talk with! ...and remembers everything!! Its like getting a haircut and having a therapy session all rolled into one :) Everyone there is so down to earth and easy to talk with that I wish I could get weekly haircuts just so I can go in and visit!!!! You rock, Mel & Urban Lift ;) Oh...all kinds of beverages, too! read more

Urban Lift Salon - My latest Urban Lift cut n color - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First off, the salon over all is amazing! I love everyone who works there. John, the owner, is hilarious and I love listening into all of his conversations. My OG is Alissa. I cheated on her once, and another salon turned my hair highlighter yellow instead of blonde. I will never leave her again as she has worked very hard to turn my hair back to blonde and she is a great person in general. read more

I was referred here by my husband, who's been a client for almost 6 years. The salon has a very hip, minimalist vibe. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. Booking appointments over the phone is so easy, and I love the email reminders. Ive been getting my hair cut by Anna. She is so skilled and so sweet, very genuine and truly listens to my needs but also gives her professional opinion so that I leave with a cut that matches my style but also works for my hair type. My biggest challenge is having a haircut that makes it easy to wear in a professional setting, but also still gives me a youthful look. Every time I go to the salon, I leave so excited to show off my new 'do! Anna has worked with me through growing out my hair, fixing botched cuts, balayage, and recently a shorter cut. I've loved all of them. She is truly an expert stylist! read more

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Well....I was LONG overdue for a haircut, mainly because I was so indecisive about where to go. I have fine, curly, medium hair and was looking around for a salon that has experience with my hair type. I was so lucky to find this gem just a few blocks away from my place! To start, the entire staff are very welcoming as soon as you come inside. The place was also decorated in holiday decorations, which was a plus! John listened to my curl concerns and together we came up with a plan to add volume and some side bangs. He did a great job explaining the purpose of what he was doing every step of the way and gave me simple tips to keep my curls happy at home. I loved my cut and how pillow soft my curls felt by the end of the appointment (they'd never felt so soft!). When I got home and looked in my trusted mirror, I loved the cut even more! Mr curls were bouncy, soft, and perfect. You couldn't even tell that there was product in them. I can't wait to come back for regular touch-ups and services now that I've found my spot! read more

I have been to at least 15 salons in Chicago in 6 years since moving here. The longest I had ever gone to a stylist was three or four times. That was until I met NATALIE at URBAN LIFT. It has been over a year now since I started going to Natalie. Natalie's talent is rare, I feel she actually understands the clients vision for what they want to achieve which is a very hard task. Natalie is also an excellent communicator and doesn't push products which I love! I get LOT's of compliments on her cuts too!!!!!!! I just have to add a little more about this very special salon. I now have been going on two years seeing Natalie which is rare for me and she is just amazing. What I like about Natalie is that once in a RARE while I will come in and she will say, that she doesn't like the progression of the color between visits. Once she notices this she totally changes the color and the gloss/pastel and it is perfect. I was actually fine with the color before but she strives for perfection and I love her for that. I also take note of all of the other stylists, John the owner is very in tune to all of his staff and I am always impressed with how amazing his clients look when they leave as well. The same goes for Mel and Lyndsey. I have never been to a salon where pretty much everyone leaves looking like a million bucks. I am sure they can't make everyone happy but from the looks of it to me they do. I can't leave out Emerson. She is their front desk receptionist and it is very apparent she is the go to girl for any assistance the staff of clients need. She does much more than answer the phones and is very friendly and fun. You guys are awesome! read more

I can't believe after coming here for several years that I haven't reviewed Urban Lift. Those who know me know that I'm not the "metrosexual" type and not usually the salon "type". But I love that Urban Lift came highly recommended. John, the owner, used to cut my hair but I ended up falling in love with Melle one day when John wasn't there to cut (No offense, John!) =) Melle talks to me about fun music stuff like Morrissey, The Cure, Death Cab, etc. and even has come to one of my band's shows. Talk about support! The reason I like Urban Lift is that it successfully walks the line with "nice salon" but doesn't carry the pretentiousness that many salons do. There's PBR in the fridge while you wait and red wine for the non-PBR crowd. You see "uppity" types there; you see more "ruggedy" types like me there. And I tell ya, I 'm the type that feels very uncomfortable in those "uppity" places where people have daggers in their eyes if you're not swallowing Gucci pills and sucking on a spoon filled with caviar. Urban Lift delivers great cuts and service in general. I'm a fan! read more

