After a departure from my normal guy I was introduced to Thomas West Salon by Groupon, I made the mistake of not knowing you couldn't use your Groupon till the day after purchase, but I decided to keep my appointment and I am really happy I did! AJ is the shiznet, I am a stylist myself and appreciated all the intricate detail she applied to my haircut. I have tried several salons the worst being Milios in the city and by far AJ from Thomas West is your best bet downtown. Oh hell yeah I pre-booked. Nothing like a master stylist to bang the hell out of your head. Make your appt. with her! read more

I used them for my wedding. DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS ME. The owner was awful about setting up my appointments and very hard to get a hold of throughout the process. I almost cancelled on them the week of my wedding because they still had not sent me an itinerary and didn't respond to my email asking for one. They offered me free make up to apologize for the lack of movement on their part but I wish that I just cancelled. I was the bride and they did my hair/makeup last and I was over an hour late past when I told them I absolutely had to be out. While my hair was pretty, it was not what I asked for and was entirely missing the braid that I clearly had stated I wanted and had shown pictures of. One of my bridesmaids told the stylist she wanted a braid and he told her "he honestly wasn't that great at braids." He asked someone else if they could help and she said she also wasn't great with braids. Keep in mind that these were $85 up dos.... so you'd think they'd be able to follow current trends. Lindsay did my make up and she was a saint. She was the only one who seemed to care about the situation and made sure to keep her quality high despite the rush we were in. I never did hear back from the owner about the whole situation. read more

I'm pretty bummed about the haircut but also the attitude from my stylist. The establishment was nice, the receptionists were friendly and welcomed me when I came in. My stylist, Krista, was running late, not a problem. I had a book to read anyway. I take responsibility on the bad cut. I put no effort in prepping my hair for a cut and it was all messy in pigtails. My descriptions weren't very clear, and "short in the back, long in the front" can be taken different ways, I now understand. What I didn't like, nor understand, is how she cut it. She piled the top portion of my wet hair on top of my head and then cut, dried, and straightened the entire underneath before letting the rest down. Okay, that may be a new method I don't know about (I don't know a thing about hair) but it took forever. She ran over by almost an hour on my appointment, and when the receptionist came to ask the status, she blamed the amount of hair I had. It was awkward, and uncomfortable and nothing I could do about it. When I also asked if she would trim up the bangs a little more she said no b/c in her opinion it wouldn't work with the cut. I wouldn't go back to her, maybe the salon, but I can do without the attitude. read more

I had a bad experience at this salon last week. I had a long wait, then my haircut was a bit rushed. I also wasn't able to use the Groupon I had and it wasn't communicated well by the front desk staff how to get my money back for that. However, after filling out the email survey for the salon they contacted me sincerely wanting to improve my experience with them. Wanting to know what happened and how they can improve their business to make sure that not only myself, but other customers have a great experience. Even though my experience wasn't great last week, I have complete respect for a business that is trying to better themselves by talking to their upset customers to make things right. After discussing my experience with them which they took seriously I think I will give them another chance! read more

Came in today with the groupon- cut, style, and full highlights. So glad with the outcome! My stylist was Brenna and she was so sweet the entire time and did such an awesome job with the color and style. Walked out leaving with the exact haircut I had asked for. Will definitely recommend this place to anyone! Only thing I will add- I called before purchasing my groupon asking for more info on their availability and a guy answered the phone- was really short with me& said they were all booked for the next two weeks. I ended up calling later on that day (Monday) to make an appointment and a lady answered the phone and made an appt for me for 2 days later! read more

