John is terrific! I moved out to the East Coast and haven't found anyone who gives as good of a haircut or is as enjoyable to visit with.

I get consistently great haircuts (which didn't use to happen very often as I have curly hair), I'm always happy to chat with John and learn about new places to eat in the area, and he taught me how to trim my beard so I don't look like Wolverine! read more

John has been my barber since 2000/2001. He continues to provide great haircuts and beard lineups. I even have introduced my family and friends, and they all love it. There are plenty of services available for women too. This is a great salon/barber for the entire family! read more

I've been getting my brows threaded here for years and just tried a manicure by Cindy. She is SO GOOD! I've never ever had a cleaner paint job. No power tools and incredibly gentle no chip removal. She is skilled and kind and I will be back again and again. Cannot recommend this place enough! Great prices and availability too. 10 million stars. read more

International Salon - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is one of the best barbershops in all of Chicago. I've been coming to John ever since I was a student at Loyola, and even though I'm long graduated, I still come up and get my haircut from him. He's very nice and friendly and does an excellent job. Not to mention the warm shaving cream is an excellent touch! read more

John is extremely talented and friendly. I have straight, fine hair and it's hard to find a good stylist. He takes his time and treats each cut with care. I recently moved but wanted to leave a review and thank John for for over 5 years of cuts. Thank you! read more

I recently came in here to get my unruly eyebrows cleaned up. For a long time I used to get them threaded, and after not being able to find a place I was truly happy with, I switched to waxing. I saw this salon and their "eyebrow threading $5" sign outside while getting food nearby once. I decided to give it a shot. The salon is located on the 2nd floor of the building with no real signs that point you upward, so just be aware to go upstairs - it's the first door on your right as you get upstairs. There were a couple people waiting for a haircut, but a lady does the eyebrow threading and there was no wait. She actually took her time (which I get nervous about because to me going slower will mean more pain lol), but she actually did a great job and minimized any discomfort. After she was done, she also asked if I wanted any lotion - which is more like a mini eyebrow massage. Yay. One last thing, I didn't see it ahead of time, but this salon is CASH ONLY, which is probably the only downside in my opinion. Luckily I had cash on me! read more

I've been getting my hair cut from John ever since I moved to Chicago, IL (Fall 2016). I'm very picky with who I allow to cut my hair, he's the only one. Exceptional service, and fair price. He's a gentleman, very kind and respectful towards his customers. He follows the COVID Protocols and keeps the area pristine. He's a family man too. He been cutting hair for over 20+ years. He's the best in the area. He also shapes or trims beards as well! Every time I see John, we just pick up right where we left off. #1 barber in Rogers Park. read more

I went to John for my haircut for 5-6 years and I'd still be going if I hadn't moved too far away to justify it. Couldn't recommend him more

I still go here. I still have the same guy doing my hair and he is just as awesome as the first time I went in. I have gone to a couple places out of necessity and convenience and was immediately sorry I had. I have ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS received nothing but to notch customer service and a haircut I know I'll be loving before he even cuts it. read more

See all

A great haircut with professional service. John was very mindful of your safety and his. I felt safer in the shop than any other business that's now open. Upon entry your temperature is checked and you can wash/sanitize your hands. Only one customer is allowed in at a time. John keeps everything clean, sanitized, and wearing a mask the entire time does not diminish the quality of the haircut at all. I'd highly recommend. read more

Honestly this is the BEST place to get your eyebrow threading done. She is fast and so good, I have never seen better! It is only $5 which is amazing, and keeps me coming back. Love this place! I also had my boyfriend come, he is Greek, and she did an amazing job leaving them looking natural, still manly, but cleaned up just enough! Thank you! read more

International Salon - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am recommending this salon to everyone I know. I had a pedicure and my eyebrows waxed - both by Claudia. She did an excellent job. I like the salon atmosphere - very open and airy. They pride themselves on using big tubs for pedicures that can be sanitized easily. They're not pushy or condescending, and I felt like Claudia took her time with me. Very good customer relations. I will go back. read more

This review is specifically for the eyebrow threading service. I've never had my eyebrows threaded anywhere else as well as I have here, but to top it off, it only costs $5 and takes no more than 10 minutes. I've heard there have been times where there can be a wait, but I have yet to stumble upon one of those times. Of the dozen times I've visited, I was fortunate enough to be taken care of right away and out so quickly it was as if I did not even stop by. The price is simply a steal for the quality of service you get. Tip well because they definitely deserve it! read more

The girl does an awesome job on my eyebrows. I recommend texting rhe number on their sote to make sure she is in.

