Genacelli Salon

Hands down WORST SALON experience of my life! I called the salon to get a all over color and on the phone they told me a single process color would cost $ 85 just like the website did. They also wanted to make sure I had more than 1 hour with the stylist because they wanted to fit in a blow dray.
Once the color was complete I was not very happy with it, but did not feel like staying longer and getting it redone. Little did I know, I was charged literally for sitting in the salon. My total bill came out to $ 190… for a single process color! What I found out was the colorist decided to use 2 different colors for a single process color appointment and because of that he was allowed to charge me $ 200.
I complained, talked to the manager, and went back in forth through emails for weeks and all they said was, «You should have asked during your appointment if you were getting charged for everything happening.»
This salon not only has poor customer service, but they aren’t even willing to try to help the situation and make you feel better by resolving it. It is likely they will try to take advantage of you.
So many better salons in the city at much better prices with significantly more talent. Do not wast your time or money because it will end up ugly.

*Ask for Robin! Highly Recommend! *
After my stylist left a few years back, the universe was good to me when I walked into Genacelli Salon and met Robin Mroz Hain. She is more than a talented stylist with years of experience. She is a beautiful person who genuinely cares about her clients. This past month I was toying with the idea of getting «statement bangs» that would completely change my look. I did my research and even popped in the salon to get her opinion (would it be the worst mistake?, could I pull them off?, will I be able to style them myself…). We went through pictures, she brought me the fake clip-​on bangs, the celebrities wear, to play with at home and we did a thorough consult on a separate day (she even took my picture and uploaded it on her tablet hair app to show me what I would look like if she cut them). What I’m trying to say is, she allowed me to go through my crazy process of thinking about it, she put zero pressure on me and told me she was 100% sure that with my type of hair & shape of my face it was a good move and wouldn’t do it if she didn’t think so… and she was right! I LOVE THEM! Also, after the initial transformation she told me she expected to see me within a week after I got adjusted to them, to do any «tweaking» that I might like (no charge, her focus was on me loving my new look). I have since had a bang trim and can say she has perfected the look I wanted all along. I’m sure you are thinking this is a long review over bangs, but if you are a girl who has ever had bangs (especially bad ones), you know how important the right/​experienced/​honest stylist is when making such a decision.
I highly recommend Robin to anyone who needs a new stylist! Even if you don’t live in the Lakeview area, the salon is accessible a block (ish) away between the Diversey and Wellington brown/​purple line stop. Also, the front desk staff are super friendly! Great Salon with reasonable prices!
–Erika

The staff at the salon have all been very inviting and conduct themselves as true professionals. Along with that, the salon is very clean and crisp, and that is expected as a client. I have had Robin as my stylist for a number of years, and as she moved on to Genacelli, continue to have her as my hair stylist, as she is highly skilled, ultra-​detailed, consistent, and great to chat with while in the chair, while making sure that I leave the salon happy. She is client driven, and has NOT (which is awesome to be able to say) produced a mediocre/​bad cut for me even one time in 5 years or so, and that is impressive, as I am a demanding client when it comes to select services. I would HIGHLY recommend Robin, along with the professionals @ Genacelli.

Joseph has been my stylist for 15 years. Each and every time I have left his chair, he has exceeded my very high expectations. My unforgiving straight blond hair always looks flawless and natural, and it continues to look great in between visits.
While Joseph’s technical skills are superior, it is his genuine interest in his clients that makes him an amazing artist. He knows me, knows my lifestyle, and knows my hair. Because of this, he always creates a style that compliments my personality and makes me feel beautiful.

Bobbi is by far the best colorist and stylist! She can do it all– highlights, balayage, all over color; I’ve done it all with her and she nails it every single time. She really listens to you and always delivers the best result. I love my hair every time I see her. I highly recommend Bobbi. She is truly talented and the sweetest person.

You will be over-​charged at this salon. Friend came in and they charged her more than $ 300 — all she received was a color job, and she has a bob. She came home crying. They also snuck in two treatments that she did not order and added it to the bill. I am disappointed at such a dishonest practice… enough that I had to write. When she called to complain, they said they don’t have «set prices» — i.e. they are going to charge you whatever they want.

Went in for a ladies day yesterday with my coworkers! All the ladies were so nice and the girl, Erica, who did my hair did an awesome job! She even taught me how to obtaina certain look with my hair. The salon is so big and beautiful. I will definitely be back in for my next touch up on my highlights. All the stylists made us all feel so welcome and comfortable! My hair looks and smells great! Can’t wait for my next visit!

