Got my hair cut there for years. This guy's (Sal) biggest problem is his terrible attitude. I dealt with it for a long time and the only thing I'll have to do is change barbers. I'm writing to those who are considering renting stylist space from him. There is more turnover inside there than all businesses I've ever seen. The stylists come and go lightning quick and it is because of him (not them). Do not rent space there or make any type of employment agreement as it will be over in a snap. This guy is old, angry, and at the end of his business rope. read more

It's a small establishment and doesn't look like much when you enter. Also, you can't tell from outside the building that there would be a salon inside. My friend recommended it and therefore, I went looking for it. They've been around forever, so I guess they depend on word of mouth and don't care much for marketing. This is the only reason I took down a star - a little fancier and more obvious location from the outside would've given it 5! I went to Isabella for a haircut, I called her a few hours earlier so didn't attempt to walk in but she had pretty last minute availability. She was amazing!! She spend such a long time on every aspect of the cut (washing, treating, cutting, blowdrying) and paid attention to tiny details, making sure I'm happy throughout. I usually take time to get used to my hair cut - 6 months down the line, I'm still so happy with my hair! No split ends, not crooked or weird. I'm super happy with it, would definitely come back myself and recommend it to other people! read more

Love this salon! You get a private room for your pedicure which is awesome. Karen gives a very careful & thorough pedicure, really taking her time, so I'd definitely recommend requesting her. read more

Got an appointment for today. Nobody showed up, tried to call them but nobody answered. Wasted my time

I have been getting manicures and pedicures from Karen Criner since I was in the fourth grade and she is absolutely, without a doubt THE VERY BEST MANICURIST OF ALL TIME. And believe me, I have had my fair share of manicures, as I've gotten my nails done in North America, Europe and Asia and seriously, there's really only two types of manicures that you can get in this world: by Karen and not by Karen. She actually genuinely cares if you have polish on your cuticles or calluses on your heels. She doesn't just do quick fixes, she gives you the best manicure of your life, so that your nails improve over time. I guarantee it! Aside from being great on the nails (and she has tons of options from basic to super fancy to shellac and on and on), she's also very reasonably priced and has given me some of the greatest life advice. So even if you don't need a manicure, but are having issues in your inter-personal relationships, then I recommend booking an appointment with Karen just because she really knows her stuff. Also, this is very important: the best way to contact Karen to schedule an appointment is to call her on her cell phone #312-320-1717. And she texts too which is super convenient! read more

I'll be back! I was looking for a place that does straight-blade shaves and mani/pedis...so beau and I could hang out together in one place. Turns out this is one of the only places in Chicago that does straight blade shaves anymore, yet alone offers those men's and women's beauty services together. A woman did my nails and they came out great. I chose a dark color and she took her time making sure the polish was tidy. Beau was shaved by the owner and he did an awesome job..no knicks, cuts and was smooth. One element worth mentioning about the atmosphere here is that it doesn't have the regular rush of a salon. The owner is Italian and it seems he does things the soulful way. He talks with you and gives you an experience. Like many of the other reviewers, he offered us a glass of his homemade wine. How often do you get an experience like that? It was even good...not that I'm here to review the wine. Another thing worth mentioning is if you're looking to make an afternoon of beautification, this is the place. If you're looking to be in and out, you should probably call in advance and make sure they can be on the same timeline as you. We came on black Friday so he only had a few of his staff working, and that may be different on regular days. read more

Went for manicure and pedicure. Would not recommend. 1. Difficult to find place in a resesential building. 2 tiny space where the do it all. 3. Not too clean per my standarts. 4. Choise of the nail polish is limited. 5. Quality of the manicure and pedicure is below avarage. read more

I recently got a Shellac manicure from Karen and it was great! My hands sweat very much because of a sweating disorder I have, so regualr manicures last me about a day, and "no-chips" last me about 5 days. I've had mine now for about 10 days now and it still looks pretty good! That means that a normal person should get at least 2-3 weeks out of it I'm sure! Besides getting a great service, Karen was lovely to chat with. And it's an actual salon, so you don't have that cheap nail-factory ambiance. The salon is in a high-rise, so allow enough time to find it and get upstairs. read more

Read my original review too. After writing my original review, I received an insulting email from Gino G, who works maybe owns this salon. Maybe if they spent more time on customer service, and less time insulting yelpers, I wouldn't have given them a poor review to begin with. I see that he tried to raise the rating on his business, but his fake review of his own business got deleted by YELP!, So clearly yelp is doing their job right. read more

I had no idea that a mani/pedi could be so great or last so long until I went to see Karen. It has been over a year since my first visit, and it's the only place I'll go for nails now. I get the shellac for my fingernails and standard OPI for my toes.The cheap specials I used to get at other salons would last three or four days before chipping, but I literally go a month in between my appointments with Karen without a single flake of polish coming off. She also really takes her time exfoliating and smoothing your skin. When I leave, my hands and feet are immaculate. Be prepared to be there for at least two hours for a mani/pedi--and for the polish to last twice as long as the rush jobs you get at other salons--but the time will fly by because she's so great to talk to. Her prices are super reasonable considering the results. I feel so lucky that I stumbled on this spot. read more

