I've been going to Shannon at Salon Ruelle for almost a year now, and I can't say enough about her prowess in both color and cuts. If you are a redhead, or want to be, Shannon knows her stuff. She does a deep red color on my hair, and then puts in blond highlights. It's a totally cool look and she always does it perfectly. I cannot tell you how many compliments I get about my hair. And the haircut is always perfect. Even six weeks later when it's too long for my tastes, it is still holding its style well. Plus she is totally cool, as are the other hairdressers here at Salon Ruelle. It's laid back, eclectic, and friendly. It's a refreshing change from many other salons that are too uppity and not my style. I highly recommend this salon. read more

My hair is poly-amorous since I go to both Shannon and Shelli. I started seeing Shannon in 2004, and Shelli, her psychic twin, in '05 or '06. Once they even did me tandem for a chemical straightening, and the results were terrific. Ruelle is now our meeting place - a tiny, indie salon owned by Sh & Sh. We've done a lot of hair styles together, and the prices aren't insane. They don't mind that I'm constantly calling them by the other's name. And I'd still like to recommend them both. Happy, satisfied hair. read more

I met Shelli, my stylist, at Poe.m Art House next door; I had been thinking of switching from the place I was going to in Joliet because it's so far now that I am in Naperville. Shelli described a bit what she would consider doing with my hair and gave me her number. It was low-pressure enough that I contacted her the next time I needed a hair cut. I have always been a reluctant style subject. Since my mom subjected me to cuts by beauty school fiends as a kid, I have always been afraid of change, but Shelli and I had a nice discussion about what I could deal with (i.e. not 50 products and flatirons; I can't even dry my hair without bonking myself in the head repeatedly) and what I was looking for. She talked me up to something a little different but that was similar enough that I wouldn't go into shock. She also gave me good tips on how to style/dry it, since I am all thumbs at that (though on the first attempt I did a pretty good job at recreating her results, so that's saying something for her technique!) Maybe next we will move up to color, a new step for me! The salon itself is small with an explosion of graffiti-looking murals on the walls. Not what you might expect in Downers Grove, but it's cool that they are adding a splash of urban flair to this 'burb. read more

What impressed me most about this salon is the 5-star rating from everyone on Yelp. I felt I couldn't go wrong with entrusting my hair to this salon. I walked into the salon to make an appointment (or you can call for one). Sharon, my now-stylist and colorist, took my appointment for two days later. I wasn't sure what to expect because I have never been to a salon without a receptionist or shampoo person; but I was ready for anything. Well, the reviews I read were spot-on! Sharon is amazing. She had thought of the colors she was going to use in my hair before I even walked through the door and she talked about the ingredients in the color. She is very eco-friendly and uses organic hair products (or at least as organic as you can get for a hair product). Sharon listened to what I wanted and stuck to my request. I did give her creative freedom with my color; it turned out perfect. All I can say is how lucky I am to have found this salon and Sharon; as everyone knows it's so hard to find a colorist and stylist that you truly like. Thank you, Yelp! read more

Salon Ruelle - Hair Salons Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

As you've read from my previous post, this a great Salon--the new added phrase is "if you are not obese" after nine years of being a client, I have Bern on the heavy side and a recent diagnosis has Me on meds that have me looking like a walrus. I go to book an appointment, and after weeks of being ignored, I get a TEXT that obese clients are not being taken. I went from a walrus with hope to pretend to have cute hair to having my heart hurt and judged "for the good of the business" If you fit the "right size", go they still do great work. If you support your obese friends who get discriminated all over the place, find a different salon. I'll post when I find a place that is funky, chic and accepts all sizes of people. Shame on you SALON RUELLE for joining the elitists of the western suburbs. read more

