Marlene is a talented stylist and I highly recommend her to fellow curly heads, as she is a curly hair specialist.

I made an appointment with Marlene to cut my curly gray hair. She did a fabulous job and was so gracious and professional throughout. I am so glad that I found this gem of a salon and that it's relatively close to my new home. I have found my new stylist and could not be more thrilled. Thank you, Marlene! read more

Marlene does the best curly hair cuts! my hair looks so much better after I leave & she also does a great job at color and matching the tone you are looking for. Marlene is so sweet and makes you feel at home! The salon atmosphere is clean and cozy, highly recommend :) read more

I was visiting my daughter and in need of a haircut. I'd been traveling a lot and not been home for awhile. We stopped by and I just asked for a trim since I was leery of asking for more from someone new. I have fine, curly hair which is easy to mess up. Wow! What a great job Marlene did! I walked out loving it! A week later and I'm still very happy! She also does a great job on my daughter's curly hair which is thick, not fine. read more

I have been going to the salon since 2011. I met Marlyn at our church in a business conference. shes talented and does amazing blow dry , highlights, hairdos. she even styled my hair for my wedding day. she knows exactly what I want and I always walk out loving my look. Her prices are reasonable too, compared to all the other salons. read more

I had a cut and color by Marlene. I've gone to some of the priciest "experts" in Chicago but needed a sooner appointment, so I found this salon that is just a few blocks from my house. I was worried but she made me feel at home from the beginning. I've NEVER been happier with how my hair turned out. She didn't even have to use a lot of product. The cut was so beautiful on its own. I love love my hair and will be back over and over again. Thanks Marlene!! read more

such a beautiful experience at AJ salon! Amazing vibe the staff is so sweet and down to earth their work is absolutely amazing! would definitely recommend this place to everyone. love you girls and thank you for always making me feel at home and beautiful read more

Curly or straight, blond or brunette, you need to see Marlene! I have curly brown hair and my sister has straight blond hair. Marlene does amazing work for both of us! I don't live in Chicago but my sister does, and I flew in to visit and get my hair cut and styled by Marlene. She is amazing and I will wait until I come to Chicago instead of going anywhere else! read more

AJ Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I am so happy I came here, Marlene is so talented and sweet. I felt so comfortable there and she was so efficient. I have extremely thick and curly hair and she did my Brazilian within my budget and perfect. I am going back in 2 weeks to get a blow out, this is my new spot. They will make you feel at home and I laughed the whole time! Thanks Marlene! read more

First I must say THANK YOU to naturallycurly.com for sending me to AJ Salon. Secondly I wish thank Cookie M. for giving such a great recommendation. Thirdly I have to thank Marlene for being the BEST hair stylist I have ever had in my 24yrs on planet earth. Yes, yes, yes. I found AJ Salon on the naturally curly website- it is hard to find a stylist who knows how to cut my hair type. For the good portion of my life I have been looked at as if I were an alien when I went to salons, irrespective of the ethnicity of the stylist or the other clients due to the fact that I just want a HAIR CUT. No I do not want a weave, a relaxer, or a straightening treatment. I just want a HAIR CUT! Due to my frustration I have been cutting my own hair for 3yrs. I went to the salon about 2 weeks ago for a consultation- after meeting with Marlene and her husband, I liked them right away AND they had digital pictures to show me of girls with my similar hair type, and the type of styles they had done for them. THIS is a way to attract clients. I came back for the appointment, Marlene gave me a wonderful haircut, with a nice shape that really brought out my curls. I think I will love my curls in 2-3 days when they fall just right. I am certainly going back to Marlene for future cuts and pre-interview prep for my tresses. To boot, her husband Jose (who is her receptionist) was SUPER wonderful and her shop is cute and fun. You know you have come across a great stylist when people travel from Naperville and Indiana to have their hair styled. I love AJ Salon- and if you have curly hair I am sure you will love it too. read more

