I am sooooooooo glad I found Essence VIP salon on Yelp!!! After looking for a salon in Lincoln Park that specializes in ethnic hair and after reading the GREAT Yelp reviews, I called Terez and was able to get my mom in for a haircut, blow dry & flat iron that same evening. FYI...There is metered street parking in front and in the immediate area. The salon is small, yet comfortable and clean. It is decorated with African inspired wall art and accessories. Terez is the owner and has an assistant, Adrienne. Both women were very welcoming, friendly and professional. My mom has natural above shoulder length colored treated hair. She was in desperate need for a haircut! Mom is VERY particular, asked LOTS of questions and even challenged some of Terez's suggestions. Let me just state that Terez is VERY patient AND she listens AND she allows the client to speak AND she knows her craft. After all was said and done, my mom LOVED her haircut & style. She was happy, so as a result, I was ecstatic! Adrienne did an EXCELLENT job blow drying my mom's hair and Terez did a FANTASTIC job with the cut, flat iron & style. After walking into Essence VIP anxious and tense, my mom walked out relaxed AND glowing!!! After seeing what Terez and Adrienne did for my mom, I decided to make an appointment for a hair cut for myself. Let me just say that I couldn't be happier! My hair is almost waist long (when straightened) and naturally VERY curly. I do not have any chemicals in my hair. I received a VERY thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment. I also took advantage of the wellness treatment, which was a nice addition. I usually just have my hair cut curly to avoid the long time involved in straightening it first. But, Terez stated she wanted to give me a precise cut and to do that, my hair needed to be straightened. Although I initially just wanted a quick cut and hoped she would cut it curly, I trusted Terez, so I agreed to have it straightened. Well, Adrienne does magic with the blow dryer!!! She has EXCELLENT skills that involved using the right amount of product, appropriate heat and proper techniques to truly straighten my hair while being gentle and leaving my hair with shine. She didn't burn my scalp, smoke wasn't coming from my hair, my hair wasn't being pulled, my hair didn't snap, my head wasn't being yanked back & forth and my hair was neither dry or frizzy. Terez then cut my hair and flat ironed it. When she finished, it was sooooo silky straight AND even. I absolutely LOVED it!!! My hair usually only stays straight for a few days before it starts to wave up and get frizzy. Then I either have to flat iron it or wash it and go back to wearing it curly. Well, it's been 11 days and my hair is still silky straight! I had to run the flat iron through my hair just 1 time in 11 days! The only thing I've done to my hair is put some emu oil on my scalp and ends. I have never in my life gone this long without washing my hair, but it does not look, smell or feel dirty. This is a big change from my normal routine because I usually wash my hair daily or every other day when I wear it curly. But now, I actually dread having to wash my hair and go back to wearing it curly because I love it straight AND it's such low maintenance. The key to getting my curly hair silky straight is product, a proper blow dry technique and flat iron to seal the deal! My mom and I will definitely return to Essence VIP! This is a much needed professional salon in Lincoln Park that specializes ethnic hair. I am sooooo glad I no longer have to search to try and find the 1 stylist (often there's no one) in a professional salon located in the Lincoln Park area that is knowledgeable and skilled with ethnic hair. If you are looking for a stylist that is professional, knowledgable, listens, provides great customer service and is reasonably priced, go to or call Terez at Essence VIP in Lincoln Park. You will not be disappointed!!! read more

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.

Overpriced for the same service you can get at other salons. The salon also uses Marcel irons (the hot curling irons that go directly on the stove). Beware if you are concerned with using too much heat on your hair. The products there are good, but you can get the same quality products someplace like Huetiful with less damaging heat being applied to your hair and for a more reasonable price. I do not recommend. *Note: I was charged far more than the price I was told over the phone. Often salons will mention "you have to pay more for a high quality product/experience". Huetiful charges less with a healthier result. **The beautician is very nice, so you will have a pleasant experience. Just be aware of the amount of heat and pricing. I would have felt better knowing this information prior to going to the salon. read more

I held off writing his review for about a month to see if my haircut would grow on me. It's hasn't but my overall experience at the salon was great! Great price points! For me I came in with some breakage to the back of my hair and in need of a good trim. I ended up losing about 4-5 inches of length which although not ideal, I can live with. My issue is just with the cut which is much too blunt for my everyday hairstyle (which I typically just wear blow dried with no flat iron). My hair typically looks thinner after a relaxer so it was cut to add movement and give appearance of fullness but now it's too full unless I flat iron. Nevertheless, the salon does an awesome job and uses great products. Strongly recommend for anyone looking for a new salon to try! read more

