Mary is the best. Truly. She's been cutting and highlighting my hair for about 7 years and has nursed me through three particularly awful bouts of postpartum hair loss. I found Mary all those years ago by googling, "my hair is curly and terrible, who can help in Chicago?" After straightening and highlighting since I was a teenager, she has helped me get my hair back to health. It's not until after I found Mary that I've started to actually like my hair and not try to beat it into submission with a flat iron. Her cuts and color are works of art and look good for a longgggg time. Mary is also just a lovely, lovely person. She always has an interesting perspective and great advice. read more

ATTENTION ALL CURLIES: Mary rocks! (and no I'm not talking about me) The lovely Suz C. gave me a heads up about a Yelp special Mary was running so I decided to check her out.* Usually, I get my hair cut at Hair Cuttery, but every once in a while I look for someone to give me a little guidance. I have curly hair. Thick, longish, loves to snarl, curly hair. In all of my 32 years I've never visited a stylist who knew a lot about curly hair. Stylists usually fawn over my hair, tell me how lucky I am to have my curls, and how they wish they had hair like mine. While I appreciate the curl envy, that's all it is envy, not expertise. When I got into Mary's chair she gave it to me straight - cut that rubberband shit out, it's ruining the ends of your hair! OK, maybe she wasn't quite that blunt, but pretty close. It sounds silly, but no one has ever pointed this out to me. I appreciated her honesty, I like when people get to the point rather than beating around the bush or making obtuse comments. We talked a little about what I put it my hair and my daily styling regimen (or lack thereof), before she gave me some recommendations. Not only did she tell me what she wanted to do, she told me why she wanted to do it and why it would work for me. She also gave me a simple alternative to my rubberbands - chopsticks. Mary's also great to talk to. I'm not good at chitchat while in the chair, preferring silence when I'm getting my haircut, but with Mary we chatted away like old friends. She even walked me up the street after my cut to a store that sold hair chopsticks and was having a closing sale. I was very happy with my cut and got a few compliments on my hair that day. It was the first time in ages I let someone style my hair and left without looking like Don King! A few days later I'm still happy with my cut and my hair is easy to maintain. Bottom line: Don't let Mary's short, short hair fool you; she really knows her stuff. It's been ages since I've put my hair in the hands of a stylist and walked away happy. * The special is good until 5/8/09 read more

Mary is an expert hair stylist. I never had a better experience with my razor cuts. Never felt more confident than when she did my hair... HOWEVER... I was a client of hers before her independent practice. She decided, at the time and at the salon on Washington in Chicago, that she disliked me. She literally decided that she hated me as a person. MAJOR SPILL OF TEA: I had an appointment with her, which she did not show up for, nor did she even take the time to tell me she hated me, my appt was cancelled out. I waited outside for my appointment like a damn fool. I am still hurt to this day. Yeah, I need to let go and get over it, but I was so fucked over by her, after tipping my best and trying my best, I have not forgotten. I'm willing to let it go now with this review. I'm ok now and willing to let go but it's been 12 years and now I want to move on from someone who spent time, which is odd, disliking and avoiding me. I'm a nobody and I tip well, why abandon me, sis?! read more

Hair genius. She is crazy and goofy, and makes it her goal to make you feel uncomfortable and terrified, all while giving you sound advice and techniques to make your hair better. She gives true and honest opinions, and does what's best for your hair. Her highlights are natural and they can grow out without looking like you have bad roots. I am a natural blonde, but wanted my hair brightened in the most natural looking way possible - I can get my hair highlighted every 4-6 months and you don't notice the highlights growing out. They glisten like sunshine is hitting your hair. On the reverse, I one time wanted to get something funkier and she gave me the coolest and most sophisticated purple hair I could have imagined. She uses a razor, which gives movement to your hair. It sounds edgy and risky, but she is a very conservative hair dresser at the end of the day. She won't give you a pixie punk bob if you don't want one. I'm moving from Chicago, and I'm so sad to lose her as my hair dresser! read more

