Bait-and-Switch Pricing: $190+ Advertised, $680+ Quoted In-Person I had an extremely disappointing experience at Gold Coast Salon that I believe constitutes deceptive business practices. What I Booked: I'm new to Chicago and found Gold Coast Salon through Google, where they're listed as a "relaxed salon" with quality work. Their website clearly advertised full babylights starting at $190+. I booked an appointment with Ashlee on 5/15 and paid a $95 deposit. She immediately requested photos of my current hair and my desired results, which I provided (see attached photos). What Happened: I arrived early to my appointment on 5/29. After examining my hair, Ashlee quoted me $680-$700 for the service without blow dry or cut. This was over 3.5 times the advertised price. I understood the "$190+" meant the price could vary, but in what world does a jump to $700 make sense? That's not a reasonable variation, it's egregious and deceptive. I came prepared for the price to be higher than the base rate, but this kind of markup is completely unreasonable for babylights on already blonde, shoulder-length fine hair. When I expressed that my budget was $300-$400, she offered to "see what she could make work." She returned with a scaled-down option: face-framing highlights and a few babylights for around $390. During this back-and-forth, she claimed the high price was due to this being a "full color correction." Look at my photos. I'm already blonde. This is clearly not a color correction situation. When I pushed back on the pricing, Ashlee condescendingly told me that this cost might not be in my "beauty budget" but it is in a lot of her other clients' budgets. This comment was not only rude and dismissive, but completely missed the point: this isn't about affordability, it's about being misled by advertised pricing. The Unacceptable Resolution: Realizing I couldn't trust her judgment or spend hours in this uncomfortable situation, I requested to simply use my $95 deposit toward a trim and leave. She refused, insisting I could only receive the service I originally booked or be charged the full amount. I left without services and with my deposit held hostage. The Issue: This is textbook bait-and-switch advertising. Advertising services at $190+ and then quoting nearly $700 in person with no transparency about pricing factors beforehand is deceptive and potentially illegal. Their own booking policy states deposits "will be applied towards your services," yet they refused to honor this for an alternative service despite their egregious pricing discrepancy. I am pursuing this matter through my credit card company and appropriate consumer protection channels. Do not book here if you value transparent pricing and honest business practices. read more

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As a flight attendant, sometimes I am looking for a haircut in a foreign country. i was super lucky to stubble across Gold Coast salon. the decoration was beautiful and even more the warm welcome, with a smile, a cup of coffee and a small talk about what haircut i wanted. Tatiana, the hair stylist gave me one of the very best haircuts i ever had in my 59 years . Clean, professional, with attention to detail, kind and with a passion for her work. I saw that the other ladies were very well taken care of. There was no hidden surprise with the price either. I was asked the exact amount that was advertised on their site. Can't wait to go back. read more

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I have been going here for almost 3 years now and cannot recommend it enough. Ina is the absolute best. She always goes above and beyond and is one of the sweetest people ever. My hair has gotten so much healthier since seeing her, and I always walk out of my appointments incredibly happy with the results. I have very curly hair that I dye blonde, so I am always nervous about getting my hair done at a new place, but have had the most positive experience since moving to Chicago and going here. If you live in the area, I would highly recommend giving it a try read more

Ashlee was wonderful and gave me a precise and high quality cut. She spent time with me, listened and gave me exactly what I asked for. I can't recommend her highly enough! read more

Where do I even begin?! Amanda saved my hair!! I am naturally a dark brunette but have fried my hair by going platinum blonde for 5+ years and not taking proper care of my bonded extensions. I came in and my hair was nothing short of a hot mess. Amanda couldn't have been more patient taking 2+ hours to remove my matted extensions, carefully consulting with me regarding pictures I eventually wanted to look like again. She gave me me 2 amazing treatments that were desperately needed for my scalp and integrity of my hair and educated me on how to properly take care of my hair. She gave me her personal number to text any time with questions. She really could not have been more professional. The salon is absolutely gorgeous and intimate. The manager took 30 minutes of her time to take pictures of my new cut & treatments. The salon and Amanda have a customer for life. Overall a really amazing experience. Do not hesitate coming here, your hair will be in good hands! read more

