I recently had my haircut for the first time at Essa Dora salon and spa in old town by Sabrina. A good friend and colleague of mine has been getting his haircut by her for the past 10 years and knew I was in search of a new stylist, but also knew I was very skeptical because I have naturally curly hair and have found, that most stylists unfortunately, are not trained and/or skilled in cutting curly hair. I have been testing out different salons and have been repeatedly disappointed until I met with Sabrina. I initially met her for a consultation and knew immediately she definitely knew her way around curly hair. I scheduled my first haircut with her and anxiously awaited the day. She was utterly fantastic. I can confidently say this is probably the best haircut I've ever received. My hair looks incredible and I'm thrilled because I'm getting married in four weeks. The color even looks better due to the way she cut it even though I had absolutely nothing done with the color. Also, she was very cautious and thoughtful with all of my new allergies I recently discovered that include fragrances, essential oils, and beeswax. I brought my own products with me to ensure I had no allergic reaction. Even still she was gentle and checked in throughout to make sure I was OK. 10 out of 10 would highly recommend. I've already booked my next haircut with her. I'll post some photos. I've washed my hair twice since and did absolutely nothing to style my hair, but look at these curls! read more

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I was lucky enough to have Julia do my makeup when I was in town for a friend's wedding a few months back. She did an excellent job and exceeded my expectations. Usually, I can be pretty picky when it comes to getting my makeup done by a professional, but Julia understood what I was looking for. She kept it light with the perfect amount of glow. I received so many compliments that night! If I ever have another wedding or event in Chicago, Julia will always be my go-to! read more

John has been partially highlighting my below-the-shoulder length hair for about five years. He is superb. Very creative, competent, and has an intuitive sense of color. He's never steered me wrong. We just did a golden blond for summer and I absolutely love it! (He's also a really good conversationalist/listener!) Love this salon! read more

I LOVED MY EXPERIENCE HERE! Essa Dora was highly recommended by my wedding hair and makeup artists, so I came for a blowout and special hair treatments before my big day arrived. First of all, I'm ALL about complimentary mimosas. Such a great start! I made an appointment with Ashley, and I felt like her and I got along so well. She was super personable and had me laughing the whole time. She definitely helped me smash my day-before-the-wedding jitters!!! My entire package was $50, but tip cannot be included on the card and has to be cash, so that's just something to plan for. I'll definitely return with all of my hair needs! read more

What an amazing salon! I am a very particular person when it comes to my salon services and Essa Dora is the definition of what I look for in a Salon + Spa. From the ease of making appointments to the text confirmation and reminders to the ambiance to the precise skills to the impeccable service...everything is perfect! They are so warm and welcoming! Essa Dora carries the highest end products for your hair and skin! I hate perfumy facials....like at Aveda...always left me worse than I started. They use Dermalogica and its marvelous. Essa Dora has the finest of the finest in the city working there. I cannot say enough about the owner, Sabrina, and her remarkable motivation, class, warmth and skills. She's truly one of a kind - just like her salon! I can't wait for my next appointment in December for highlights with Jon...he's quite special too. I don't want to give all my faves away bc i want to be able to get an appointment when I want ;) hehe But I have to say, as a proud Chicagoan for the past decade, I'm so happy that Essa Dora has landed in this warm & chic Old Town spot!!! I can't wait to get more services here! My husband didn't have an appt but they were able to get him in for a cut. He's gotten so many compliments on the precise & easy to style cut. Windsor has god-like hands and is an incredibly skilled stylist. The hubs announced that will be officially appointing Windsor as his "goto" stylist :) they truly gave the hubs a very special service experience. read more

I got my hair dyed by Jessy. She did a wonderful job! Even after I left I felt like I wanted it a little more blonde. And she made an appointment to real dye it blonder with no charge. And it turned out beautiful! She paid attention to detail. Windsor did a complementary blow dry and style. He did a fabulous job. He gave my flat hair so much body. I really love it here! They are so nice and very accommodating. read more

Essa Dora Salon & Spa - Jessy dyed my hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have had my hair cut by Sabrina for over 10 years. She is always a delight to be with. She remembers everything and is solicitous of my wants and needs. She is great at helping me style my short hair in tune with the seasons. I have also been seeing Edita for brows and facials for almost as many years. She is irreplaceable. This shop is filled with kind, thoughtful, socially conscious people who make their clients feel truly cared for. read more

