I have never been satisfied after a haircut until I met Alma and came to this hair parlor. I can't believe I had paid so much money to other hairdressers who just didn't get me like Alma. She is absolutely incredible and I'm sure the other hairdressers are as well. Unfortunately, I moved but if I come back to Chicago, I know who I'm contacting. If you have straight/wavy indian hair like myself, don't hesitate coming here. I can't speak for those who have different textures... read more

I've been coming to Bello for years and will continue to! The service is great every time and very reasonably priced. During this time it is just the owner working there, she's my fav at highlights and is very enjoyable to chat with:) Make sure you give yourself enough time to schedule ahead since it is just her at the moment. *Just a heads up they don't accept credit card read more

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I have been seeing Emma for well over a decade and now my daughter's very curly wild hair is in her hands too! I couldn't trust her more for a cut and color, and my daughter also left with a huge smile on her face yesterday! read more

Bello Hair Studio - 5 inches cut off! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent, friendly service and good haircuts. Emma is the best! Good for men as well as women.

First time at the salon and Alma did a fantastic job! I highly recommend booking an appointment, just know it is CASH only. I didn't realize it and had to run across to the ATM. I will absolutely be making this my regular salon!! read more

I called on Monday and was able to get an appointment that Thursday for myself and my daughter, with Alma. My daughter wanted a very particular and very short haircut and she has had bad experiences in the past so we'd been looking for a new place. Alma took the time to listen to my daughter (13) and study the picture she brought in and made her feel at ease. Alma was personable and professional and both my daughter and I are thrilled with our hair cuts. Masks were worn at all times by everyone. So glad to have finally found "our spot" in the city! We will be back! Thanks, Alma! read more

Bello Hair Studio - Finally getting the haircut she wanted! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While I appreciated the interesting conversation and general atmosphere of Bello Hair Studio, I have to admit that I was unfortunately disappointed with the service. I came in to have the roots of my blonde hair touched up and to add a few highlights on the inside part of my hair. I usually get this done at a different salon but recently moved to the Chicago area and thus had to try something new. Right from the start it looked like the blonde didn't take, as my roots were still plenty visible. Once I took a shower the next day, it was apparent that the touch up job had failed. I will continue my quest to find the best salon for my hair and will likely not return here. However, three stars for the friendly nature of the stylist and the price ($95 for color really is quite affordable for the area!). read more

Pretty bad. Our stylist was late for the appointment, and we didn't catch her name either, but from the looks of it she has never done a men's haircut before? Asked for shaved / slightly faded sides and a combover on top and got a really uneven weirdly shaped curved buzz in the back, no fade on the sides, Left side doesn't match right side, No detailing along the hairline in the front, just overall really bad. Haircut only lasted about 15 min. She charged us 20$ too. Really disappointed , not coming here ever again and definitely not recommending to anyone I know. read more

Bello Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Alma is the.best.hair.stylist in Chicago! Attentive to customer needs, open and honest about what is doable and the value is unparalleled. I've been a client for 8+ years. Highly recommend! read more

I love how Alma cut my hair with even and blended layers. I am very happy with my haircut and best haircut ever.

I was extremely happy with my haircut! I was able to get an appointment the same day I called. My hair was pretty long with a lot of damage from bleaching it myself so I was looking for a haircut that would cut all the damage off but also look really fresh and cute. I went in with some pictures of what kind of style I wanted and they knew exactly what to do. I will definitely be going back when it's time for my next haircut! read more

I have been going to see Alma for 6 years and she is an absolute gem. I'm the type of person that always grows out and then donates my hair, so when I ask for a bit of layering she knows exactly what to do. She also really takes interest in who you are as a person and what your needs are. One time I was going through a rough breakup and wanted to get bangs. She knew that I wouldn't have the energy for keeping them up, and she gently talked me out of it. I am SO thankful for that, it wouldn't have worked with my bone structure. She's attentive to what you want but also takes into consideration what your level of care is for hair maintenance. I genuinely cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