I'm going to have to go 5 stars on this one. Forgive me if this review sounds a bit long winded. First, I have to say, this place is EXACTLY what Downers Grove needed. It's a tiny salon with an independent feel - not in any way pretentious and that's what I love about it. I got a hair cut with Shannon (could there be a cooler, more down to earth stylist?) and I absolutely love it. She listened to what I wanted, and added some input of her own. The end result was as though she had read my mind. Shannon really took her time with me and I didn't feel rushed (the way some salons tend to hurry you through). This place has a great energy, and I felt really comfortable coming here. I'm sooooo happy to have found this salon I admittedly didn't want to tell everyone about it! But if I tell you about it, then you'll go there and Ruelle can stay :) Bottom line - if you want a fru-fru salon where they offer you cucumber water and gossip about the latest hollywood stars then this isn't it. If you want great hair service with people who care about what they're doing, call Ruelle. You won't be disappointed. read more

I went in for my cut and color last night with Shannon, and I truly think she might be the best stylist I have ever had! First, my hair looks AMAZING! She new exactly what I needed and made me look awesome! A few things I love about her and the salon: It's a small salon, no receptionist, assistants or product pushing. Shannon works by appointment only, (630)452-7110 - but is very flexible with times. She gives you all of the attention when you are there! I was there for several hours and she talked with me and got to know me, without being fake or gossipy like some stylists I have known in the past. She is the real deal, a perfectionist, and she truly cares if you are happy. I could not reccommend her more!! Just as a side note, she and her business partner also do bridal hair and make-up, and just in talking to her about make-up (in a general sense because Im already married) she sounds like a true artist. If I was getting married again, I would definetly be contacting her! CALL HER! You wont be disappointed! read more

I've been a client of Shannon's for about 7 years. I've followed her from salon to salon throughout that time but now, with Salon Ruelle, I'm so glad her and Shelli have a place to call their own! I live in the loop but will gladly drive to Downers Grove to have her do my cut and color. Rather than tell her how to style my hair I prefer to let her go crazy with her own knowledge and creativity-- she's a genius, really. I've never been unhappy with her cuts and we've pretty much tried every color of the rainbow at this point so don't be afraid to ask for something crazy! Great place, great atmosphere, great location, great stylists! read more

I recently switched from another solid Yelp 5-star salon in the area which will remain unnamed, and I'll tell you why. My old salon did cuts fabulously. But when I asked said salon to give me red highlights, I was met with an attitudinal, "I don't think that's a good idea. Why don't you go blond?" When I explain that salons ALWAYS want to give me blond, I get ANOTHER attitudinal, "Well, *I* haven't done them yet." Fast forward to my trip to see Shannon at Salon Ruelle. Not only did she give me red highlights without hesitation, we picked the shade together and it looks fabulous. My cut was also much needed; Shannon knows how to cut some fine hair, and fix other salon's mess of fine hair. I walked out of that door feeling like a full-bodied, red highlighted queen! read more

When moving to a new area, one of the hardest things to find is a great hairdresser but luckily yelp! comes in handy for those situations. Based on the reviews, I decided to give Salon Ruelle a try and I'm glad I did. I left a message and Alicia set up an appointment with me for the following week. There was parking lot across the street so it was a breeze finding parking. I walked in and was warmly greeted. It's a small shop with a lot of style to it, which I loved. I told her I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do but knew I wanted to cut quite a bit off. We talked about the various options and finally decided on the cut. After the amazing wash (they really know how to message your head), she started cutting away. I ended up cutting more than 6 inches off and it was the first time in years that I didn't freak out after getting a haircut. It was the perfect length and style because it let's me be my age but also look professional in the work place. I've gotten a lot of compliments on the cut and have Alicia to thank. read more