Gold Coast Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I found Ashlee in November 2023 when my blonde hair was in dire need of help with color and extensions. Ashlee helped me determine what extensions were best for my goals and hair - we decided on both hand tie wefts and some K tips. My blonde color never looked so bright. Friends have said that this is the best my hair has looked in years. Thank you for continuing to take such good care of my hair, Ashlee! read more

I love this place! I will definitely be coming back. It is beautifully decorated and I was treated well from the moment I opened the door to the moment I left. Tatiana, my stylist, did the best thing a hair stylist can do - she told me my hair couldn't pull off what I wanted! Now instead of feeling like I made an expensive mistake, I'm so happy with how it looks. They all did a great job of offering extra services or products they thought I might like without being pushy at all. Highly recommend! read more

I hate leaving bad reviews especially for hair salons but I had such an odd experience. I went in to get an ashy cool brown balayage with Milena, and wanted to get my curtain bangs into money pieces in the front. What I left with was a warm chocolate balayage with no money pieces in the front. **I want to preface this by saying my hair DOES NOT look bad - but it doesn't look how I wanted.** Throughout the duration of my dye, I was nervous because regardless of me communicating with my stylist I had previous color on my hair, she did not test strand me, and instead bleached my hair until it became a level 9 - and cooled it until it looked ashy blonde when wet. I had told her many times that I really did not want blonde because I had done this before and it looked awful on me. After comparing with placing my hair on the photo I showed her, it was pretty obvious that the hair was much lighter than I had anticipated and I asked to have it darkened to the color I showed. The stylist informed me it was the correct color and it would be an additional charge to make it darker. I ended up deciding that that would make more sense to do since I had no intention of the color being this light. After she darkened me, it was super warm, which still looked nice but was by no means what I asked for. She also said she wouldn't charge me for the toner because I was visibly upset, and eventually did anyway. I wanted to get out of the salon as soon as possible so I asked for a quick blow dry so it would be partially dry so I could get home comfortably. So that's what we did. In the end she charged me for a blow dry and style (did not style my hair), three rounds of toner (the first being her showing me a color she liked - not me asking for this, the second being an ashy blonde, and the third being warm) and my cut and extra bowls of bleach. I'm pretty upset with how my hair looks because there's unevenness, random much larger dyed pieces and no front face frames. I don't think I will be going to this salon again, but Milena was very considerate in trying to fix me up as much as possible, I just don't think things were communicated well and I'm not sure how I could have fixed that. My hair is so incredibly damaged from the bleaching and incessant toning but I think with some TLC it will look healthy again. I'm sorry for the negative review, but I do appreciate you trying your best. (Service 360 plus 80 tip for stylist 20 tip for assistant) read more

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Absolutely AMAZING service. I got a short bob with curtain bangs and Tetiana was so sweet and wonderful in working with me on exactly what I wanted and made me feel good! read more

Super cute little salon! Great location for me as I live in the Gold Coast. Came here for a blow out and received an amazing one by Candice ! What really stands out here was the service provided by Candice and the owner marking me feel so welcomed. Candice offered me coffee or water upon starting my service. I was very excited when she told me they have a nespresso machine!! She even presented the coffee on a plate with a cookie. I guess I'm a sucker for the nice little touches like this. Candice was very thorough with my blow out and very concerned withh using a proper technique to provide silky healthy hair. I left feeling refreshed with beautiful bouncy hair. Highly recommend Candice and this beautiful salon! read more

Gold Coast Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Julie (Julie the stylist) is amazing! I have had my hair cut by her multiple times, and she's the only hairstylist I trust in Chicago. She takes her time and makes sure you are happy with the style. I also had my hair colored by her and am incredibly happy with the result! I only go to her now for hair cuts and color and try to book ahead of time since she's in high demand! read more