Essa Dora is the best full-service salon in Chicago. I would trust any of the service providers to do the most excellent job for me, and I have seen them all. Morgan and Sabrina have been my stylists for many years now, with such precision and experience, not to mention the utmost kindness and love. Edita has been my esthetician for years as well, and I would trust her with my life, not to mention "everything else" ;) The space is as beautiful as its inhabitants, and it is seriously one of my favorite places to go in Chicago to spend time. Lisa and the rest of the customer service team rock also. Keep doing what you're doing, Essa Dora. You are a true blessing to our city! Love you. read more

This was my first time coming here, and I was a little nervous about trying a new salon. But, as soon as I walked in I knew this was gonna be a great experience. The receptionist was very welcoming and the ambiance was lovely. I immediately felt relaxed. Tuesday afternoons are when they have the fewest customers, so if you're looking for a quiet experience that's a great time to go. Jess did an amazing job with my hair! The last time I had gotten my haircut I had a bad experience, so I was thrilled to have someone who listened carefully to what I wanted, gave me feedback and executed the cut well! read more

Well I recently came here just to grow out my fringe which is in between grow out phases. The entire interaction with Ashley was awkward because she kept asking me if my hair was "falling out" simply because I'm attempting to grow out an overlayed point cut I received a year ago. My curly bangs are in an in between stage...too long to look cute but too short to hide behind my ears. So this is the first time I came here for a fringe trim and most definitely THE LAST. Ashley worked on me Wednesday and proceeded to trim my heavy bangs in such a way they were thinned out and angled which is not suitable for my wavy, frizzy, curly hair. I came in with a haircut that I'm simply growing out slowly from last year and I have bangs in that awkward in between stage. She basically cut into the bangs after blowing my hair dry with her blow dryer rather than looking at the natural curl pattern of my hair. I told her I AIR DRY my hair to keep it healthy and I didn't once complain about my curl but she proceeded to condemn my cut telling me it's too top heavy and there are too much bangs in the front so she over texturized my fringe leaving me with absolutely no style at all and no blending between the blown out bangs meant for straight hair and the long layers I'm diligently and patiently growing out. She also critiqued my naturally frizzy hair harshly and asked if my hair was falling out! I told her no my hair is healthy and my cut from a year ago was the result of point cutting. She suggested I cut an inch from the bottom to reshape it and honestly two days ago I myself took a full 3/4 of an inch off of my own hair from the bottom to hide the awkwardness of the thinned out bangs she decided to create for me. I'd also like to add her own hair definitely lacks body and she informed me during my bang trim that she herself has naturally curly hair so she understands my curl pattern but she used a keratin treatment on her own hair to make it straight. I paid the salon $10 gave her a $5 tip and I harbor no deep resentment just the realization that I'm definitely going to need to be patient yet even longer and trim my own fringe to long layers because her fringe trim isn't realistic for me since i don't like heat damage on my already coarse, curly hair. I don't know about the other stylists here but I really don't feel like Ashley and I were a good fit. I don't like being made to feel bad about myself when I'm trying to treat myself at a salon and I felt Ashley was a Debbie Downer. THE salon itself is well lit, absolutely gorgeous and it was impeccably kept. I'm going to safely assume your luck might be different from mine if you know which stylist to work with for your needs. I finally learned yet again that no one understands my hair texture as well as I do and I don't understand why Ashley decided to just go the easy route and blow dry my hair stick straight to give me fringe meant for people with straight hair. If you already have a solid recommendation at hand for a top stylist then I won't dissuade you from coming here but regretfully this hasn't been a good experience for me. I'm going to trim my own frizzy hair at least I can only be mad at myself ! read more

I have been here twice and really enjoy everyone that works here. I was in a hair rut and went to see Windsor and put my trust in his hands and he did a great job. The second time I visited I met with Tim because i wanted a perm (seriously who gets perms anymore). Tim listened to my concerns about my hair and explained the entire perming process in detail. He broke down what chemicals did what and gave me the perfect loose wave perm. Essa Dora is great addition to Old Town! read more

