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    Essence VIP

    4.0 (57 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

    By appointment only

    Services - Essence VIP

    Blowout

    Chemical treatment

    Color only

    5 More Services

    Haircut

    Cut and color

    Applying hair extensions

    Hair extension services

    Hair styling

    Essence VIP Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Essence VIP

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    Reviews With Photos

    Big chop haircut
    Oviri D.

    I had such a WONDERFUL experience my first time at Essence VIP. Cruz hooked me all the way up! I grew tired of my hair and wanted a change. I wasn't entirely sure where to go to get a big chop but coincidentally I found the salon. I called rather last minute to see if they had any availability and luckily for me they did. Cruz was such an amazing stylist! The entire experience was wonderful. Throughout the whole process he hyped me up and encouraged me that I made the right choice with my hair cut. When I tell you this man has vision! I was slightly apprehensive since I've had long hair my whole life. But he truly was able to see the the potential before I did. I walked out of the salon so confident and ready to take on the world. I'll be returning soon to get it colored. A few clients were in the salon getting color to their hair, and based on what I saw, I know I am in really good hands.

    Cicely B.

    This is late post, but still relevant, nonetheless. I have never liked salons. In the past, I was ALWAYS disappointed with the results every time I went to one. They kept trying to give me "high-end" style whenI am more of Bohemian, laid-back, and sassy. They kept giving me styles that didn't fit my personality. Back in 2019, when I went to Essence VIP, I was nervous. It was my first time And I am deaf. I had really short hair (I shaved my hair off completely and let it grow an inch before going to them) I told them what I wanted. They listened and communicated well with me. They GAVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED!!! They made me a platinum blond with texture. I posted pictures. I just love it so much. It was who I was. I got a lot of comments on my hair. The price was steep but WORTH EVERY PENNY OF IT!!!! I am stuck here in Washington D.C. for my graduate program, but I am coming back soon for my break. I am thinking about going back now I have a longer hair on the top....

    Before RIP
    Sophie F.

    I was visiting Chicago with some friends and went for a long run in the morning (currently training for a marathon). The humidity (I'm from Arizona aka the driest place in the world) and bouncing caused my hair to turn into a extremely matted/tangled DISASTER. After a bottle of conditioner and 2 friends trying to detangle it with little to ZERO progress... we realized we had to go to a salon. I was stressed and scared that we were going to have to cut it... We called Essence and they were able to get me in. Adrianne spent an hour brushing through my matted MESS. She never once suggested we cut it and was patient and made me feel comfortable. The team at Essence is professional, kind and hilarious. I'd trust them with my life lol. Thankful for y'all. I'll see you in October!!

    Another picture of my hair pre Herbert.

    TLDR; Herbert relaxed my hair without my permission. The owner dyed my mom's hair purple/green when she asked for grey. We were never offered refunds. I have naturally curly hair (see the first two pictures) that was relaxed for about 10 years of my life. In the last nine, I've made a decision to stop relaxing it. I get to the salon and I explain this Herbert. He seemingly understands. I have to wait a little bit (no biggie) because Herbert had clearly overbooked. There was another woman he was working on at the same time he worked on me. She was getting a relaxer touch up. Hebert goes and mixes her touch up and my scalp wellness (required) and deep conditioners. When he puts it my hair, I immediately recognize the smell of relaxer but assume it has to do with the other client. Anyway, he puts the gunk in my hair and puts me under the dryer for an hour. When I come out, he washes it (again I smell the chemicals). He does a fantastic job of cutting and straightening it. Honestly it was the straightest I've seen my hair. Flash forward to a week later, I washed my hair for the first time and the relaxer smell is so strong. I get out the shower and notice that my curl texture is gone. I mean to the point where some of my curls are dead straight. I call Herbert and he denies relaxing my hair. He tells me to come in and he'll do an Olaplex treatment. I come in. He does the treatment which takes hours and lies and says "look at those curls coming back". He offers to have me come back every week to do the same treatment free of charge. I decline because 1. The treatment didn't do anything: 2 I'm a lawyer and don't have hours of my life to give away and 3 I don't trust him. The second picture is how my hair looked after he "fixed it" As for the owner, she dyed my mom's hair and did a horrendous job. It came out purple and green. Instead of offering to fix it, she told my mom she looked good and charged over $300. I wasn't there or I would have fought it. Needless to say, we haven't gone back. I'm still in disbelief at how bad my hair looks every single day.

