After walking past the salon often during the day these past couple years, I wasn't expecting much on this first visit to Zea. But.... It was quaint and quiet at night; plus, we had amazing service from our server/bartender. The cocktails and selection were top notch. Great vibe too. read more

I called for a last minute blowout and Daniel was able to fit me in. Such an incredible service - he absolutely knows what he is doing. I felt comfortable and in good hands the whole time. read more

ZEA Salon - Best blowout - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First impressions are positive! They were honest about the commission which is appreciated. Left a strong enough impression I'll bring an extra spicy sandwich next time. Great service! read more

ZEA Salon - Andrew Swatloske - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent stylists, great music! Trendy, honest, talented. Full service bar on site. Hand-crafted cocktails. Shaken with love. Owner reacted quickly to ensure my Prada never hit the floor when it slipped off my bar stool. Full-service luxe. LGBTQ+ owned and operated. read more

ZEA Salon - Cocktail with fresh raspberry and rose petals - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Poor service, unreliable, and disrespectful! Arrived for an appointment with Sahara and was told she was running 30 min beyond my appointment time. I decided to wait knowing that I had an upcoming function to attend. I hesitated to leave until the one hour mark after my appointment time. No one gave me any updates after the initial warning. Now, I'll have to rely on a barbershop that can get me in quickly. read more

By far the BEST salon in Chicago. I have been coming to Zea since I was a kid, and ever since then I've been loyal to this salon. My hair is so special to me and each and every staff member at this establishment not only treats your hair like it's their own, they truly take the time to make the most personal connections with you. Each time I walk out, I feel 100% rejuvenated and I have to hand it for the amazing energy that Zea brings. Joanna has been my most recent stylist the last couple of years and has never let me down. She knows how to bring out the color exactly how you wanted and teaches you secrets to styling it. Highly recommend her!! Love this salon, I couldn't ever think of going anywhere else. read more

Always an amazing experience from waking in to leaving . Everyone is always so friendly and sweet. great customer service and they always make u look and feel Beautiful . Jerry Lea and Joanna great hairstylists . They have now a beautiful bar with handcraft cocktails what better than to get ur haircut and have a delicious drink read more

This is a wonderful salon! Dominic does a perfect men's haircut every time. I have never received so many compliments on a haircut. They offer you refreshments, all the employees are super friendly, positive and full of compliments. The prices aren't bad for the quality of service. Would definitely recommend Dominic for a great haircut, and entertaining conversation! read more

The bar Buzzed is a great place for drinks after salon hours. Staff is super friendly and the drinks are good!

Incredible! I received a cut and blow from Lee that make me feel like a new person. Lee treated my hair as an art form. Can't thank him enough! The salon is beautiful and everyone has such a positive energy. Great experience. They all made me feel welcomed. My partner and I are big fans! read more

ZEA Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely loooooove Zea. The salon is just beautiful and everyone is so nice! Dominic Colby is a life saver!! I was recommended to Dominic by a close family friend. I was in desperate need to have a horrible "brunette to gray bolyage" fixed. My hair was the color of scales on mermaids tail, blue, green, yellow, and just gross. Dominic saved me. I no longer have to wear a hat or my hair in a bun. I am so grateful! read more

DO NOT GO HERE! I came here twice and both times I cried! I don't know how it is possible but they dyed my hair white and black (streaky) When it started to fade it was gray! I have pictures!!!! They are rude and snotty. They complain about your hair if its not easy to work with. The decor is nice, but thats about all that is nice about this place! read more

I came to this salon because the stylist that I've been seeing for the last few years, Drew, moved here. I'm so glad that he made this move. Obviously, I love Drew and what he does to my hair -- I moved salons to stay with him! The salon has a wonderful ambience -- not too pretentious - but clearly extremely customer-service oriented. The staff at the reception desk is friendly and always smiling and always greets me by name. I know that it's in the computer, but it's an extra step that means a lot in a customer service business. The last salon never bothered to greet me by name despite the fact that I had been going there for years! Go see Drew at Zea -- you won't be disappointed! read more