Ok, so technically I ended up at Urban Lift because I got a flat tire, and kadunka dunked it to Ashland Tire & Auto, about 2 blocks away from the salon. I simply could not justify squandering an entire hour while my hunka junka was getting outfitted with new shoes... sidenote: I had been getting fiercely close to a full-fledged, raging mullet. It had to go. NOW. So I strolled down the street, and remembered I had seen/read good things about this place. I popped in and much to my extreme pleasure they were able to fit me in. RIGHT then. John (the owner) explained that I could get a haircut with Natalie and that it would be 30 percent off the regular price (20 percent off for all new clients, an extra 10 because she's a junior stylist). Bonus! I like risks and I like discounts, even when it comes to my mullet. The salon is this sweet balance of retro/cool/swank without the pretension (zero). The people are friendly, the space is clean and inviting...and like many of mentioned, they give you beer/wine/soda...it's just a cool place, like I want to go hang out again tomorrow. I won't for a few more weeks, but you get the gist.... Well, it just so turns out Natalie is a frickin superstar haircutter. She is adorable (and very young, but did I mention she rocks at cutting hair? she does). She listened EXACTLY to everything I needed/wanted out of my faux mullet, and she whipped it into a normal person's haircut without chopping off the length. Hallelujia! She is awesome...I suggest anyone try her. A haircut (with the 30 percent discount) was $35. HOLY CRAP. I just got a great haircut for $35. Unreal. Then I headed down the street and signed over my soul (ok, $325 for tires). So, Urban Life was the bright side to this whole doldrum of a day ;) Highly recommended... read more

It's been almost 2 years and Natalie still makes me look (and feel) like a pretty, pretty princess. We've done everything from "Just a Trim" to a full on "break up hair cut". And I have loved every cut. I also trust her with colors and let her do whatever she thinks will look good. I love the feeling of a swingy new 'do. It makes me feel like a million bucks. xoxo read more

My haircut is better than yours. Calm down. I'm not saying you don't look fabulous. You do. Truly. I mean that. But the simple fact is that my haircut does more stuff than yours. Oh really? Does your haircut have a toothpick? No? How about a fish scaler? I thought not. Do you have a stubby little pen? A saw? Strike-Anywhere match storage? Yes, I DO in fact have all those things and more. You see, thanks to John at Urban Lift, I am the proud owner of the Swiss Army Knife of Haircuts. Ah, the Swiss Army Knife! That pinnacle of engineering and Swiss precision! The reason nobody ever messes with Switzerland has nothing to do with the government's neutrality. The real reason is that it is well known that every solider in the Swiss military is packing one of these knives, and is therefore way more prepared than you. Whatever action a potential invader might try, the Swiss Army Knife has a feature to deal with it. Think about it. Remember looking at all the different Victorinox knives in the back of the Sears catalog? I dreamed of owning the Ranger that had everything from a magnifying glass on up to a collapsible bow and arrow. I might have made that last one up when I was 8, but one has to admit that a Swiss Army Knife has an awful lot of useful stuff in it. Then think about this: would the Swiss government defend their borders with a leather awl and a corkscrew? Not likely. Without a doubt, the Top Secret, High Tech, Don't Even Think About It Germany, Military Grade Swiss Army Knives the soldiers are armed with have got shiz that is far beyond my most feverish 8-year-old Sears catalog dreams. Like "high-explosive guided missiles coming out something that is the size of a Plen-T-Pak of gum" sort of technology. You'll notice that Germany has been very well-behaved lately. Metaphorically speaking, my haircut does that. Several weeks later, I am still discovering new features. It does everything I need and more. Blend in with the teamsters? My haircut does that. Headed to the chic winebar? My haircut does that. Too much bass and overpriced cocktails? My haircut does that. Joining the yakuza? My haircut does that. Overdrugged undernourished pop star? My haircut does that. Europe? My haircut does that. Over the years I have never really been happy with the service or my haircut anywhere I went. I tried fancy salons, discount chains, and barber shops but the results were always pretty much the same: I got rushed in and out and my input was totally ignored. While my hair was always successfully shorter, it was a real roll of the dice if I got something that I actually liked, no matter how much money I paid. And in no circumstance did I really ever get something I asked for. Fortunately, those days are now over. When I sat down with John, no scissors were deployed, and no bib was unfurled. He asked not only what my hair was like now, but what I would like it to be. He asked how I use my hair. He asked what I needed my hair to do. It was like being in the Victorinox Design Studio. John busted out the image gallery and we started to assemble the blades and features I wanted my new custom Swiss Army Knife to have. It wasn't until we had formulated a plan of action that we got to the washing and cutting. As an engineer, this makes sense to me: Design, THEN Build. Too many times have other people started directionlessly scissoring away the moment I sat down. A certain amount of intuition is good in an artistic profession, but so is precision. John has both qualities in spades. Not only did he nail the look, he was actually measuring my hair lengths during the cut for symmetry. Why? Because he cared enough to not only do it right, but double-check to make sure that it was right. Now that's engineering! And what shiny, new high-tech gadget would be complete without the User's Manual? John walked me through the process of a few different ways to prep my hair in the morning. I've never gotten that anywhere else before. I suspect that he also knowingly built in a few hidden features that I would delightedly discover later. I can now be turning heads or operating in stealth mode whenever I choose. I've finally gotten the haircut I had always dreamed about having feature-wise, but never really knew what it looked like. John nailed it on the first try. Thanks, John, for giving me the haircut that keeps Germany honest! P.S. Just kidding, Germany! I love you guys! ; ) read more