I cannot recommend those place enough! I have been there twice now since quarantine and I can tell you that I feel very comfortable being there. I have been the only person in the salon and Alma and I both wear masks. Selfishly, I didn't want to write this because I don't want them to get busy...but they are wonderful! read more

I called on a Thursday & was able to book an appointment for an updo for that Saturday. Geneva did it & I was really happy. I have medium-short hair that's pretty thin & fine & she made it look beautiful! I brought in some pictures to give Geneva an idea of what I wanted & she tailored it for my hair texture/length. read more

Bello Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a great SAFE place to get a haircut. Several days a week there is only one stylist there at a time, so you are the only customer. They are conscientious about wearing masks properly and having customers wear them, too. I waited six months to get my haircut because I was nervous about salons following health protocols and even if they were the prices were much more than I could afford. Men's cuts here are $25 and women's 30 dollars, shampoo and styling is a little more. The Stylists are very skilled and my husband and I were very happy with our cuts. read more

Gentle Reader, I'm back and I'm blonde. Never let it be said that I rush to judgment. No sirree, not me. Not until today, when I had my third (but not last) appointment at Bello Hair Studio did I sit down in the crummy rocker, laptop appropriately in my lap, and shorter, blonder hair on my head, do I share my happiness about Bello Hair Studio, and the bombshell Bosnian sisters, Alma and Aida. I've had two haircuts and three highlight sessionsin 2010 from A+A, and they do good work. Although no one stopped me on Lincoln Avenue afterwards and demanded to know who did the work, no one screamed and jumped underneath a bus to get away either. The salon itself is quiet. When I arrived today, Aida was reading a magazine and waiting for me. She greeted me like an old friend, even though we have only met once before, and got started mixing the color right away. I trust these girls enough that I did not inquire about the color. She actually chose two different shades of blonde today, without asking me, but you know what? She chose correctly. It is a little bit blonder than I have had recently, but it looks good. So, point for Aida; she knows her products and her clients. There were no other clients while I was there, but the phone did ring quite a bit. They don't have a receptionist. Aida stopped a few times to answer the phone, but she finally just let it go into voice mail. That was a good choice. The whole treatment took 2 hours. The total cost was $75.00. I reflected on all the times in past years, when I had employment that actually paid me real cash money, and when I spent a fair amount of that money getting my hair done at Elizabeth Arden Spa on Michigan Avenue. I spent something like $200 each time, including all the tips. And you know what? I am just as happy with the work I get at Bello, and I am rocking with joy when I contemplate the reasonable prices. Such a deal! Today, with the gorgeous weather, I decided to walk. However, in the past, I have parked for free on the side streets, and it was easy parking. An added, and recent benefit: a brand-new Dominick's just opened directly across the street, and it has a Starbucks inside. You can get yourself something to eat and drink while you sit at Bello and wait for the hair color to cook. Nice people. Nice work. Nice products (my head doesn't stink). Nice location. Nice prices. I'm sold. read more

I have been stopping every person I know to rave about this place. Let me paint a picture. I have long hair, and all I need a few times a year is a trim...nothing crazy or difficult. For a few years now, I've shed a couple tears every time I have to fork over $80 for what I know is not a complicated endeavour. So, I did what I do whenever I'm looking for a great new place to spend my money: hit up Yelp. And there I found a little treasure called Bello Hair Studio. It's about 1/2 a mile northwest from the heart of Lincoln Square, and although it is not a fancy-schmancy salon, it is really clean with all new floors, fixtures, furniture, etc. I had an appointment with Alma and she was fantastic. She was punctual, hip, great at shampooing (my favorite part due to the massage aspect), friendly, had great restaurant suggestions, and did an excellent job on my hair. I've received multiple compliments on it and all she did was clean it up...but obviously it made a noticeable difference. The best part? It cost me $18! Seriously, $18. I was giddy when I was walking home...a great haircut, convenient, friendly service, and affordable?!? I will definitely be a repeat customer. read more