Mary Rizzo - blonde highlights, PURPLE highlights, and both haircuts by Mary - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let's start off with the fact that I have stick straight asian hair and loads of it. Not many people can cut asian hair well but Mary can work wonders. In fact, that's how I found her on yelp, I searched "Asian hair." Since my hair is so thick I really need it thinned out or else it starts getting super heavy and hard to brush through. Other places I've been to do it in such a way that when it starts growing out, there will be random strands sticking straight up - not pretty. Or, it looks fine once cut but starts losing shape when grown out. Or even worse, they give me a FOB cut (super thick on top and super thin at the ends.) So although I've tried other salons which have gotten great yelp reviews, I keep going back to Mary and will now stick to her like glue. Hair aside, Mary is an angel. I'm the girl who sits on the chair at a salon and doesn't say much unless asked a question; most salon chit-chat feels very fake to me. However, Mary makes me feel at ease and I babble away to her without a care. Bottom line: Mary is a wonder with both scissors and razors. She gives you good advice without trying to push a sale on you (in fact, she doesn't have products to sell.) She's a wonderful person and will brighten your day. What more could you ask for? I've also included a picture of my hair before and after a cut I received yesterday. read more

Mary Rizzo - My haircut from Mary. The blowout is my own, but this way you can see the length/texture of the cut. I love it! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am sad to have to write this review. But I had an meh experience with Mary. I went to her in Aug for a cut and highlight. She said my hair was a mess, which it was, and she cut a really high layer off but kept the longer layers in looked kind of odd. BUT, she said it was what had to be done to have better hair. I am a sucker for better hair. I lived with that haircut and realized about two months later that I really was in desperate need for a highlight. Texted Mary, she got me right in. I was late, which I felt terrible about, I had a mix up on the apt time. I sat down Mary was understanding. She looked at my hair and was like ugh who cut your hair last time?! I responded with, "you". She responded with oh i must have been fixing something. Then she did my highlights. I have a stripe in my hair because it wasn't close to the root the first time and now this time there is a clear line where the dye went. They look really bad, kind of like I had them done about three months ago. So I texted Mary and told her I had some weird stripey thing going on with the highlight. She responded that she had an opening at 7pm on the following sat. I had something going on that Sat so it didn't work out. Then I started to think about it, and I wasn't really happy with the highlight the first time. It only lasted a month. While the cut looks good this time, the highlight is just terrible and now have to have it redone. I liked Mary and she is a fun person. But, I really don't have time to go back and spend another few hours in a chair to have it fixed. read more

Basically I agree with all other reviews for Mary. My hair is the coarest hair you could imagine. After several miserable experiences, I kept going to the same hairdresser for the last 10 years in Tokyo. I moved to Chicago in May and finally admitted that I need to do something about my hair now, but I was too nervous to walk in a random hairdresser on the street. My husband googled "Japanese, Hairdresser" and found Mary. I am just back from Mary and am extremely happy. Th mooment I saw her, I knew she is not the kind of hairdressers who impose what they like on their customers. We had a brief chat and I think she got rough idea about my personality and taste in fashion. She gave me several useful tips to deal with my hair, but no sales talk to sell hair products. She will be my hairdresser for the next 10 years and more! I love you Mary! read more

LOVE MY HAIRCUT!!! i'm new to town and needed to find some place to cut my hair.... it has always been a challenge to find someone to cut my asian hair... since i have a lot of hair and it goes in different directions.. found mary on yelp.. and I LOVE IT!! love my haircut and LOVE MARY!! she's super cool and she really listens... that is really important... thank you mary!! i'll see you soon~ read more

Mary Rizzo - Hair Stylists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mary is wonderful! She does great hair, whether a razor or scissor cut. She will not give you what you want if the style is not meant for your hair type or face shape. She will give you a cut that works for you that you love...even if it it is not what you thought you wanted. I love how she takes the time to listen to your hair issues and desires, then communicates what she will do and why prior to actually doing it. Mary's energy has been described as a little crazy. She's not crazy, she is just Italian! So am I! (We grew up in the same neighborhood,) and for me going to her reminds me of home and all the best parts of the wonderful "crazy" people I grew up with. She's the best! read more

