Luxe a Salon + Spa

Artefill was recommended to me with no one telling me it is fiberglass and the product has been on and off the market for safety concerns. I never would have allowed it to be injected since it’s permanent. I think you should give consumers full disclosure.

note to brides to be: FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GET YOUR MAKEUP DONE!
i was searching for a makeup artist for my upcoming wedding, and a friend recommended luxe. i was getting short on time, so after emailing with a receptionist back and forth, i decided to just book the appointment for my wedding day, figuring i could always cancel later. i was quoted a price of $ 45 for the trial application, and $ 85 for the day-​of makeup.
i went in for the trial with tori, who was very sweet. she did the application in about half an hour, and it wasnt bad. we talked about what i liked and didnt like and what i wanted to do different on the day of. so i went to check out, and imagine my surprise when i was charged $ 65 instead of the $ 45 i was quoted. i thought maybe i made a mistake or something, so i just paid ($ 80 with tip) and went on my merry way.
when i got home i checked my email, and lo and behold, there was the quoted price of $ 45. not only that, but there was an email from luxe stating that they were «so sorry, but we forgot to mention that for the day of, there will be a $ 120 travel charge.» WHAT!!! not only did you overcharge me for the trial, but you «forget» to mention the astronomical $ 120 travel charge??? let me state that my wedding location is a mere 3 MILES from the salon. where is the makeup artist coming from? timbuktu? and is she flying in on a private jet? i mean, i expected there to be a travel charge and i was surprised when it hadnt been mentioned previously but i figured, what the hey, maybe i got lucky? i find it completely ridiculous that the travel charge costs more than the actual makeup application.
needless to say, i sent an email cancelling my day-​of appointment and explained very politely how upset i was over this development. to this day, management has not bothered contacting me to explain or apologize – pretty shabby way to treat a new client.
the only silver lining here is that i was personally contacted by one of the other receptionists, who was not even involved in the situation. she said that when she came in to work and saw all the emails back and forth between me and the other girl, she immediately went to the manager and pleaded my case for me, saying she didnt think it was fair that i be charged, etc. she told me that she got nowhere with the manager and was in fact disgusted with the way her boss had handled the situation, and apologized again and again.

I’ve been going to Luxe for almost nine years and have had wonderful service from Elizabeth and Lainie. I used to live in Roscoe Village and could walk to Luxe. Elizabeth was the first (and only) stylist that I ever trusted enough to say, «just do what looks best,» and I am always happy. She is great at listening to what my styling, lifestyle, and look needs are and then making a cut that will complement me. I am a natural redhead and began coloring my hair a few years ago. It was really important to me that my color look natural and as close as possible to my natural color. Most of my family members don’t even know that I color my hair.
Lainie waxes and tints my brows and they always look natural and wonderful.
Occasionally I feel like they’ve booked too many appointments in a small amount of time, but they are also very flexible about adding or subtracting services at the last minute.
The salon has had a bit of turnover in their receptionists, which has led to some confusion when I make my appointments, etc., but overall, I love the service at Luxe!

Elizabeth is amazing. I moved to Chicago 2 years ago, and quickly went through 4 different stylists at different salons – none of them could do both great highlights and a great cut.
Thankfully, Elizabeth is awesome at both. She gets blonde. She is blonde (which I think is important when it comes to understanding the shades, etc.). I really trust her. Plus, she’s super quick. I have a ton of long hair, and for full highlights/​cut/​blowdry/​style, I am out of there in 2 hours. Not bad.
A bit pricey, but worth it.

