Ara Hair Salon

Love this place! I’ve gotten amazing hair cuts at such affordable prices. Will come back. :)

My stylist sister-​in-​law usually cuts my hair, but it’s been too long between visits and I finally couldn’t wait any longer. I stopped in around 2 on Friday afternoon to see if they could fit me in for a trim, and they were able to take me right away as a walk-​in. Anna shampooed my hair and then checked in with me about the length I wanted off, and if I wear layers, etc. She asked if I’ve ever had or considered a bob, and I did previously have one, but I told her I’m leaving my hair long through 2016 since I’m getting married in November and need the length for an updo, but appreciated the ideas and vision. We agreed she would cut long layers, taking about 3 inches off the length, and we pleasantly chatted for a bit about hair, the best places to eat in the neighborhood, and so on.
She laughed that I had a lot more hair than it initially appeared once you started cutting and styling it, and I’ve heard that before, mainly as complaints from my sister-​in-​law. Anna also blow-​dried my hair, using a technique I’ve never seen before to help curl my hair — leaving 4 – 5 round bristle brushes hanging curled around my hair at a time while moving on to another part of the hair as if they were regular curlers. Probably because only a salon would have enough bristle brushes to pull that off. Gonna pass that one on to my sis, hilarious.
The cut and blowdry was relatively quick; I’m glad I didn’t have to spend all afternoon at the salon, without sacrificing any quality. The service was $ 35, and they waved the usual credit card fee for me as a first-​time customer, letting me know cash would be better next time to avoid the extra fee. The staff was friendly, skilled, and reasonably priced for services. I’d get my haircut here again if I needed.

I got a great hair cut shoulder length. They listen to you and do a good job on giving you what you asked for. It is not the cheapest $ 35.00 for a hair cut that you can possibly get for $ 15.00-$ 17.00 at another place called Gallery Hair Design.

I have got my hair cut twice from Ara Salon and my experience was great! They use quality products the whole way and prices are worth the service. My hair is so silky because of their products that when I go home and wash my hair, it becomes its dry self again. The next time I go, I am going to buy their shampoo and conditioner :).
I have always gotten a haircut from my mother who is a cosmetologist but she is so far now that I took the chance on a salon. It took me 6 months to do it but it was worth it.
Ara’s is extremely busy on the weekend (due to party’s and its the weekend, have to look nice when you go out :)) so I recommend making an apt. if you plan on going on Sat /​Sun after 10 am.
They do take walk ins and everyone is a great stylist! The cosmetologists are so stylist too its awesome. Strongly recommend!

Disclaimer Unilocalers, I haven’t recieved any services from here! This review is for my experience ATTEMPTING to get a hair cut here.
I was going to check out Ara based on Unilocal reviews– they take walkins (Yay, I’m a last minute planner) they accept credit cards (woohoo, I don’t have to worry about having enough cash) and they open on a Sunday (I can sneak out without having to find a sitter).
I’ve been looking for a stylist so I can actually get regular trims instead of yearly haircuts. I went on a Sunday since according to their Facebook page, and Unilocal,they are open Sundays. I got there at 11, and they were closed. I called, drove around for a while, and came back at 11:30, still closed. I walked around to see if there were any signs they would be closed that day, nada. In fact, their sign on the door stated they were open!
Finally at noon, I gave up, and drove down 18^th Street to find an open salon. I got an AMAZING haircut at a mom & pop shop on 18^th and Throop. The lady was super sweet, and EVERYONE loved my new look! Ara, I understand that things happen and maybe people couldn’t open up a shop on a day that you claim to be open (My husband’s a barber, I know how this works). But if you all have social media (IE, Facebook) a professional disclaimer saying, We are closed today!, would be helpful.
I gave it a 2 star though since the upside from waiting around meant I found my new stylist– I love supporting local businesses– and she treated me with all the works at prices better than a Supercuts!

Went in with a haircut that I didn’t think was for me and came out with an awesome pixie! They definitely got what I wanted and actually gave me what I requested.

Honestly, all that truly matters when you get a hair cut is your hair looks GOOD when you are done, and continues to look good. I’ve been to fancy salons, I’ve been to super basic places. This place is great. No frills, and really affordable. Gabriela cut my hair and was amazing. I was a bit worried because she immediately washed my hair when I walked in without really looking at what my hair does and how it naturally looks. I told her what I wanted and tried not be be vague, and she really killed it. I’m glad I found a place in my neighborhood, I’ll be back!