THIS SALON DOES NOT DESERVE MY BUSINESS AND IT DOES NOT DESERVE YOURS EITHER. I made a first time appoint at this salon based upon the wonderful review I have read here on Yelp. On my way to the salon I was pulled over on Main St. with an accusation from the police officer that not only was I speeding but I was "playing around on my phone". My phone was zipped in a compartment in my purse out of site and out of mind at the time. As I sat there taking a verbal beating from the police officer about how getting my first ticket "sucks" but it is going to happen to me, two things were running through my mind. The abuse of this Downers Grove police officer and that I would be late for my appoint. After I was let go with a hefty speeding ticket, I called the stylist immediate at the shop and there was no answer. I called again as I was about to pull up to the shop, no answer. I left a voicemail. As I pulled into the shop the stylist returned my a call saying since I was 20 minutes late she already had left the salon and closed it. She came in especially for me (as I had come to the salon especially her) and she had a babysitter at home with her children. She told me she was currently back at her house and she sent the babysitter home so she would not be coming back to do my hair (an all over color and highlight). I asked her if there was a reason she did not call me to see why I was late and she responded saying she assumed I was a no show since I was a first time client so she just left. She told me my number was at her house with the babysitter. Very upset, I asked her why she did not bother to call the babysitter since she was there so she could get my number, thinking to myself it would have been the professional thing to do. She stated that she just didn't and we must not be meant to be as stylist and client. I then told her that no we are not because I would expect much more out of a salon. I will never go back there. THIS SALON DOES NOT DESERVE MY BUSINESS AND IT DOES NOT DESERVE YOURS EITHER. read more

I spontaneously decided to get my haircut while on a three-week trip to the chicago suburbs. This is a great salon & I'm so happy with the pixie cut Jennifer did for me. I had it dyed platinum as well & it looks awesome! This salon is so cutting edge- it keeps the focus on great hair by keeping their overhead costs low. No receptionist so just leave a message & someone will get back to you. If you're looking for some & edgy this is a great place to visit! If you want to see my before & after cut- check out my blog post on the experience; http://sidewalktheologian.com/2010/07/30/before-after-from-the-chop-shop/ read more

I went to Laura to get my hair completely chopped off about 3 weeks ago, and man she did an awesome job. It was completely worth the money (before this, I'd never paid more than $35 for a haircut). She spent some time before washing and cutting to mess around with my hair to see what she thought would look best, as well as go along with the general style of the photos I brought. My only thing was that I wanted something.. unprofessional. Something fun. She most definitely gave me that. Afterward, she went through how to do some different styles with my hair. Laura made the whole experience fun, and I am happy to be going back on Friday to get the same cut. read more

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Salon Ruelle and specifically Shannon. I have been going to her for about three years and she is amazing. If you could see this mess of a hairball I have, you would understand why finding a stylist is so important! And now, you would never know. She does that great of a job! When I got married in March, she brought Shelli and a makeup artist to take care of all of my bridesmaids and myself. Everyone was so happy with how their hair/makeup turned out. Shannon totally surpassed my expectations and gave me 'hollywood' hair as my husband called it. No one had a clue that I had extentions in my hair! I recommend her to everyone I know (and now people I don't know!) So, if you want to have great hair and pay a reasonable rate, then call Shannon. You won't be sorry!!!! read more

Stay away from Carla. Had touch up to cover grey and it did not take. Carla said come back next week and will do it over. I was there for appointment, she never showed up. Called her and she said no it was the wrong day I showed up, so another appointment was made and I clearly repeated day and time and it was confirmed. Again no show or phone calls returned. So please stay away from Carla. Terrible service read more

I have gone to a number of different salons and seem to never quite LOVE my cut. Today was different. Jen is both creative and professional! I have incredibly straight hair that (for the first time) has length and volume!! Jen is truly interested in her clients and the salon is a fabulous way to "shop local". BTW--so happy to find that Jen also uses color that is eco-friendly and not tested on animals!!! Can't wait to go back! Update: Jen is no longer there--but I've seen other stylists give great cuts, too! read more

Don't get color from Carla/Carlita. Worst highlight EVER!. Over processed, bleeding of color, major breakage of my hair that I have NEVER had that before in over 20 yrs of highlighting my hair. I looked like I needed a new highlight only a month after....I used to go 4 mo. Overall careless job, poor customer interaction. Very disappointed to say the least. Maybe I will get over it in two years when the breakage grows back. Wish I could get my $ back since I can't get my broken hair back. read more