I bought a LivingSocial deal for a Keratin treatment this summer. The entire Thomas West experience has been disappointing. When I called to schedule my appointment, the receptionist sounded rushed and annoyed that I was asking for the keratin. Seems they had a rush after they ran the deal. I finally got in about a month later. I don't expect a lot out of a salon, but the keratin treatment takes hours, so I'm usually offered water or a magazine. All of their magazines were old and tattered and the music was some Fleetwood Mac CD from 1975. Now onto the actual experience. Kwan was nice and chatty, but he really rushed the treatment. I saw and felt very little keratin on my hair. This is my fourth time getting the treatment, so I'm used to the feeling and the smell. He would paint on a bit of keratin then basically pull my hair out trying to detangle it. Not sure what that is all about. Two days later, my still dry and it should be dripping with keratin and oil at that point. Also, the entire process was so short. Maybe an hour and fifteen minutes total. The treatment typically takes two hours. And as a follow up (since I wrote this over the summer and forgot to post), the treatment lasted a disappointing two months. Their LS deal was average, so I'll try another salon next time. read more

I had an internship in the Merch Mart and really needed a hair cut and a new stylist. I had one girl who did a good job and when I went back for a bang trim, I was given Kelli. After that I kept going back to her. Kelli is a huge sweet heart and has always done amazing job. She was great with color and my cut was always exactly what I wanted. If I wasn't a college graduate with zero money I would go back to her every 6 weeks, no question. read more

Finding a new hairdresser can oftentimes be a lot like dating. It can take a while to find someone you click with, and trust, and the conversation can be a little awkward, at first, and sometimes they do something totally hideous and unacceptable that totally turns you off - like give you an aborted pixie cut because they're too excited for their vacation to Mexico that starts the next day and they're not paying attention to what they're doing to your head. Yep. That happened. Three years ago, and I haven't been to a hair salon since. (I know. Cutting your own split ends with scissors is a bad idea. Lesson learned.) But you know you've found someone you really like, that maybe you might be willing to see again, if they can make you flip your hair and grin as you prance down Wells St.. Melanie, my stylist at Thomas West, would be a pro dater if she wasn't already spoken for, but she totally snagged herself a new client, last Saturday. I bought a Groupon a few weeks ago for the Salon, after a few friends were talking about liking the experience there. I was nervous, because - let's face it - Yelp has not been very kind to this place - but Melanie instantly put me at ease. She was friendly, and listened to what I wanted. She made some recommendations, and perfectly executed on what she said she was going to do, all while adhering to my request. My request was pretty vanilla - cut the dead stuff out of my past-my-bra-line hair without taking a lot of length off - and she fully complied. And, when she styled my hair, I literally did walk around the rest of the day flipping my hair like a model in a Jhirmack shampoo commercial. All the while, we had a very pleasant conversation. Melanie was able to focus on her work, and give me a beautiful haircut, while also making me feel welcome. And, if she was leaving for Mexico the next day, I never knew it. I'm excited to go back for a trim in 4 months, and I might even explore a little color for the summertime. Thanks for a great experience! read more

My highlights were rushed and I made the mistake of saying "i let my hair dry naturally" so she left my hair 1/2 wet. I asked for natural looking highlights, and instead I got polish-clubbin blonde stripes..... Besides that everything else was normal, overpriced saloon procedure. I'm sure they do hair wonderfully, I must have just got a rotten apple. read more

I came in with a groupon for cut & highlight with Lindsay. She was great!! I have curly hair that most stylists cut like straight hair, but I could tell she knew what she was doing. I also appreciated the fact that she gave me exactly what I wanted and made sure I was happy with everything before I left. She was also so sweet and laid back! Highly recommend booking with her (especially fellow curly gals :) Also, I had a lot come up last month and had to reschedule with the salon 3 times and they were very easy going about it! The front desk staff seemed to be very organized and on time! read more

Great place!!! I saw this salon on Groupon. I didn't even buy it, but when I started looking for a new place to get my color done this came mind. I asked around and a few girls at my office had been there and raved about it. FIrst off, I am a picky bitch when it comes to getting my hair done (aren't we all). Danielle, was patient with me and listened. Didn't push getting a cut done today when all I came in for was a color, and LISTENED to exactly what I had to say. My color came out perfect. She even knew how to style it right (which is tough with my hair). If you are picky about your color, and want someone to do it right off of the vague mumbling descriptions of a girl like myself. This is the spot. Done. Customer for life. read more