I ride the ol' Red Line everyday to and/from the Loop. I have often seen the sign off the Loyola Stop for the $5 eyebrow threading. I have always gone to Carmen's (also off the Loyola shop on N. Sheridan). Yesterday I decided to make a change and try International Salon Spa. You have to walk up to a non-descript building, open the door, and head up the stairs. It seems a little scary at first. Then you see the sign for the International Salon Spa. The space is large, with nice wooden floors. There are three work stations and a manicure, pedicure station. I walked in and asked for an eyebrow threading. Here is where it gets interesting...the person (who's name I can't remember) was the most gentle eyebrow threader I've every been too-and I've been to probably 10 different places throughout the city. She did a very, very thorough job. She threaded, plucked, and trimmed. Here is the best part-she then gave a great, relaxing, aloe forehead massage for about 5 minutes. My eyebrows look better than ever, and all for $7 plus tip. read more

This review goes out to the foreign hair stylist they have there -- who needs to be fired. I came this morning, the morning of my graduation, to get my hair thinned and split ends cut. I specifically said not to cut my hair too short, and made this very clear, because I want it long enough to curl. Completely disregarded what I wanted, AND didn't know how to thin out hair. If someone can't speak enough english to clearly communicate with customers, then why work in an environment where that's crucial? It's unfortunate that I've had a bad hair cutting experience, because the lady who threads my eye brows there was amazing. Just do not go there for a hair cut. read more

Okay...I'm back with another review!! I've been coming here for 6 years. It's the best barber/salon I have been to in Chicago. It's location is further north and if you live in the city well jump on the train, take a bus or just hop in a cab. John is the only barber at this location and he is fabulous. Talk about skills. His technique is amazing and I love that he uses a straight razor. I have been to many barbers in the city and they only use clippers for a clean up. Talk about remedial. Once you get a cut here you will want to keep coming back. He remembers you every time you come in. Let's just say my fade is always on point! Sarah is my eyebrow threader. I love that her technique is strong and my eyebrows are the best I have ever seen. Manicure/pedicures are done by Suzie. She is so clean and consistent that I recommend her all the time and she is so friendly!! I LOVE THAT!! The salon has grown by leaps and bounds and I always want to try new service and over the past few years they have started to introduce more services. I have done a fruit acid manicure and most recently had a 20 minute lip plumping service. It was great!! So far I am very happy!! My lips still look plumped, hydrated and smooth. I recommend this treatment if you are going to a party or special event. It's great for instant gratification lip plumping!! Thanks International Salon!! read more

My services of choice? Threading and nails. Threading is cheap and efficient. $7 for a good eyebrow cleanup? Yes, please! The nail techs are also fast. Expect a clean mani/pedi. Many OPI shades to choose from. They will take walk-ins but better to have an appointment. They can get busy and don't always have available staff for all services. read more

FINALLY! Somewhere to get my eyebrows done!!! I've been to so many different places around Rogers Park where the service started off great, but then, declined over time. People stop being polite, stop doing as good of a job on you, or just stop caring about the customer (like not brushing the hair off your face when they are done threading--YUK!) I've been going to this place for a year now and it is wonderful! Claudia does a great job every single time. She really pays attention to what you want done and offers helpful suggestions to keep you looking great! She also does a great, attentive mani-pedi. She is so kind and patient it's almost unreal. It's $7 for eyebrows but I always give her $10! They have new rules as of a couple of months ago about what services and amounts they are willing to accept credit cards for, so check out their website for info and you are good to go! Hello bombshell! read more

I've been coming to get my haircut here for a few years now and highly recommend John's services to anyone. He does a great job taking my requirements and making my hair look great. Although I moved out of the area, I still return once a month to get my haircut. So happy to have a great barber in Chicago! read more

I have been going to this salon for the past 5 years, it was located by Western & Devon then. john is absolutely amazing, exceptional customer service. I always let him decide what hairstyle is should sport, and this decision has never backfired They have parking in the back, John engages in small talk & does a excellent job all along. THUMBS UP. He should offer a Groupon deal in order to get in more customers. read more

They have great specials! During the month of march an OPI no-chip manicure and pedicure is only 40 dollars. I am extremely pleased with the OPI no-chip manicure. Claudia took her time on my hands and made sure it looked perfect. My pedicure was done by Lily who made my toes look just as perfect as my fingers. The chairs were comfortable as well. No magazines to read--so bring your own reading material if you like to read through a pedicures. Both women spent more than enough time helping me pick out a color that matched my bridesmaids dress. I appreciated how much time they spent on me. This was my first time to this salon, but I will definitely continue to come here for my mani/pedi's. read more