I have been here twice now. Both times with Arturo. Magnificent. Arturo is not only friendly and entertaining, but he passed my test for all stylists. I walked in and said, "cut it however you want without doing _____". There was no question or argument. He actually seemed excited to do something different and I got compliments on my hair all over the place. Also, it's less than 2 blocks from home. It's a keeper! read more

Joanna is the best! Hands down! And everybody here so nice!!!!! I've been traveling a lot for work and I haven't been the best at keeping up with my hair cuts. I was in search of a new salon too so that's another reason. It's nerve wrecking to trust your hair in a complete stranger's care. especially as a woman, one wrong hair cut equals months of depressing ponytail up-do's that never look right. I walked into the salon hesitant and nervous, but the host welcomed me with the biggest smile and offered to take my coat. After he introduced me to Joanna. While I was escorted to her chair, he brought me a cup of coffee (after asking of course) which eased me a bit. Joanna listened!!!! It's amazing how that little act is always the step many fail at. She took the time to get to know what I was looking for and before cutting she reaffirmed my request by holding the inches I wanted cut in her hand. These small acts makes me feel like she's really listening and want to work with me toward my perfect hair cut. I highly recommend coming here! Ask for Joanna! She's my stylist now. read more

I was referred to Drew by a friend last year, and I have been very happy with him ever since! Not only does he do an amazing job, but both he and the rest of the staff are uber-friendly, exceedingly efficient and they strive to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible without making you feel rushed. I spent 3.5 years bouncing between salons looking for the one I wanted to stay with, and I am glad that Zea is my new "hair home". read more

Zach at Zea is just one of a kind. Indecisive about whether I wanted to keep my bob or grow it out, Zach gave me the best of both worlds - a fresh take on my hair that just grew out beautifully. So beautifully, in fact, that I pushed my next appointment back because I love what it's doing! Everything about the appointment from the consult to the amaaazing hair wash to the cut was relaxing and pleasant. But the biggest cherry on top? The blow dry. Zach gave me the ONLY blow dry I have ever walked out of a salon happy with, and that is a feat in and of itself. Can't wait for my next appointment! Thanks Zach! read more

Okay, I've waited a week to write a review because if I had written a review the same day I had my hair done, I would have given Zea only 1 star. I have come to like my hair a little more since then. Couldn't get in with my regular girl at Twisted Scissors so I decided to give Zea a try since I could walk there. I called on a Thursday and I was able to get an appointment on Saturday. My stylist was friendly when I met him and at the very end. Besides that he was pretty cold and not talkative whatsoever. I don't go to salons to make friends but c'mon, a little small talk never hurt anyone! He asked if I liked my length, I said yes, then he proceeded to cut off 4 inches. (Guess I needed a change in 2008!) Said I wanted to try going more red and the first color he pointed to was fire engine red---geesh! We settled on a more toned down red and it ended up alright. I felt like he was putting a ton of dye in my hair and I was right because the next 5-7 times I shampooed my hair, dye came out. This has never happened to me in my 10 years of dying my hair. Overpriced in my opinion. Never again, Zea. read more

I know it's pricey (hence only 4 stars) but I love this place. Well, I love my stylist, at least. David does a fabulous job with my hair - he brought it back from the dead when I started going here over almost a year and a half ago, and every time I go in he does a great job. Always a great cut, great color, and he is good at working with what looks great with my fine hair. Okay, yes, they plug Bumble & Bumble to death, but who doesn't love B&B products?! I would recommend David to anyone looking for a stylist who has experience and skills and charm. read more

Simple; they're hair geniuses I've been seeing Lee or Geri, mostly Lee. I've also have another favorite, Sami, their Uber cool and very talented receptionist. I've seen her braid hair and she is great. Why such high praise? Simple; they're hair geniuses! Lee and Geri are cut and color guru's. I'm sure they do other things with hair and I'm pretty sure they're excellent as well. My girl Sami as the receptionist, keeps the stylists on time by reminding them of their time constraints and how long before their next appointment arrives. No long if any waiting in the reception thanks to Sami. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. That in addition to wonderful care they give my hair, keeps me coming back for almost 15 years. I must confess though, I left one time for about 2 years and let me tell you; I won't do it again! My hair was frightening to them and terrifying to me when I gave in and swallowed my embarrassment and ran home to Zea. Not once did I hear "I told you so." Lee sat me in his chair and went to work and I have never been sorry since. If they ever retire I'm going bald, shaving it all off. read more