I was so happy to find my old stylist and esthetician here after previously going to them for years at another location!! They are by far my favorite in downtown Chicago. Morgan is an amazing hairstylist, and I love what she does with my cuts and styles. Edita does a fantastic job waxing and shaping my brows, and I have seen her for Brazilian as well. I also recently met Jessi, who gave me highlights that have received numerous compliments. The entire staff at Essa Dora are friendly, helpful, and inviting. The atmosphere is relaxing and very zen. Super cute place, and I highly recommend their devices! read more

I love this place! I got my hair cut yesterday by Sam and color done today by Brittney! Couldn't have asked for a better experience and love my new color for fall! read more

Essa Dora Salon & Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been seeing Sabrina for haircuts for nearly a decade and John for color for more than that, so I was thrilled to start seeing them in this charming salon. Hair services here are top-notch, and the ambiance is great - friendly, relaxing but fun, and not at all snooty. I always look forward to my appointments at Essa Dora and always leave so happy about how I look and how I feel! read more

Essa Dora, and Sabrina in particular, was recommended to me by my former stylist (who I sadly how to leave in Oregon :(). Reviews of Essa Dora were great and the prices seemed reasonable, so I decided to book an appointment there. The salon is located in Old Town right on Wells, so very easy to find. It's very clean and bright. The ambiance is great. I was greeted when I arrived and offered coffee and a mimosa (which was great way to start off my Saturday morning!). Sabrina was very knowledgeable as I ran through all the issues with my hair and had several solutions for how to revamp it after all the heat and product I subject my hair to. I had a great scalp massage and had a hand treatment (warm towel and lotion) while my hair was being washed. The reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 (even though my experience was great) is the shock I received shock when I went to pay. During the initial consultation at the beginning of my appointment as I went through my hair concerns and needs, Sabrina said she'd apply Kerastase Fusio-Dose to help put moisture back in my hair since my ends were in such terrible shape. What I didn't know at the time was this conditioning treatment was an additional $30 charge on top of the price of the cut. I wasn't made aware of this at the time and and was under the impression it was one of the conditioners included in the price of my cut. I felt a little blindsided by the upcharge when I went to pay and had I known upfront it was extra, I would have declined. Additionally, if price is important to you, make sure to ask how much a cut is with the stylist you'll be seeing. The website states cuts start at $50 (which is reasonable) but mine was $95, which is $30 or so more than I was expecting to pay (I was hoping to stay around $65 or so). I had made the assumption that my last stylist's recommendations were in a similar price range (since I had asked her to keep it around there) so it's partly my fault for not asking and verifying price. Believe me when I say this: I had a GREAT experience at Essa Dora (a complimentary mimosa on Saturday? Yes, please). My hair feels great and Sabrina did a great job giving me the haircut I needed. I would recommend to others if the salon is within their price range. Unfortunately, I think prices (both online and when giving extra services) need to be more transparent so customers are aware of the cost and can adequately budget. read more

I have been coming to Essa Dora for almost 1.5 years and I really love it! Sabrina, the owner, is my stylist, and she is always a joy to see. From start to finish you get treated wonderful there (wine, coffee, tea, champagne, haircuts starting with an essential oil head and neck massage, hand treatment while your hair is being washed, etc.). I hadn't had any color or bleach in my hair for 6 years and decided I was tired of my natural hair color and wanted something a little different. Sabrina paired me with Mariah, who completed a consultation and later completed my fall ombré, and I love it! I've gotten nothing but compliments at how gradual and beautiful the ombré is! Sam did my blow out and style after the ombré, and was a joy to work with also. I highly recommend them all! read more

Essa Dora Salon & Spa - Cut by Sabrina, ombré by Mariah, and blow dry/style by Sam! Love it! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The wonderful women of Essa Dora came to my child's school to help us donate hair for cancer patient wigs. Sabrina cut 10 inches off and gave me an adorable style in its place. I love their work and really appreciate them donating their time for such a good cause! read more

Sam is amazing! I found Essa Dora on Yelp and decided to give it a try. I have now been going here for ~3 years. Priced appropriately and a great salon experience. Would absolutely recommend. When you walk in, the team immediately offers beverages and snacks. All of the staff is very nice. read more

Edita does an amazing job for facials and waxing! And I've been going to Morgan for my haircuts for over 5 years. This is a great salon with great products....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! read more