This is much overdue as I've had 3 manicures by Karen now! She is the best! Efficient, professional, caring and fairly priced. I get the OPI no chip and love it. Always get compliments, I'm rough on my hands and it never chips. Best manicurist in Chicago! read more

Just got my first OPI Shellac manicure with Karen Criner and I cannot say enough wonderful things. She took her time, helped me pick out a good color, was a lot of fun to talk to, and did a wonderful job. I booked the appointment two days earlier and she was so accommodating with her schedule. Highly, highly recommend!!! read more

I recently got a Shellac manicure from Karen and could not have been more pleased! She did a great job, and was very pleasant to chat with. Her prices were really reasonable for that neighborhood too. She is independant from the salon, so the phone # is different, and the salon is in a residential building (right by the Trump hotel), so allow enough time to find it! Give her a try, you wont be sorry! read more

Just got a mani/pedi from Karen Criner and she did a fantastic job! Incredibly thorough, I don't think anyone has ever been this thorough on my nails before. Other reviewers noted that she takes the time to do a great job and that's true, I was there 2 hours but I didn't mind a bit, and she did ask me if I had anywhere to get to by a certain time (I didn't). I wouldn't be surprised if this mani/pedi lasts me twice as long as ones from other salons. She takes appointments by text at 312-320-1717 which is super convenient. I also liked how the salon was very down to earth and not intimidating at all despite the location. Highly recommend! read more

I've been going to Sal for my haircuts for as long as I can remember. He is the consummate professional. Sal is the best stylist around. He's been cutting hair for 50+ years and still brings a fresh new style to contemporary trends. It's not just a haircut, it's an experience. Sal has perfected the hair experience. read more

Inside the River Plaza building on the 3rd floor, next to the pool, is this amazing Salon, Salon Di Stefano. Sal, the owner, cuts only men's hair and is an master of the trade! I know that there are other people at the Salon that cut women's hair too. For Men, Sal is the best. Once you have Sal cut your hair you will never go anywhere else - Great service, reasonable price - great value. read more

Been going here for over a year after trying it out due to a deal! Ali is the best stylist I've had and has given a perfect haircut everytime! Shes also a lot of fun to talk too making the experience all the much better. Prices are very reasonable as well for the quality experience! read more

Received a hair cut and color from Gino. Very pleased I will be back. I am usually nervous to go get high lights places since I moved and I found my new go to salon. 5 Stars for Gino! read more

If you want a REAL pedicure, call Karen. I started getting pedicures from Karen 2 years ago. Each 1 was great. She takes her time, gives you her full attention & gives a great pedi. I've gone back on a regular bases since then & have been more than satisfied each time. I refuse to go back to one of the assembly line type shops where it seem they wash you feet, dry your feet & slap polish on your toes. I could do that myself. And do daily! Karen seems to be one of the few that still gives a full pedicure that makes it feel like it was worth your time & money . read more

Salon Distefano - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My boyfriend was lured in by the $10 off a haircut offered on this site. The price of the haircut was simply adjusted up. So he paid $30 cash ($40 including coupon) for a simple--no wash no blow dry/style men's haircut? The haircut was not gentle, took a loooong time, we were not offered water. Wont be back. read more

I found the place expensive and ghetto-ish. Although the one who did my haircut was very interactive and talked and discussed with me my look. I finally liked the haircut she gave me. They give an offer if you do a Yelp check-in. However, the owner denied any kind of association with Yelp whatsoever. read more

Just got back from Salon Distefano and am very happy. I also went on a whim because I was long overdue for a haircut. I called to see if they take walk-in appointments and Patty told me she could see me right away. When I arrived she was friendly and got straight down to business. She complimented me on my curly hair and said it reminded her of her niece. She asked me what I wanted (wash, trim and blow-dry) and offered to flat iron my hair as well. In 1.5 hours, she truly transformed me and did a wonderful job with both the haircut and style. She was very friendly and has a fun straight no-nonsense personality. The salon is also very convenient to get to as it is right next to the Trump Tower & Wrigley Building so it was very convenient to go during work hours. I will definitely return! read more

After 2 bad colors at 2 other salons..I finally found Mike at Salon di Stefano..he knew exactly what I needed to keep my blonde without being brassy or yellow. I've also struggled with finding a good cut, Mike referred me to Gino who did an amazing job..I got to keep my length and just got more layers..very happy with my cut as well. I just got it done on Thursday and have received numerous compliments..I will be going back! read more

I love Salon Distefano! I only trust my hair to Isabella!