Worst haircut I've ever had in my life. This is my first negative review on Yelp so obviously I don't take these reviews lightly. One star for the haircut and one star for me because, although I did try this place out based on Yelp recommendations, I did not specifically request any stylist by name. So that was my bad. Let me also say that I am rarely that picky about my hair. Usually I just want a simple trim. I've had pixie cuts in the past in addition to long hairstyles. I even cut my own hair for a while. So you have to REALLY mess up in order to make me upset. Oh, and she did... I have a feeling the other two star reviewer and I had the same hairdresser. All I wanted was a trim. What I got was barely anything cut off the bottom and my entire head thinned out. I used to have beautiful thick hair. Now it is as thin as a baby's and easily damaged as a result. Afterwards, I went to Maxine's on Rush and gladly forked over $70 for an experienced stylist to help me fix the hot mess formally known as my hair. She told me I had a ton of layers and over texturized hair and, as a result, would either need a pixie cut or to trim 3 inches off now and then again 4 months from now to fix the damage. I decided on the 3 inches now and then again later. I never called the salon to complain. Maybe I should have, but I was so upset by the whole thing I just never want to see this place again. Other than the worst haircut of my life, the people were really nice, the place was clean and cute, they got me in right away, and the prices were reasonable. But lets face it, if the hairdresser sucks who gives a sh*t about anything else, you know? There's not enough pleases and thank yous in the world to make up for a horrible haircut. I don't think this place is bad. I just think they have a very nice, young female there who is a horrible hairdresser. So if you go, just make sure to use someone that has been recommended by a Yelper. Don't go to just anyone like I did. read more

Being the non-extremist that I am,... I'm reluctant to give 5 stars to a place that I don't love. Urban Lift deserves 5 stars. It was a great experience; made by the staff and completed by the laid-back-but-hip-and-cool atmosphere. I went in yesterday for a trim and some red highlights (to brighten up the Chicago gloominess we've been having). My stylist, Mary, immediately took my coat and offered me something to drink. We discussed shade options, curly hair and life. She was so friendly! The place is just my style. It isn't sterile. It doesn't feel like people are waiting on you, but you still feel pampered. It's like you're at a friend's house doing your hair,... that is, if your friend has hair equipment and is a stylist. read more

