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The exclusive brand and international flare of Marianne Strokirk Salons has been featured in the pages of the hottest magazines from Vogue to Allure. And even though Marianne Strokirk Salon's stylists boast a "who's who" clientele in their little black books, they exude not a hint of elitism. This stylish team is warm and welcoming. I headed to Marianne Strokirk's River North salon for a total makeover including a Spa Manicure and Spa Pedicure (exclusive services to the River North location), and a Haircut, Hair Color and Style. Tucked inside the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, the salon's signature marquee makes it an easy find for anyone seeking cutting-edge style. The ambiance here defines urban chic. The airy loft houses a nail service area in the front giving way to an expansive stretch of space for several hair style stations which leads to the hair color area and the pedicure rooms in the back. As I surveyed the space, I was impressed with the chic décor and urban architecture, but the stylists themselves were just as impressive, effortlessly in-line with the salons cutting-edge style. The salon's aesthetic design is signature of Chicago's River North loft style. Greeted ever so kindly by the receptionist, I was quickly introduced to a nail technician and offered a selection of the latest nail polishes along with some OPI favorites. Ready to go with a pretty pink hue, the nail tech guided me through the salon to a private pedicure room set apart from the bustling styling stations. I relaxed in one of the two footbath thrones and experienced a luxurious pedicure. Afterward, I was shown back to the front for my manicure, a repeat performance of the luxurious nail treatment for my hands. Replete with soft and sparkling hands and feet, it was now time to head to a styling station for my next phase of beauty - a haircut, color and style. Two stylists performing the cut and color respectively greeted me, and the three of us addressed my concerns and desires. They both listened closely and offered their recommendations. I appreciated this opportunity to talk to my stylist and colorist at the same time; to listen to each of them discuss their ideas and how their particular techniques would together achieve a total new look for me. First the colorist created a mixture of Redken shades that would enrich the color and add dimension to my dark brown hair and brighten my face with a hint of red. He expertly and efficiently applied the color to my long locks as he shared some of his background and education, assuring me I was in talented hands. With 30 minutes on the timer, I relaxed in my chair while accommodating staffers offered me a variety of drinks and magazines to pass the time. Before I knew it, it was time to rinse, and as an added treat, I received a 5-minute conditioning treatment to protect my hair and moisturize the ends, which were suffering from daily flat ironing. Now for the final phase, the haircut and style, I was escorted to the stylist's station. She snipped the dead ends and created definition and bounce by adding long layers and more bangs. I started to see my new color peek through, and it looked gorgeous. Before styling, she applied a light gel by Rene Furterer for a clean and straight style with volume. Once the blow-drying began, I could really see my new color completely and it was even better than I expected. The dark rich chocolate-cherry color was perfect for my complexion. More highlights from the menu at Marianne Strokirk include Thermal Reconditioning, corrective haircut and hair color services, hair and scalp conditioning treatments and anti-aging and European facials. The Marianne Strokirk team of expertly trained stylists and estheticians is required to complete an extensive two-year apprenticeship program before beginning their tenure, which teaches traditional essentials and the latest techniques of the hair and beauty industry. Marianne Strokirk is a full-service salon catering to an array of clients and concentrating on all facets of beauty including clean-lined soft cuts, festive special occasion styling, hair color and highlights, skin care, waxing, nail services and makeup applications. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
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