Was pleased when I first found Luxe as I had been going to a «chain salon» and my hair color needed to be corrected. Luxe did a good job, however, the problem with the salon are the hours and the adherence of staff to keep the scheduled appointment times. One time I had called to say I was running 15 mins late and was asked to reschedule-​fine. When I showed up for my rescheduled appt I was made to wait over an hour! Really?
Then another time I was called and and made to reschedule because the stylist had something come up. Fine. I should have stopped going then. The last straw was when I made my appointment 3 weeks in advance and made sure they knew I would not be able to make it in for another 3 weeks so I needed to keep this appointment. I stressed this fact as I had been canceled before. Babysitting was scheduled and all arrangements made, and of course I receieved a call the day before saying I’d have to reschedule my appointment for another day. Frustrating to say the least. I didnt reschedule and called later that day and left a message for one of the owners to see if I could been seen by someone else as I had babysitting etc in place already. I was willing to pay more. Of course, I didnt receieve a call back.
Customer service does not seem to be a priority here which is a shame bc I did enjoy this salon but the frustration with scheduling trumps that. I received a recommendation for a salon near there from a friend who schedules her appointments 6 months out and has yet to have a problem. Ill be going there from now on.

So, I had been going to Luxe for years, had actually recommended the salon to several friends.
Unfortunately, as is the case with a lot of smaller Chicago salons, Luxe became a bit too pretentious and the service failed horribly because of it. What used to be a great local shop where I knew that attention to detail and customer satisfaction were paramount, has now become another churning place of mediocrity. It’s really sad.

I took my mom as part of the Pretty City $ 31 specials. My mom had previously received a terribly bland hair cut at another salon. I called in the morning and got lucky with an early afternoon appt with Olivia. Once we got there, I briefly explained what my mom was looking for and Olivia confidently and quickly got the job done. My mom was complimented by other clients waiting and walked out with a lovely hair cut. Overall, n

I took my mom as part of the Pretty City $ 31 specials. My mom had previously received a terribly bland hair cut at another salon. I called in the morning and got lucky with an early afternoon appt with Olivia. Once we got there, I briefly explained what my mom was looking for and Olivia confidently and quickly got the job done. My mom was complimented by other clients waiting and walked out with a lovely hair cut. Overall, nice/​talented staff and great experience.

I went here for a root touch up. I explained that I had two major concerns: A) My grey hairs should be covered and match the rest of my hair
B) my roots should match the rest of my hair
She seemed to understand and went to work dying my roots. I felt that something was up at the wash bowl when she started whispering to the shampoo girl. She brought me back to her station put a toner over my whole head, because I had been complaining that my all over color was looking a little washed out. Toner sat on for about 10 minutes and then wash and back to her station for styling. The lighting isnt fabulous in there, but it looked ok and she kept saying «it matches pretty well for first time». I couldn’t see anything horribly wrong so I paid and left.
When I returned home and looked over my hair I could tell that:
A) My grey hairs were not fully covered (there is a gap of white between the last dye and this dye job)
B) My grey hairs do not match the rest of my head and are much lighter
C) my roots do not match the rest of my head and are darker and brown
(my hair is a coppery color)
I tried calling to see if they could fix my roots for 30 minutes and kept getting a machine. I know they are there because I just left.
I give this place two stars because they include a blow out with the dye job, the lady seemed really nice, and the prices are middle of the road ($ 75). I am sure if I kept returning we could eventually get my roots to match the rest of my head and maybe get all my grey hairs covered, but I am not that impressed and I feel that I can get a comparable level of dissatisfaction for less money closer to where I live.

I found Luxe on Pretty City. As a graduate student I don’t have a huge disposable income, but want really great service. I have to say that Luxe is a really great place, especially for the money. Ella gave me the best haircut I have had in AGES and I do mean ages. She really gets working with your face and lifestyle, something a lot of stylists cannot do, they usually want you to tell them what you want and they just follow. I could not be happier. Another great thing, is the place is untpretentious, which I personally really like. I don’t need to feel the salon is doing me a favor by coming there, the vibe at Luxe is warm and easygoing. I finally found someone great who is reasonable. Plus the parking is easier than going dowtown or river north.