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About two weeks ago I walked in for an impromptu appointment because my curly hair had been cut into a stringy shag months ago and it definitely needed a trim or at least a reshaping. Milena had just had a last minute cancelation because her client called in not feeling well so she had time for a brief consultation and cut. I hate losing length but Milena suggested we cut a full inch because my ends were stringy so I did agree to a half inch and she shampooed my hair with this incredibly wonderful smelling luxury shampoo, conditioned me and lead me to her station. She obviously has a good skill set with curly, wavy and frizzy hair like mine; without hesitation I do recommend Milena for all the women who have natural curl to their hair! She asked me how I'd like my hair styled and since I always see it curly I suggested we straighten it but with body. She proceeded to blow dry my hair slowly and sectioning it while using a good round brush. She then used her scissors a second time for subtle face framing layers to go with the rest of the cut. She did suggest I grow out my baby mini fringe which I cut myself and I fully agreed with her because I'm getting tired of looking at baby fringe all the time and I'm ready for a new look. I definitely want these bangs longer most likely for some wavy curtain fringe down the road. The only thing I didn't Iike though is the style I walked out the door with because it definitely fell apart an hour later from the humidity on the street so I'm done asking for a straight, wavy look because my hair is so disobedient and it's a waste of time trying to tame it. I want to wait till my fringe gets much longer before returning for another cut because my hair is extremely healthy and I don't use heat tools on it nor do I color it. This salon is absolutely stunning and they have wonderful high end products for your hair. I highly recommend but I'm going to hold off on another cut for a while because I prefer wearing my hair long and I don't want a lob. In summary beautiful salon and the women working here really know what they're doing. read more

Gold Coast Salon - This is how my hair looks now worn curly it will grow out nicely - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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With only a few days to go before my rehearsal dinner downtown, I realized that I wanted to have my hair blown out. The reviews here looked good, so I went ahead and booked an appointment. The salon is elegant without being stuffy. It is small but doesn't feel too crowded either. From the beginning, they offered me sparkling water, which I happily accepted and drank quickly (I am addicted to sparkling water/seltzer!). I wish the woman who shampooed my hair was a bit gentler, though she was nice enough. There was just a lot of tugging, and I think the conditioner could have been better at detangling. Nick did an awesome job with my blowout. He listened to my ideas and gave suggestions, since I certainly wanted his expertise. He is meticulous and very calm and low-key (in a good way). My mom wasn't getting her hair done there but wanted to hang out anyway, and they were accommodating! I think she and I would both return. read more

I was recommended by a friend to get my hair done with Milena. I took a chance with a new hair stylist right before my birthday. And she exceeded my expectations! She listened to what I wanted, made me feel very relaxed and I was SO happy with the outcome. Milena is super sweet and very talented. She is officially my new hair stylist! The salon was also so cute and had great music playing the whole time. read more

I had my hair done here roughly a month ago now, chose to write my review a little later in hopes that my opinion would change. I went in to freshen up some highlights and take the brass tone out. Upon consultation my stylist convinced me that i needed balayage to achieve what i wanted, so i said that was fine. Half way through foiling my hair she said it would be an additional fee to tone the rest of the hair that was not in foils? She also said it would be another additional fee for another toner that apparently i needed? When being brought back to the chair after everything was done, i determined the color was too ash for my liking so she tried to fix it, which the made it too bronze, on the third try i felt like the color was more to my liking. I did also have to pay an additional fee for a root smudge, which from my understanding is basically included in the balayage technique from the ones I've had in the past so i was a little confused there. I would have been okay and not written a review if i walked out of the salon after 5 hours and $500 later if i felt more satisfied, but i know with the results that i have, i will have to maintain this look more than i intended to because of how my roots look. I included a picture to illustrate that even after all the correcting and with getting a "balayage" and "root smudge", im left with what looks like grown out highlights IMO. I will say, the place is easy to locate and well kept. In conclusion, i won't be returning to this salon, sorry for the wordy review! EDIT: management here was very kind and concerned and made time to fix my hair. Everyone was so sweet, their customer service was great and i feel much happier with my results! read more

Gold Coast Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

In addition to haircuts, I worked with Gold Coast Salon for my wedding hair and makeup trial and day-of services. We had the most perfect and magical day! All of my ladies and I just adored Milena, Amanda, Ashlee, and Sobrino! Not only was everyone thrilled with their hair and makeup (everyone kept saying that was the best they've ever looked and felt), but the positive energy and happy vibes that we all shared was the perfect way to kick off our big day! Everyone had so much fun and the morning was filled with laughter and smiles. THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!!! read more

