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EssenceVIP Hair Designers

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4

3

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4.7
(227 reviews)
Review highlights

"… have to do it on my own. The owner Terez is the best! They never try to upcharge you and only provide the services you need. I would highly recommend to obtain the best …"

"I am delighted to have Essence VIP as my styling and colorist choice."

"This place is small but the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming."


Overview

Categories

Hair salon, Beautician, Beauty salon


Hours

Sunday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Monday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM


Description

Essence VIP Hairdesigners is the Chicago, IL destination for ethnic hair and beauty treatments. Comfortably located in the Lincoln Park community, we offer top salon services tailored to the unique needs of ethnic and multicultural multi textured hair. Visit Essence VIP Hairdesigners to make your hair make a statement! Our salon services include: * Hair straightening * Scalp wellness treatments * Repairing of damaged hair * Keratin smoothing treatments * Retexturizing hair treatments * Succulent moisturizing conditioners * Ombre and Balayage hair coloring * Haircuts and styling * Dread locks * Hair weaves * Hair Blonding


Reviews

Feb 03, 2025

I received an ash blonde color and my hair is now shorter and thinner! Of course the stylist/owner will never admit her color was too harsh which is the reason I have less hair. I went every week for almost a year. I literally paid her to take my hair out! She got sick and her cutting was never the same. Now I'm wearing a short afro


Jan 29, 2025

Had a great experience here. I will be coming back for wash, deep conditioning, twists, presses, roller sets, and trims! Glad I found this shop!


Jan 08, 2025

I arrived to my appointment only to be told she was running an hour late. She could of told me this advance but didn’t. And, she didn’t offer anything for the inconvenience. Not the type of business I want to patronize. The owners reply below is A LIE! She texted me as I was parking and about to walk in her establishment! I did not come in her salon because she told me I would have to wait an hour and did not initiate any type of compensation for my time and inconvenience. The problem with a lot of Hair Stylist is they value their time more than their clients.


Jan 05, 2025

Beyond measures, Ms Terez was very sweet and took care of me and made me feel comfortable and I love my hair. 😊


Dec 05, 2024

I really wanted to love this place but they way over processed my hair color. I’ve colored my previous set of locs and skunk stripe myself for years with no damage. Within a week of getting my sisterlocks colored, my hair started shedding like crazy and then whole locs snapping off. Insult to injury the color was no where near the color I showed her. The salon owner and her staff were nice and my service was timely but unfortunately I cannot recommend them for coloring locs.


Nov 05, 2024

I emailed at 10pm the night before for a silk press and the owner got back to me the next morning and got me in ! Then was I serviced by Adrienne who is so genuine , welcoming & informative ! My hair has never looked or felt better ! I’m usually skeptical of letting someone else touch and deal with my hair but Adrienne made me feel so comfortable and confident, I will definitely be coming back . Highly recommend


Oct 05, 2024

I had a great experience at EssenceVIP. My hair is healthy after booking the blowout and trim service.


Aug 05, 2024

Adrienne was AMAZING!! Everyone in the shop was so friendly! I’m new to the city, and they made me feel not only welcome, but she worked a miracle on my hair! Definitely a repeat client for sure!!!


Aug 05, 2024

I came in with a mess of hair from a stylist at another salon, and Adrienne quite literally saved my hair. She explained everything she was doing, what went wrong with the previous cut, and what I can do in the future to support my hair growth and health. If I could put higher than 5 stars, I absolutely would. This salon is truly the best I have ever been to, and I would recommend it to everyone


Jun 05, 2024

Aliah is THE BEST for locs. She saved my entire hair lol. Very satisfied


Feb 05, 2024

Every time I go in I walk out with so much confidence! Everyone including the patrons are nice and makes the experience comfortable. Unlike many other salons I’ve been to, they don’t make you wait and hour or two past your appointment to get in the chair. Terez has even got me out of a hair nightmare last minutes and I will be forever grateful!


Feb 05, 2024

Excellent experience. I sincerely believe the Lord sent me to this salon. The Master Stylist - Terez inspired and educated me regarding my hair. Over the last two years I had been fighting the urge to cut my hair super short - which was my signature look for decades. I was in Lincoln Park on a business trip and was determined to get a sleek short cut. Blessed to get an appointment the same day, I showed up overwhelmed with this "mess" on my head only to walk out with a new respect and gratitude for my healthy, growing hair! She got my mindset right about my hair, washed it, blowed dried, clipped my ends and colored it perfectly. She also showed me how to take care of my natural hair and she even had in stock the proper products to use. That was April 20, 2023 and in just 5.5 months my hair is longer, fuller and healthier than ever! I am doing exactly as instructed! At 49 years old, my hair is vibrant and healthy again - like when I was a little girl and my mom took care of it. Thanks so much!


Feb 05, 2024

Horrible! Ruined my hair…. I was not a candidate for the Keratin Treatment!!! I explained that I worked out a lot… she was only interested in the money!!! UGH!!! I will never let another female in my hair again!


