|
|
|
|
|
||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| ||||||
|
Oak Street, a quintessential Chicago experience in itself, is a mecca for all things glamorous, glitzy and, of course, beautiful. A haven of luxury, Oak Street boasts an array of chic boutiques, elegant dining options, and some of the finest salons and spas in the city. Salon O Sixty-Five, joining the fabulous Oak Street ensemble in April 2007, offers a full menu of hair and nail services in a bright second floor space overlooking the historic Esquire Theater. Kristin Wallace, an ambitious entrepreneur and talented stylist, opened Salon O Sixty-Five boasting a decade of experience at other top-notch Oak Street salons. Certified in both Great Lengths and Extreme Lash extensions, Wallace is on top of the latest trends and styles, and also specializes in corrective color. A strong proponent of Kérastase hair treatment products, Wallace carries an extensive line for sale at Salon O Sixty-Five. I slipped into the entrance at 65 E. Oak Street and traveled upstairs to the second floor. As I entered the receptionist warmly greeted me and guided me to owner Kristen Wallace's color station where I waited for my appointment. As the owner of Salon O Sixty-Five, Wallace has created a personable, quaint operation focusing on hair and nail services. Not wanting the "factory" vibe of other large salon outfits, Wallace invites guests to hang out and be comfortable, offering flexible scheduling (by appointment), free WIFI, a full coffee bar, complimentary wine or soda and light snacks. And, as an added bonus there is a personal blow dry station, complete with styling products, for guests to use at their convenience. "It's all about the experience, I want my clients to feel like they are welcome to enjoy the salon and the services, and to hang out and get to know the people here," says Wallace. And, the design of the salon makes this sort of relaxed idea a reality. The salon has large storefront windows overlooking Oak Street that cast an abundance of natural light into the studio. Floor to ceiling mirrors expand the space and exposed brick walls and duct work combined with track lighting give the space a loft-like feel, and rich hardwood floors make the space shine. The Tiffany-blue, chocolate brown and silver walls are stylish, to say the least and overall, the salon is chic, warm and inviting. After some initial conversation, Wallace and I discussed the color of my hair. I was a bit concerned about the brassiness of some past highlights, and requested a rich, dark brown. Wallace suggested a Single- process Treatment with deep mahogany color that would offer depth and shine without the flat appearance of some darker shades. After Wallace left to mix the color, the stylist who would be cutting my hair came over to discuss the desired cut. After mixing the color, Wallace returned and covered my hairline with a conditioning base to avoid staining. Next, she expertly applied the solution root to tip. After the application, she set a timer for 30 minutes, and allowed me to sit comfortably reading a magazine and sip hot coffee. After my relaxing stint in the chair, Wallace's assistant rinsed the color out of my hair and applied a Kérastase conditioning masque over my hair and scalp as an extra moisturizing treat for my locks. To "lock" in the conditioning effects of the masque, the assistant helped me get situated under a rotating drier. After the masque was rinsed, the assistant washed my hair clean and I was ready for a haircut and style. Having already discussed the cut while my hair was dry, my stylist went to work shaping my graduated bob cut, evening out the ends, removing bulk and creating body with well placed layers. Even before my cut was complete, I could see it taking just the shape we discussed and my deeply conditioned hair was shinier than ever. After an expert blow dry and some more Kérastase products, my stylist removed a bit more bulk; expertly combing through the style catching any split ends left behind. Twirling me around, I was faced with a cute, clean new style that looks professional, yet fun. Salon O Sixty-Five is a boutique, full-service hair and nail salon overlooking Chicago's finest in fashion and beauty along Oak Street. Created to make clients feel like friends or family, the experienced staff at Salon O Sixty-Five specializes in hair and lash extensions, cuts, styles, color, bridal styling, manicures and pedicures in a hip space set within the energy of downtown Chicago. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
Click here for printable coupon for 20% off any one
service
Beauty Bargains - Spa
Gifts - Spa/Salon Reviews - Spa/Salon
of the Week - For Him About Face - Hands Down - Feet First - Body Beautiful - Heads Up Advertise - Ask Spa Girl - Party Planning
|
|