    My hair after. Sorry didn't take my before. Trust me. I look better.
    Njeri P.

    I love!! Terez and Hebert were awesome. I arrived early and Terez started me early. Great conversation and really transparent about how to take care of my hair. Terez's price are very affordable as well. My hair was dry and I mean really dry. There was no judgement, just advice. Hebert did a great job with the wash and with flat-ironing my hair. I've been to other salons where it has taken a long time to straighten my hair, he did it in no time. His 32-years of experience shined! Terez made sure to let me know how much she was going to trim my hair before she did it and gave me some good tips for styling my hair. I definitely will be coming back and I would totally recommend coming here. They are fast, efficient, knowledgeable, and kind. It's easy to have a horrible hair experience. I'm so glad I found Essence VIP!

    Curly hair
    Jewell G.

    I love this a Salon. Terez is a master stylist and I don't care what picture I go in Essence with...she can make it happen. She is professional, and since COVID she has taken EXTRA care to ensure her clients are comfortable by employing strict standards and safety practices!

    Rip Shara J.

    I had sores in my head after I left. I requested to have my color in the front retouched as it had been six months since I had my color done at my original salon which was at the time that I made my appt booked until Sept. I have never had a stylist wash my hair first to color my hair NEVER especially when bleaching. The color as you see is in splotches because the first time yes the first time the color was put on she didn't cover with foil after application and it wasn't changing also did not part my hair seeing that I only wanted the perimeter of my hair colored so where it should've been parted it bleeds into my hair. I'm so frustrated because I have to have my hair looking discolored like this until I can safely have it retouched. I've read the other reviews of people who say they've been going there for years even people who have similar hair color I don't know if the stylists that work based on those reviews don't work there anymore or what but this right here is not right.

    When it air dries, my hair is flawless, moisturized, healthy and curls softly. Every gal's dream for a relaxer!
    Melissa H.

    One word: YESSSSS!!!!! Moving to a new city as a woman of color with bi-racial crazy curls is probably everyone's worst fear. Why? You have to find a NEW hairstylist all over again. If you're anything like me, you've gone to the same stylist for over a decade so switching sounded like a nightmare. After visiting a few other subpar salons in Chicago after moving here two years ago, I called Essence VIP in a panic. Calm, collected, and kind Terez picked up and I knew I had found my new spot. Not only is Terez a staunch professional who values her clients satisfaction above all, but she works magic with my hair. I've been getting an Affirm relaxer for years, and those are not easy to do. They require serious technical expertise, understanding of hair, and more. You can't just go to anyone. On top of that, a bad dye job made my hair dryer than ever before and I was loosing my curl pattern. The moment I went to Terez, I had no more fears. She's a master. There was ONE time I didn't feel as though my relaxer made my hair as "smooth" as usual (usually a result of not leaving it on quite long enough or using a different brand of relaxer than you are used to) and she re-did it with the right amount of weeks in between to keep my hair safe at no cost. It's back to being flawless again! Ever since my first trip to Essence VIP, I have vowed to never go anywhere else! Terez's salon is always clean, she works efficiently to make sure you start at the time of your appointment and you are done in a timely manner, and her assistants are conversational and masterful as well. She is a great listener (so you know your hair will come out just how you like), knowledgeable, professional, and works wonders on your hair. She even does a "scalp wellness" treatment that makes all of the difference. I have never had healthier, more beautiful hair and I cannot recommend Terez and Essence VIP enough!!!!! Take it from me and make an appointment. You will not be disappointed!!!! She has also taken extra serious precautions for COVID to keep her clients safe and the areas entirely sanitized. See my attached photo. You'd never believe I have 3c, black and Italian bi-racial crazy hair!