Unfortunately, I did not have a "wonderful" experience here that others were lucky to have. I called in for an appointment and the earliest I could get with Alma (supposedly the best) was two weeks later. I'm usually impulsive and would not wait, but I'm picky about my hair because it is so long and wanted a good haircut this time around. Good things about the place: Easy to find, Alma is very friendly, prices are good ($18 without wash/blowdry and $30 with), she takes her time Results: Haircut was just EH. I asked for volume and lots of layers but all I got was the same hair just two inches shorter. I was expecting much more with all the great reviews. read more

I recently moved to Chicago and needed a hair stylist close by. Based on the reviews I decided to give this place a shot. I had Kristen as a hairstylist and she did a great job. She was very friendly and fun. At one point everyone in the salon was laughing and having a good time. She also told me to play with my hair a bit and if I want anything changed to come back in the next couple weeks. But I love my hair! The only reason they don't get 5 stars, is that it is a very modest place. But if you want a great haircut and friendly service this is your place. Remember to bring cash or check though. No credit cards accepted here. read more

F A B U L O U S !!!!! This is definitely one of the best cuts / color I have ever had. REALLY!!! I have gone to so many high end salons / spas and I am 100% more satisfied with the quality and the service I received here at Bello. When I originally called, it was a little challenging to make an appointment because she is soooo booked, and I completely understand why now. I needed a change from my current stylist, and saw all the rave reveiws here on yelp so I figured why not? hahaha... my friend thought I was being very brave at trying a small salon, but I figured what the heck, it's just hair, it'll grow back, right? OMG, I was freaking out when I found out I had to wait over a week to get in because I was having one of those days, you know when you are ready to start cutting your hair yourself? I was in panic mode, and almost called someone else... but I am so glad I didn't. The individual attention and service is unsurpassed. Alema is the sweetest person, and I told her to do whatever because seriously, when I came in, my hair looked like a broom that was ready to sweep the floor...hahaha...ok it was in a pony tail, but you get the idea. She showed me the colors and I was glad she was honest with her opinion and my hair came out perfect. I have never recieved so many compliments on my hair as I did after this cut/color. Seriously... I will definitely DEFINITELY come back.... I parked across the street at the Dominicks, so parking was no problem either. (maybe you are not supposed to do this, but seriously, who is checking?) The salon is smaller... but I felt more attended to than a spa. Not rushed or like a number, and she really listened to what I was looking for!!! This place deserves 5+ stars!!!!! read more

Just returned from my first haircut at Bello. I went in with mixed emotions -- my normal trepidations of getting a trim at an unknown destination, and fear that all of the fantastic reviews would set my expectations at an impossibly high level. I'm not always the best at explaining what I would like to have done in "salon speak," so often leave hair cutteries reaching for the hat buried in the bottom of my bag. As it turned out, I left my appointment a half hour after its start pleased as peaches. My haircut was fantastic, definitely exceeding my expectations. Alma listened to what I had told her, and used her expertise to create a great cut beyond what I could have imagined. And all for the price of $12. This place is UNREAL. I need to call my mom and tell her that I'm in love. With a hair salon. She will be so proud. read more

I would prefer to keep this just my secret. After spending a boatload on my last color job where I was talked into highlights, only to not be happy with my hair some weeks later, I was on the search again for a new colorist. My biggest issue was that I wanted it to be nearby so I could go home to blow dry/straighten my hair myself, but I of course wanted it to turn out good too. Luckily, I happened across Unity's review and saw that this place was a 2-minute walk away. Yay!! The color I wanted would have required bleaching my whole head, and I appreciate how Alba (my colorist) and Emma helped me find a better solution to reaching the color I wanted. I felt as though they cared about the health of my hair more than the outcome. Two nice, lovely ladies. When Alma washed my hair I thought I was getting some type of spa treatment, lol. For serious! The water was velvety. The shampoo & conditioner both felt like my hair was being washed with liquid silk, and I got a great massage on my head. I was a little disappointed when my rinse was over. :-( The prices are great, the products are quality, and the environment is non-foo foo shee shee. Comfortable and simple. I have for certain this time found my new colorist. read more

