I choose this salon because they use organic hair coloring options which really appealed to me. I was looking for a place I felt comfortable at and had organics. My stylist was very thoughtful and took the time to discuss various options for coloring; ended up going with balayage and loved the process (vs highlights) and the look. After the cut she took time to show me quick and fast styling tricks for everyday busy lifestyle. The price for services is reasonable - a huge plus and incentive for me to go back often instead of waiting too long for color maintenance and cuts. I also had a hair mask application - was amazing, my hair felt so nourished, soft, healthy, and shiny for weeks afterward, truly a luxurious treat for my hair .... one of the nicest that I have ever had. . This is my go to salon now, I never really felt that way about a salon before and thus would wait too long for maintenance...so it's cool to know of a place that has great service, great products, and great price! . The salon has an interesting set-up, at first I was not quite sure I liked it as felt a little cramped for the owner's station and other 2 adjacent stations but I quickly got over that and settled in. Some people may not like that but there are separate rooms for other stylists...that are roomier and more private. The salon is un-pretentious, welcoming. Kind of down-to-earth but artistic and interesting at the same time. I imagine it was an old barbershop that they converted into their own space. . Be warned though the products are very pricey, maybe because they have fine ingredients, but if you plan on buying product be prepared for high price for seemingly small qty. I paid $28 for 6 oz conditioner -kind of a lot I think but it is wonderful product and I am pleased with it but struggle with spending that much on small amount. read more

I have come to this salon 3 times...I live nearby and each time I just really want to love it! But I just don't. I don't think I'll come back again. Its so convinient, being so close by, but I am just never satisfied when I leave. I have had a haircut/color and nails there. My foils looked streaky instead of natural, like I had asked. She charged me $10 extra at the end for a gloss to help fix the bleeding SHE did with the foils! Getting my nails done was a better experience. My pedicure was pretty good, although I found myself sitting in water going cold for 16 minutes of my hour long pedi. The polishing job was good. My biggest complaint was the staff. I really shouldn't have to pull a conversation out of my stylist! (her name was Melissa) I wound up reading magazines out of boredom. The front desk girl wasn't very friendly at all. The first time I went, I was greeted by a cute redhead (think her name was Eloise?) who was very sweet, helpful and accomodating. She gave me a "new client bag" at the end and explained the products inside it and future deals I can get for coming back. She even changed the music and got slack from her boss because I commented on how much I hated that "screaming" music. That was in early January, and the two times after, in March, a much less friendly woman was at the desk. She was so soft spoken and didn't even thank me at the end of my visit! She became irritated and defensive when I questioned the extra $10 on my foils. I seem to be the only person who has bad things to say, and like I stated before, I really want to like the place! I do suggest you either think twice before making an appointment or start with a small service that is harder to screw up... read more

I love Ashley Alwin and look forward to each visit. The shop itself is refreshingly different than others in Lake County and I feel like part of the family when I walk in. I have never been disappointed in my results, either with hair or nails. When I go for a color or cut, Sara reviews what she did at my previous appointment and asks me what I want her to do going forward. After I tell her, she repeats what I said to ensure that we're on the same page. She has corrected a color job that didn't work for me, that a stylist at a different salon did, and I'm very happy with my hair color. She's also very specific before she cuts my hair and only cuts as much as I request. She is very passionate about using organic products (which I love) and about teaching new stylists. Liz does my nails and they always look great. I get a lot of compliments on them, sometimes even from strangers when I'm out running errands. We talk and laugh and I always look forward to catching up. She keeps abreast of all the latest trends and is concerned about the health of my nails in addition to how they look. The other great thing about Ashley Alwin is that both Sara and Liz, along with the other stylists, are very active in the community. Collecting food for donation to the C.O.O.L. Food Pantry and shaving heads for the St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser are just two examples of their community support. In response to Tadashi, I can't imagine Sara blowing anyone off for any reason. She is completely committed to her clients. She and Liz work hard to maintain the integrity of their salon with regard to service and customer satisfaction. read more

Ashley Alwin is a full service salon for everyone from soup to...well, nails!. Whether you are looking to get a full package for a wedding, a trim or a quick cut for your child, you will find it here. The salon owners strive to satisfy each and every customer by providing up and coming salon products, techniques and services. I've known these owners for many years as they have worked to build a strong client base so that they could make their dreams of co-owning a salon come true! Liz is a marvel with her nail brush. If you want creativity-she has got it ! I've had manicures for my daughter's birthday parties ranging from snowflakes to a Minnie Mouse theme. I also have gel nails that are beautiful day in and day out for my professional life. Whatever you look you want, you shall receive! The atmosphere of the salon is unique, open and relaxing with high ceilings and an eco-friendly touch. Eloise and Jen at the front desk seek to make your experience a memorable one whether it is scheduling appointments until summer:) or making sure you have a drink and a snack while you wait. I highly recommend this salon for a great experience! I hope to see you there. read more