I followed Nick D. to Thomas West Salon. He's been doing my hair for years. My coloring always looks fresh and natural. I get compliments right after my hair is done and for weeks after. He cuts my hair in a way that takes minimal work for me to maintain a professional look. And he has suggestions for when I want to style it for something more playful. I like someone who can make suggestions to keep me from falling into a rut, while still making sure that my style works for me. Because he does both the cut and the color, I always feel like everything works perfectly together. He's also fun to talk to. I feel like he cares about me, my hair, and styling beautiful hair. read more

This place is awesome quite frankly for the fact that Mancow Muller's crew continually pranks the living hell out of this guy. The phone scams and his reactions are the most hilarious things I have heard in a long time. I think that these scams actually contribute to his business. What started as a tanning booth accumulated good stylists and a bevy of hotties that will provide a range of hair services. But seriously, Thomas you are hilarious. I will throw you in the frickin' garbage can. read more

Excellent experience across the board. I received a friendly greeting when I walked on without an appointment. They were able to fit me in quickly. I had a full hair cut and blow out with Lira. Amazing, wonderful gal who does amazing, wonderful work. I felt like a super model, and strutted myself out of there in under an hour. This is my new regular spot. read more

I moved back to Chicago 3 months ago and was in dire need of a dye and cut. My friend, who has beautifully styled hair, told me that if I was looking for an amazing place I NEEDED to try out Thomas West Salon. When I googled the location of the Salon, a Groupon deal popped up so all signs pointed to paying Thomas West Salon a visit. I purchased the $80 Groupon for a cut, blowout, and partial highlights. When I called the salon, they were so accommodating and polite. They got me an appointment the upcoming Saturday morning! The day of my appointment, the salon looked pretty busy but customer service was on point. They greeted me immediately, asked me if I wanted tea or water, and called my stylist out. He was a mega babe with mega talent - thank you Thomas! The full service only took 2.5 hours and I love my hair. I am so terrible at describing what I want but he was able to envision what would look good, explain it to me, and then really execute. I highly recommend Thomas West Salon to everyone - I had a wonderful experience. read more

I came to Thomas West on a whim. There was a $31 special for haircuts thru Prettycity.com. What a steal! I got hooked up with Tallie and I absolutely love her. I have gotten so many compliments on my hair in the 2 times that she has cut it, than I ever had before. When I couldn't re-create my bangs the way she did it, she showed me her "technique." My bangs now look awesome and I've taught the same move to my friends. When Tallie does my hair, I can even get 3 days out of it. I was never able to do that before! Unfortunately Tallies' haircuts are normally $65 (which is pretty normal for the city). Not a terrible price, but my budget doesn't always allow for it. Somethings' gotta give and once I figure that out, I'll definitely be back to see Tallie. Give her a shot, she's really talented! read more

Purchased a Groupon for a haircut and a deep conditioning and was seen by Sara. The salon itself was pretty nice looking, but the service I received was subpar. I said I didn't need any fancy layers, just a trim to take away my split ends. Apparently that meant "just don't really do anything." The stylist spent less than 2 minutes on the actual cutting part. The "deep conditioning" was also just rubbing some cream on my hair. The blowdrying part was nice at least, and when she was done Sara was like, "Look! All healthy now." Well sadly I realized all my split ends are still there when I got home. Maybe this is what I deserve for using a Groupon? But honestly I'm not sure if the service I received was even worth the Groupon price. read more

I love my stylist Lira and I followed her from a previous salon in the hood. It was a major upgrade for her which I am happy. She is European trained and is a wizard with her techniques. The color and cut is ALWAYS perfect and she gives the best blowdry and style in Chicago for my long layered hair. I originally started going to her for color but quickly booked a cut after seeing most of her clients before me leave with lush gorgeous hair that suits then well. She really pays attention to her clients and never rushes. She also can recommend some great products in your price range so you can recreate the style at home. I always know it's a great cut once i see how it grows. I can let my cut go for months and it still looks good. I have only have positive experiences at this salon and would highly recommend booking color and cut with Lira. You will enjoy her sweet demeanor too! read more

