Time Hair Gallery

I went to THG looking for a place that’s not afraid to do natural hair and was pleased to find this place! The shop has a nice atmosphere and the stylist are all very nice. I went and got some color done last July. My hair was in a natural state (short and tiny curls) and I worried that it would need to be straightened to get the color right, but they did a fantastic job on the color and got it just how I wanted. The style was not exactly what I wanted, but I think that was a combination of other factors and it would not stop me from going once more.

I’m on the hunt for a great salon and decided to check out time hair gallery after reading the reviews here.
I was in the last phase of a transition to natural hair. I needed my extensions taken out, relaxed hair chopped off and a natural hair style done.
I walked in, the salon was quiet, clean, the stylists friendly and asked a lot of questions about my hair and what I wanted. Things were off to a great start!
11:30 — 11:45ish: Extensions were taken out. (Super fast).
11:45 — 12:45: I was asked to wait while another customer got her hair finished up. (I was excited about the pleasant service so far, so no big deal if I had to wait a bit to get my hair done well).
12:40ish — 1:30ish: (I didn’t know I would have to wait an hour! Jeez!) Braids were undone, hair washed (amazing scalp scrub) and conditioned. (Speed of service started to slow down as my stylist started chatting with other stylists. This continued for the rest of my appointment).
1:30ish — 2:00ish: Deep condition under heat (I love that this was done without my asking. They really do care about healthy hair here).
2:00ish — 2:30ish: My stylist was gone. Not sure where she went to. I was already frustrated by having to wait for an hour while someone else got their hair done and by the slowness of service. I told another stylist I had to leave soon and could she please call my stylist and ask her to finish my hair.
2:30ish — 3:30ish: Stylist came back. I had to be out of there by 4 and from the lack of respect for my time so far, I knew my stylist would not be done in time. I had to tell her to just cut and blow dry my hair. No style.
4 HOURS!!! And I didn’t get my hair styled (this would have taken another hour for her to complete). I’ve done this exact same service before and it didn’t take anywhere close to 4 hours.
So, they are great for healthy hair and great styling (from what I saw on other clients); but what a time suck. Most people don’t have that kind of time to waste on any day.
Still on the hunt for a great salon.

The interlocking was really professional, fast, and fair priced. I have baby/​pre-​teen locs and hadn’t gotten my hair retwisted in about six weeks. I had an excellent shampoo, deep conditioning, and oil treatment. I wasn’t happy with my locs after the retwist (even though Orlando assured me Locs take patience) but its been two weeks and I love them!
I definitely think its a great place to get your locs retwisted and I love to support small businesses.
Still, I wouldn’t make it my home salon. It took awhile to make an appointment (I tired online and by phone). The atmosphere was a bit quiet for my taste – I wanted a more fun, relaxed vibe. I felt awkward asking questions because I would have been the only one talking. Additionally, I was pretty upset when I left the salon. My loctician in Colorado usually palm rolls my hair – it would have been nice to be asked what I wanted and how I expected my hair to look. I know its only hair, but you want to look and feel amazing after you leave a salon.
Overall, its a solid option for locs if you like quiet.

Shar did my hair. She was nice, caring & gave me tips for making my hair healthier! I’m going back because she did a great job & she was very nice, everyone there was friendly and welcoming, thank u!

I’ve been going to Time Hair since November after watching my friend’s damaged hair grow by miles after going there herself. I have VERY fragile hair that I have tried and tried to get growing to no avail. I have not had a relaxer in years, but it still would break off at the ends no matter what I did or didn’t do to my hair. Well, now my hair has been introduced to Charminique and it has already grown more in a few months with her than it has in a LONG time. I am usually NOT a frequent salon person, but I will continue going to Time Hair because going has made a true difference in my hair and how I feel about it!!!

Great service from Charminique at Time Hair Gallery. She was able to fit me in yesterday for a full weave (they normally only do them during the week because it’s at least 4 hours), and I am very grateful. The results were excellent, as was the faux part she put in since I didn’t want any hair left out and didn’t like the closure pieces.