This is salon is great. If you are new to the city or just looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend this place, especially Mary. She does my hair and she is great. I have wicked curly hair and she does an excellent job with it. The salon is also just fun to hang out in. The staff is friendly and welcoming--None of that wearing all black, you are not hip enough to look me in the eye stuff. They offer you a beer, wine, or pop and ask you how your week was. It's like all the great things about a neighborhood beauty parlor without the cheesy, texas hairdo. They actually just had a Valentines Day party for their clients on Saturday night, and it was really fun. Plus I met alot of Mary's other clients, and she does a great job with straight hair too. She's also really great with color--does a cute job without frying your hair, and is just really fun to sit and talk to. Really, she's the perfect stylist. read more

Great. I've lived here in Chicago for six years now, suffering through bad stylists and uncomfortable salon experiences, and 6 months away from moving out of the city, NOW I find Melle at Urban Lift. I guess better late than never. She knew exactly what I was talking about with regard to my current hair, gave me good input about what to do with it, taught me how to style it as we went along, and made it look suuuuuper cute. She was also sweet, smart, and just a blast to chat with as she made it all happen. I seriously will consider still getting my hair done here, even after I move 2 hours away this summer. Thanks, Melle! read more

I am now madly in love with Urban Lift. I's 5:45pm last night, and I have been standing outside waiting for one form or another of transportation for the last hour. It was an awful day at work, my personal life is really a mess, and I am planning to throw on the dark sunglasses and pull up my scarf and completely (and quietly) lose it as soon as I can slouch into the back of a cab. I call Urban Lift on my phone's last gasp of energy and explain I will be late and they are very kind and accomodating. I wander around downtown looking for an elusive empty cab, occasionally blinking back tears of frustration. Finally I catch one going south, and the driver seemingly knows I'm a woman at her breaking point. He kindly lurches his cab into park every time we're delayed in traffic, which is a LOT. Thirty minutes of traffic - 15 of which are indeed spent silently bawling my ass off behind aforementioned scarf and sunglasses - and $25 later, I'm at Urban Lift. I am hopeful they can still fit me in, but completely understanding if they can't. Thankfully, they can and I'm immediately offered something to drink. I down the glass of red gratefully as Mary starts to work on my hair. Not only is Mary a fabulous stylist, she's a great listener. I unloaded on that poor girl like there was no tomorrow, and she took it all in stride, even asking questions and giving her own take on things. She didn't push product on me, she advised me the best cut for my lifestyle and my face, and she gave me styling suggestions to use at home. On top of that, I got a 20% discount for being a first-time customer, so I got this great experience for $40 before tip. Bonus! By the time I left, I felt much better, my hair looked much better, and while I was still ready to kill me some beer upon my return home, I saw a light at the end of a particularly frustrating tunnel, and it was thanks to the folks at Urban Lift. So after 3 1/2 years of roaming aimlessly around Chicago, looking for an affordable, trustworthy, talented stylist, I believe I am home. THANK YOU MARY and Urban Lift! EDIT 2/22/08: Went back for a trim from John and I can confirm that he is also a bang-up stylist! Even invited my big dog to the salon late the next night. Sooo loving this place...*happy hair bliss* read more

I haven't been to a salon since my mother used to drag me to hers, years ago. I transitioned to old Italian barbers, and then Supercuts mostly for the prices and convenience of location. I'm not really a fussy guy, I want something quick but done properly. Well, I decided it was time to have some style added to my head, so I yelped the local salons, found one with a few male reviews and took a shot. Its like anything else, the hardest part is always walking in the door, and even that was easy. Urban Lift has actually taken steps to make the aesthetics gender neutral, so you're not overwhelmed with excessively feminine colors and presentation. It's clean, neat, and warm. I was greeted immediately by a friendly receptionist and led to the comfy waiting room where I was even offered a drink, which may be common to folks who visit these sorts of places often, but not me. I had an appointment with Lynzie who had me in the chair on time, and helped me vocalize what I wanted done. Again, I'm used to "#2 on the back and sides, you know, and that thing with the top;" I'm not good at expressing what I want. She understood and not only executed well, but also was able to explain WHY she was, say, making the a bit shorter than the top, or other "structural" things. I don't know if that's the proper language, but its clear she took pride in what she was doing, understood WHY she was doing it, and had fun at the same time. She spoke about how the salon owner flew out to the American Crew men's hair training classes, and that they had followed, and that inspired confidence. She was happy, cheerful, friendly, and sweet, not overly chatty or, well, you know how some hair people can be. She wasn't that, she was awesome. I left feeling confident and incredibly happy with the way I looked- I haven't been this satisfied with a hair cut in years. Everyone in the staff I ran in to was friendly, smiling, and in a great mood. Any guys looking for to upgrade, I'm definitely recommending to come here. read more