I purchased a groupon for a partial highlights/haircut/style with Thomas West Salon. I emailed to ask about an appointment for Friday that same week. Stacy from the salon called me back and left a voicemail that I can call her back to book an appointment with them (suggestive of an opening that day). I called Stacy back, and I said that I would like to book a partial highlights/cut/style on Friday. She asked if I preferred a specific stylist at the salon. I said no. She asked if it was my first time there. I said yes. She asked how I heard about the salon. I said Groupon. At that point, Stacy said that there were no appointments available for Groupon users until next year. This is really unprofessional, and there's nothing in the fine print about this. I got my money back as a Groupon credit, and I'll be going elsewhere. It's bad business. AND you spelled my name wrong in your reply!!!! read more

Mel is the best! I have lived in Chicago three years now and have finally found a hair stylist I love! A friend recommended Mel from Thomas West Salon to me and after reading all of the yelp reviews, I decided to give her a shot. She spent the first ten minutes with me asking about my hair and what I was looking for. I have naturally curly hair and usually blow dry/straighten it. I wanted a cut that would work well for both. She gave me a ton of useful tips on styling my hair and product recommendations (without trying to sell me anything). She knew all about the top hair trends which in my experience has been hard to find with stylists in the midwest. Tips: - She does not accept Groupons because she already has a full list of clientele. - Bring Cash to tip read more

My girl Mel at Thomas West is the absolute best! She always takes the time to listen to what you want and really get to know your hair. I've been going to her for 3 years now and every time I walk away feeling like a million bucks! I've recommended her to all my friends and she never disappoints. Mel also gives great tips on keeping up your new style at home. For the first time in my life, I feel like I really love my hair. Wouldn't go to anyone else! read more

Thomas West Salon - Hubs is getting his hair cut with Melanie first, then I'm up next! - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came in here last week to get a cut, full blonde highlights. Found this place by a promo deal they were having "free cut with color service". I was very happy with both my cut and color. After having my last color turn out way to gold, by girl fixed the blonde back to the ashy blonde shade i like. My stylists name was Nico, She was very skilled and friendly, chatty,etc. I would definately come back here!!! Only downside its a little pricy, even with the free cut it came out to be $217 (i did purchase a shampoo and conditioner) read more

Great deal with the YouSwoop... I got a hair cut, style and blow-out and express facial for $55 (youswoop + $5 additional). The price on their website was $60 for a facial and I was charged $65...dunno why, and I didn't realize that until I got home. No big deal... Maria is amazing! I haven't had many facials, but she was extremely thorough and pleasant to work with. She took her time and I feel like I definitely got more than an 'express' job. Jerry cut my hair, he was very friendly, upbeat and didn't try to sell me product or teach me too much. I would definitely return to this salon. I didn't encounter any of the attitude mentioned in other reviews...maybe because I went during the day on a Wednesday when they are less busy... read more

2nd Visit: Lindsay remembered me and our conversation! The haircut was so good that I realized when it was time to come back to get it back to its original state. My next visit for the balyage is booked and I am stoked! read more

This is a really upscale salon in the mart. The staff is really friendly and skilled. Their hours are normal business hours though which stinks if you have a "real" job. read more

Thomas West Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was able to get a Saturday appointment a couple weeks ahead no problem. They were happy to accept my Groupon. I went in for highlights and Allison did an excellent job. I was specific that I just wanted to brighten up my natural blonde hair, and that I do not want my hair to have streaks in it. The only thing that bothered me is that they charge you for a blow out when you get highlights without a hair cut. The salon is located right in Merchandise Mart, so it is very easy to get to. It is also huge and offers lots of services, including nails and makeup. read more