I have searched so high and low throughout the city to find a decent cut and color and friendly stylist with reasonable prices, and salons have always missed the mark. I think I finally found "the one" in Geneva at Bello! She was very kind and patient, taking time to understand the look and feel I wanted. I think she did an excellent job on the color, achieving an ash blond I've had difficulty getting from other stylists. The pricing is very affordable. The salon is not large or fancy, but I'd rather forego all of the glitz & glam for an outcome like this and friendly, hardworking people. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment! read more

I have been going here a year now. My cuts are always great but I removed 1 star just because sometimes I get irritated by Alma always being on the Phone and another time I had to see a different girl while she finished up another customer. Alma is a real pro but I am not to sure I will stay a loyal customer if I have another irritating experience. read more

Hmmm...how do I put this? Get your hair cut here. TODAY! I just returned from my first visit to Bello Hair Studio. I just moved to Chicago, and was a bit nervous about finding a new hairdresser. I have short hair (a bob with a wedge-type back...sort of like Katie Holmes' do) and I've found that even though it's a trendy cut, it's tough to find someone who can get all the layers in the back just right. I almost canceled my appointment in favor of a slot at an expensive Aveda salon because I was so nervous. I am so glad I didn't. Alema is wonderful, so friendly and warm. She asked me what I wanted and when I pulled out a couple photos for her to look over, she actually studied them instead of quickly glancing at them like many other hair stylists do. And then, in 15 minutes, she replicated the cut in the photos to a tee. Alema did a better job than my beloved stylist in my last home. My hair looks perfect, exactly as I've always wanted it. Her services (wash, cut and style) cost $27, about half of what I was paying at my old salon. She could charge much more, and I would gladly pay it. It's so nice to find someone who really can do everything, and she must have tons of faithful clients because her phone was ringing off the hook. I can't wait to get my hair highlighted there next month! read more

Thank you Alma! After a very disastrous haircut at my mother's hairdresser I had to find someone else reliable to cut my hair. And thank goodness I came across Bello Hair Studio on Yelp. YES! I made an appointment over the phone and was booked for a haircut the next week. Upon arrival at the Hair Studio I was the very first client of the day. The salon is well kept. Simple yet chic. I showed Alma a picture of the type of haircut I wanted to get. She spent a good amount of time cutting and trimming my hair. After my very disastrous haircut my hair was so layered it was impossible to style and wear regularly. I wanted to get my hair more uni-layered, and decided on a simple classic bob haircut and that was what Alma gave me. Exactly what I wanted. Upon chatting with my friend over dinner at Panes Bread Cafe I found out that she recently went to Bello Hair Studio for a cut. She was raving about how great the place was and for a decent price too. Funny how we both came across Bello Hair Studio on Yelp, and are in love with this place! My hair is getting longer now, and that means a trip back to Bello Hair Studio for another amazing cut! read more

I've been going here for 4 years now for haircuts and highlights. Emma is wonderful, is patient with me when I'm indecisive and always ensures I'm happy with the service. Affordable, no frills, efficient salon. Make your appointment well in advance, they fill up fast read more

Aida always cuts my hair with care and precision. Her advice on cut and color are spot on. You can tell a good haircut if you can let it dry naturally and it falls into place. read more

Like previous 'Reviewers' hate to tell you just how bloody good this salon is. There already booked up weeks in advance. Emma & Alma.........the best, love them. The best professionals I've had in years. They will accommodate exactly what you want, without a flinch. read more