I needed to do something with my hair desperately and my regular hair person couldn't fit me in. After reading the reviews of this place, I thought that I would give it a try. It wasn't at all what I expected - I thought that I would be walking into an upscale salon with a waiting area, magazines..maybe some water with lemon. You will find none of that here, but you will walk out with great hair. This is a small little place right in the heart of downtown that has character and class. Laura listened to what I wanted and was able to do exactly that and then some. I left completely happy with my hair and with more money left in my wallet than I expected. read more

Love Love Love this place!! I booked a cut and color with Jen and had THE BEST experience! This salon is all about personal attention. No more busy bustling loud salons for me! Salon Ruelle's one on one personal experience is the way to go! It has such a fun, funky vibe and you can truly just relax and talk in a quiet, unpretentious atmosphere. Jen is soooo easy to talk to and made me feel at ease from the minute I walked in! She seemed to just "know" what I was looking for in a cut and the color she helped me select was perfect! Can't recommend this place enough! Give them a try.....you deserve it!! read more

I really felt I needed to post this review but feel bad doing it. I am really disappointed in my haircut from Shannon. After all the raving reviews on Yelp, I felt confident in trying her. I've been there a couple times and I've been disappointed. She is an extremely nice person so I feel bad giving her a mediocre review but her haircut left a lot to be desired. Each time I left looking messy and tousled and thinking, "Is that it?" The last time, I looked like I had rolled out of bed and little bits of hair were sticking out all over the place. She added some hair product and messed up the hair but it looked really bad. Even my husband thought it was ugly. Maybe she does a messy, tousled look and that's the style she likes but it was the ugliest I've ever come out looking after a haircut in the past 10 years. Usually, I like to look polished and attractive when I leave a salon--not go home and immediately take out my straight iron to fix my hair so I can look decent. Since my last haircut, it has been a stressful struggle every morning to try to look decent to go to work. I keep wishing it would grow out faster. There's no way around a bad haircut and this was a bad one. I'm reading yelp reviews on other salons and desperate to find someone to fix this haircut but scared to mess up my hair even more. When you have short hair, you don't have much room for error and my margin is even more narrow now. Maybe she does a fantastic color job but my haircut was very disappointing. Again, she is a very nice person but I need others to know what my experience was. read more

I recently moved to the area and was looking for a good stylist. I found Salon Ruelle on Yelp and thought a salon with 5 stars and such amazing reviews was certainly worth a shot. I have to admit that I thought it was possible that these girls just had some good friends posting for them on yelp... I have short hair and lack the ability to really describe what I want so I need a stylist that gets to know me a little and is great at giving people a cut that matches their face, personality and life. I call at 8:45 for an appt that day. I'm last minute like that unfortunatly but Shellie says she can get me in at 11:30. Perfect. When I walk in I am greeted by the wild artsy walls and intantly feel good about my choice. There is no receptionist, coat check girl etc... Shellie finishes with her previous client and then "Are you Myia?" We sit down and she asks what I'm looking for and because I'm vauge she grabs a few books and we start looking. After a couple minutes she repeats back to me the things I want and offeres some creative ideas of her own. I agree and we get stared. I also wanted highlights and although I was crunched for time she said she could make it work. Yea! So I walk in at 11:30 and I walk out at 1:00 with an adorable cut and even better highlights. Shellie was friendly, open and down to earth. You can tell she is interested in people and enjoys meeting and getting to know others. It was like having coffee with a friend except leaving with better hair than when you walked in! I've found my salon. No pretention, great sylist, good conversation. Yippee! read more

Hair artist Shannon is amazing! Shannon takes your hair type, skin tone and personality into consideration when coloring/styling your hair. She analyzes and consults what is best option for you. She is patience and listens to what you want. I drive from Chicago to Downers Grove because I know Shannon is a true gift for me. Thanks Shannon so much for giving me the confidence and knowledge to know how to take care of my hair. You're AWESOME! read more