Let me just start by saying I've been having the same person cut my hair for the past 25 years and I was a little nervous to let someone else touch my hair. After numerous hours of yelping which hair salon to go to I ended up at urban lift and so glad I did! Matt is amazing! Seriously. Amazing. He did a great job on my hair and gave me specific styling instructions as he was doing my hair. He is so easy to talk to and makes you feel so comfortable. Not to mention he gave me a great haircut! Thank you Matt! read more

At the risk of making it difficult to book an appointment (damn it), here's my five star review for the first consistent salon in Chicago that I LOVE. Urban Lift has saved me from years of throwing thousands (honestly, I don't want to know) down the drain for subpar service at Mario Tricocci. After bouncing around like a helpless lamb desperate for some much-needed hair love, a friend recommended Urban Lift (likely after being sick of staring at my sick dead ends and horrific roots for so long). I found Lynzie, and refuse to go anywhere else. She rocks the round brush, gives amazing color advice without you feeling like she's trying to rob your home in front of your very eyes, is great with cuts and is the only person to have ever blown out my Asian-fro hair in a way that doesn't make me look like I'm going to give the 7 o'clock news. Love. Everyone who works there is welcoming, down to earth, and generally people you'd want to hang out with. More perks? They have a manicure station (with rad, up to date Essie and OPI colors) for when you're waiting for your color to set; offer PBR, wine or really strong coffee and icing on top: the owner has the most chillaxed, adorable dogs. But seriously, if you bum rush the place and block my way to appointments - I will find you. read more

I am in love with Urban Lift. I went to another salon (which shall remain nameless) for my first haircut after moving to Chicago and ended up in tears in my bathroom floor that night because I hated it so much. That has NEVER happened to me before - yeah, I'm known for being a bit of a drama queen, but that was a whole new low for me. Luckily a friend recommended Urban Lift and I knew as soon as I walked in that it was going to be a much, much better experience. The place is totally chill, Mary and Marina are super super cool and do an amazing job on my hair and brows. Plus, who doesn't love a soda/glass of wine/PBR while you get your services done? If I could give them 6 stars, I would!! Hooray! UPDATE: Mary has left the salon. I still go to get my eyebrows waxed by Marina, though! read more

I got my hair cut here a little while back....the people were nice, the salon was cute, but the haircut was horrrrrrreeeennndous! I cried for about 2 days after that happened. I usually cut my own hair or have friends do it, as I am a professional hairstylist myself but I thought I would treat myself and I read the good reviews on here! I was really disappointed, I wanted layers....they were uneven on one side, I wanted longer angled bangs....I got really sharp angled short short pixie bangs...and to top it off, I really only use hairspray in my hair, she put at LEAST 5 styling products into my hair! Even I know that it totally unnecessary! I don't need mousse....gel...root lifter...thickener AND hairspray! I had to wash my hair as soon as I got home it was so gross....ugh I would suggest researching your stylist A LOT before coming here if you do, and also....don't be as nice as me! I was way too nice and tipped her like 15 bucks anyways because I know how the beauty industry is and how tipping is. So yeah...I was being nice, but the haircut sucked big time! read more

Mary is gone now and Mariana is on an extended leave of absence, but Mel, Natalie, and John are still there, and they've added a great gal named Lindsey to the staff. Normally, the loss of a trusted stylist would send me into catatonic shock, but not in this case! Lindsey took over where Mary left off and, I have to say, she gives GREAT cut. She understood exactly what I needed in my cut and delivered, just in time for a job interview. She also did a great job waxing my eyebrow's - not only do I not look like a wookie any longer, I'm looking pretty darn great. Same amazing service and with some new staff, no less! Despite the loss of Mary, I'm as dedicated to this place as ever! Friendly, affordable, and professional, Urban Lift never fails to deliver! read more