I’ve been a Luxe customer since it opened six… seven? years ago and I’m sure I’ll be a Luxe customer for six, seven, or even 67 more years.
Honestly, I can’t believe it took me this long to write this review. I followed Ella from her previous place and no one has touched my hair other than her in 10 years and I get compliments on my cut and color all the time (the credit is all Ella). I’m writing this review simply because I owe it to Luxe — they’ve been very good to me over the years.
Elizabeth and everyone else are wonderful too. I can’t vouch for them as a customer, but I have friends who go to Elizabeth and I love their haircuts as well and they are loyal customers like me. They are great if you know exactly what you want (for me… usually a trim) or if you have no idea and want something new (for me, that usually means saying… I don’t know, you decide). I’ve never been disappointed.
All in all, if anyone criticizes this place, don’t listen to them. I’ve been to Ella every 6 – 8 weeks for 10 years. So that’s what, 85 – 100 excellent haircuts? I’ve also sent at least five friends to Luxe and they all continue to go there, so, obviously, they’re happy too. Add it up and we’re talking about hundreds of happy haircuts. :-)

I’m not sure who is giving all 5 stars, must be the friends of the stylists. I had an updo and my make up done and did not like either. My hair looked really simple and ugly (they braided it in the back so I felt like a 5 yr old), and the make up artist put on tinted moisturizer. HELLO! I paid like $ 50 for tinted moisturizer? I do that daily in my own house. The updo was also ridiculously expensive ($ 75!!!), in a salon in Roscoe Village?! I pay less in my own ‘hood, the Gold Coast (about $ 60 for an updo at a good salon on Oak St). Overall not impressed at all and paid too much.

I like this salon, but it’s not my favorite. I haven’t lived in Chicago too long, and am trying to find the perfect place. I live close, so I decided to try it out. I have seen Michelle twice, and she is very sweet and tries really hard to listen to exactly what I want.
My first visit was a little off-​putting for a couple reasons. First, I have short hair, and she seems to be much more in-​tune with cute cuts and styles for long hair. Also, I brought in pictures of what I wanted, but she kind of did what she felt would look best anyway. It didn’t end up looking bad, but it just wasn’t me.
I went back again and was much happier the second time around. She did a better job of listening to what I wanted, and I was very happy. She’s a great stylist too, and I would truly recommend her to ladies with long hair, but probably not short or medium.
I also LOVE the products at this place! They are wonderful for your hair, plus they don’t contain any parabens, and aren’t tested on animals… so what more could you want?

After Several hair stylist that I just didnt LOVE for the money I was –paying I am so happy to back to Elizabeth! She is so great! She is so great and fast! If your a mom you will love here because she is not messing around! She has you in and out and I have VERY VERY curly thick hair that I blow dry straight! She does an awesome job and always love my haircuts and blow outs ! My sister does her color with Elizabeth also and it looks just Fab! Cant say enough good things!

Finding someone to do my hair and makeup for the wedding (and for the bridesmaids) was one of the most stressful things. Why, I am not sure. But literally every time I found a place, they were charging a TON of money. I was stressed, unhappy and emailing my best friends way too much about this topic.
I found Luxe just by walking in and found out that they were not open on Sundays. Ack, I was getting married on a Sunday. However, I found out that a stylist, Michelle was able to take care of us that day. The prices were pretty reasonable and we had the salon to ourselves. My friends brought in yummy snacks and drinks and we were able to relax, listen to music and just have a really enjoyable experience. Also, Michelle was FAST. Like super fast. While it would have been nice to have been pampered a little longer on my wedding day, we were an hour ahead of schedule. And that made such a difference. We were able to relax and read magazines and get to the wedding venue with more than enough time. How often does that happen on a wedding day? It was so so appreciated by me.
My hair was natural but pretty as was makeup. I dont even really ever wear a lot of makeup anyway, so I appreciated the natural look. We had a fun relaxing time and I think that we all looked pretty. So thank you Michelle for being there on a day the salon is opening and thank you for adding to a relaxing wedding day!

I absolutely LOVE Luxe! I have been a client of Laini and Elizabeth for well over 10 years. Laini has the most amazing touch and has the ability to make you feel like a new person everytime you visit. I am constantly complimented about how amazing my skin is and no one ever knows my age. Everyone needs a special facial and waxing from Laini — it is a luxury that you won’t forget.
Elizabeth is the best stylist and like Laini is a true crafts’person’ — I have been stopped on the street, in airports, in other countries asking where I get my hair done. She is absolutely amazing … and makes you look amazing — definitely a great combination.
You need to make an appointment — QUICK! It is the best place ever !!

