Asili Chi Salon and Spa

Asili Chi is closed, but Daniel, the BEST massage therapist I’ve ever experienced, has relocated to Exhale at 945 N. State Street:

I cannot wait to take advantage of the steam room and meditation area, and of course, for Daniel’s stress relieving techniques! I have my appt in a few weeks…

I can’t believe they would sell hundreds of Groupon certificates and then close their doors and stick us w/​useless certificates. I had waxing apts scheduled for this weekend and a massage scheduled for the following week. I only found out they are no longer in business when my hair stylist called to tell me she is at a new location. Their answering machine doesn’t even mention they are closed. Nice job Kim, I hope you are ashamed of yourself! :(
PS — Groupon gave me a refund, yipppeeee! :)

I went to Asili Chi because I bought the Groupon. The space is very clean and well-​decorated, and everyone at the salon was very nice. However, at the end of the day I was there for a haircut and I got a horrible one. I have stick-​straight hair and all I wanted was a trim. Doesn’t seem like a lot to ask. The cut I got was so crooked and bad that I had to go back a day later and get it fixed, which wasted my time and stressed me out. They were really nice about fixing it too which is the only reason I’m giving them 3 stars instead of 1 (well, that and the free mimosas). They did a great job with my highlights too but I’d be really hesitant to let them cut my hair again.

Like many of the other reviewers, I had purchased a groupon for this salon. The manicure I received was absolutely the worst I’ve had anywhere. The manicurist was unfriendly, and not only did it look like it was done by a 5-​year old, but it chipped the next day!
As for the bikini wax, this was definitely not my first, but I had to stop her halfway through because this particular one was so painful due to what seemed to be a lack of experience on her part. Not fun.
And where the heck were the mamosas?

I used my Groupon at Asili Chi Salon yesterday and I have mixed feelings. Perhaps it was because my expectations were SO high after reading glowing reviews about mimosas and hand massages — neither of which I was offered. I didn’t really care about the mimosas, but really would have loved a hand massage — particularly since I found out that all customers are given a scalp massage — unless they are having color services. Boo! I did enjoy herbal tea upon arriving and it was very good. I had to wait for about 10 minutes past my scheduled appointment time and the owner did offer me more tea. I liked the space and liked the vibe.
Unlike most of the other reviewers, I had the same stylist for both my color and cut, but to be fair, I didn’t request anyone by name. I think she was a junior stylist and she did a very good job, I just don’t think the style complements me as well as it could. She gave me a very good, very precision haircut which falls nicely and shows lots of skill. I also asked for a darker color with more warmth, but walked out of there with color very similar to what I already had — although again, it IS pretty and technically awesome color. There was also an incident where my whole back was soaked during the shampoo. My stylist acted like it was no big deal (said it happens a lot), briefly blow-​dryed the back of my shirt, but I was still damp when I left. I’ve never had this happen anywhere else. I was also left alone for a long time while the color was processing without being offered water or tea or anything. She said it would have to process for 20 — 25 minutes, but didn’t return for 35 minutes. To be fair, the owner did ask me if I was satisfied with my services as I checked out and I answered yes. First of all, I’m kind of a wimp; secondly there was another customer there who was complaining about a facial she had received; and thirdly, I wanted to give it some time first. I don’t always like hair changes right away and have to get used to them, so I didn’t want to stand there and say I didn’t like it, when truthfully, I thought I might later.
Then there was the dog. I think I remember seeing a sign on the door that pets aren’t allowed, but apparently that doesn’t apply if you’re a regular, weekly customer who spends tons of money in there. This customer had a little «pocket dog» who was allowed to run all over the shop, yapping at people. This dog did not like my stylist at all, barked every time the stylist walked by her, and actually bit her, drawing blood (!!) while I was there! It all seemed to be treated as a running joke (I heard two other nearby stylists mention to their customers how this dog hated this particular stylist) as apparently this dog is there with it’s owner at least once per week. I really don’t like the philosophy that the customer’s dog is more important than the employees (or other customers), no matter how much the customer spends.
One definite positive was the price. I had color + partial highlights + cut and style and I was in there for over two and half hours. I was very pleasantly surprised when it only cost me $ 70 with the $ 110 Groupon. I think this is very reasonable, probably due to having a junior stylist. And again, I think it’s fair to repeat that she was very skilled and did a very good job technically. I have strange hair — stick straight on the top and slightly curly on the ends of the sides and back — so I think she was giving more consideration to working with my hair limitations than to what would look best with my face shape and features, and I did tell her that I was open to suggestions. I didn’t come in with any preconceived idea of what I wanted, so I don’t think it’s completely her fault that I’m not thrilled with how I ended up, and she was very nice and personable. Mixed feelings.