OK, kids...truth be told I really don't want to pony up and give you the deets on the fab Mary Rizzo for fear that everyone and their mother will flock to her for an awesome coif and everyone will discover my little secret. But, because my mama taught me to share, that is what I am gonna do. Mary Rizzo frigin' rocks the razor and the scissors like no other stylist I have seen. And, she is more honest than Abe. Two essential skills for a stylist in this highly competitive game of coiffing the masses in Chitown. Oh, and her intuitive color skills are Zen-like. Om. The atmosphere is chill. The convo flows freely, so if you have hang-ups, sip some tea Mary has available and get over them. If you have the desire to cheat on your current stylist, this will be the best affair you'll ever experience. Now, get off y'er ass, "Just Say No" to that safe, soccer-mom bob, and check out Mary Rizzo, pronto. read more

Not to sound like a cheesy commercial, but Mary is seriously a delight to be around and she works WONDERS with hair! I went to her a couple of months ago for the Yelp special she was advertising. $25 for a haircut - I figured it couldn't be any worse than the many salons I'd frequented in the last couple of years. And she totally blew my expectations out of the water. She took out a razor, which for my thin, fine hair, is like a death sentence. But I'm not very good about standing up for myself (only when I'm getting my hair done, oddly enough), so I sat quietly by. And in less than 25 minutes, I had a great new hair cut, perfect layers, great bangs, and the razor actually worked! At this point, I knew I could trust her:) I had an unfortunate highlighting experience shortly before that, and she told me she could help me fix my peroxide streaks that were oh-so unnatural in my dark brown hair. Just went this weekend and she made my hair look fabulous! The old blond blends in and now I have this great really natural looking light-er brown hair. Seriously, it didn't even seem like it took her that much effort and she made my color perfect! Beyond her hair cutting/coloring skills, Mary just is a great woman. She is someone that you feel comfortable with immediately and it's like she could be your best friend within 10 minutes of meeting her. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks or tell you how it is, so if that's not your style, then maybe try Cost Cutters down the street:) As for me, I'm a Mary convert!!! read more

I love Mary! I was introduced to her by my cousin, Erin M, back in September. She did my highlights and a cut back then and made me feel, and IMO, look fabulous! Seriously, I usually shop around for highlight/cut deals, but no more after that first fateful meeting. I went back again in December to get my hair colored and cut, and again, she did an amazing job. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone. She is fun and quirky - I look forward to not only getting my hair done, but also chatting with her and having a good time. read more

Mary is the greatest. When I decided to switch to a new hairstylist, my one criteria was that it be really close to my house. Mary was when she was at Beauty Mark in the West Loop, but then after one AMAZING hair cut, she moved to her own business in Lincoln Park. But that one hair cut was so great that I threw my criteria out the window and followed her up there. I still make the trek from the West Loop to Lincoln Park just for Mary. Also I have referred friends and they love her! (Plus get tons of compliments on their hair!) read more

I have asian hair, and they say most american hair stylist dont know how to cut asian hair well. But I really needed a haircut and didnt want to go to chinatown, so after a round of googling, I found Mary. Mary is awesome!!! I love it when she uses razors to cut my hair. it's so satisfying! And I especially love how i can walk in and out of her hair salon in 30 minutes. That's just efficient, worth every dollar! I recommended her to my good friend from Manila, and she loves her too! aaaand Mary is funny. So extra bonus for that!!! read more

Mary first cut my hair in the late 90's and she is so good, I've followed her ever since. Too many so-called stylists in the past didn't know quite what to do with my curly/wavy hair, and I'd end up with a hair-pyramid. And that's never cute. Mary's always got the answer for the right style and color, even down to how to cut it. I used to be skeptical that my mop could be cut with a razor, but her knife skills rival those of a sushi master! I always leave the salon thrilled with the flat, smooth and shiny wonder she leaves me with. And the bonus? When I'd let it air-dry naturally (because I don't have the patience to flat-iron it myself), it's still freakin' adorable! How often does that happen? To be honest, I often let a long time pass before I go back (laziness and locational challenge on my part) but my hair still looks good, even outgrown. She's not afraid to tell you if you've abused your hair and how to get it looking great again, and I've been at the receiving end of her tough love advice on more than one occasion. If only I had a Mary to go to when I was a teen, there would have been far fewer hair mishaps in my life! read more