What a find this salon has been for me. As a native of Chicago I have shop hopped all my life and now newly relocated to the North side wanted to have a home salon for myself and my family. I can’t say how pleased I am with the services provided and the staff as well. I’ve had my natural hair braided, twisted, flat ironed and colored by three of the baddest stylists west of Lake Michigan in my opinion. The ambiance of the salon itself is warm, inviting and colorful and a definite treat for one who has to wait to be serviced. It is a comfortable atmosphere and not to mention its location on Randolph with eateries and bars to hang out if you wish for a bite to eat before or after your appointment.
They have a wonderful website that allows you to book your services online adding to the simplicity of making appointments and they also accept major credit cards, making my life super easy because who carries cash these days. Some stylists can do hair but these stylists are experts and take their time in consulting you for your hair needs. My son loves going to Barber Jeff whose great with kids and fades my little guy up quite frequently.
My daughters will be receiving services from Orlando who does natural hair soon and I can’t wait to see the finished product. I recently got my hair colored by Kenyon who is a trip lol! I love coming to Time Hair time and time again because its just a fun place to be and I always leave out with a smile and fabulous hair. My hair is natural and the color came out stellar. Kenyon didn’t rush and explained every step of the process and is very good and managing her clients in terms of time.
Parking can be a hassle if you come during busy lunch times or on popular days because its Randoph street. But my services were appropriately priced and I have no loyalty to any one stylist at this salon because each one of them has their signature twist and depending on the day or event I’m so pleased I have access to an entire salon full of professionals that will welcome me in their chair for some Fly Hair!
Almost forgot, they do eyebrows and eyebrow tinting as well which I have gotten and my results are amazing!

Love this salon! Great location in the West Loop! I’ve had both Kenyon and Char do my hair and I’ve always left happy. They have helped me out throughout my transition to natural hair.
It’s easy to schedule appointments online. Everyone is super nice. Highly recommend!

This is a great salon conveniently located in the West Loop! The staff is friendly and customer service is great. Having recently moved to Chi, I’m soo happy to have found Time Hair Gallery! Char does my natural twists and they last for at least 2 weeks! She is creative and undeniably talented. I get compliments on my hair all the time – even had someone run me down (literally) to ask who does my hair! Dry hair is not an issue when I leave thanks to their use of Jane Carter products amongst others. Like many salons, timeliness can be hit or miss which is why I generally aim for the first appointment of the day when possible; I guess it just comes with the territory.

Hi,
I met Char for the first time and she made me feel very comfortable. She explained to me the things that I should be doing to take care of my hair. She was on time and even informed me what she was using on my hair and even gave me a sample to see how I liked the product. Everyone there was friendly and it also felt good to be around successful African American women who are professional and respectful. The only thing I did not like was the parking but I am not used to city parking so come early or find a reasonable parking lot. I was happy with my hair. That is what matters!

It had been over a week since I chopped off my hair myself (I had full bangs w/​shaved sides so I just cut off my bangs) and my ‘fro needed some serious love.
I’d passed Time Hair Gallery’s sign saying «Barber on Duty» several times as I made my way to grub at Porkchop on the late night. It had never occurred to me to stop in until today while browsing the Unilocal reviews and trying to squeeze in a cut between a double shift at work. I was thrilled to call at 2:45pm and get a 3:15 appointment with Jeff. I trust that this will be a rare occurrence as word gets out on his skills.
As a woman who has grown out and cut her hair off several times over the years, I immediately appreciated Jeff’s gentle yet insistent series of questions about what I wanted each step of the way. Even though I came in with less than an inch all over, Jeff took his time to make sure my sides, front hairline, and nape were tapered in a flattering way. Clean cut yet natural and feminine. I also appreciated his way of alternating between clippers and scissors — an important distinction for short ‘fros.
The gems of the West Loop reveal have been revealing themselves to me slowly and Jeff certainly is one of them. The salon itself is warm and welcoming — Kimberly, the receptionist immediately offered tea or juice upon my arrival and upon departure, made sure I received a «frequent haircut» card. The clientele and other stylists were also wonderful to be around — in the short time I was there & getting my ear hustle on, I collected tips about good dentists and belly-​laughed over the many ways folks classify their friends.
I’ve never been one to make regular appointments at a salon but from the diversity of styles being worked on (extensions, blowouts, locs), I could see Time Hair Gallery nurturing this TWA (teeny weeny afro) through the next phase and the next… and the next…