Awesome. This salon is easy to overlook because it's hiding on the second floor, but thanks to yelp...I found it! I'm glad. I was looking for a place to get my hair cut that wasn't going to cost $400000000 dollars or take 3 months to get an appointment (they take walk-ins) and this place had a $25 shampoo, cut and blow-dry package. Each month they change their specials so check their website or the sign out front. I got my hair done with Miriam, she did a nice shampoo, took her time cutting my hair, blow-dried and flat ironed my hair. I LOVE IT. I was so surprised after she finished at how exact she was in what I requested. She was very nice but didn't say much. I kind of prefer just relaxing rather than making small talk while at the salon so that worked for me. I decided last minute to get my eyebrows threaded (I've never done it before), and they were very accommodating. Claudia is amazing! It hardly hurt (far less than waxing), and she gave my brows great shape. She was also very nice. Before tip I spent $32. For a complicated, well-done hair cut and a painless eyebrow threading, you can't beat that cost. FYI: They only take credit card with charges $30+. Tips are only in cash. This salon isn't all foofy and girly with wine and massages and scented candles but it gets the job done for a decent cost, it's clean and the people are nice. read more

I bought a groupon for a mani/pedi and was very excited to find a new place to go. The staff was very friendly and the place was clean and quiet. Unlike other nail salons, this place doesn't use the massage chairs with the foot spa, which I was really happy about. I've heard so many horror stories about women who've gotten horrible infections from dirty foot spas, and I've never seen a nail technician do a thorough cleaning of a spa before I use it. Instead, this salon uses resin basins which are cleaned after every use. It made me feel safe, and just the foot soak was very relaxing. The manager was incredibly knowledgeable about all the products they carry and made good recommendations for me. The hand and foot massages weren't very long, but I enjoyed what I did get. Also, even though the nail tech, Claudia, was gentle and took good care of my cuticles and nails, the polish on my fingers is starting to peel on the edges already. I don't normally get finger polish, so I'm not sure why this is happening. Claudia did give me tips for keeping up my cuticles and nails at home though without having to buy special products, so that was really nice. I decided while I was there to get my eyebrows threaded too, and they accommodated me no problem. Claudia also did the threading and gave me the best looking eyebrows I've ever had. For $7, I will definitely be going back for that service. I think the regular price for a mani/pedi is $39, which is a lot considering they don't have a lot of extras as part of the service. I certainly won't be able to go regularly at that price. But, it's conveniently located and I know I won't find a friendlier staff that treats me so well somewhere else. Overall, I think this is a hidden gem in Rogers Park and hope it gets more business. read more

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I found this place by "accident," even though I go by it everyday on my way home. First off, the staff is friendly and courteous. Second, they have always been accommodating and try to get me in as soon as they can. (my schedule is slightly hectic at best) However it is the third point that really makes this place stand high above the rest: the haircut. I have had sooooooooo many bad hair cuts in the last year that it's become a joke of sorts amongst my friends (bastards). John has changed all that for me. He's a real, honest to God barber and he intuitively understands a man's hair. He listens, confirms that he understands and that you agree, and then gets to work. There is no idle chit-chat, no nonsense, he focuses on what he's doing and goes at it like the professional he is. I have a couple of areas where I'm "light on hair" and he has helped me contend with that. He shaves the areas around the base and sides of your hairline with an actual straight razor and then you're done. I cannot possibly give adequate feedback to suffice the way I feel about these folks. However, their prices are more than fair and you'll be happy with the results. read more

There's no better barber in Chicago. John is friendly, fast, and precise. He's he kind of guy that somehow remembers you after only one visit. Plus, the price is great. I've been getting my hair cut here for four years, and even after moving a bit south out of Rogers Park still make the trek back up. read more

Very impressed with John's skill and attention to detail. Great haircut, great customer service, what a gem of a place. Will most certainly be coming back for more. read more

Just moved to the area and was looking for a reliable place to become my go to salon for my brows, haircuts, and mani pedis. This place is now it! So far I've only had my eyebrows threaded and my bangs cut here but they did an awesome job! The best thing is that they have great customer service! I called to make an appointment, no one answered, so I left a message. They actually called back, and in a timely manner too! At the salon everyone is super nice and makes sure that you're comfy throughout your whole stay at the salon! I'll be back at this place soon! read more