You know one of those people who seems to have their hair in a ponytail all the time because they don't know what the helll to do with their hair? That's me. You know one of those hair cut you dream of, the one that promise you yes, you can do this at home, yes, it will look good even without professional hands on it? That's what I got at Mary's I went in on Saturday for that special $25 cuts, Mary has her own private studio. I like this setup much better since I don't care about the girl next me stories about their boyfriends, gossip, and other BS. Mary takes her time with me, got to know me lil bit so she can recommend what's good and other advice I needed. It's amazing what she can do with the razor, the cut itself was quick. I was a little worried since I never a razor hair cut before. But boy, what she did to my hair was a miracle, it looks great, and the more I look at it, the more I love it. So, thank you Mary. You're an angel. read more

Mary has been my stylist for nearly 5 years now. I have followed her from my hood to Lincoln Park. Several of my friends now use Mary as well, in fact my BFF from out of state makes appointments with her. Everyone is accurate that she will tell you like it is. Some tough things were said when I first visited her chair but it only goes to show that Mary is passionate about what she does. Mary does phenomenal color and is a master with the razor :) Thanks Mary, see you soon!! read more

Don't be fooled by her complete lack of hair :-) Mary is brilliant at both cuts and color. She often uses a razor to cut hair, yielding softer, more blended edges compared to cuts done with scissors. Mary also gives great advice and will tell you which of your products and practices are damaging your hair (without trying to sell you anything). Her studio is a tiny, basement-level room with no windows. It's cozy, but it's no spa-like environment. Basically, you're paying for Mary's expertise, and the quality of your cut/color, instead of the salon's ambiance. If you prefer a relaxing spa, you might want to try someplace else. But if you want your hair to look fantastic, Mary's the one to go to! read more

Mary Rizzo is INCREDIBLE! I went to her for a hair cut 2 months ago (for the first time) and she worked magic with my fro of curly hair. My hair is medium length and very curly and often hard to manage/ frizzy.... Mary not only cut and styled it beautifully, but also taught me a lot about how to continue to care for my curls (products to use, styling tips, etc). She is also SO sweet and fun to talk with :-) such a gem! I can't wait to go back! I usually dread hair cuts (And all you other curly haired girls, you know where I'm coming from...), but with Mary I feel comfortable and confident to go back. I have loved my hair so much since seeing her. Thanks Mary!! read more

I've been going to Mary for over 10 years. Mary is a very dedicated person and gives you as much advice as you might want to hear and more. For my prior to Mary years, I would go to anyone to cut my hair and never had it styled. Mary cuts my hair and styles it (throws in a head massage too). There are many times that I don't even know what I want and I'm glad that I can still go to her and feel great leaving her chair. She is great with color, styling, razors, curly hair (from what I've seen). Mary would be happy going to another Mary, if she could find one! read more

I have been going to Mary for years and never had an issue or complaint! The experience is always relaxing and her studio has the greatest vibes. I now travel over 20 miles to see her and I don't see myself changing that ever! read more

Mary is the best hair dresser in the World! I have been seeing Mary for +10yrs, and she always ceases to surprise me. Her hair cuts are always just what I want and they look real good for a real long time. I will admit, I have tried a couple other hair stylist over the years when I couldn't get into see Mary... And each time was just awful!! You just wont find a pro Like Mary anywhere else. Her techniques are very unique and she is a color expert. read more

BEST HAIRCUT of MY LIFE! Mary is the first stylist I have gone to that actually took the time to talk with me and diagnosis what's wrong with my hair. Then she gave me helpful tips on how make it healthier and stop those horrible hair habits I have developed. This past weekend was my first haircut with Mary (the transitional cut) so I am looking forward to seeing how it grows out & how my hair will look after the next cut! My friend has been going to Mary for years & her hair always looks amazing. I am totally addicted to Mary & now I will never go to another stylist. She is super friendly & knows her stuff- I highly recommend her! read more

I do feel bad putting someone else down, but the haircut I received has really made me very self concious. Upon closer examination, one side is longer than the other, and the shorter side is angled more (I actually posted before and after pictures). It is really the worst haircut I've ever received. All these other reviews sound too good to be true and could very well be. Don't let her anywhere near your hair. I am a very calm person and it takes a lot to upset me, but I am having a hard time getting over this and it is very difficult for me to adjust to this change. I actually cried. I hate my hair now. read more