I was in desperate need of a cut and color before a business trip. I went to Alwin Anthony as a 'walk in' and was amazed by the salon. The salon is Eco conscious which I appreciate. The decor is eclectic, the stylists are great and the staff is engaging and friendly. It's almost 4 years after my walk in and I have never gone anywhere else. I have not had a bad experience here. I am greeted with a cup of coffee, awesome tunes and happy, upbeat people. It is my favorite place to de-stress. And did I mention the scalp massages that are given with the shampoo? To die for! Recently I brought my daughter in as she had been coloring her own hair and wearing glue in hair extensions. Shannon and Kelly gave her a great buzz cut to remove the damaged hair and sent her home with products from Surface to soothe her scalp and help her hair grow. Two weeks later we can see the fresh hair! I cannot say enough positive things about this salon. From the stylists, nail techs, products and ambience, this is a great salon. read more

I've lived in Gurnee all my life but I've never really made my way towards downtown Grayslake. I found Ashley Alwin one day and decided to try it out. I'm SO happy I did. I had a cut and style with Will, who was absolutely amazing. Reasons why Will was amazing: asked ME how I part my hair and styled the cut accordingly, knew what I was looking for with little description, took the time to make sure every section was properly cut and obviously, did a great styling job. Reasons why the salon was amazing: all products are natural, if you become a client you may get a goodie bag of great stuff, clean salon space, personalized care, great customer service. I'm a broke college student faced with the decision between the regular salon and something a little better. This was definitely a great experience and I can't wait to come back again! Ask for Will, he'll be your new favorite! read more

I have had such great experiences at Ashley Alwin! From the moment you walk through the door you are welcomed by the staff at the front desk. Sara, the co-owner, is who does my hair color, cut and brow waxing. She is amazing. She truly takes the time to listen to your concerns and collaborates with you on a plan to make you look your best. She takes into consideration your skin color and face shape (even through weight gain and loss) to execute the best color and cut for you. If at any point you are concerned about your look she is easy to work with and she, as well as the rest of the staff, is incredibly compassionate and accommodating to give you what you deserve -- to look and feel your absolute best. In addition, my husband and children all get their hair cut at Ashley Alwin. It's an outstanding family friendly salon we are happy to have in our community! read more

I have been getting my hair done by Sara at Ashley Alwin for 3 years now. She takes time to listen to what you want and just to clarify, tells you in her own words what you said. She is very professional, always concerned about her clients and goes out of her way to make sure her customers are very satisfied!! I always receive a friendly greeting when I go there for any service! If something is not done to my standards- happened only once, and not by Sara, I simply took my concern to Sara and she gave me a free service for the future. I have not ever been a business owner, and I imagine it can be very hard. Sara and her staff are extremely professional, up to date on current styles and trends and most especially good people. Way to go Ashley Alwin! Keep up the great work! read more

Alwin Anthony Salon is creative and fun. I like that it is part of historic downtown Grayslake (and I can walk to it) and that the building has character and charm. I have been going to this salon for about two years and have had several ladies cut and color my hair- all knowledgeable and professional. I like that their products are eco-friendly and refillable. The first time I went there they gave me a "welcome" package and suggested i bring the packaging back the next time I came for an appointment. i like that and the fact that they are involved in whats happening in Grayslake. Everyone is friendly and helpful and they always ask me what they can get me while I wait. I will continue to use Alwin Anthony Salon in the future. Linda M read more

First of all, love love love the atmosphere of this salon! Very vintage feel, they use old hair chairs! The one i sat in was from the 1950's and it had an ashtray in the arm! I came on a Saturday and it was the only salon I have ever been to that had LIVE music WHILE i got my hair done. I think they offer it all every Saturday. Everyone was super nice, I think I was offered a complimentary beverage about 5 times. I was asked if I wanted to add on a manicure following my haircut for 10% off, so I jumped at it! I was with Tarin, she was amazing! I used this Vegan polish I've never heard of before and I have to say I love the way it wears! All in all, I would say I had a great experience. I made my next appointment before I left! read more