I admit. I cheated. And liked it. Ok, here's the deally....I've been going to the same Polish barber (yes. Barber) for the last decade+ bc i've basically had the same exact haircut for at least that long. When you find something that you like, *and* it's very economical, you don't ask questions, you go with it and are happy that you do. So that I did. Until a few months ago. I decided to change it up a bit and came across this place thru a yelp search or talk thread, can't remember. Either way, totally happy I did, and for a few different reasons. 1. Marlene would basically be my GFFL, that is if I were to have one. Her personality is infectious and you pretty much just want to hang out there all day and shoot the breeze. 2. It is CHEAP! Srs. $12 for a haircut ?! That's unheard of. 3. She does a phenomenal job. Totes pro and then some. If you're a guy and you're not getting your haircut here you've officially lost the plot (or never bought the book). Soz. read more

Curly girls, trust me, Marlene is good, actually great. I have yet to find someone in Chicago that I can say, "I got a great haircut today." I did, finally, yesterday. I didn't even have to rush home and wash my hair hoping that I could style it better...if you have curly hair you know what I mean. This little gem of a salon is run by husband and wife team Marlene and Jose. Hat's off guys, it was a great experience. Affordable, a bit out of the way, but worth the drive. read more

I found this salon based on the reviews on a curly site. If you have curly hair and have been through endless horror stories, bad haircuts and accidents- Id highly recommend you give Marlene a call and discuss ways to achieve your ideal hair... I spoke to Marlene and her husband on the phone several times before heading over to their salon, and I have to say they are the nicest people, they're genuine, no pretenses or b.s. which is refreshing in this industry. Marlene did the Keratin Treatment and gave me an amazing cut (it had been 11 months since I got it last cut) !!! Most stylists usually fidget or put on that "oh SHIT I have to deal with your hair look"-- but with her, there is none of that which I love, and in many years of getting my hair done she is the second stylist who was that comfortable, I have to add my hair is pretty curly 3a/b/c- I trust her and will be going back. read more

Marlene is a god-send!!! Curly hair, wavy hair, straight hair-- the woman can do it all. I went from a recommendation of a family member who's been going to her for years, and I was extremely glad I went. Worth the 45 minute drive out from the burbs to the city, every penny! Not only was she extremely personable and talented, she patiently walked through all my questions and showed me different techniques for styling and treating my wavy hair. I learned so much in the short time I was there-- that's right, she only took 30 minutes to wash, cut AND style my wavy hair. Never going to anyone else! Marlene has a new customer for life! read more

3.5 stars: Methinks I need to bring a picture of what I want for the next time (if I can find something). Marlene and Jose are great, and the products they use - Kevin Murphy and AG - smell fab and feel wonderful on my hair. But I have curly hair that I don't want made curlier than it already is, so when Marlene finishes my haircut by curling segments of hair into ringlets, it's too much. I'm used to walking out of salons with wet hair, and I realize most stylists want to 'finish' the cut by styling it. This just wasn't the style I was hoping for.... If anyone has a nice pic of curly hair with bangs, I'm interested. read more

Excellent salon that I found through a curly hair website. Marlene is phenomenal with curly hair. It's so hard to find someone who can cut curly hair right and she is the best. i especially like that it's just Marlene and her husband - family business with high quality work. They were able to fit me in a day after calling and when I arrived early, started on my hair right away. They prices are extremely reasonable - $40 for a haircut and new clients receive 20% off. read more

As previous reviewers both mentioned curly hair, thought I'd let everyone know that this is a great place for non-curly hair too. Marlene truly gave me the best haircut I've ever had. When I told her that on my next visit, I got a hug! How great is that? She also does my color and I've never had better high- and low- lights--very natural looking. The warmth of Marlene and her husband, combined with the great service make AJ Salon my all-time favorite! read more