Awful awful place. I got here and was waiting for an hour just to get a trim and all I saw was people getting waited on ahead of me. No greeting when I walked in. No question regarding what I wanted to get done or how long was the wait. I went here because of the positive ratings and I wanted to get a haircut closer to home but I’m never going back here. Embarrassing service.

I love Gabriela! Best hair stylist i’ve ever had. So understanding, patient, and welcoming. I usually come in for color and cut. I have very long and thick hair. My hair job takes anywhere from 3−5hrs (color, cut, style). She is very patient, explains every step, and the outcome is always what i want, if not better! The pricing is always pretty economical, I usually pay $ 150-​$ 170. Which is great because other places always try charging from $ 200-​$ 250. I highly recommend her services, and she is just a sweetheart! My 3^rd visit and plan on coming back for more. She is usually at the salon mon-​sat 10am-​5pm, and she even came in on her day off (sunday), to do my hair! Of course I gave her a good tip ;). She is the best!

I recently went to cut my hair here. Gabriela was my hair stylist that day and I can honestly say I’m very happy the way she cut my hair. She did exactly what I asked for which was to take weight off my hair and cut my ends, nothing more. I’ve gone to other places to get my split ends cut and they end up chopping like 1 – 2 inches off:(
The only downside to this place is that it was a bit pricey.$ 25 for a shampoo and hair wash&haircut and $ 30 if you want it styled, other than that very happy with the
if you are planning to go here make sure to ask for Gabriela, trust me you won’t regret it!

I’ve lived in Pilsen for about a year and have never gone anywhere close for a haircut. Today, I NEEDED a hair cut and decided, for convenience’s sake, I’d stay close to home. I read the reviews on Ara, called last night and made an appointment. I have to say, I was extremely skeptical as I realized it was a Hispanic salon and I am African American with a short cut. I got there and had to wait a bit (30mins) for someone to cut my hair, but the woman who was scheduled to cut it, was honest and said she wasn’t comfortable cutting it and referred me to Raul. HE KILLED IT! I showed him the picture of what I wanted and he got closer to it than it was when I originally got it cut. I was very very happy with the end result and will definitely be going back. Thanks Raul!

Gaby cut my hair and she was awesome. I went in not really knowing what I wanted. I just knew I needed a change and I told her I wanted to keep it long and she knew exactly what to do. She gave me advice on what would look good and I said yes but she explained everything she was doing as she went and asked if what she was doing was okay and I would give my input and she actually listened! Most places I go don’t listen. I would say cut an inch and they’d cut two or three even though I don’t have split ends. Love my haircut and I’ll definitely be coming back.

They have very friendly staff and like to please their customers. I have been coming here for years and have loved my experience here.

My wife and I went here for the first time and absolutely loved the two stylist who cut our hair. We will definitely be going back!

I came here on a whim because it’s close to where I’m staying. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be coming back! The price is great and I got exactly what I was looking for in a cut.

Great staff that cares!

I was looking for an inexpensive salon that does a good job on something as simple as a flat iron. (Believe it or not, some hairstylist get flat ironing all wrong) This is a no frills salon but has charm. Friendly attendants that look at you when you walk in the door. (They are not afraid of eye contact) I did not get a flat iron this day, I went in for a wash, trim and blow dry. My hair was bouncy and shapely! The one thing they did not apply was a tad bit of oil for some shine. Otherwise, good for the money, I will be back.

Usually I call to make an appointment or to see who is available; and they are always friendly, feels like family. They always find someone for me to get my hair done, Fabi is the best — she has been my stylist the last 4 times I’ve gone — I recommend any one there especially Fabi, well not when I’m there — I go first, haha

I called today around 1:30 and was able to get an appointment at 2:15. I have extremely curly hair and wanted to go REALLY short. like Amber Rose short. The stylist (forgot to ask for her name) was so on board. She felt my head to make sure it wasn’t a weird shape and then gave me the best, most feminine buzz cut. I feel awesome and I am SO glad I found Ara. Also, $ 15 haircut. I think usually it’s $ 20 for a women’s short haircut.but.she used the clippers so I think I got the men’s price. I’ll take it! So happy this salon is in the neighborhood!
ProTip: Make sure you tell the person how much tip to charge your card. Cannot add tip after your card has been swiped!

I’m glad I found this place!
It’s a no frills womens’ hair salon and the prices are incredibly reasonable. I’ve gotten my eyebrows done and had two haircuts and color. Hatziry is the one I go to. She knows hair and cuts my «bob» just like I want it.
Plenty of «Pay to Park» and free side street parking.
I’ll be coming to this place a lot while I finish out my stay in Pilsen.