Fast forward five years. Mary still rocks. Still a FIVE STAR lady. To be honest, I haven't visited in a few months cause I moved to the North suburbs, but over these last few years Mary has given me many many adorable haircuts. Afer her, I would not trust ANYONE ELSE with a short haircut. Mary has also been taking care of my children's hair. She makes them look just what they want to look like - rock stars! Marcel still cherishes a souvenir elephant that they together named Bubblegum. I will definitely be going the distance when the time comes for a more dramatic hair makeover. read more

Mary has been my stylist for over 12 years. She is a blast to be with during my time in the salon without all the fuss and gossip of other shops. Over the years I have had, bobs, updated shags for today's look, long hair etc. which has been fun to change up my look every so often. Mary is highly skilled in cuts and colors which makes her a true professional in her field. Don't think twice about visiting Mary for a cut or better yet a new look. I'm a big fan. read more

I need to say a big Thank You to the Yelp community for helping me find Mary. I think I typed in "funky haircut" and she was the first result. She is fantastic! I've been going to Mary for over 2 years now, and she has always given me a great cut. I've asked for adventurous cuts (and got a fun razored pixy, which worked well even on my fine hair), super professional cuts (when I was stressed out about starting a new job) and for cuts to help my hair look good while growing out some of my shorter styles. Mary listens and is very helpful with figuring out what works best with my hair. Many of the other reviews mention her skills with the razor, but most of the time Mary just uses scissors on me. Her cuts grow out really well (I am blushing as I admit I've gone almost 5 months on her last cut, and it still looks pretty good). Finally, Mary is sweet and is very interesting, which I love. You have her full attention while you're there (she greets you, talks about what you'd like, then washes, cuts, and blow-dries your hair). She makes the experience relaxing, and I always leave feeling refreshed. If you're looking for a fancy salon experience, this probably isn't it. (although I prefer the feeling of having the full attention of one person, instead of being handed off between wash, cut & dry) If you're looking for a talented stylist to give you a great cut at a reasonable price, that's what you'll get at Mary's. She's quite possibly the best secret I've found on Yelp, and that's saying something! read more

I've been seeing Mary for over ten years and over that ten years, she has worked nothing but wonders. I can sit in her chair, and give her free reign with my hair and know with out a doubt I will leave happy. I was surprised to see a bad review, so I looked closely at the pictures the reviewer posted, and am not convinced they are even of the same person! Mary listens to what you are looking for, communicates her ideas for your hair well, makes sure you are on board with the game plan and then she goes to work. She is creative with cuts and color and knows how to build volume and a healthy head of hair. She will take her time and make sure your hair is right. read more

Mary Rizzo works wonders on my hair every time. If you are tired of "safe" haircuts and want something a bit edgy, she's the gal. My hair is uber fun and easy to care for. I can wear it straight out of the shower with styling product or blow it dry -either way it looks great. Mary is fun to hang out with and talk to also. read more

I have gone to Mary for 6 years and it all started w getting a coif for a formal when she was at a previous salon, Beauty Mark. Mary has an excellent technique of cutting hair that's Japan-inspired and her personality is totally rockin'. During your cut and/or color she'll talk to you about how best to care for your hair and answer any questions you might have about products and styling tips and teach you a few tricks. she is def a woman that knows her stuff and with her advice i've been able to really improve the health of my hair. I have sent so many of my friends and family members to her and they all think the same. if you go to her you won't be disappointed. read more

OH. HELL. YES. Not only did Mary diagnose what was wrong with my curls and set me on the right path to a healthy head of luscious curls, she also explained to me how my hair works and the best things that I can do for it. She's a wonderful conversationalist (it's like chatting with a close gf, love her), gives the best advice and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. SO. AMAZING. I'm an addict forever read more

Mary Rizzo is absolutely AMAZING!!! I only have good things to say about her! she is such an expert with hair and knows exactly what she's doing. I strongly recommend her, she's an awesome person and she's such an artist. If you're looking for something sexy and risky, go to her!!! read more