I came here for a manicure on Saturday with a friend. They were able to take us both as walk-​ins. However, the girl I got rushed through the manicure (and when she was done she just socialized with the hairstylists). She gave me 2 small cuts while she was trimming my cuticles. What’s worse is that she didn’t trim the sides of my fingernails where I tend to pick at the skin.
The polish job was sub-​par. I can do better at home. She left gaps by my cuticles, so it looks like they’re already grown out. The sides are uneven and the top-​coat doesn’t even cover to the edge of the polish.
I understand I might not be a «regular» there, but I would think that if she did a better job, I might make it back. Plus, they charged me $ 30 bucks for a crappy job. Definitely not again.

I found out about Asili Chi Salon & Spa through a Groupon deal — $ 50 for $ 110 worth of service! Looked like a great deal and I was ready for my first self-​indulgent, totally relaxing 90minute massage. I booked the Elemental Nature Massage (90min for $ 120), and it was a great experience!
The salon/​spa is located in Greektown, a little hard to find since it was so far down Jackson Blvd, but the salon was nicely decorated with a lot of personality. The receptionist was very friendly, looked up with appointment with no problem and offered to hang up my coat. The bathroom was gorgeous with lots of lighting and scented, the deep azure tiles definitely puts you in the «Ooooh-​here-​I-​come» mood! I was shown downstairs to the spa, where the lighting was dim, ambiance music played in the background, and I was offered hot herbal tea as I waited in the lounge area. I loved the layout, and definitely felt more because the waiting area was more intimate, with no traffic as the only ones allowed in the spa were the therapists & their clients.
During my massage, my therapist was calming and had a soothing voice. She was a free-​lance therapist and only works at Asili occasionally, so I am not sure if she’s there any more. She engaged a lot of different techniques, and clearly explained where /​how she is working the massage to relax my muscle & joints. At the end of our 90minute session, I felt like a new person! I was recharged, happy, and totally zen for the next 2 weeks. So the massage definitely worked ;)
Cashing out was straight forward, the receptionist took my Groupon coupon and closed out the balance. You can leave tips for your therapist (or stylist if you go to the salon upstairs) in small, brown envelopes.
I will definitely recommend Asili Chi for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day, pampering yourself with a new hair cut + massage! The spa is located out of way from the city’s buzzing pace, which is perfect as you can jump on the Halsted bus /​blue line right after =)

Love this place. That’s all I have to say. They make you mimosas while you wait to get your service done. With a strawberry on the glass. Classy :) Erica has ridiculous skills. I don’t get my hair straightened often, but when I do, I go to Erica. She’s really cool and personable. And Kim the owner is great. She’s always visible and around to help whenever I’ve been there. And they use Aveda products, so I’m down with that, too.

A few words about my great experience:
Customer Service-​How many times have you walked in a salon as a new customer and the stylist or receptionist customer service is horrible-​Asili Chi is the exact opposite, they cater to you. The entire staff understands that the customer experience is valuable. A.
Ericka & Mari the best stylist and color specialist ever. — So, i’ve been searching for a very along time for the perfect hair stylist and color specialist all over DC, VA and now Chicago. And believe me i thought that i would never find both. I feel as if i should have paid a consultation fee, they were both very knowledgeable and informative and took their time with my hair. I love the cut, color, and asili chi experience! A+++

I have been an Assili Chi customer since its inception. Mari — senior colorist has been coloring my hair for the past 3 years and has provided exceptional service. In addition, Erica– senior stylist always listens to what Im looking for in my style and then makes it happen. I have always been treated with the utmost most respect and made to feel as a valued customer. The Assili Chi staff consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, customer service and knowledge. Kim (owner) is sweet as pie and always tries her best to accomodate any needs or scheduling conflicts I’ve had.
Assili Chi is a must have in any girl’s Rolodex !