My beloved Kristen has left the salon and I do miss her, but before her departure, she thoughtfully transitioned me to Erin, who I have really enjoyed working with so far! A brief update, but I plan to stay faithful to the East Studio for as long as I’m in Chicago!

Not happy whatsoever…:-(

Beautiful salon and Laura was a m a z i n g.
I don’t live in town and needed to get my hair cut and colored. On the referral of a friend, I went to Laura and it was by far the best hair experience I have had in a long time, if not ever. First, she did an amazing job. She listened to me to to the point of true understanding and assessed what would make the most sense. She took her time and explained her thoughts on my hair and we decided together what she would do. As I’m typing this, it sounds completely ridiculous, but anyone who has been to a nightmare stylist or even a sub-​par stylist knows how important this is.
My color is beautiful, my cut suits my hair and my lifestyle perfectly, and I had a wonderful couple of hours chatting (I’m not the chatty type) to a lovely lady about all kinds of things. I cannot recommend Laura and East Studio/​Genacelli enough. Gorgeous, professional, personal service. A true gem. Thank you!

I have been going to Genacelli for 6 – 7 years, so this review is long overdue.
Though I’ve been to many stylists, I’ve most recently been seeing Erica at the East Studio.
It’s so nice to find a stylist who delivers a wonderful cut every time, and knows exactly what you’re asking for, despite your less than stellar description.
A couple months ago I accidentally burned a good portion of my hair off due to a faulty hair dryer and melting brush (long story). I went straight to Erica and she saved my poor damaged hair with no problem. You could barely tell what had happened.
And, she’s super friendly and always makes you feel welcome. Basically, I can’t recommend her more!

Bobbie Olesen is a MUST for cut and color. I have unmanageable naturally curly hair, and she b@$&!-slaps it like no other, making me perfect for events and everyday color and cut. On top of it all, Bobbie has an incredible personality and keeps me laughing. I feel so lucky to have a trusted stylist and fun friend — I always look forward to my appointments
Bobbie = The BEST!!!

I came here initially as a recommendation from a friend who has similarly thick, wavy hair that’s hard to cut and style.
Kristen is great! She listens well and provides options for cut and color. I would totally be friends with her IRL, too. She’s got a friendly, talkative personality. She even attends and works fashion week.
They serve wine here so that’s a definitely plus. They also use luxury brand hair care so you’re getting a step above the usual Redken which is nice.
Kristen can do balayage highlights — they’re pricier but I love the result. Very natural looking.
Once I had my appointment down wrong — I thought I was supposed to be in at 1:00 but it was really for 12:15. Not cool of me to mess up the times but they accommodated me very well and they still took me a bit later (1:45) for my color. I had to reschedule a cut but that was ok. I was glad they actually could squeeze me in with Kristen! I felt terrible.
Anyway I would recommend this place to a friend. They’re not stuffy here and I can appreciate that my stylist is down to earth and friendly.

Kristen is just the best. I’ve been going to her for a few years now and am very happy. My hair isn’t difficult to cut, but I’m a picky lady. I can’t even be mad that she’s upped her pricing for a cut. I don’t dye my hair, so cannot speak to that, but have heard good things from friends I’ve referred.
Aside from Kristen, the space is really nice, always clean. The woman at the front desk is super friendly and always offers a drink when I get there. Why, yes, I would love a glass of wine after a long day at the office…

I was referred here by a friend and changed my mind from single process and cut to full highlights and cut in order to go blonder and prevent constant upkeep from outgrowth. While I’m happy with the color outcome, it’s definitely not very much lighter, certainly not enough to rationalize the cost of full highlights. The stylist was great though, and offered that I could come in later this week and she would lighten it.
What I was most disappointed with was the experience I had with the cashier/​receptionist. The referral card I had was for 25% off a cut or color. I felt comfortable going with full highlights because I knew I’d get the discounted offer. However, she took 25% off the CUT, saying it was off the lowest priced item!!! The voucher did NOT say that anywhere, and on their web site they offer a $ 20 discount for any referral. I was not given an itemized bill, but according to their site the hair cut is $ 25. So, after the discount my bill was an astounding $ 200 (after the $ 5 I saved with the voucher!). And my hair was not even much lighter. For this reason alone, I will not be back.

