Barber Shop – UIC West Student Center

Maria is wonderful! Cannot find anywhere else such quality cuts for women’s hair at such a student budget price. Been going to her for years. She knows you and get to know the cuts you like and what you do not like. Place is well visited so call ahead for an appointment. Parking at Taylor or lot besides the building on Wolcott. Cash only.

Great haircut for an awesome price. Maria knows what she is doing and makes you feel comfortable. It’s a good idea to call ahead and see if there are any opening as this place can get busy.

Maria is great. She always listens to exactly what I want, is really friendly, quick, etc. Last time I was there she trimmed my beard for free and gave me some tips for when I do it myself.
Reasonably priced, too!

Absolutely worth the money. Maria listens very patiently to what style you want and cuts accordingly. Would definitely go back again!

I went in hours before an interview, and I had not gotten a haircut in over a month. I told her roughly what I wanted done and she nailed it. She also gave me recommendations on other styling I should try. She was extremely friendly and at the price of $ 12, you can’t beat it anywhere else in the area. The only issue is that it’s cash only but that just follows the trend of many barbers in the area.

12 bucks, Maria is super friendly and listens to exactly what you want. She even puts up a handheld mirror to show you what she’s done and asks you if it’s satisfactory or if you want any adjustments. Cash only, but no big deal. No shampoo/​wash, but for 12 dollars what can you expect. I generally take a shower after a haircut anyways (those little hairs always get onto my neck and back and itch). Definitely in a nondescript location, but friendly service and quality haircut for the cheapest price around.

I’ve been in chicago for a couple of months and this the best place to get your hair cut for 12 $. It’s a small shop in the uic student center basement run by the same woman for over 20 years, so when give it a try you shouldn’t be disappointed and quick tip they accept cash only.

Came not knowing anything about cutting hair or what I wanted and she still did an amazing job.
One of the best I’ve had so far

This is probably the best place in Chicago to get a good haircut. I’m not a student at UIC but come down to get a high and tight, no where else in the city can figure out how to give a military style cut. If you haven’t shaved that day they will normally throw in a straight shave for free. Best 12 dollar haircut in Chicago. Cash only.

I’ve been coming here for years. Maria’s simply the best. The medical school bookstore is a few yards away from the barber shop, so you can browse before or after your haircut. The Damen bus or Polk Pink Line brings you to this shop in the basement of the student union. All kinds of good restaurants and coffee shops just a few blocks from here on Taylor, east of Ashland, for lunch after your cut.

Excellent and attentive service. Maria has been here over 17 years and I will for sure be coming back for more. If you are not part of the UIC community, you would have no clue that there was a barber shop in the basement. For the price of $ 12, you really can’t do much better.

Reliable, consistent, attentive, skilled haircuts, and only $ 12. I wish I knew about Maria and her coworker earlier. This is a 2 person, humble barber shop, staffed with two ladies who know their trade. Maria tells me she’s been running the shop for many years and it shows. She has a reliable, consistent following of customers, and is always able to squeeze in a few more. What’s nice is Maria listens before cutting and asks for feedback along the way. She has a gentle, fun personality too. Try it out, and IMO remember to give a nice tip if you’re happy with the cut. For $ 12 I don’t know how they pay the bills!

Top notch service, price is very reasonable.

Poor quality, poor scheduling and wasted an hour of my time waiting and then had to search for an atm since they dont take credit

Maria is awesome! Here attention to detail is unmatched. She will simply redo a haircut immediately if she isn’t happy with it! Most days she can get you in, but much of her schedule is packed with regulars. 12 dollars is a total steal.

I’ve been here twice, both times left with a solid haircut. I agree with James E. on all accounts. Maria takes her time, actually listens to what you want, and will happily take feedback. Only one complaint– her taper is more of a square cut in the back.
I tried out the barbers on UIC East Campus once, and Maria wins. The shop is nothing special, but the quality haircut makes up for that… and its hard to beat $ 12!

To summarize my review: Maria is amazing!
I’ve been searching for the perfect barber (low price, high skill, nice person, doesn’t talk too much, doesn’t talk too little) and I found it with Maria. She is simply fantastic. She has a high level of communication, always checking in with you before she does something. And $ 12 for a haircut is a very decent price! On top of it all, she is really, really good at what she does. She always cuts my hair perfectly.
Usually there isn’t a wait, but I do recommend calling ahead to get a reservation. She does three cuts an hour — at the top of the hour, 20 minutes after and twenty minutes to. Also, because she’s located on the UIC West Campus, her downtown is when school is not in session, so if it’s the winter break or summer break, etc. it’s best to call ahead to make sure she’s in.
They have four chairs set up, but I have only seen Maria cutting hair there — and to be honest, if someone else came in, I’m not sure I’d abandon Maria.
Sure the shop itself doesn’t have the most modern décor. In fact, it looks kind of run-​down. And the fact that you have to find it in the basement makes it kind of an adventure. But these negatives aside, she’s worth it.
Also, bring cash — she doesn’t take credit cards.
My search for a barber is over and I’m so glad I found out about Maria.