I wish that I could give negative stars, very unorganized and lacks good taste in customer service. THE MANAGER VERBALLY ASSAULTED ME smh…
I was recommended to this spa via Flirty Girl Fitness. I was hesitant because a lot of the girls at the gym were sharing horror stories about visits here. I got a glimpse first hand when I went in for eyebrows and lashes. Violet did them, and not only did she pluck my brows bloody, but she also jacked my false lashes up so bad that I had to remove them immediately after leaving the spa. The manager on duty acted as if I was inconveniencing her by reporting the incident to her and wasn’t sympathetic about rescheduling me with someone else.
I tried again, and Daniele gave a great massage, and then Jonathan did my extensions and they were pretty good even though I was in there from 11:30 until 5 despite the fact that I told them I had to be at work at five. BUT THEN…
Kim the manager called me ten minutes after I left the spa. I had left Jonathan a tip and paid $ 10 for the conditioning treatment I received prior to the extensions, but she said that I had not paid appropriately. She said I owe $ 235 despite the fact that I had a voucher from my gym stating that I would receive free extensions valued at $ 300-​$ 1500. I told her this but she said that I received a consultation stating that I would have to pay. I insured her that this information had never been disclosed to me and in fact, if I had to pay she could just take the extensions out the following day because I didn’t need them. I got them believing that there were compliments of my gym. I asked her if we could resolve this later because I was in commute to my job. She said okay but then called me right back. She CURSED ME OUT people. She told me that she doesn’t give a f*** and when I asked her to restrain her language she told me she’d curse me out some more. I was shook. I literally felt unsafe and had difficulty operating at work. I reminded her that I was never told about having to pay anything and SHE SCREAMED INTO THE PHONE ABOUT HOW SHE BELIEVES HER EMPLOYEES NOT ME. Really? And why would her employees lie and say that they told me that I would be charged, knowing that a customer would be violated? The haphazardness of this place has been a personal headache.
I told her I would give her $ 90 if she would leave me alone. She said that there is no working it out, and then called the police on me. So now I’m in the process of resolving this issue, and it’s very time consuming.
Overall– I WOULDN’T EVEN RISK IT– I wish I had never strayed away from Snip City for hair needs, Asili Chi lacks organization and I believe the general manager is not stable based on how she approached me.
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The space is certainly nice, and I believe the staff is talented enough. But when I first came in I was put off by the obvious disorganization– they had no record of my appointment (even though I received an email confirmation), and so I was unable to get a massage. The owner claimed this to be due to Groupon, and discounted my services by $ 15.00, assuring me that this was very rare.
I had my hair done, and liked it. I went back a second time and had the process done again, this time opting for the less expensive option (partial vs. full highlights). When I went to the counter to pay, I was astounded by the price, and when I asked the woman why it was so expensive, she tapped on the glass, and said, «STARTING AT.» I paid, went home, and looked at my credit card statement for the first visit. I then wrote them an email detailing my uncertainty about their pricing.
It took the receptionist THREE WEEKS to get back to me. admittedly, she responded quickly, but with a «I’m not sure, I’ll have to ask your colorist». Three weeks later and is my questioned answered? No… instead I get something vague about the owner giving me $ 15.00 off the first time.
i EVENTUALLY (4 weeks later) get a breakdown of the cost. if you choose to go here, make sure to ask what your services will cost. The first time i was not charged for a blow dry, the second time i was ($ 25.00). when they ring you up, make sure it all adds up – even if they only want to point to a piece of plastic.
For the price of this salon, you could do much, much, much better. It seems suspect to me that answering a simple question — and giving an honest price — is so difficult.

I recently went to use my groupon and I was not impressed. I did not feel relaxed during my massage nor after and I now have a pain in my shoulder from it. The room used was not quiet at all, I could hear people walking around and dropping things upstairs. Then while I was checking out there was a woman behind the counter on her cell distracting the cashier, So I had to wait some time before they realized they had to get me my coat.
I will say the therapist was very sweet and tried her best. I however will not be going back especially since their pricing does not reflect the experience.

For 2 years, I’ve been trying to find a stylist that I like in Chicago. I have brownish blond hair that can turn red in the wrong hands, so I’m always super cautious to try someone new.
A friend recommended Jessi at Asili, and I could not be happier! My highlights are spectacular… subtle flicks of gold, just how I like them. And, my cut is fantastic. It has been several weeks and everything is falling perfectly. It was also amazing right out of the gate.
You know how sometimes you get a cut and the stylist makes it look awesome and then you get home and you have crazy pieces all over the place? My hair literally looked just as good when I did it at home as it did in the salon.
And, I keep getting compliments on my hair…
Five stars for the salon, too. It’s beautiful, convenient, and super friendly.
See you in a few weeks, Jessi!