I decided to give Luxe a try since they’re in my neighborhood and were participating in the Pretty in Pink $ 31 services for Breast Cancer support. First of all, their hours are crazy and change every day, so I had trouble even getting an appointment made. I went in for an eyebrow and bikini wax on a Saturday morning. The woman who did the waxing was Lainie or Lonnie or something like that. I can’t remember and I threw away the card after my awful experience.
First of all, you have to wind your way through ugly, industrial hallways to even get to the spa section of the place. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to find my way out. The room she put me in was extremely warm, and when I mentioned it, she just ignored me and told me it was just because the massage table was heated.
She started with my eyebrows and told me that she likes to work quickly. I was definitely okay with that because who wants a wax to last long? Anyway, even though I told her I liked the natural looking, fuller brow, she waxed below AND above the brow line and totally thinned my brows into lines. I was angry since my brother’s wedding was that weekend, but figured I could pencil them in. T
he bikini was was very painful, of course but seemed mostly okay. That is until two days later when I realized the hair hadn’t been pulled out, but ripped off at the surface so that it was already growing back in weird patches. Gross, I know. I called to complain and left a message about my problem. (Again, weird hours, so I could hardly ever get anyone.) They didn’t even bother calling me back! I tried one other time and still was ignored.
Their regular prices are ridiculous for how cheap the experience and quality is, so I will NEVER be going here again. Luckily I only paid the reduced price for the bikini wax because of the Pretty in Pink promotion.
Plus, if the way they treat their dissatisfied customers is an indication of the business, you should definitely turn and run!

what?! 5 stars?! no freakin way. i got my first ever brazilian wax here, and my nether regions have never been so abused. molly the waxer was super nice, but as she was gettin the job done, she was telling me about how people are always coming to her to get their bad wax jobs fixed. ha. i had what felt like a million ingrown hairs. strays. a crooked landing strip. hot damn.
needless to say, i’m rockin it au naturel these days.

Spa Week presented a great opportunity to check out the spas in the city, so I had blindly signed up for a «Detox Body Wrap» at Luxe this past weekend.
Truth be told, I had no idea what that entailed — just a faint knowledge that I will be lathered in some reduction, wrapped and left alone to drift away in my thoughts.
That was exactly what I was given, and more! The minute we walked in, the service was great. They led us through a maze of doors and hallways into a building next door, giving us the impression that we were being taken far, far away.
The rooms were dimmed with beautiful elevator music, very well-​kept and a faint soothing aroma. My masseuse, Laini, was very pleasant and professional. After applying an oatmeal-​like reduction rich with vitamins and minerals, she carefully wrapped me in plastic and towels and tucked me in! Then she left me alone for 15 minutes and there, I floated to bliss.
The grand finale of the treatment allowed me to shower in their multi-​jet stream shower and then hang out in their relaxation room while waiting for my friend’s massage. She too, had a wonderful experience and we vowed to go back the next time we feel knots in our back … which will be any day now!

I got my first wax here with Rachel and she was great. She made it as fast and as least painful as possible. She was also very friendly and makes you feel comfortable by engaging you in conversation.

I have been going here for years and it is wonderful!
As soon as you walk in the door you are greeted with a smiling face. They provide you a robe so the little hairs don’t get on your clothes which I love because you know how itchy those things can be! They also offer you this delicious tea, which I can’t describe but it is delicious!
I have had my hair cut by both Jessica and Ella and both do a fantastic job. I do prefer Jessica only because I have had her cut my hair more times and recently went through a dramatic change that she walked me right through, cutting 11.5 inches of hair and coloring those oh so lovely grays. As a first time color-​er I couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience and being with Jessica through my shocking 11.5 inch hair loss was a pleasure. Of course she rubber banded the hair and preserved it for me to send it to Locks for Love. Jessica just really listens to what you want and gives you exactly that!
The products they use, Pureology, leave your hair smelling fantastic and I never wash it the next day just so I can still smell it. Their shampoo girl is the best touch, who doesn’t love getting their hair washed!!! It is such a treat!
I think after typing this up I am calling for an appointment!