Ashlee did an amazing job! My balayage looks amazing and she listened to all of my coloring ideas and killed the look I was going for! I will be going back to see her soon for my touch up. :) Highly recommend Gold Coast Salon and see Ashlee! read more

i went to Gold Coast for a blow dry. I was so lucky to get a last minute appt. Had an important event that night and my prior appt fell apart . It was such a good experience . The owner of the salon , Ina is lovely and has made a beautiful welcoming salon. Ciara did my blow dry and it was perfect. It was a great experience and i will go again! read more

I can't say enough good things about how wonderful this salon crew is! We had 10 for hair and make up before my daughter's wedding recently and five of their talented staff took the very best care of us. 5 Star ! read more

Gold Coast Salon is the BEST! I was looking around my area for a hair salon and a haircut. I am very picky with my hair since it's so long and thick and hard to cut. But JULIE did an AMAZING JOB! She was so personable and educated me on how to keep and maintain healthy hair. She stayed after close to finish my hair without rushing. She is a professional with an incredible keen eye for perfection in her work! I've never had such an amazing haircut before. I'm sad I am moving out of state, but when I visit, I know to go to Julie! She is great! I even went back a few days later for her to style and curl my hair! My hair is naturally straight and never holds curls, but when Julie curled my hair, the curls lasted for days! This place is amazing! Seriously! Very clean, extremely great customer service. Their products are to die for! Overall, great salon! read more

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AMAZING experience! I've been cutting my own hair for ~15 years and wanted a little something different but was very nervous. Salma was so nice and made sure I knew what she was doing. She made me look exactly like myself but a better version and was very transparent about pricing before hand and a breakdown of steps and costs. I have naturally pretty straight dark brown hair and I am not willing to commit to daily styling but Salma pulled off a balayage that looks natural even straight. read more

I went to Gold Coast Salon and was greeted so kindly! I had an appointment with Paige and she was ready right when I arrived! Paige talked with me and asked questions to make sure my hair turned out just as I wanted. She was so lovely to talk to and did an AMAZING job. My hair has never felt so healthy and I have already gotten so many compliments! If you're thinking of going to Gold Coast Salon definitely book with Paige! I never book months ahead for appointments and I did today to make sure she can do my hair again! read more

Julie is the best! She gave me the perfect haircut. I asked for my hair to look full but with some face framing and she did exactly that. I also naturally have medium brown hair with auburn tints and I wanted chocolate brown hair. She nailed it and was so easy to talk to. Thanks Julie! read more

Gold Coast Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time going here and I have nothing but good things to say. Julie did my full head of highlights, cut and style and did an amazing job! See before and after pictures below! The environment is also BEAUTIFUL! Very classy and cute decor. read more

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Julie...absolutely wonderful! Took the time to talk about what I was looking to do and really figure out what I was looking for as an end goal. I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she was honest and told me what she thought. She didn't try to talk me out of anything, but gave me options of what we can do rather than just say no, this is what we should do. Before Julie started, she gave me an estimate of what it would cost. I truly appreciated this as I know products and service can be expensive and time is valuable. Julie was upfront and explained it all very well, so when I went to pay for the services I wasn't shocked or concerned. She was extremely friendly and personable. It was my first time getting my hair done since moving to Chicago and going to someone new is sometimes a little nerve racking, Julie makes you feel comfortable and at ease. A true professional. The salon itself was great as well, super clean and bright. Everyone there is friendly and welcoming. My hair is beautiful and exactly what I wanted! read more

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I got the worst balayage I've ever had in my life here by Julie. I left with two different shades of hair - bright bleach blonde (almost white) hair at my roots and my usual balayage color at my ends. This also took four hours for no reason and cost me about $400. I went somewhere else the same day to get it fixed. read more

I scheduled a style for a holiday party. Ashley was running late, no problem. As I sat in the waiting area, she wrapped up with her client. Now it is 15 mins after my scheduled appointment. She helps with the payment, even tho there was a receptionist to assist with that. She continued to talk and burn more time as she watched me wait without even a greeting. No problem, I'm frustrated but trying to be accommodating. Twenty minutes later, finally I make it to the chair. I'm excited as I shared multiple photos of exactly what I wanted. And also shared exactly what I did not want. Ashley gave me the absolute worst experience ever. Not only did she not even come close to what I requested, her attitude and unwillingness to fix it made the experience so much worse. Horrible experience and will never go back. read more