I was brought into Alwin Anthony Salon with a Groupon. I am so glad that I was! My Groupon was for nail services and a hair mask, but I ended up getting an awesome color and cut from Kristie. She did an outstanding job on my hair (which had some bad color and a horrible cut at another salon previously) and she FIXED it completely! The owner, Sarah Anthony, is a true professional, and offers incredible deals so you can look great, but you don't have to break the bank! Everyone is polite and very kind. She also offers unique purses and jewelry for purchase. The salon has lovely decor, and you can settle right in. All in all, a 5 star experience and it is 5 minutes from my home! Try this salon. You will be so glad that you did! read more

by Kathleen W. on 12/17/2014 I brought my 7year old daughter to get her hair cut...we were greeted with a friendly smile and given the VIP treatment.as we waited we were offered a cold drink and given a sweet little package with lip balm even my daughter received one and was in pure heaven. We felt very valued and then was warmly greeted by Emily who was going to take care of my daughters hair...she was amazing and my daughter was feeling like a princess. My daughter wanted short hair and was thrilled with the cut Emily gave her. She was so happy and said "I look so different. I LOVE it. I will be coming back here again!!! Well this made my night to see her so happy and feel good about herself.  show read more

I highly recommend Alwin Anthony Hair Salon in downtown Grayslake. I went there or the first time today and had my hair colored, cut and styled, and blow dry. The stylist Katelyn was fantastic. She is new and was very professional and friendly. The entire staff was wonderful and very professional. The place is so cozy and warm with a vintage feeling. I had the best head massage by Katelyn I've ever had in my life. She took the time to do everything to my satisfaction and made sure I was happy with the final result. Which I totally was!!! They do all kinds of services at this salon. This is my new place to go for all my pampering. Kathy O read more

I love this hair salon! When you walk in the decor is very unique and creates an extremely warm environment. The stylists are personable and hold conversations with you instead of awkwardly sitting in silence. But if you don't want to talk they wont make you :) The first time I went I got my hair cut by Kelley and she totally saved my hair from years of bad layered cuts. Also, she put this really soft product in my hair that helped repair the hair that was previously bleached. I took my brother to get his hair cut and it was perfect for his thick curly hair. All in all, they treat you with respect and deliever whatever it is you want. Love this place!! read more

This is a really happening place right in downtown Grayslake. The salon has a kind of 'coffeehouse' feel - perhaps because of the great live music on Saturdays and the eco-friendly way they are running the business. I get my hair done by Kelly, who I highly recommend. She's so warm and personable and my hair looks great every time! These ladies are doing so much to support other businesses in the community in addition to beautifying all their customers. If you're tired of the same old snooty salon experience, try Ashley Alwin where you can be pampered by real people with heart in a comfortable, fun atmosphere. read more

My friend Natalie just notified me of the first review made and I wanted to let everyone know that I have not had that experience at Ashley Alwin! I suggested to Natalie to go to Ashley Alwin and being a regular customer I can tell you I have always been happy with Shannon's body waxing services and any hair cut I've gotten. I am a chair hopper and never stick with one stylist because I walk in on the fly hehe but they have always gotten me in! I like that they offer free drinks so I can get my coke zero fix! Try them out, I really feel like they are a different salon that makes me feel warm and invited. read more

I cannot say enough GREAT things about the Alwin Anthony experience. From the moment you walk in the door and are greeted, you feel the sense of community. All the staff members say hello, compliment you on your latest service, or offer you a cup of coffee. They are never too rushed or too busy, even during peak times, they always take the time to be polite. The decor is recycled and relaxing, I have never had a bad experience in all my visits to Alwin Anthony- whether it's for a cut, color, mani- pedi -, or spa service, you will not be disappointed in this uptown spa in downtown Grayslake! read more

Alwin Anthony is, hands down, the best salon in the area. I've been getting my hair cut by Sara for years, and have always left happy. She is educated, creative, collaborative, and fun. She has cut my hair short, long, and colored it 1000 ways. She is highly invested in the training and success of her employees and it shows. The salon uses organic, gentle products that really add to the health of my hair. There is lots of talent and creativity in every corner of the fun, funky salon. I highly recommend Sara, or any of her coworkers if you are looking for a great cut/color experience! read more

Visiting this salon is always the highlight of my day each time I have gone. It has a very upbeat and trendy atmosphere to it. The ambiance is also very inviting. I have never had to wait but a minute, if that for my stylist to greet me. The staff is very professional, pleasant and accommodating. Both Karyna and Kelley are highly skilled and talented hair stylists that always pay attention to detail and the services are done in a timely manner as well! I am always assured that I will walk out with a fresh new look and a boost of confidence each time I leave Alwin Anthony Salon. :) read more