I’m in LOVE with this place. I’ve been twice, and each time has been an awesome experience. I will never go to another salon in Chicago.
The first time I went, I booked my appointment because I had absolutely botched my hair trying to dye it myself. There were able to get me an appointment the very next day.
Upon entering, I was impressed by the clean, classic look of the place. It is very open, with all white furniture and dark hardwood floors. The receptionist checked me in, took my coat, and offered me a drink which I wait for my stylist. I have never had treatment like that at any other salon!
When I was finally with my stylist, Erica, she took a lot of time getting to know exactly what I wanted and didn’t want. She suggested a couple different things and was extremely knowledgeable about all of my options. I ended up getting my hair lifted and toned, and the process was extremely relaxing, and I was thrilled with the results. My hair was the exact shade I wanted, and the blowout they did was great.
The second time I went in, I booked with Erica again, and this time got partial highlights and a cut. Again, I was very pleased with the results and couldn’t have asked for better treatment!
This place is so professional, so knowledgeable, and very friendly. I would HIGHLY recommend this salon to anyone!

I keep my hair a healthy blonde these days. No platinum trashy blonde for me. That being said, I really try to be consistent with who I got to for color, but it’s hard not to try someone new sometimes.
I went back to Kristen to get my hair colored/​trimmed. After she cut my hair twice, I really liked what she did, so I decided to put my trust in her for color!
She tried something on me that I had never done before. Bayalyge? It’s a form of painting on the color in strips to show a more natural growth pattern. There are some foils involved, still.
The coloring took awhile while sitting, but I had a magazine and my phone – so I survived :)
I’m really pleased with the way it has grown out and with the immediate color I saw that was classy and natural. My only gripe was that it was twice what I usually pay for a partial highlight. But, that’s my fault, and I should have asked the cost.
She listened to how I wanted it cut and I’m still very happy with the length and ends of my hair!

My tresses have not been this bouncy and beautiful since 1998 !
Erica is amazing with cut, and color. So is KJ. Pick your poison. I find this salon to be very affordable, very up to the minute with style, very good with difficult hair like my fine and wispy, swept to the side strands, and they sell KERASTASE /​SHU UMERA shampoo (a.k.a. Heroine for your Hair), and awesome online appointment booking.
The salon is all light and bright and airy, and men in this neighborhood like to spend $ 50 on their haircuts when they could go to a barber for $ 10. Go home to show off your new do to your husband, or friends, or just the mirror in your bathroom and feel happy, fresh and new for Spring.
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NOTE: I am referring to EAST STUDIO

This review is for the East Studio side…
After months of growing my hair out and nurturing it to health (I was a former highlight junkie), I decided to add some subtle balayage color and trim the ends. We discussed my specific color/​cut thoughts and I relaxed and enjoyed my coffee with a few magazines while she got started. After spending some time painting the color on the stylist looked at some of the first highlights and let out a gasp. Without telling me anything she called over other stylists who all told her to wash the color off immediately. She questioned whether my hair had been chemically processed recently, which it had not, and then thought for a couple minutes before rinsing me out. While I’m not sure what exactly happened, at some point during the processing my hair began to fry, literally.
I debated whether to post anything or not but after 2 conditioning treatments at other spas and having to cut my long hair to my shoulders to hide the 3 inch damaged pieces on the top of my head, I cannot keep quiet any more. My hair looks horrible and will take months for me to grow back. I could not have had a worse experience.

Came in, based on the reviews. Wanted to do a whole new color and highlights. I did get that but it wasn’t what I wanted. I did show a picture for inspiration. I appreciated the stylists input and it sounded nice so. I just went ahead and took his advice (then included cutting my ends off, which they needed to be chopped but I got charged for the price of a whole regular cut) For 300 + I expected a more drastic change. I received something I feel my recently graduated hair school friend would have done (which isn’t bad at all!!)
Total was 400+ because I did fall in love with the way my hair felt/​looked with the shampoo and conditioner so I bought them both.
overall I feel that the salon doesn’t specialize in extra creative looks. And might cater a lot more to an older age group. I would suggest/​recommend this place for the simple things such as a cut/​style.
*I LOVE MY HAIR (I’ve already received so many compliments)
but expected so much more.
I will probably go to another salon with more edgy creative stylists
and get a lighter full color done (auburn)
Pros:
Lovely environment. Everyone was friendly!
Top of the line hair products
My stylist was super amazing.