Went here just before Christmas for the first time and got a cut with Alema. It took awhile to get here from Lakeview (bus to a bus to a 10 minute walk), but it was worth it. This is a no-frills salon, so don't expect a head massage and an herbal tea while you wait. The clientele seemed mostly Eastern European and friendly with the staff. Since I was going for a new style, I opted for the wash, cut and blow dry/style. The wash was utilitarian - like, I said, no frills. I wasn't expecting to be pampered though. She spent some quality time on the cut, which is usually a good sign. I gave her some pictures of what I wanted. After she was done styling and blow drying, I wasn't exactly 100% satisfied. She parted my hair on a different side so it was kind of wonky looking. I wore a hat the way home, so I had to restyle anyway. I'm glad that I did before making a final decision about the place! Her cut is fantastic. Once I styled it according to how I know my hair likes to go, I could see how talented she is. I got bangs and a few layers. For the first time in a long time, my bangs lay right with minimal effort. Amazing. She also kept the length in my hair and didn't go too short. Seriously, after this cut, I've gotten nothing but compliments and people actually wonder if I've colored my hair. The way she cut it makes my natural color stand out more. Weird, hey? I'm not complaining. All of this was $30 before tip. I'll be a repeat customer, that's for sure. read more

I've driven by this place hundreds of times and never saw it until a couple weeks ago. I'm glad I did. I easily got one of the best haircuts I've had in years (and THE best in Chicago). Alema is very skilled , friendly and conversational. I wasn't rushed or ignored even for a second. For a guy I am picky about my haircut and she seemed to have read my mind about what I wanted! She also has the most delicate touch - I barely felt like someone was touching my hair let alone cutting it. It was the perfect cut for a great price. I know where I'll be getting my future haircuts. read more

My husband and I have been coming here for about half a year and couldn't be happier. I get color, shampoo, cut, and blow-dry for $80, plus tip. They are fantastic with color, they get it exactly they way I want it. My cut is simple. However, my husband is another story. He has very thick and wavy hair that seems to intimidate most stylists. He has gotten many crappy haircuts from both cheapo and nicer salons. Thankfully it grows fast so he doesn't have to suffer too much. Alma asked him if she could try something a little different and she wouldn't charge if he didn't like it. He ended up really liking it and also loves that he can get a great cut for about $15. It's a clean and modern no-frills salon. No one is bringing you herbal fruit infusion or pushing overpriced products on you. It is just Alma and Emma running the show. They are not overly chatty, however, I don't mind that. We talk some, but often I just want to zone out. read more

Hooray for Bello & Aida!! Walked in with some sun streaked strangeness from the summer and Aida just rolled with it. Rockin some groovy strawberry and blonde streaks where my grey & brown & red used to be. I think this is the beginning of a new and beautiful friendship! read more

Seriously, the best. I stopped going to Bello after we moved and it was more than a couple blocks to get there, but soon learned that was a huge mistake. In that time period, I went to every type of salon: inexpensive in Albany Park, moderately expensive in Ravenswood Gardens, super expensive in River North, and NOTHING COMPARED. After 3 'meh' haircuts at locations closer to home/work, I decided it was well worth the longer commute to Bello (the commute still isn't long--10ish min. via car-- but I clearly like convenience!). I have naturally curly hair that is thick and a bit unruly. One wrong swipe of the scissors and my hair looks like a triangle instead of a luxuriously well-shaped mop of curls. My hair stylist at Bello, Alma, is the only hair dresser I've met in my 31 years that knows how to work with my hair, and I don't think it's as much an ode to her knowledge of curly hair as it is to her knowledge of hair in general. Girlfriend knows her way around hair--whether cutting or coloring (I've have both done there)--is so sweet and friendly, and her prices are ah-mazing. I think I recently paid $110 with a tip for cut and color? Perhaps it was even less -- all I know as I've always been shocked at the quality of service for the price. My husband also goes to Bello, and has what he calls, 'his best haircut.' He does not go to Alma and I don't recall the name of his stylist, but I believe there's only 3 stylists there, so you can't go wrong :) He got what I'll call the 'hipster haircut,' that is kind of like Macklemore's but not as drastic -- a tighter cut around the base and longer on top. He brought a photo to Bello, and voila! His young co-workers immediately started asking where he got his haircut. Clearly I think Bello is the best and as long as you don't take my appointment, you should go, too! read more