I'm a little biased because the best hair salons I've been to in my life are either in Caracas or in New York and another one in Bal Harbour, Florida. The haircut with Jesus was pretty nice and so was he, but it was no challenge either. I waited for 10 minutes, he asked me what I had in mind, he washed my hair, proceeded to cut, did a decent job, and a blow drier later, I was paying $55 for a haircut. Considering the price, it was really good...I remember paying $80-100 in NY and FL. Of course I can get highlights, cut, the best mani and pedi in the world, plus amazing coffee in Caracas for that whole price of $55... But who has time and $ to travel down south anyway? I shall return to Zea. read more

I had a fabulous experience at Zea! I got highlights from Drew F. and it was a joy from start to finish. The salon is hip and gorgeous (and so is Drew!) and the ambience was relaxing and fun. Drew is talented and kind and genuinely cared about his work and my satisfaction with it. Ditto the owner, who was there and involved in his stylists' work and his customers' experience. They used nice Wella color and Bumble and Bumble styling products on me and my hair looks wonderful. I couldn't be happier. read more

I started getting my hair cut here about a year ago and have had nothing but great haircuts from David. I trust him completely to just do whatever and it always turns out fun...sometimes classy...sometimes more punky. He actually got me to color my hair for the first time and he did a fantastic job. He really knows what he is doing. Plus the Bumble & Bumble products they use smell so good. Also one of the shampoo girls (I can't remember her name) gives the most fantastic head massages! The only con is the price, in my opinion. But really $140 for a cut and color isn't too bad compared to many other salons. read more

I should have written this update awhile back, but I was lazy. So... Unfortunately, awhile back I was told Arturo no longer works at Zea, so I switched to Jesus as my stylist. Man, Jesus is awesome. He does the best cuts and dye jobs. He's been my stylist for awhile now and he always does an outstanding job. The new location is nice, albeit a bit smaller than the previous one. However, the new location has more goodies around it that the previous one lacked. Overall, I think the location switch is good and obviously I will continue going to Zea for my hurrrrr needs. read more

I look great coming out of here--my haircuts are my favorites ever. Also, I have been a fake blonde for years now, and I have RARELY had my color look so good. David is acutally being trained by Aveda in NYC as a color specialist, and boy, does he know how to make near-platinum look almost natural....and in any case, good. Not cheap, but not the most expensive out there, either. Note: you can't add gratuity to credit cards here, so bring cash. Or some really good homemade cookies. read more

I recently moved into the area and I was looking for a new salon. I walked past their table at Market Days and spoke with Dominic. I made an apt and loved him!! He takes such good care of his people and really takes pride in the work that he does. He isn't happy unless you are leaving there feeling like a million bucks! Which I did, by the way :-) The salon is warm and comfortable and everyone is very nice! I love that he does both the color AND the cut versus some other salons that have two separate people for that. The pricing was comparative to other salons that I've been to and I will definitely be back to visit with Dominic! read more

This place is laser focused on customer service. Super friendly and accommodating manager. Excellent deal for people with short hair that get a cut every two weeks. Dominic is an incredible stylist. His fashion is always on point. He serves face for the GODS and knows his way with a pair of scissors like none other. Fabulous ambiance with fabulous and talented staff. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give this place a #YASSS! read more

I've been going to Gerard for cuts & color for about 6 months now & he continues to amaze me! This salon is fantastic. Everyone is so nice and Gerard works some serious magic turning my brassy blonde into the ashy cool tones that I love. Always get compliments on my color & cut. Highly recommend! read more