So guys looking for a place to get your haircut that has some nice looking scenery and a great staff head here. Go here and you can thank me later. Thank god for mirrors to help you enjoy the view while the girls do a great job on your hair. Danielle does my hair and she is great, very professional, and very friendly. She does exactly what you need done and it's completed in a timely manner. I usually go on my lunch breaks and Danielle has me in and out pretty quick. She does some nice little extra things like a hot towel on the face while getting a shampoo, straight razor on the back of the neck and maybe if you are nice enough she will give you a quick massage to get you relaxed. You will not be disappointed with going here and if you do request Dani, if she is busy her chair neighbor Erin is pretty damn good as well. The only thing this place is missing is offering beer instead of water to drink. I didn't find it too expensive $25. I have paid more and less, but for the places that are less never got the extra treatments. read more

If there's one thing you could be doing right in your life, it's seeing ANTHONY to do your hair! I went to this salon for the first time today to get a cut and full highlights following other Yelp reviews and have to say THERE IS NO ONE LIKE HIM! He genuinely cares about how you feel, what you want & talks you through the process - and as if that isn't enough the results are perfection! I've never felt more cared for and confident following a salon visit! I've already got my next visit booked! read more

Thomas West Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved my experience! I got my haircut by Tayler & he really did his thing! He's such a sweetheart, totally listened to what I wanted & made time fly by b/c we were chatting the entire time. It's obvious he loves what he does b/c he's SO good at it. The rest of the staff was also nice, the salon itself is really clean/bright. Will DEFINITELY be going back :) read more

I saw Allison today for a full highlight, cut, and style. She did a fabulous job, was very knowledgeable, and friendly. She really went above and beyond what any other stylist has done for me. I would recommend Thomas West Salon and especially Allison. read more

Thomas West Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My quest for THE salon did not end here. I am still on the lookout, unfortunately. Suggestions are welcome, by the way. let me say that I came here with a Groupon for a hair-cut which was a pretty good deal. So kudos for the price. Less for the service. Although my stylist was friendly and polite, I did not get the hair I wanted. I brought a picture with me and explained her what I liked about it: she just kept saying "that would not go with your hair/face shape". Now, I chose the model precisely because she had the same hair type and face shape as mine, but, ehi, maybe I was mistaken and she knows better. Fine. So no bangs, and no asymmetric cut. Did I at least get the 5 inches off I wanted? Not even: my hair is apparently "too curly, so it wouldn't look good". In the end, I could barely tell I had a hair-cut. Disappointed. Also, they allow tips only in cash but it says so nowhere on their website nor they told me so on the phone. Be advised! read more

Had the best hair washing of my life, thanks to Tayler. Great cut and color, as well. Can't wait to come back!

MICHELLE PLEASANT IS THE GREATEST HAIR STYLIST!!!!! I never trust anyone with my hair.. I was so skeptical of even getting it cut, but she is a amazing, creative, precise... I will most definitely continue with her!! The best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I unfortunately WASTED $$$ at this place! I got my hair colored about 3 weeks ago on Friday, July 24th at 4:30pm and I am not one to complain, but the stylist didn't do anything to my hair!!! It was barely lightened and she did not add any bayalage highlights like I had told her. I came in with 3 pictures of what I wanted for bayalage and showed them all to her. Let me also note that my hair was already in ombre from when I colored it last in April. I know I have dark hair and that is why I wanted to dye it again after a few months because I've been wanting it to be blonder. I waited to write this review because I was trying to accept it, but looking at pictures its really disappointing me that my hair doesn't look any lighter or different for that matter. It looks like I paid to waste time sitting in a chair for 3 hours and spending money for no reason...I have already told all my friends and coworkers to beware! And actually I didn't have to even, they noticed themselves no change in my hair and said how terrible it is. read more