    Hair pressed in 2019 and hair colored and pressed in 2018
    Alex R.

    I've gotten my hair straightened twice and colored. I really like their thoroughness and attention to the customers hair. The stylist are always professional and easy to talk to. Great place if you're looking for a black salon on the northside.

    Fresh 'do
    Brigitte W.

    I usually rock my curls natural so I only visit the salon once or twice a year for a trim and a blowout when my ends get really raggedy. I got bored on a Saturday, and desperately needed a trim so I called Terez and asked for a same day appointment. She was actually able to squeeze me into her schedule and hooked me up! Although she was really busy, I asked her to give me partial highlights in addition to a deep conditioner, blowout and trim and she was sweet enough to make it happen despite having a full salon. She did the balayage technique on half of my hair and gave me these ashy blonde highlights that looked so good and way more subtle than I expected - sometimes blonde can be hard to pull off. I also appreciated that she's not scissor happy like many stylists. I told her I was trying to grow out my hair and she only trimmed off maybe an inch when she could have took off at least three (my ends were that bad). She straightened and bumped my hair, and even gave me some tips on how to care for my hair when it's natural to avoid having it dry out and frizz up. She was so sweet and humble, and very gentle with my hair the entire time. Her staff is also very good - Adrienne and Devonte I think - they all have a playful relationship and make you feel at home in the shop. I think her prices are more than fair, especially for the caliber of work she produces. I look forward to going back for another deep treatment and seeing how she can help style my curly hair soon.

    The front of my cut
    Jenieke A.

    Terez and her staff are simply amazing!!! I first scheduled a consultation with her because I have been struggling with my dry, natural hair with the Chicago weather. As a LA transplant, I didn't know where I could go to get my hair back into shape. Terez was so patient and listened to my concerns. I am very active and exercise daily, so my hair was being bombarded with sweat and salt. She was compassionate and very honest letting me know that a relaxer would be the best way to maintain my style without further damaging my hair with constant high heat. She also addressed my premature grey hair and suggested using it to my advantage to highlight my dark hair. Finally, the short haircut I opted for came out sooo beautiful!! Terez took her time and shaped the haircut for my face. I also like all of the precautions she has taken to safely administer her services during COVID-19. She and her staff were wearing masks, did not seat clients next to each other and all seats or items touched by anyone was sprayed and disinfected for the next person to use. She and her staff are so pleasant, friendly and such a joy to laugh with!!! The ambience is great and I love the African motif in the shop. I love my haircut and get compliments everyday! I even referred a friend to Terez who also did an amazing dye job. I have finally found my hair salon for the duration of my stay in Chicago!!!! If you are in search of a professional, honest, creative and kind stylist, book an appointment here TODAY!!!!

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    4 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I've been gone for a while, but prices are wayyyy too high. 125 dollars for a perm come on

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    I'm obsessed with my hair after my keratin treatment with Terez yesterday !! I'll definitely be back :)

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I am so glad I found this shop. The stylists are excellent and they really take their time with your hair. I highly recommend this salon.

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    12 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Essence VIP

    How much for a keratin treatment on short pixie hair style?

    What kind of hair extension services do you offer? How much do they cost?

    I have over processed hair... salt and pepper, it's falling out 🤦🏽‍♀️so I want a short manageable cut. Do you do cut, highlighting and maybe textures?

    Do you have anyone specializing in dreadlock maintenance retwist?

    Does anyone at the salon do short sew ins (meaning my hair is long but I want a sew in with a short cut)?

    I see y'all do a lot of relaxed hair but is there anyone who specializes in natural hair care ? If so how much for a wash and go with a cut?

    Hi! Do you do dry curly cuts?

    I've heard so many great things about all the stylists. Which one specializes in relaxed hair?