Are you desperate for a cool new haircut by someone who really listens to what you want...then you have to see Shannon at Ruelle. She is amazing and really gifted at styling hair. She talked with me for a long time about exactly what I wanted...and how I wanted to feel leaving the shop with my new haircut...and she managed it beautifully! She is very friendly,and takes her time with you ...and really interested in giving you the look that you want....rather than just a so-so cut. The salon is small, but very avant-garde with graffitti type painting on the walls. Her prices are also reasonable, especially considering how talented she is! Go see Shannon...you will love her! read more

I got my hair cut and styled by Alicia, this was my first time going to Salon Ruelle. I had always wanted to try it after driving by and seeing the cute edgy look of the place. I was very happy with my haircut and loved the style even more, she took the time to curl my hair which saved me tons of time getting ready to go out afterwards. They have cool art on the walls, the stylists are down to earth, and they play good music. This salon definitely has more of a laid back and alternative feel compared to other Downers Grove Salons such as Rocco and Rocco, A Shear Encounter, or Beauty on the Main. I would recommend it to anyone looking to try a new salon that doesn't want to deal with the yuppy competition in town. read more

Shannon understands hair like no one else I've ever been to. She listens to what you want, takes into account your hair's natural textures and tendencies, and has the skill to make it look amazing-- she's a true artist. She does take her time, but I learned to work that into my schedule because the results are worth it. No flighty, distracted scissors here! I've moved out of the Chicago area, but I'm saving my hair cuts for her when I'm back in town! read more

I have gone to Alicia for as long as I can remember. Throughout the many years my mom has chosen Alicia to care for all five of her daughters hair. She gives helpful advice and works with you until you decide what it is you want. Styling long hair isn't always an easy task for most hair dressers, for this reason I wouldn't trust anyone other than Alicia. Providing great company, Alicia never fails to make customers feel confident about their styling choice. Genuine people are hard to come by, you won't regret asking for Alicia! read more

I can't say enough good things about Laura at Salon Ruelle! She really listens to what you want and if you aren't sure.... she has great ideas. When I finally decided to highlight my hair, I was worried that it wouldn't look natural. Laura guided me every step of the way and I LOVE the results. I can't imagine going to anyone else. Laura is great with hair cuts and is amazing with color. The Salon is fun, friendly, and a treat for the eyes. Laura is super!! read more

What an amazing experience...I have been trying to get platinum blond hair color for years (unsuccessfully), and I just got it in Ruelle done right by Shelli. Let me just tell you that she is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. She really knows and loves her job, she works with passion and is doing everything to satisfy your needs. I was really wowed. My hair never looked this good. After reading all amazing reviews on Yelp I decided that I will give a try and let me tell you this is one of the best decisions I've made :) Highly recommended deserves more than 5 stars! read more

I saw Laura this week for the first time. She was very nice and helpful in thinking through my needs. I'm not totally in love with the end result, and it cost more than either place I previously went in the city, but the shop was cute and I think a little more direction from me would make it all work next time. read more

I just got my hair cut and highlights last week from somewhere else. But I was very disappointed. I was looking desperately some nice salon to fix my hair. I read so many good reviews about Salon Ruelle and decided to go there. Yesterday I just stop by at salon Ruelle to make an appointment. I like the salon so much. It is very cozy and very unique. I met Laura and even though i didn't have appointment Laura took enough time to do consultation with me, she listen everything so calmly and then she looked at my hair. She suggested couple of things about my hair and I agreed with her. I was thinking now she will tell me to make appointment and come some other time. But she offered to cut my hair right away and will do color on Friday. It was totally unexpected for me. I was really happy. Because I have to go to the party this weekend. And I was feeling very embraced to go to the party with bad hair cut. She gave me beautiful bob cut style hair cut. To fix my previous hair cut she had to cut little shorter. But they look wonderful. After hair cut I went to work. As soon as I reached there, people started complimenting me. I got so many complements thru out the day. And every time in my heart I was thanking Laura for that. I changed my mind about coloring and called her today to cancel the appointment and she showed me very good attitude, plus gave me some suggestions about my damage hair over the phone. She is a best hair stylist and full of knowledge. I will always go to her in the future. read more