This was my first time at Thomas West, I booked with Noemi, who was AMAZING. she really understands what it means to work in the beauty industry. She listened to what I wanted and what I had to say, and I feel like she really understood me. She also didn't try to sell me any product in my first visit because she felt I had what I needed at home for the time being. I can really really appreciate that. My hair came out GORGEOUS, and it was not compromised through the bleaching process. It still feels smooth and soft. She even masked my hair after toning to ensure a good result. I will be going back to Noemi for all of my hair needs! I also love that this salon carries a variety of brands for hair care, lots to choose from. Nothing negative to say about the experience. read more

Thomas West Salon - highlights - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

go here on thursday at 430/5pm you'll catch a glimpse of the worlds best mullett then you have the option to watch her get all snazzed up putting on her makeup and get to her weekly whatever she does. serious. let me see if i can draw something to look like this hairdoo.. kinda looks like that bomb mushroom cloud ... omg omg omg the sad thing is... the people in here were cool, there were not really any other customers and i think the employees were actually doing eachothers hair... yet any time in the past and future when someone asks this nutjob where she got her lovely haircut(she's about oh, 70?) she's going to refer them to thomas west salon. the craziest mullet you ever saw. my cut is rad, never got lowlights before, totally yummy... read more

OMG! Thomas West has feathers (extensions) to put into your hair (check out my profile pic.). Had to bump them up a star just because of this awesomeness!! I have been looking for a salon in Chicago that does this so ....HOORAY!!! read more

Tallie did my updo test for my wedding. PROS: (1) The updo held all day long without looking too sticky from hairspray. Also, when I took it out, my hair looked awesome down! (2) She gave me what I asked for... but I didn't like it -- totally not her fault. I should have asked for something different. Or I should have been much more specific. Tallie can't be faulted for that. In fact I will probably do one more trial with her and bring in the exact photo I want. (3) She only charges $80 + tip. (The other trial I did at Salon Buzz was $125 + tip.) (4) When I walked in, the owner himself asked how I was doing and if I needed anything. (5) I have really long hair and she did a great job of handling it all. (6) She also asked along the way some questions to make sure I was happy with her work. "Do you want it away from your face, or partially covering your forehead? Behind the ear or covering?" "Let me know if these bobby pins are too tight." CONS: (1) The ladies at the front desk reception area have an unfriendly vibe. Nothing specific... just a vibe. Having the owner say hello and actually mean it when he said "how are you?" made up for it though! (2) It is hard to find since it is in the Merchandise Mart. You need to arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in on the weekends. BOTTOM LINE: Definitely worth trying for updos. Just be more specific -- bring in a photo or be really good at explaining EXACTLY what you want. (I mean, that's common sense though...) read more

I've been with this salon for 2 years, and the customer service has become increasingly nicer. The people at the front desk don't look at me like I'm a nobody anymore. They smile and say "Hi, what can I do for you today". Thomas himself is always there, which is cool and he gets engaged with clients. This salon is modern and full of gorgeous staff with exceptional hair (naturally). Its a good sign when people who are in the hair industry actually look the part. Which brings me to say that Jerry Paul, who's been cutting my hair for 2+yrs, is the best stylist I've had. How good? I followed him from Goldcoast to Facebook to Merchandise Mart to wherever he goes! Jerry has some kickass experience with scissors and such an admirable understanding for his clients. He takes time to listen to exactly how I want my hair to look when I leave the salon=perfect hair every time. And the best part is, he lets you feel at ease to stop him and tell him what you want done. I go a little OCD on him with my haircuts, but he's happy to please--since day one. read more

I've been getting my hair done here for almost two years and can't speak highly enough about my experience every time. Since covid, I've gotten my hair cut and colored twice and am incredibly grateful for their thoughtfulness and care in creating a safe environment. They've gone above and beyond in precautions with gloves, masks, single-use capes. The owner is so gracious and has built an wonderful team. I see Blake and he's not only incredibly talented, but also like human sunshine. I leave each appointment feeling like I've been hanging out with old friends. Happy and safe every time! read more