I really loved AJ Salon. Marlene is the only person I will ever completely trust with my head of curls. As a man with well-defined curls, it's hard to find a hairstylist that can understand what I want and what looks good on me while working with what I have (instead of just buzzing it all off). However, I can only give AJ Salon 3-stars due to a lack of communication. I've only received one haircut from AJ Salon (with Marlene) in November 2011 before I left for a 6-month trip to Italy and it was the BEST haircut I ever had. Now that I'm back in Chicago, I've been trying to get ahold of the salon in the past month or so to set up a haircut appointment via phone and e-mail. I've tried calling on two different occasions, no one picked up; I've tried leaving message(s), I was never called back; I've tried sending e-mails, I never received a response. I live all the way in the north suburbs and am more than willing to take the long 1.5 hour CTA commute just to get a haircut from Marlene. I just feel quite discouraged not being able to get ahold of them since it literally was the best haircut I ever received. read more

I went to Marlene for the first time this past weekend and i cannot exaggerate this enough... SHE. IS. AMAZING. She made me so comfortable and is so knowledgeable on curly hair. I've always had problem getting my curls as curly as I want them. Marlene chatted with me throughout my cut not only just small talk but also just general maintenance about my curls that was super helpful. Marlene is so sweet and I walked out with the most beautiful curls. I cannot recommend her enough!! If you have curls, go to Marlene!! read more

I went to AJ Salon for thie fist time last weekend, and the whole experience was wonderful. Marlene and her assistant were both incredibly nice, and made me feel very relaxed and at home, and Marlene gave me an AMAZING hair cut. I have very curly hair, and have had my fair share of terrible haircuts. So many stylists just don't know what to do with curly hair, and don't make it look right at all. Marlene took the time to listen to what I wanted, and then just knew how to make it happen with my hair. I wanted long layers that didn't make my hair look big and poofy, and she did exactly that. My hair has never looked so calm and styled, and it's so much easier to manage now. She really knows what she's doing with curly hair. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, I've gotten several hair cuts that cost over $100 in my life, including one at the Ouidad flagship salon in New York, and I have to say that the haircut I got from Marlene compared favorably to any of those cuts (and of course was less than half the price!). My only small complaint is that I wasn't wild about the way Marlene styled my hair when she was done cutting it - it ended up very poofy, which I don't like. However, that's easy enough to fix, and now I have a great haircut that I am enjoying every day. I'll be back as soon as I need another hair cut. Thank you Marlene!! read more

Marlene is amazing! I'm new to Chicago, and after searching for a salon I have found the perfect place! A lot of the other reviews are about how great she is with curly hair, but she can do anything! I have long straight hair and went in with a picture of what I wanted with bangs and layers and she gave me the perfect cut! All the while the conversation flowed and she was very personable and made me feel right at home. I will definitely be returning! read more

I have searching for a salon near the Portage Park area and I finally found AJ Salon and Marlene through Yelp reviews. Marlene was quick to reply and had me in the chair within a week! She is easy to talk to, fun and a sweetheart. I am so pleased with how she cut and styled my hair, she is extremely knowledgable in the curly hair department but styled my hair straight, as that's how I usually wear it :) My fiancé commented that normally past hair stylist aren't able to get the back straight, but Marlene did the job! The cut and styling is feels light-weight and freeing, I can't remember when it looked so healthy. I will definitely be a returning customer - I'm so pleased I found AJ Salon and Marlene! read more

My first visit took place back in June '10. I was skeptical as I found out about this place through another website. I needed a trim in the WORST way and was so nervous about letting someone trim the 'fro! Long story short, my experience was such a pleasant surprise! Happy hair....happy client!! I returned in July for a treatment and am absolutely sold! I can finally get regular trims and treatments!! Thank you AJ Salon!! read more

I've tried several times over the last few years, to get a hold of someone at that salon, but was never successful. I've left voicemail messages as well as texts but never hear back from anyone, so I end up going somewhere else. It's too bad, I want to go to someone who knows how to deal with curly hair. Very unprofessional. read more

I just found this salon on yelp and decided to get an appointment after reading a few reviews. I went and have NO REGRETS in this salon Ms.Marlene is Friendly and Professional. She cut my long hair perfectly, the place is cozy and convenient.. I will definitely come back and be her regular client.. My hair is AWESOME, loving my new hair cut! My husband told me that my hair cut makes me looks younger. read more