I only trust Karen Criner for my manicures and pedicures. She is professional, on-time and thorough. If you are looking for someone who understands the importance of nail health, Karen is the best. read more

We were visiting Chicago and my teenage daughter needed her haircut. They were able to squeeze a cut and condition in. My daughter was very happy with her cut and her hair looks beautiful. read more

When the hours are posted they don't actually follow them. This means they are not walk in friendly.

Finding this salon was a big win for me! I got my eye brows threaded perfectly and painlessly. I got a great manicure from Karen and a great haircut from Isabella. These three ladies are all so nice, talented, and professional. Definitely will be back and definitely recommend. read more

Linda is a great stylist. Hard to believe a fantastic cut and style for only $30.00 in downtown Chicago. She is great. This is her fall special so take advantage. I have and she does a wonderful job. read more

You want to book your haircut with Isabella!! She's amazing and super nice. She paid so much attention to detail. Came to get my roots touched up and get my ends trimmed. She made me look like a new person. Very reasonably priced. read more

I was looking for a salon near me that did Brazilian Blowouts or Keratin straightening treatments for a reasonable cost. Gino did a great job! We discussed which one would work the best for my hair and he was honest and knowledgable about the pros and cons and which one would be best for my hair. I was running late and he was very understanding and made the whole process a breeze! There are three qualities I look for in a hairdresser - skill level, honesty and price. He seemed to be very knowledgable in both treatments, was very honest about what would work best for me and I never felt like he was trying to make money. It really seemed like he had my best interest at heart. Best of all at $200 for my short hair, the treatment, I am sure, is the best price in the city! I also got my hair cut and could not be happier! I will be coming back for more services!!!! read more

Sal has been cutting my hair for a few years now and every time it's the same great experience. I've been through quite a few salons in Chicago and have to say Sal is in his own league when it comes to man's haircuts. True professional with great personality and amazing skills. Plus- convenient location and very reasonable prices. For the guys that are looking for a hair stylist in downtown area- Sal is the way to go! read more

With all the great salon choices in Chicago save yourself the hassle! This place ran a BuyWithMe (like Groupon) in March. They were incredibly rude with me as I tried to redeem the coupon this week. The owner Sal told me that due to personnel changes he refused to honor it and that I should try to get my money back from the company. After some discussion another stylist, Gino, agreed to honor the coupon. We made an appointment and when I showed up today - he had stood me up! When I walked in the door, I explained I had an appt with Gino. The gentleman working (Sal?) walked to the phone called Gino - and said "HERE!" - handing me the receiver. (Gino - for his part - said he vaguely remembered our conversation.) What a ridiculous, humiliating and awful way to be treated. Please don't bother patronizing this business. read more

I stopped by to see if they did men's haircuts. The lady working that night ignored that I had walked into the salon and continued to talk on her cellphone outside for 10 minutes. She then re-entered the salon and rolled her eyes at me as she walked back into the salon. She finally asked if I was waiting on someone so I asked if they offered men's haircuts. She replied with a nasty tone saying that she didn't have time and to come back later. Unbelievably bad service. read more

I went to Salon Distefano on a whim (and a Groupon Now deal) because my hair was looking a mess and I needed a last minute 'do before going to a wedding. I got a single process color, haircut, and blowout with Patty and she was great! She was super-friendly from the moment I called to make the appointment and was ready to go when I got there. She helped me pick the right color and everything came out looking like I wanted! read more

I got a shellac manicure from Karen and it was amazing! I am hooked. I do a lot of housework and wash my hands a lot so normal manicures are destroyed by the 4th or 5th day. My shellac manicure stayed perfect for almost 3 weeks! Actually, the color is still perfect but is starting to look a little raggedy now that my nails have grown about a quarter of an inch. Karen was really smart and even suggested a color that I ended up loving. I would highly suggeste her to anyone! read more

My boyfriend introduced me to this salon and we have both now been seeing Isabella. She is so sweet&friendly, but also really knows what she is doing... We are both satisfied. read more

Went into Salon Distefano today on a whim and i have to say...i'm a satisfied customer and will be going back. Sal took the extra time to make sure that everything was up to his standards...not something you get everywhere. read more

I am in town to see my daughter in college and needed a quick haircut. Gino was very helpful, finding a way to fit me into his schedule. And most importantly, Gino gave me a great haircut! He did what many barbers don't -- he listened to what I wanted and did exactly that. The shop is a little difficult to find but its highly worth looking for it and Gino can help on the phone with directions. Great option downtown for a good haircut. read more

Salon DiStefano is the best place ever!!! I couldn't love it more here. I come for the BEST Brazilian wax in Chicago by Eva and I also get my hair done by Gino. Not only is he a total babe, but he knows hair. He offers the Brazilian blowout at the best rate in the city. COME HERE. Family owned Italian salon, they know what they're doing. read more