I've been to Michael Anthony, Charles Ifergan, etc etc. This haircut (trimmed the bottom and shaped the side swept bangs) was on par with those. But it was $15. Seriously. I gave a $15 tip out of guilt because I felt like I was robbing the place. I particularly did like that in lieu of washing my hair, Aida did a thorough water spray. Honestly, if I wanted my hair washed, I'd get a blow out. I just want a haircut generally and the extra 20 minutes and $50 for the wash/dry/hand massage during wash/etc seems like a racket. Thanks for the great cut, Aida! read more

I went to this salon based purely on the other Yelp reviews and I am so glad I did! I had the same stylist in Wisconsin for 4 years and when I moved here I thought A) I'm going to have to pay WAY more for the same services and B) It will take me forever to even find a stylist I like - And then I went to Bello. Aida was wonderful and made me the exact blonde I wanted (which involved a LOT of highlights) she also understands I'm the kind of client who is not real chatty and respected that. The prices are fabulous! She also gave me a beautiful blowout using NO product - that's how good the cut and her skills are. I will definetly be going back again and again. ** I removed one star because I do wish they would offer water or a magazine when your highlights take 3 hours (which is normal for my hair) BUT I'd rather have great prices and bring my own water and book. Just a heads up for those that prefer a pampering experience - this is just great simplified hairstyling! read more

I love going to get my hair cut at Bello! I'm always surprised at how easy I can get an appointment with Alma, because I know their business has been very good. I have straight hair in a short style and Alma always does a great job. If it's not quite right, she has no problem changing it. Another thing I love about Alma is that she gives grace...I've been a little late once or twice and she does not make me feel guilty about it! The price is right (I pay $30 for a cut and simple style), the atmosphere is nice but not over the top, and Alma is a very enjoyable person to hang out with for 30-45 minutes! read more

I'm glad that I found this hair salon for my wife last year on yelp.com. Now Bello is the only place she goes for a haircut, and she has not been consistently pleased with other hair salons. She's there today by appointment. She's over 60, has medium short hair, kind of "helmet" style fitting the head. She will get a hair wash, which will make for a better cut. Cost is important, she expects the charge will be about $18. They take cash only, and of course she'll give a tip. read more

In my experience, it has been very difficult to find a hair salon where one can expect a consistently good hair cut. Bello is effectively the final destination on what has seemingly been a life-long journey. I'm male and I would consider my hair style simple and comparatively easy to cut, yet I've had my mop thoroughly butchered at various locations in Chicago, often paying top dollar for the pleasure. I have had my hair done by both Geneva and Alma on multiple occasions with great results, every time. Every so often, I like the length a bit different or the sides thinned out more than on preceding visits. They never assume, always asking what I would like done, and clearly listen based on the results. I no longer live in the area, but will make the commute whenever necessary because I know precisely what I am getting. All of the stylists are incredibly friendly and talented, although I have waited for a couple of minutes while appointments are being made on the phone. Prices, at least for just a simple hair cut, seem akin to robbery...me being the perpetrator. For the quality I receive, the rates are incredibly low. This is not a negative, because Bello is clearly quite popular, but ensure that you call for an appointment at least 4 or 5 days in advance to secure a weekend spot; they fill up quickly. read more

Do you dye your hair? Do you know that awful, itchy feeling when the dye is in your hair, when all you want to do is get one of those back scratchers and go to town on your scalp? Not here, folks. Whatever they use to color hair here, it's awesome. My scalp never itched (a first for me!) and the color is still bright and red, over a month later. My cut is good, not great. But I believe that might be my fault, since I really didn't know what I wanted with my hair, I just wanted a whole lot of it GONE. Overall, yes, I'll be back. Their prices are spectacular. read more