I've been seeing Marlene since 2010. I have naturally curly hair, and it is really difficult to find someone to trust with my curls. Marlene does a beautiful job with my highlights and with my curls. She is my girl....forever. read more

Marlene is very nice, organized and keeps prompt appointments. I was apprehensive but I needed someone to cut my curly hair. Marlene was getting rave reviews for being an expert at cutting curly hair. At the time I only found one review that wasn't flattering of her. So I made a pre-visit to the shop so that we could interview one another. She assured me that she knew how to cut my type of hair. However, my experience on the day of my appointment proved to me that despite the fact that there is a banner outside her shop that says she is a curly specialist, she is not experienced in cutting and styling 3c/4a curly hair. read more

Everything about this place was 5 stars! First of all, they fit me in for a root touch up on the day before New Year's Eve, last minute, which I did not expect. Second, they truly are the nicest people who make real conversation with you. Third, my hair turned out awesome, and since they didn't overbook, the client after me got the attention she deserved! For a 2 person salon, that is amazing! Marlene really is a great multi-tasker. The salon itself is cozy but trendy. It sure isn't your grandma's salon, but it's not a sprawling beauty hub with 50 employees. Nope, it's better than that. Like it was said by two regulars that were there on the same day, it's got that downtown feel without the downtown prices. And may I add: without the downtown attitude. I've never felt more comfortable getting my hair done. I will definitely come back for all my hair needs, and I'll send my friends too! read more

I have to say that I am normally terrified to get my hair cut. I have gone for long periods of time without a cut because I was never happy when my hair was done being cut and styled. My hair cut at AJ Salon was totally different than any other cut I have ever had. I love my new style and my curls look fantastic. My hair is very curly and was almost to my waist. Marlene left it long and layered it. I have gotten so many compliments about my hair and now I can actually wear it down without having to use barrettes or ponytailers. Before it was so heavy and now it is bouncy and the curls look great. I will definitly be back! read more

I have been a long time customer, for almost 5 years. I found Marlene through a curly hair website, that said she specialized in curly hair cuts. I was skeptical, but I was desperate to find someone that knew what to do with my hair, and wouldn't leave me with helmet hair. She has done a fantastic job, each and every time!!! Even when I was being picky and I felt it was a little off, I came back and she was able to fix it. Needless to say she now knows all of my quirks, and I've had 5 years of good hair days!! She was the one that recommended hair products to me, and that along with awesome haircuts, have changed how I feel about my curly hair. I swear I get compliments on a daily basis!!! read more

I've been going to AJ Salon since shortly after it opened - I live nearby and was thrilled to find a cute salon within walking distance of home. And I've been going ever since, and bringing my kids. My 17-year-old son and his giant curly boy-fro won't know what to do when he leaves for college because no one has made him as happy with his hair as Marlene. Marlene and Jose are so warm and friendly, it's a pleasure to be there every time. So glad to have them in the neighborhood! read more

I've been meaning to write a review here for a few months now, but I'm not going to lie, I almost didn't want to because this place is like a hidden gem that I didn't want to share with others. I decided to try out AJ Salon after researching curly hair salons on naturallycurly.com. I had gotten the japansese straightening done a couple of years back and now that it has almost completely grown out, I needed to have my hair cut to flatter my curly hair again. Marlene is wonderful. I get so many complements on my hair when I wear it curly now. She is the first hairdresser that has actually taken the time to show me how to style curly hair and it makes a huge difference. Because she did such an amazing job on my haircut, I decided to come back and try her for color. I get just as many compliments on my hair color now. I can't say more good things about Marlene, Jose, and AJ Salon. It is 5 stars on every level. They are great people, they provide great service, and the prices are great. read more