Essa Dora is a newer salon in Chicago with experienced stylists. I've only been here twice, but I've been seeing Morgan for over a year. When I found out she was here I had to go. The salon is cute and clean, plus the service is great! The stylists all seem to have a great relationship which definitely leads to a great atmosphere in the salon. read more

I met Sabrina & John prior to their new beginning at Essa Dora and I am SO excited that they ended up together again, they are true gems. There is an experience as soon as you enter the door and they are fun, funny and truly 'salt of the earth' people, everyone there is. My hair looks like a rock star and I truly feel taken care of. read more

i just had my hair ruined by a "master" stylist at this salon. It definitely makes a person feel unattractive when the hair cut is abysmal. Another wait for my hair to grow ~ and there is no place to hide. My stylist Ashley is clueless, and certainly not a "stylist". read more

The owner called me and apologized for what had happened. Gave me a full refund as well as a gift card to use at the salon for any service. I greatly appreciated her call and talking with her. She truly was sorry and felt terrible. read more

Worst men's haircut I've received in at least 5 years. I think it was her first time. Go elsewhere guys.

I was very happy with both the haircut and service I received from Sam the other day! I just moved to the city and have been having a hard time finding a stylist that is both affordable and trustworthy. I stumbled upon this salon while researching Yelp and I called and made an appointment for the same day. Sam was awesome! I asked for 4 inches to be cut off of my damaged hair. She gave me a great hair cut and blow dry. It cost $50 for both and I thought that was very reasonable! Especially compared to other salons in the city. I would definitely come back here! read more

I've been going to Sabrina, the owner, for over a decade. (Men's cut). Never underestimate the power of a phenomenal hair cut. Best you will find. Beautiful salon. I don't have to think abut a thing when I sit in the chair. Always feel truly taken care of. You know what they say...good shoes and a great haircut... read more

I happily followed John (color) and Sabrina (cut) to Essa Dora Salon. Its a great salon in a fantastic location, and I've already made several appointments at the salon. I highly recommend Essa Dora. read more

Best haircut of my life by the owner Sabrina. Sabrina's salon was recommended to me by a coworker and I was extremely nervous because I have thick long locks that every other stylist seems to butcher. I now have an amazing cut and a confidence boost to boot. All staff members are friendly and great at their craft. Edita did my nails and mixed a perfect pink color for me. Love Essa Dora--will be going back for a cut AND color. read more

I was a client at an Aveda location where many of the stylists came from. I have been with Edita for three years and she has done all my waxing and facials. She is great! Not only is she great at her work and very detailed when it comes to her eye brow waxes, she is kind and fun to talk to. I trusted her with all of my pre-wedding prep (waxes, facials) and continued seeing her since. When she moved from her previous location, I followed her to Essa Dora and love the new place. It is warm, boutique, clean, stylish but not over done or too pretentious. I now get my highlights done with Jon who is fabulous and has tons of experience and I get my hair cut by Windsor who is young in his career but I have been very happy with my cuts so far! Pricing is what you would pay for a nice spa salon in the Chicago area. Highly recommend trying out Essa Dora! read more

This review is for Windsor who recently left the salon - his cuts were the best! Does anyone know where he went? Please message me if so. Salon itself is great - nice atmosphere and high quality products. Am going to try another stylist but really liked Windsor! read more

Windsor was the best! Very clean and nice Salon. Everyone was very friendly. One of the only quality salons in old town.

Beautiful salon! Had the best facial from Edita, No-Chip Mani/Pedi from Stella and one of the best blow-drys from Windsor! Thank you all for making my mini day of beauty wonderful! read more

Love love love this little gem. What an amazing experience from the moment I walked in the door I felt I was important! I was greeted with a warm and welcoming smile and courteous attention to detail! The lovely owner (Sabrina) came out to meet me and welcome me to her Salon! Then I was introduced to my stylist (Ashley) who was so sweet and eager to please! Ashley took time to understand what I wanted done ( I hate my naturally frizzy hair) and then gave me an experience I will never forget. She consulted with me the entire time, making sure I got what I wanted and that I liked what she was doing. I walked out feeling fabulous, but was concerned I wouldn't be able to manage it when I got home! Surprised and delighted, I can finally manage my curly hair very easily. Many thanks to Ashley for the great cut and style, and to the Essa Dora staff for making me feel beautiful all day long! read more