From barber shops specializing in clipper cuts with tight fades to punkier beauty shops whose clients leave with vibrant shades of purple, dusty pink, grey, or platinum hair, it can be difficult to decide what kind of hair salon to go to in a big city like Chicago.

Hair salons in Chicago can vary from low-key neighborhood shops with two or three stylists, to larger salons, with multiple locations and a variety of stylist levels and prices. Some hairstylists also work out of their own salon studios or can meet you for private hair appointments at your home or on location.

What to Expect from Hair Salons in Chicago

At larger salons, you may find menus with expanded service options like advanced straightening techniques, eyelash perming or coloring, and other grooming amenities like manicure and pedicures, and esthetician treatments including waxing, facials, and makeup artistry.

When selecting a new salon, think about what kind of experience you would like to have. Is it an energetic setting with fun art, loud music, and a stylist who knows all the latest edgy cut and color techniques? Or, do you prefer to step into a relaxing and Zen salon experience, where you feel pampered from start to finish?

For some nervous salon-goers, a pre-service consultation can help them to feel more comfortable with a new stylist and think through new looks. This also allows the stylist an opportunity to meet the client, assess their style and hair type before the cut or color service.

And for the more rushed salon-goer, you can skip your consultation and book an appointment for your hairstylist’s earliest convenience as well.

How Much Do Hair Salons Charge?

While hair services vary widely in price, you can expect to pay the following rates on average in Chicago:

$40–100 for a haircut
$70 and up for a simple root touch up to a full coloring
$80–150 for more advanced color techniques like balayage, foil highlights, or all over bleach-and-tone blonde looks
$120–300 for hair straightening, relaxers, perms, and corrective color or retexturing treatments

Often when you book a haircut or color appointment at a hair salon near you in Chicago, the receptionist will discuss varying talent levels or price structures based on the stylist’s level of experience or popularity. You may find a $10-50 price difference between a newer stylist and a more experienced one at any given salon.

How to Find the Best Hair Salon in Chicago, Illinois

Most busy neighborhood hair salons encourage guests to book ahead, but some shops, including many barber shops and more casual beauty salons have stylists on staff to take walk-ins. This allows flexibility for the client on the go, or for the adventurous salon goer to quickly change up their look on a whim.

Enjoy browsing the best hair salons in Chicago above or right on the free Booksy mobile app, so you can set up your next hair salon appointment whenever you’re ready, even if it has to be someone available now!

Hair Salons in Chicago, IL (272)