I was very impressed with my first visit to Asili!
I’m an actor from New York, in town with a show at the Oriental, and I needed a cleaning… Thankfully, a google search landed me a gem of a salon! Eva gave me a great cut, and really listened to what I wanted. So you won’t risk having someone cut four inches more than you asked here, which is always a relief. The atmosphere is lovely, and of course the aveda products are always top notch.
But what truly made this trip pleasant was the customer service. Kim, the owner, was accommodating and helpful, without being overbearing. I was served tea when I arrived. I got a scalp massage with my washing. I was offered a discount on a sinus relief massage, since I mentioned I had been sick that week. Just really lovely… If I am in Chicago again, I will definitely return.

Got a call back and everything was squared away appointment wise.
Went in for my trail and was charged 200 bucks for a wash, curl and ponytail. I also paid 40 dollars for a make up trial with makeup for which there was a disclaimer: «this makeup will not match your skin tone so well just try». Eva did a great job on my mom’s hair, but the makeup she used on my face was a no go. Not her fault, the makeup was not suited to my skin. There was no one who checked on our progress, no one who saw that really took the time out to make sure we recieved what we paid for. The colorist didn’t even put the color on my mom. It was a bad experience for an 500 day.
I don’t think we will be going here for the wedding at all. I’m actually wondering if I should even go back at all.
Don’t think so. So here is what we have learned:
1) Go to Erica and get your hair done. She rocks!
2) Don’t try to set up any big parties or services here. They will give you the run around, charge you an arm and a leg for a hair trial and

Is it possible to give SIX stars? Because I would if I could. I went to Asili Chi for the first time today and it was easily the best haircut I’d ever had.
Yeah.I’d pretty much say it was at least fifteen to seventeen times better than the last haircut I received, which was at a barber shop in Lincoln Park.
Not only did my stylist Jessi give me an awesome haircut, but the service at the salon was out of this world.
Jessi started off the haircut with a scalp message before taking me over to wash my hair. After we came back from washing my hair, Kim, the salon owner came over and gave me a hand message and asked how everything was going. «Um…Awesome to quite awesome,» was my response. Thanks for the hand massage.
Jessi continued to cut my hair and chatted me up the whole time. After the haircut, Jessi washed my hair again (yeah, a second time). For the sequel, she used some minty-​eucalyptus conditioner stuff that made my head feel all tingly (like gold-​bond but for your head). It was great. I kind of didn’t want it to end.
To top off all this awesomeness, here’s the cherry on top. When we went back to the chair after the second hair washing, Jessi lathered me up, took a straight razor and then cleaned off the back of my neck, which impressed the heck out of me because I thought only old-​school barbers (you know the 70-​year-​old guys with names like Gus and «Fast Eddy») still took the time to offer this kind of service.
Wow! I have to say I was Mucho impressed my first experience with Asili Chi. No more Lincoln Park barber shops for me. 6 stars for Asili Chi.

Sent an email to see if a certain stylist is available and if they could call me back to confirm either way and no response. Spam blocker is off.
Do not list an email address if you can not respond to your customers.

Asili Chi is a great spa with a relaxed and chill vibe. The staff is friendly and extremely helpful. And for those of you that live in the West Loop, Tri-​Taylor or University Village neighborhoods, Asili Chi is a spa worth making your own.

The customer service at this Aveda salon and spa is fantastic. Through the roof wonderful. I booked a day of facial and the esthetician was running a little behind. Instead of making me wait to read old magazines downstairs in the spa, I was invited to enjoy a fabulous chair massage by Daniel (Wow) and to have my hair washed and coiffed by Chris. I really enjoyed the salon experience — the place was buzzing and my stylist was great. I loved the volume that Chris gave my hair and I’m definitely interested in having him do something more dramatic on another visit.
The facial in the spa was good. The spa itself is on the lower level of the facility and the noise from the wood floors, blow dryers, chatter, etc. of the salon filters down. If you’re looking to relax and unwind this is not the place. My esthetician was nice and while it was a good facial it was not one of the better ones I’ve had. My skin looked ok, but I didn’t have that «glow» that usually accompanies the treatment.
I heard they may be soundproofing the treatment rooms in the spa (which would make a substantial difference). I would definitely try a massage with Daniel regardless just because the chair massage was that fabulous.