Marlene and her husband have created a warm, stylish atmosphere in their small salon. They were able to squeeze me in at the last minute when I needed a haircut before an interview, so I went after work on a Friday before the interview on Monday. I was a little nervous because I had worn my hair straight that day, so Marlene wasn't able to see it in it's "natural" state before it got shampooed. Nevertheless she did a great job and I am thrilled with the end result. She is really good with curly hair, and I enjoyed the whole experience of being in their salon. Highly recommended. read more

Just got my hair colored with a blowout at AJ Salon. Marlene listened to what I wanted color-wise, and told me what my options were based on my current color. It's nice to have a consultation where the stylist wants to get it right instead of rush to get through it. Decor is really nice. Comfortable reclining rinsing chairs. Very nice and personable. Thank you! read more

Marlene, the owner, is a very talented hairstylist! I love the way she cuts my super long and thick hair exactly the way I want it and she is quick! She is not scissor-happy like some hairstylists who go nuts when they see long hair. Marlene is professional and friendly. Her salon is very pretty and well-kept. She also sells some very nice argan oil products for your hair. I also received a Keratin treatment from her - it was great for my hair! Thank you AJ Salon and Marlene for taking good care of me and my hair! read more

I have curly hair and it took me a long time to find the right place. Marlena gets curly hair. I trusted her to finally cut my long hair into a short bob and it looks terrific. And for a salon of this quality, the prices are extremely reasonable. The only downside is it's tough to get her on the phone. read more

I booked an appointment with Marlene last year in June for Yoku Japanese hair straightening. She was very sweet and accommodating. I had done the treatment before (maybe 5 or 6 times) and never had an issue. When she was putting the chemicals on my hair she put it all over my scalp. The hairdresser I went to before explained that THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE, because your scalp is radiating heat and the chemical will work faster on the scalp than on the rest of the hair. He would start putting the chemical about a couple centimeters away from my scalp. However, she seemed to know what she was doing so I didn't say anything. A week later, my hair began to feel crispy and extremely dry (which is not what my hair texture is like) and I texted her about it. She said she never had any complaints before and I should just "use conditioner" and that it "might be the water where I am at". Fast forward a couple weeks later, and I find chunks of my hair falling out. I now have spots where the hair is completely BURNED off. I have maybe four or five spots on my head where this happened. I went to another salon where they literally took pictures of my hair to show their clients what NOT to get. Im so devastated and there is nothing I can do about it. read more

AJ Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I found this salon based on a curly hair site, I had never had someone who was known for curly hair do a hair cut so I thought why not! First of all, Marlene and her husband are SO NICE! They make you feel right at home and great conversation. The haircut was awesome, made the curls in the back really bounce up! I then decided to have her try out my color, my hair is VERY hard to color, I go from dark to very light, I have NEVER had anyone do it correctly the first time. I warned Marlene that the first time everyone messes it up. Well guess what? She didn't! It looks great! All I can say is very happy! I almost don't want to post reviews on here because I want to be able to get an appointment, because once everyone finds out how great she is she will be booked solid!!! OH and her husband went out and bought me a piece of cake (told him I was craving cake), how cool is that! read more

Was going to an expensive salon and needed to cut costs. Finding a stylist is hard and usually is like dating - you have to go out on many crappy dates until you find someone you like. But, I liked Marlene immediately and she gave me a great cut! We are now going to be in a long term relationship. read more

I've never felt particulary "faithful" to a stylist, but that all changed the first time I got my hair done by Marlene. She is so talented, and really cares about her clients. I always feel really cared for by both her and her husband when I come here, and leave feeling great about the way I look and great about who I am - because they encourage me every time I come see them! I always come here to get my hair blown out before interviews (I've been on a 6 month job hunt so it's been quite a journey) and Marlene even prayed for me before I left her salon last time! They remember everything I've told them about myself - now that is unique and not something you will find just anywhere. Oh, and the services - are just plain perfect. The best haircuts I have ever had have been from Marlene. She just "gets" curly hair. You will not be disappointed by her! Visit AJ Salon and see what I'm talking about. You will leave with a smile, I promise! read more