    Does anyone know if this salon does sew ins?

    Do you specialize in natural hair and natural hair cuts?

    Does anyone know if this salon does box braids and if so, do you have a price estimate?

    Does this shop do dreadlocks or dreadlock extensions?

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Essence VIP

    Herbert took great care of me, and he is a VERY charming, sweet, knowledgeable person.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Lira Guzi Salon - Blonde highlights by Lira

    Lira Guzi Salon

    4.5(182 reviews)
    2.4 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    Luxury

    I cannot say enough good things about Lira Hair Salon. I came in after a disastrous visit to a…read moreso‑called "blonde specialist" who completely ruined my hair while trying to take me from brunette to blonde. My hair was damaged, uneven, and honestly I was scared to try again. Lira changed everything. She not only helped me achieve the blonde I originally wanted, but she did it in a way that protected my hair and brought it back to life. My color looks beautiful, natural, and exactly how I envisioned it. Even better--my hair is actually growing back and feeling healthy again. Lira is truly a master of her craft. She listens, she cares, and she knows exactly what she's doing. If you're thinking about going blonde or need someone to fix a color gone wrong, she's the one you want in your corner. Absolutely worth every visit.

    First I will start with what was good…read more 1. The dye job ended up beautiful. I came in with pretty unclear instructions and reference photos and both the stylist and the owner were able to figure out what fit my needs. This seems to be a huge strength here. 2. They were able to fit me in last minute. What was bad 1. The total time listed online was 1.45 hours, the service ended up taking 2.45 hours. I have been to many salons and never had my hair take that long, especially when I was getting all over color and a blowout (no haircut). Perhaps this was due to me booking last minute. However, the website booking made it look wide open and I think it is the responsibility of the salon to accurately represent their booking capability. I would not have booked with them had I known what experience was to follow. 2. The salon overall seemed overbooked and people were bouncing around. Three different people worked on my hair. Personally, I really didn't like this set up. I like to build a relationship with my stylist and this hectic atmosphere was not synonymous with that 3. The blowout I had was so uncomfortable. The rollers were tangled up in my hair and I could feel it ripping out as the stylist took them out. I have never have a blowout be so painful. My hair had so many split ends after I looked in the mirror at home. 4. My hair fell the moment I stepped outside. Granted it was a windy day, but my hair doesn't typically fall that fast. I think this may have been due to the stylist rushing at the end. On one hand I'm glad she did because I had been sitting alone for quite some time, but on the other hand I paid for essentially nothing. My old stylist back home (moved cross country) had no problem giving me a blowout that lasted at least a few hours. Even on windy days. 5. At one point the owner took my stylist in the back and seemed to be scolding her. This is never something a new client wants to see. I immediately felt anxious that something had gone wrong with my hair color. It ended up great but tbh experience was awkward and handled strangely in my opinion. 6. Finally. The price came out to $260 for all over color and a blowout. I wouldn't mind this price if it wasn't for the lackluster experience. Hair salons are charging luxury prices without offering luxury experiences. The pricing structure is also strange. They charge $60 extra for toner but I have never had a color job that didn't need toner to look good. It feels strange to not include it all together. The toner charge was added after which was a surprise because toner has always been included in the price. To be clear, the website did ask if I wanted to add toner for $60. I thought that was for someone coming in looking just to tone and not add more color. Perhaps this was my mistake but I found the whole pricing structure strange. A few other things to note: water was offered but never given and they only accept cash/zelle/venmo tips. Overall this salon was not a fit for me. A lot of this is subjective preference but I think it's important that people understand what environment they are paying for when they sign up to spend hundreds. That being said, the color was beautiful and I am grateful for that.

    Photos
    Lira Guzi Salon
    Lira Guzi Salon - Baby Highlights by Lira

    Baby Highlights by Lira

    Lira Guzi Salon - Baby highlights with haircut and style by Lira

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    Baby highlights with haircut and style by Lira

    Essence VIP - blowoutservices - Updated May 2026

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