I stopped in today at the last minute because the rain destroyed my hair and I had a job interview this afternoon. I am absolutely blown away by the excellent service I experienced this morning, especially considering that I felt so guilty I hadn't scheduled an appointment ahead of time. Herbert took great care of me, and he is a VERY charming, sweet, knowledgeable person. My boyfriend and I recently moved to the city, so between the stress of the job interview and finding a new salon, I'm glad I was able to knock out two birds with one stone today. I found this salon on Yelp and I am GRATEFUL I did. Herbert gave my hair LIFE, and for people like me who are not talented at all in the hair care department, he has tons of pearls of wisdom to bestow upon you. Anybody who wants to put their hair in good hands, and feel confident that you will get the attention (and education) you need, will call this salon and schedule an appointment immediately. read more

I have been on a search high and low for a reliable stylist who knows how to handle short processed hair. I found it here at Essence VIP. Terez is professional, helpful and welcoming. I described what I wanted and she definitely delivered! Excited because three weeks later my cut is still looking phenomenal! Time to make another appointment. I know, I have finally found the stylist I have been searching for! read more

I'm from LA and have curly hair I like blown straight. In Chicago for a month and thank God I found VIPEssence. They are excellent! My hair feels so good, looks so healthy and I feel ready for the runway. Don't think twice about coming here! Very nice people! Thank you!! read more

Very good service. Nice location and Teraz is very consultative. Main goal is always to keep hair healthy. read more

Wow! I look fabulous thanks to Terez. I've been looking for a hairstylist who can both style and provide holistic hair care for black women with natural hair I found her and her name is Terez. Terez is not only a great holistic hair stylist but she's professional, extremely knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. The salon offers full services for all types of hair and hair styles (natural, relax, weaves, braids,etc.). The staff is also professional which is a testament to how Terez runs her shop. She has 2 locations - one in Chicago and the other in Gurnee, IL I live in Schaumburg so it was easier for me to go to Gurnee. It was a little far but definitely worth the drive. I am fully satisified and have a cut that will look good both straight and natural. She has a long time customer now. I highly recommend her. read more

I went to the shop yesterday & came out looking like a new person. The haircut is fabulous & I love it!! The employees are talented, take their time with your hair & consistently deliver great service. read more

Never again will I come back here! When I first arrived, I was seated in the back shampoo station area and asked wha services I wanted. I explained that I wanted a blow-out and press. I was then told I must get a "treatment." I asked what the treatment was. Adrian stated that it helps to eliminate build-up. I stated that I wasn't sure if I wanted one. And was about to ask how much additional it would cost when she then cut me off and stated "well what do you want done?" I sensed a bad attitude/snappy tone from her at this moment, as she seemed irritated that I questioned her (I have every right to as a paying consumer). I later agreed to get the treatment since she made it seem as if they could not style my hair without it. Honestly to me this seems to be something they push on you for extra money and for a longer wait time while they style others quicker as you wait. Fast forwarding....as I waited be blow-dried, I noticed a few thing that are concerning: -Disorganization: the salon doesn't seem very organized. I kept being told to get up and sit back down because the stylists couldn't figure out who was to be serviced next. Professionalism: I noticed that the guy washing hair as well as Terez were eating ( chips, fries,etc.)while styling hair which I find to be unsanitary. I was extremely disappointed in Terez when she asked me why I decided to go natural (I have been natural for a few years and found out that I was allergic to certain chemicals in relaxers about 2 years ago). Once I told her why I was natural ( a personal decision), she told me that " I think you should get a relaxer because you can only wear your hair in an afro. Also, if you work in corporate and want to move up the ladder, straight hair is what "they" look for." I was very offended by her ignorance. I responded "if a company would discriminate against me for my natural hair texture and what God gave me, that is not a company I would like to work for" she then stated " they'll discriminate against you just because you're black" I seriously felt like walking out at that moment. I did not come in to be insulted. The only reason why I didn't respond any further is because a young child was seated across me and I did not wish to cause a disturbance. She insinuated "they" as in white people and was basically saying that the only way I will move up is by relaxing my hair. Excuse me, but who are you to tell me how to wear my hair?That ignorant attitude is why I am proudly natural! Many black women who I have met personally are ashamed of their natural texture which shows a lack of self-esteem. I will not get a relaxer just because you or anyone has an issue with how God made me! You know absolutely nothing about my professional background and what I have accomplished (ALL WITH MY NATURAL HAIR). I felt that she felt that she could talk to me that way because I am younger (many older black women have this type of attitude where they act as if they are your mother and are always trying to "school" you on matters that shouldn't concern them). I have surpassed other women (with weaves and relaxers in the corporate sector. My hair texture has not stopped me from "moving up" in life. I felt ridiculed by Terez. I will never come back here again! She seems condescending and uneducated. I also don't like that she cut sooo much of my hair without telling me. I was told that I would be getting a trim, but she cut my hair in short layers. I avoid salons due to the elitist attitude that many stylists have. I noticed that black stylists are mainly unprofessional, uneducated, and have bad attitudes. My experience here was no different. read more