I feel like I'm cheating writing this review about another stylist :) So, I have 2 really good friends who did my hair. The 1st.. way slow! The 2nd... too pricey! I liked them both as stylists, but never found the perfect median. Joanna at Zea is my new hair gal. She doesn't take too long on a cut / blow dry , doesn't try to sass about how my hair "should look", does a perfect cut and easy to talk to. One thing I do have to complain about, I fall asleep while she is blow drying my hair! Too soothing. Thanks Joanna, you are great and I look forward to coming in again and again. read more

zea salon in my experience has a spectacular and very pleasant service I have been going for more than 15 years and they make me feel like a family I love you zea thank you for making me beautiful every month. read more

Simply the best! I have been going to Zea (my stylist is Jerry, the owner) for 9 years. In fact, my entire family - and several of my neighbors go to Zea. Fantastic service, friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere. I love that they are open on Sundays. I also go to Zea for my eyebrows and periodically for mani/pedis. I highly recommend. Reading some of the bad reviews on here - I believe their bad experience is a fluke. read more

Lee is excellent. He's done color and cut for me and I've been able to go back to my natural curls. The staff is always kind and attentive. Already made an appointment to go back! Thanks! read more

This place is horrible. They made my hair BLACK and it would not come out. Then they CHARGED me to fix it. I spent 6 hours in this salon over three days... and they were not apologetic. I did not ask for a color anywhere near the black range. My wedding was four months after and luckily I was able to have it fixed somewhere else. My friend came with me and the girl cut her hair two inches shorter than the asked. We found out near the end of her cut that it was her first day as a stylist. Would have been nice to know prior to sitting in her chair. read more

Every single person here is wonderful. The staff who check you in will give you a cold Coke to help your hangover. Jay made sure to keep me hydrated throughout my appointment. Joanna will make you look like a movie star and show you how to do it on your own at home. The prices are extremely reasonable and. I love it here. Also, the music is great. read more

I got my first haircut and balayage from Zea Salon this past Monday and I have to say, out of all the times I've had this done, I've never been happier with the experience and the outcome! Jay was a total gem-- he actually listened to me (didn't just go through the motions) and took every measure to make sure I felt comfortable and cared for every step of the way. Lee also checked in on us both a couple times, and it felt great to see a collaborative and positive salon atmosphere. Plus, they use Bumble & Bumble styling products.. What's not to like? :) Awesome and talented staff, chic atmosphere, great high-end products.. I can't wait to come here again!! read more

I have been coming to zea for 23 years. Lee and Jerry are amazing hair stylists and human beings. Now they cut and color my daughters' hair too. read more

If you want to get a quality haircut avoid going to the tattoo guy. That was the worst experience I've ever had. The barber has no sense of symmetry, he created a complete disaster on my head making my morning routine painful read more

From the moment you walk in the door you are treated like family. Joanna does an amazing job and always keeps my hair looking fresh! I always look forward to my next appointment because of how friendly everyone is and the flawless haircut I leave with every time! read more

i've been getting my haircut and color with Gerard, and i cant tell you how amazing he is. He really takes his time for a haircut and gives great suggestion and really understands and listens to what you want to get done. If you need color or cut - he's the one to go to! read more

I started going to Douglas for my hair cuts back in 2010 when my roommate at the time recommended him. I have very thick, coarse hair and am very picky about how my hair is cut - too blunt/straight across and it just poofs out and doesn't move, or too layered and it just looks weird and choppy. Douglas has given me the best hair cuts I've ever had that are manageable at both short and longer lengths. I don't get my hair cut as often as I should (probably every 6-9 months), but Douglas is still always very friendly when I'm there and makes sure that however he cuts my hair it will grow out nicely and won't require me to come back every month or so to be cleaned up. I've never had my hair colored there, so I can't comment on that, but everyone there has always been very friendly - some of the stylists are more talkative than others, but that's also a personal preference if you want a talkative stylist or not. I moved out to the suburbs over a year ago but am still coming back to Zea to get my hair cut. Parking has never been a problem for me - there is quite a bit of street parking nearby. Overall, I've always had a good experience when I've been there and will definitely continue to go back. read more