I have been going here for about 2 years now. Carla is the best! She's friendly, funny and great at what she does! All the girls that work there are really friendly and they actually listen to you when explaining what you would like done, instead of doing what they think is best. read more

I left 2 messages to setup an appointment with the first available stylist (anyone). No call back either time. What the hell happened over there? I've stopped recommending this place. read more

I don't know if it's just me... But I cannot give this salon 5 stars... I called Shannon because a lot of the reviews said she is really good.... I havent been to a salon in 5 months, tried coloring my hair, myself.... And yep, color was bad, so I needed a professional.... When I got there.... I thought the salon was cute... Eclectic design... But I didn't feel any warm fuzzy feeling when I was greeted by Shannon.... So I said, hum, maybe she will warm up later.... I did tell Shannon that I wanted either black base with red highlights, or rich chocolate brown with warm caramel highlights.... Our session lasted more than expected, so I was in a hurry to leave... When I got home after my meeting, my bf said my highlights was orange-y.... I was like, damn.... I tried rockin it at work Thursday, the next day.... My friends from work said, color was not good... So I decided to call Friday morning around 8:30, left Shannon a VM if she can re-color my hair.... No calls all morning, no calls early afternoon.... Decided to go to Mario tricocci, they toned my hair, and yeah... I got the color I want.... Almost black with red highlights.... Shannon called me later that night around 8ish, but the call should have been in the morning, I'm definitely disappointed. I will stick with Mario tricocci on 75th & willow brook read more

Highly recommend this salon. Have been going to Alicia for years. She is always professional, attentive and accommodating to my schedule. You won't be disappointed. read more

Went to Shannon. She gave me an awesome cut. I went to her based on her yelp reviews and left a very happy customer.

It's the new girl that has me posting a great review! Ms. Carla (aka "LIta") has been treating my hair for the past few years - and I have seen an improvement in both my hair's health and look. She does great cut and color (like every 6-8 weeks) and I appreciate her honest opinion and generous heart. Carla moved her business from a large big name salon to her home and now she is at this awesome local location that will be easier for me to schedule. Salon Ruelle has other stylists, but Carla is the only one I use. I know extensions are her specialty and I hope to give them a try some day! Carla makes my appointments fun and pleasant and makes me feel special too. Her products are top of the line and so is she! read more

I'm grateful that I met Alicia! I followed her from Main St. Hair Co. in Lisle and will follow her wherever she goes. She restored my hair after it was totally fried with harsh blond highlights from another stylist in Chicago. Her highlights are gentle and perfect. Haircuts are always what I ask for. She listens really well to what I want and provides great feedback to accomplish what I have in mind. On top of being so talented, she's very down to earth and nice to talk with. I highly recommend her! read more

I was attracted Ruelle one because of all the 5-star reviews and the art work on the walls. The salon was GREAT! I made my appointment with Shelli. She is wonderful I can't say enough good things about her!!! I have baby fine hair and she new exactly what to do with it. I knew I needed a new style but was not sure what I wanted. Not only did I get a wonderful cut but I can make it look just like it did when I left the salon. Shelli took the time to i show me a variety of ways to style my hair that were easy for me to do and looked great! Thanks Shelli!! I will definitely be back. By the way the artwork is beautiful! read more

Really like this place, I have found my last salon! I love Alicia! She is the first person to really give me the hair I wanted. And I feel very relaxed at Ruelle, not like I have to dress up for a haircut. Some salons have a natural pretentious feeling, but not here. read more

At the beginning I was very pleased with this salon and the color and cutsI received from Shelli, the owner, however, scheduleing appointments started to become problematic even with four weeks notice. There are hair salons on every corner in every town from Downers Grove to Hinsdale that are more than happy and grateful to have a regular monthly $100 - $150 client, so I dumped Salon Ruelle. I like to deal with honest professionals who treat me with good customer service and appreciate my business so have now found a fabulous new salon right down the street. If you're time is important and have a busy schedule, this is not the salon for you. read more