Horrible. I had purchased a groupon. The Groupon was for a cut, highlights and condition. When I arrived to my appointment (which was confirmed by her via text the night before) she acted like she didn't know I made an appointment. Then stated my name and said she remembered. Once seated (15 mins past appointment time), I was told it would be an additional $50 for "color", that "highlights" only means stripping my hair of color, if I wanted red highlights I would have to pay extra for color. I have NEVER heard of this before. I have been getting my highlights for years and no one has ever charged additional for "colored" highlights. When I mentioned this she said that if I look at the Groupon it doesn't state that color is included! Once I agreed she proceeded to tell me she probably doesn't even have enough color for my hair. I also want to mention before seating me she took a call confirming someone's appointment, who happened to walk in as I was being told she did not have enough color. So basically she double booked me and then gave me a reason not to proceed. Very unprofessional. Needless to say, I returned my Groupon. read more

Essence VIP - This is my hair...."waist long"...I don't think so Ms. T. - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was very disappointed with Herbert. Upon calling the salon I was told by the owner to text Herbert for an appointment. Appointment was made for 6 AM and I accepted. I was on time; he was not. He arrived after I sent a text message saying I was there and waiting. He said he wasn't far and would be right there. Upon arrival he did an average job, yet spoke to me about having natural hair, and how I should get rid of the weave. I made another appointment 3 months later, considering he should be the one to tighten the weave, and giving him the benefit of the doubt. The text I sent explained what needed to be done and what I was requesting. In addition, the appointment request was made a couple of weeks in advance. This appointment was made for 10 AM. I arrived on time and Herbert was with another client. He asked what I needed and I said tightening, yet from the look on his face I knew he wasn't prepared. I should have walked out then. Instead, he placed his other client under the dryer and takes me in his chair, and literally tightens two areas of my weave. Until I pointed out another area he then proceeded to do that area too. Took the robe off and said that's it. He didn't charge me, (sat in the chair for 10 minutes). I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. I'm sure now he didn't even remember my appointment, and also just doesn't want to do weaves.Truly, very unprofessional. Why accept appointments you can't keep? Why talk about the service you are giving a client if you truly believe this is something they shouldn't have? I did send a text later that afternoon stating my disappointment. His exact text message response: "I apologize 4 MAKING u feel like that please let me make it better 4u." I gave a nice text response back - no thank you - yet thinking I would be a fool to go back to him for service. I feel I should write this review in case anyone else is thinking to go for a hair weave to Essence VIP. Don't do it! Your hard earned money should be spent with someone who excels in timely customer service and enjoys the process of doing weaves. read more

Was looking for a hair salon that could work on black hair but also do color. I wanted a professional to do my hair so that I wouldn't have any mishaps or hair disasters. I googled and the first shop to show up was essence vip. I decided to give them a chance and I'm so glad I did. It took a few hours to get the color I wanted but it was well worth it. They shampooed me to strip my hair so the bleach could stick. The shampoo smelled really good and so did all the other products they used in my hair. Then they did a hot oil treatment which didn't burn. Then dried it and bleached it. Then after letting it set we washed again and dried to move on to the coloring. After the coloring I sat under the steamer for a few minutes. Then we washed again and dried. Then Terez flat ironed it into a curly masterpiece. Once again I am very thank for the service and how healthy and smooth my hair feels. It's amazing. Would absolutely recommend to my friends, family and anyone reading this review. read more

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I called Terez and she fit me in for a touch up relaxer right away. She was very thorough, kind, and did an incredible job. Very reasonably priced and the salon was very comfortable. She went above and beyond. I will definitely be back. read more

Paid close to $100 highlights and couldn't tell a difference. Went back in and they wanted another almost $200 to do what I had asked for (which I've gotten for years for $80 at my old salon). My hair is already a natural very light blonde, so highlights are ridiculously easy to put in my hair. Botched my haircut as well. Didn't pay any attention to my layers, just cut all of the longer ones off to match the top one. Now it just looks like a giant chunk of hair floating halfway up my head. Horrible. Would absolutely not recommend to anyone, regardless of how nice the people were, which they were. I'm too nice to demand a refund, so I'm just going to have to pay another $100 somewhere else to get it redone. Not much makes me genuinely angry, but this most definitely has. read more