I bought a groupon for this place. First they didn't want to accomodate my appointment change. So I was forced to take someone else instead of my mom whom I bought the groupon for. I thought oh well strict policy... So I asked my boyfriend to come with me to get a mani /pedi. We got there and waited about 30 mins past our appt time. Once attended, we were soaking our feet in a tub of water.. My lady was not that great in anything that she did. The massage was awful. It was too light feathered for my liking. My cuticles weren't taken care of properly, and my toes were painted as if I had done them at home.. :( My manicure was a replica of my toes... Complete dissapointment. I even had to ask her to please give me a massage for my mani.. Cause she forgot.. OOOoopss!! On the other hand, My bf received all the opposite for his mani pedi. Minus the nail polish. Although his manicurist caused some severe skin damage to one of his big toes.. Hmmmmm is he mad at me.. lol.. Not my fault. In this case it was you get what you pay for scenario.. Although their regular prices are outrageous for the service.. The staff was very friendly and courteous except for my manicurist that I think didn't know what she was doing.. Good luck if you decide to try it out... read more

Love love this place! Cindy did my pedicure and Gel manicure. She is very friendly and welcoming. She gave me perfect no chip and it lasted over 3 weeks. Excellent selection of color! A Little lovely and clean place you must check out! I'm extremely pleased to have a favorite salon in walking distance from my home. Highly recommended! read more

I have been getting my eyebrows and lip threaded at International Salon for about four years, and they always do a fantastic job! I recently had Soni for my threading, and she was phenomenal! So fart and relatively pain-free. I was very impressed by her work and I will definitely be returning soon! read more

Got a manicure today with Cindy and it is probably the best one I've ever gotten! She made my nails the exact shape I wanted and was very precise when actually painting them. I've been to all of the nail places in the area and I have finally found my favorite! Additionally, I've been getting my eyebrows threaded here by Jessie for about a year now and I'm always super happy with the results! She cleans them up just enough so that I have a great shape yet still keeps my brows thick. read more

Years ago when I lived downtown I was a regular at an old European Salon that provided great haircuts despite bad service. After I moved to the northside I wanted to see if I could find something more convenient. I ended up finding the best place I've ever gotten my hair cut. Make an appointment first, and be early, and bring cash, and you're golden. John remembers me every time, is nice and conversational but gets the hint I don't really like talking too much- my last place felt like an interrogation every time, but here I think he'd be great if you are talkative, but he doesn't mind that I'm not. He's fast, thorough, and my hair always looks and feels amazing. I've since moved to a corner of the city about an hour away, but I still make the commute every time I need a trim. I've never gotten a bad cut from him and as long as I'm in Chicago I'll never go anywhere else. I've never gotten my nails done here or anything else, but I probably should one of these days. But you should definitely enjoy one of his cuts! read more

I have discovered the best eyebrow lady from the far north side of Chicago! I started coming here about 6 months ago and the super sweet lady that does eyebrows made my bushy 'brows look amazing. She's always so sweet and it takes her less than a few minutes to clean up brows, while at most places they take 5+ minutes. She also put aloe vera lotion on your brows and massages them when she's done, soooo soothing. She's also very friendly and always makes you feel welcome. I'll never get my eyebrows done anywhere else. read more

Massive thank you for Mr. John. He is professional and clean barber. He sanitize the place very nicely and I appreciate what he does under current circumstances (COVID-19). read more

$5 for brow threading!!!! Where has this salon been all my life? Cash only and it's a little sparse, but I love my brows and will be coming back. read more

I've been coming to John's salon since I moved to Chicago! I get my hair cut, nails done, and brows done all at once place. I couldn't be happier! My nails are always perfect and my eyebrows are never too thin (like some other places I've been.) I've tried other salons but I always come back to this one. I will always always recommend! Staff is always super friendly and my services are usually performed by the same person, so it's always consistent. Thank you for the wonderful service all these years, and hopefully many more! read more

This guy did an amazing job on my hair. I would recommend this place to anyone in the Chicago area.

This place is a rare find. They guy who runs the place cuts short hair with precision. I went back the second time to have my long hair cut off, and this new woman working there interfered, she told me to keep my hair long, and let her cut it. It's been two months, my hair looks awesome every day. That stylist ROCKS. Her craft was flawless. I was put off a bit by her personal demeanor. But who cares when she has mad skills. And it's cheap enough to go back on a regular basis. If you want easy, unpretentious, inexpensive, and quality, this is the place. read more