Feb 05, 2024

I came in to get my hair colored back in 2021 or 2022. I asked for a specific color but the stylist kept trying to talk me out of it and said it wouldn't match my skin color. I wanted her to immulate a color I saved a picture of. Instead of saying she couldn't mimic the color she told me she only picks colors from her color wheel or her book. I ended up with a color I specifically told her not to give me and had to go back the same week for a recolor. After doing my first wash I noticed my hair was falling out (I have dreadlocs) I immediately called the salon and told them the issue hoping someone will offer me a solution. The stylist didn't take any accountability and said she's never had anyone complain before. She proceeded to blame me and said I don't take care of my hair. My hair was full and healthy before going to her and it had been for years but my hair lose was my fault. Right this place deserves 0 stars.


Feb 05, 2024

I can say this shop happens to be one of my favorites the vibes are amazing I laughed my entire time there all smiles !! JANICE 🥹 is awesome!! I mean her work ethic, patience and kindness are top tier the way I came in and walk out man I tell you the magic is in her hands can definitely stretch an inch a mile 🙌!! You will not regret it!! Recommend 10/10


Feb 05, 2024

I had a great experience at this salon. I came from New York to attend a comedy show for the weekend and prior to getting my hair done I had in braids that I did not like (done by someone else). I called and made an appointment and Tarez made my appointment. She was super sweet and hospitable. Ingrid did my wash and deep conditioning and it was amazing. Felt like I was at a head spa lol. H. Cruz was my stylist and let me tell you… He slayed!!!! I received so many compliments on my hair that weekend I was in Chicago. He had me looking like a million bucks!! I will definitely be returning the next time I’m in Chicago 💕


Feb 05, 2024

I loveeeee my finger waves 😍😍😍


Feb 05, 2024

I think I found my new salon! I called at 9 am to see if I can get a last minute appointment and they squeezed me in an hour later. Janice is a phenomenal stylist. I came in with uneven layers and she fixed it without taking too much off the length and had my hair looking like glass! I wish I could put this salon in my pocket and take it back with me to Dallas, but whenever I’m in town I know who to see!


Feb 05, 2024

It was my first time getting service with them. It’s hard finding a black owned salon that actually knows how to work with your hair. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this place. Good atmosphere and energy!! Thank you!


Feb 05, 2024

It's like being around friends. You are guaranteed to have a full salon experience. The consultation and advice are welcomed. I will be back.


Feb 05, 2024

Janice did AMAZING on my haircut!!! Lovely layers cut correctly not one hair out of place !


Feb 05, 2023

Everyone is welcoming at EssenceVIP. My appointment was efficient and the staff is friendly! And my hair looks great!


Feb 05, 2023

Great stylists and awesome conversation


Feb 05, 2023

I always have a great hair experience. As well good conversation. I have been with my hair stylist for over twenty years.


Feb 05, 2023

I love my hair this place highly recommend


Feb 05, 2023

I love my stylist! Janice is absolutely amazing. She NEVER disappoints. Her station is always clean. She uses the best products on your hair. Not only is she a great stylist, but she’s very knowledgeable when it comes to hair theory. She is a stickler when it comes to hair care. She provides Stellar Service. I highly recommend Janice. Outstanding service!!!


Feb 05, 2023

I was shocked to find a black owned beauty salon in this area. I was completely satisfied with the job Terrez did on my hair. I have never seen my hair with so much body. They are expensive but it is worth the price. You will not be disappointed. This place is small but the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. Terrez will suggest the best way to take care of your hair. I have only been there once, but my search for a salon is over. Try them.


Feb 05, 2023

I’m always nervous about going to hair stylist because I’ve had pretty bad experiences, from over processing, to burning my hair out. It has been nerve wracking finding someone who can handle my insane mane. I have extremely dry, frizzy, coily hair. It’s also damages very quickly. I wanted a BKT because I was a bridesmaid and needed my hair to be more manageable for that day. I decided to schedule an appointment with Essence VIP. They slayed my hair. My haircut was super cute too. My hair is still pretty manageable. I just put moisturizer and serum in it and blow dry it with the diffuser. I need to go back soon and get a protective style. I hardly have time to maintain my hair.


Feb 05, 2023

I’m new to the Chicago area and have very curly hair! I found Essence VIP on Google and saw amazing reviews so called to make an appointment. They were able to get me in the same week which was amazing! My hairstylist was Adrienne - she was so welcome and sweet the entire time! She was very knowledgeable about my hair and was able to give me amazing tips. My appointment was at 11 a.m. and I didn’t leave until 1:15 p.m, but she was the only stylist there so I believe they were a bit short staffed. Regardless, she did amazing and I’ll absolutely be back!


Feb 05, 2023

Super happy with the customer service and how my hair turned out. The hair stylists take a lot of pride in their work!


Feb 05, 2023

This is the best natural hair salon on the north side. Everyone is professional, enthusiastic, talented and kind. Their silk presses never fail and the staff truly care about their clients. I’ve been coming here with my daughter for over a year now and I won’t go anywhere else.


Feb 05, 2023

Very professional, experienced, and timely Stylists. ADRIENNE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! She is nursing my hair back to health! I am grateful!