Mary is a true artist. She takes your hair and your face and shapes it to look fantastic to you, every time! I have a pixie cut and have been to Mary 3 times in the last 9 months and everytime she cuts my hair with such excellence it grows out beautifully over three months. She's fun and easy to work with, texting is best! read more

Mary ROCKS. The best part of a visit with mary is the head massage and the awesome hair wash she gives you. I got lucky enough to find Mary after having a series of very unfortunate events with my hair. She immediately conducted damage control and got my hair back in shape. She also will tell you how it is. If she thinks you're making a bad decision, she'll steer you down the right path. On the other end if you really want to do something, she'll ALWAYS make it look good. She's so good that I only have to see her every few months. I definitely recommend Mary - I wish I had before and. after pictures to show what a magician she is. A few more notes about Mary: I'm Asian and I've always had a hard time finding a hairdresser that understands Asian hair. MARY TOTALLY GETS IT. She has always been able to make my hair look good, even with contemporary cuts that don't always work out with Asian hair. Also, if you're thinking about chopping off your hair for a drastic change or something like Locks of Love, Mary is your person to see. She does a GREAT short cut. She made me look great when I got 10 inches cut off a couple months ago - I got a great, really modern, bob. read more

Best hairdresser ever! Great judgment and listens. Nice quiet salon. Get personalized attention.

Mary is really wonderful. As an older woman, I had had enough of being condescended to, not listened to etc. by salon people and so had resorted to going to the usual plethora of quick-cut places. I also have thin, fine hair which very few hair cutters want to take seriously. I looked at reviews on online,decided on Mary, called her and waited to see what happened. She called back soon, talked to me about my hair for awhile, and I made the appointment. The experience was the best I've had in years--you are alone in her salon; she treats you with great kindness and understanding, respects what you are feeling while giving advice(she's not afraid to tell the truth about what you need) and cuts your hair well. I will probably take more risks the next time--she can craft hair, has a gift. Furthermore, she is a terrrific person--human and engaging and funny and authentic. read more

Mary is amazing. Not only is she priced very well! She can highlight a girl's hair who has a TON of hair faster than I've ever seen and do it well! I've spent a long time trying to find someone in Chicago to go back to that does an amazing job and doesn't charge a fortune and Mary is it! I feel comfortable going to her and telling her what I want and knowing it will get done well. read more

Mary ROCKS! The first time I went to see her my hair was 4 different shades of red, none of which were the color I was trying to get. She fixed my hair and I haven't looked back since (this was in '98!). Even after I moved 300 miles away for 6 years, I almost always waited to get my hair done until I was going to be back in Chicago so that I could go see her. She also did an AMAZING job on my hair and make up for my wedding. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a hair goddess! read more

AMAZING! AMAZING! & AMAZING! If you want great hair, Mary is your girl. I been in the salon and spa business for 15 years as an esthetician and makeup artist and have had my hair done by many talented people, and Mary is at the top. She has many years of experience, and lets you know what will or will not work for your hair. Having been in this industry, I have seen and heard it all, with people's crazy expectations of what their hair "should" look like (as opposed to what is actually possible) and I have seen many hairdressers just do as they are told, despite the fact that they are the professionals. The result, unhappy costumers (they just don't understand why their curly hair does not look exactly like their fave celebs with stick straight hair! ect ect). With Mary, not only does she take the time to consult with you, but also makes sure you and her are on the same page, and then she begins to work her magic. She also makes sure to tell everyone how to take care of their new locks to keep the look lasting and your hair healthy. Many people fry their hair and don't even know it they are doing so. He work rocks and I have turned many of my friends onto her skills. And for the person who copied and pasted reviews that may or may not have been written by Mary, all I have to say to you is...LOL! really? I personally could care less what my hairdresser thinks of the burger she had for lunch. I wonder if you know how your dentist feels about where he buys his shoes? Check Mary out. Tell your friends. Look great! read more

I moved to the area in January and was in desperate need of a good hair cut (my first attempt here failed miserably). I found Mary on yelp and am so happy! It's the best cut of my curly-haired life. She's also awesome and super informative. She straightened my hair before cutting to show me what a weird shape I had from previous stylists. Big fail. I know it will take a bit to be 100% perfect bc I wanted to keep most of my length, but I'm 150% happier than I was before. Totally recommended! read more