Salon Envy 2007 Review

With the change of seasons, I was spontaneously inspired to darken my hair color. The idea seemed exciting and empowering, but also a little scary, which is why I decided to take the plunge with the experts at Lincoln Park hotspot, Salon Envy.

I entered the space to find a polished boutique offering great finds like sparkling earrings, stylish headbands and accessories and a first-rate selection of hair and skin care products. Once I passed the retail area, I took in the rest of the salon, a modern space with hardwood floors, warm purple and brown hues and paintings by local artists lining the walls. A lounge area houses a large flat screen TV and a cozy couch along with stationary chair hair dryers. I was greeted at the front desk and then shown to a dressing room where I put on a nylon cape to protect my clothes from hair color. The owner introduced herself and welcomed me into her styling space, as we settled in for my color consultation.

My stylist showed me the various color swatches, and after matching my natural hair color we decided to go a pinch darker. I explained that I was looking for something a little different, and she did not disappoint. She blended a special mix of color to arrive at a rich, medium brown with a hint of auburn. To break up the color and add dimension, she added subtle highlights. She applied the all-over color first by dividing my hair in to sections and then brushing on color from the roots to the ends. Once all of my hair was covered with the color, I sat for a few minutes while it processed. Then it was thoroughly rinsed away, and I returned to the styling chair where she towel dried my locks. She weaved in thin golden highlights that framed my face and crown. Once the highlight process was complete my hair was rinsed again followed by a dose of Kerastase deep conditioner. My dry, flat hair was now completely replenished with moisture.

For the finishing touch, I settled in for a haircut as my stylist explained that the staff at Salon Envy like to produce a completely new look for each client, from start to finish. I thought that was such an interesting piece of information. It showed how focused and passionate the stylists are about their work. With careful precision, she trimmed the ends of my hair and then added more shape to my layers. She perfected my new style with an expert blow out. My hair looked rich, healthy and shiny.

Insider's tip: When you get a look you love you'll undoubtedly want to tip the hand that styled you, so don't forget to bring some cash. Salon Envy accepts credit cards, just not for gratuities.

In addition to cut, color, and style, Salon Envy offers a variety of hair care services including retexturizing treatments and Great Lengths hair extensions. The space also features a deluxe private treatment room where a well-known Chicago esthetician works wonders for the face with a variety of Dermalogica products. A full menu of waxing services as well as eyelash and eyebrow tints and eyelash extensions are also available at Salon Envy.

The retail section sells a healthy variety of product lines such as Kerastase, Dermalogica, Davines, Alto Bella and GloMinerals makeup. Salon Envy opened in May 2006 after 15 years of work in the industry. The owner trained at the Horst Education Center in Minneapolis, and from there had the exciting opportunity to continue her studies at Aveda in London and Bumble and bumble and Redken in New York. "I worked on my own for about three years before starting my own salon," she explained. "I just want everyone's experience in the salon to be a pleasant and memorable one, and for every client to feel very special -after all, they are!"

The owner and her staff at Salon Envy really reach out to their clients, making each one feel like a friend. A hip, young team of talented beauty experts makes this luxurious Lincoln Park destination a standout. Located on North Clybourn with plenty of free parking, Salon Envy offerings including Xtreme Lash extensions, Great Lengths hair extensions, waxing services, facials and all the typical hair care offerings performed with not-so-typical flare.

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