Julie is absolutely the sweetest and so talented!!! She gave me blonde highlights and a cut and did an amazing job!! It was evident that she took her time with me and really took pride in her work and wanted to give me the look I wanted! I have had a hard time finding a stylist in the Chicago area and now I can look no further! Julie sent me home with a look better than I could have even asked her for! Love love love her and her work! Nataliia was also so sweet and helpful in getting with me to understand what my expectations were and also making sure we had the right timing for my appointment and making sure we had time for each service and it didn't seem rushed! The studio itself is adorable and so so classy with the white and gold theme. Absolutely recommend 10/10 on all fronts! read more

Gold Coast Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was my first time at Gold Coast Salon and ABSOLUTELY LOVED my hair cut and color. I loved it so much I kept hugging Ina. The entire team made me feel welcomed the minute I walked in. Nataliia greeted me and kept me company until Ina came over and started my consultation. Ina's honesty was refreshing. I've always wanted a stylist to tell me if a look I like would look right on me. I'm not an expert and therefore rely on them to educate me. Ina did just that. You walk into the salon which looks and feels glamorous and you leave feeling gorgeous and beautiful. The atmosphere is heart warming and family oriented. You can definitely feel Ina and her team's passion and heart in the salon. I highly recommend Gold Coast Salon. read more

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Literally the best salon I have ever been to. I have been going here for 5 years now and could not imagine going anywhere else. Ina is amazing and her whole staff! Thank you Julie for always making my hair so amazing read more

I went in after being with the same colorist for six years, and Ashlee was so sweet and understanding. She gave me exactly what I wanted and more, she worked on my already bleached hair and maintained the integrity of my hair. It actually felt smoother than when I got there. She also took care of banding that I had from a previous appointment with another salon. It was awesome thank you Ashlee! read more

Ina did an amazing job--as a first time customer she and the staff were so welcoming and friendly. I had about 3 inches removed and walked in feeling so-so and left with a spring in my step! I just made an appointment with Ina for highlights in the upcoming weeks. A great experience! read more

I saw Julie and couldn't be happier with her work. I came in hoping for a change, and brought a picture that inspired me. Julie was able to find the perfect balance between the picture and what she knew would compliment my eyes and skin tone. She was also a joy to work with. I don't love to chat the entire time when I get my hair done, and I really enjoyed hanging out with her. Highly recommend! read more

Gold Coast Salon - It's auburn season, y'all! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I received a fantastic cut from Phillip. I only wanted a trim and he managed to maintain the sense of length while making it look better overall. Exactly what I hoped for. Will definitely go again. read more

Every time I visit this place I leave happier :) I always book my apt with Julie she has been my hair stylist/therapist (lol) for a while now and every time she gets exactly what I want to do with my hair! I recommend her for complete transformations and even if you are not sure what exactly it is that you want just ask her she is pretty good at suggesting new styles based on your personal style! Don't be afraid to try something new as she is 100% professional and she will not disappoint! This time I got a balayage and curtain bangs! Next time I'm going a lil blonde! Thank you Julie for always making me look awesome!!! read more

I live nearby and went in for a haircut last week. The salon is beautiful and well taken care of. Ina, the owner, is a sweetheart and did a fabulous job on my hair that I typically don't take great care of. Will definitely go back the next time I'm needing a haircut. read more

Julie is the best! She was so flexible and willing to make my schedule work with hers. She even managed to squeeze me in! I absolutely love my new color and cut! I'm so happy I went here. And I look forward to going back in the future! Thank you so much Julie. I HIGHLY recommend! -Rachel M read more

Great experience!! Beautiful simple hair cut. Fast in and out. Not trying to upsell anything. They listen to you! Will be back for sure read more

Just went to Julie for a very last minute. She squeezed me in to her busy schedule due to my wedding. Amazing service great conversation with her. She really listened during our consultation. Gave me exactly what I've been looking for over the years and never got over the years. I highly recommend you go to her! She extremely talented! read more

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Just got hair extensions they look amazing, did a really good job with my cut and color to make my extensions look natural The atmosphere is very relaxing and very chic read more