My review is long overdue. I had been searching for over 2 years for a salon that could manage my hair (transitioning from relaxer with very thick/​coarse hair).
Kenyon is the ultimate professional and provided one of the most thorough consultations that I’ve had in a long time. Before ever starting my service, she took the time to assess my hair’s condition, talk about my options, and only after making sure that I was comfortable and informed did she proceed.
When you’re talking about someone’s hair that has grown to its longest length ever, that level of attention to detail and customer service is priceless.
This is my new go-​to salon!
Melissa

I have had great hair experiences at Time! Charminique helped me regrow hair that was damaged by heat. I trusted her to give me a great cut for my natural hair and she did a great job. She also gave me wonderful highlights that brought new life to my natural tresses. If you’re looking for great professional hair care in the west loop ask for Charminique at Time.

Ok… I’ve finally found the best salon/​barber in the West Loop! I mean, they’ve got it all… Friendly stylists, a professional courteous staff, and a relaxing, positive environment. My barber Jeff Evans is the BEST BARBER HANDS DOWN. Its a shame that its so hard to find a good barber these days… that won’t push you line back, or make you question why you came to them. NOT JEFF. Easy to make appointments, timely, no riff raff, safe area… I’m in cosmotology heaven! My suggestion is to try him and/​or them out. You’ll leave pleased!

I am such a fan of TIME HAIR GALLERY. I always feel like I’m going to my second home when I go there to get my «butta whipped». Everyone — and I mean EVERYONE — is so darn nice to the clients. They make you feel welcome to the salon, whether you’ve been going there for 5 years or 5 days, it doesn’t matter — you automatically become a part of their famliy.
My stylist is THE BEST DAMN STYLIST IN THE CHI — MISS NADLING POLLARD (the crowd roars and claps)…lol. She has been doing my hair for 5 years and I have gone from natural to relaxed to back to natural to semi-​relaxed. Each time she takes the time to tell me if it makes sense for me to go down that road or just stay away from it. She also takes the time to do research on different processes for hair and stays educated on the latest styles and trends for hair care. She is so professional and like a sister to me when it comes to her concern regarding the health and condition of my hair. And a weave… OOOOO WEE!!! She is a beast on the weave. I promise you wont even look like you are wearing one. She is so talented and God has truly blessed her hands. I’ve had weaves, color, naturals, and semi-​relaxed hair… and each time I leave out of there smiling like I won the lottery… and looking DAMN good too.
Now don’t get it twisted… the entire staff at THG be doing the darn thang. You can’t go wrong with anyone in that shop. All the ladies (and gentlement) have a true talent and passions for hair. When Nadling is not available to do my hair, I have no fear or doubts that someone else in the shop will hook me up.
I totally love this salon and I HIGHLY recommend you give them a call.
Sincerly,
Lovinmyhair…

Time Hair Gallery is conveniently located in the West Loop and has a professional receptionist who takes good care of you when you’re there. Char, the shampoo and blowdry technician, takes great care of me every time. It’s a joy not to have the crown of my head overlooked. Nadling can flat iron my natural hair extremely well and I’m always pleased when I (eventually) leave. So why 3 stars? I have been 4 times and have never been serviced completely in less than 4 hours. The wait for me is excessive and exhausting. I’ve seen all the stylists here work wonders on all kinds of hair, but just don’t have the time (or patience) to sit in the shop all day. Maybe if I can get the first appointment on a weekend, I’ll see if that makes a difference. I would love to keep going here.

I’ve been coming to TIme Hair Gallery for about 4 years now – well at least as long as Nadling has been there. She is fantastic. My hair is natural (meaning no relaxer – many of her clients are natural) and extremely thick and dense. Nadling is a real miracle worker! She transforms my dry, tight, coarse curls into bouncy, shiny strands – and without the excessive heat used at some salons. I wear my hair natural 90% of the time, and I’ve not had damage as a result of her heat styling. I find that Nadling is very concerned with the health and integrity of your hair. Many stylists will give you what you want, but maybe not what you need. If your hair is overprocessed, stressed or damaged, Nadling will tell you – so if honesty from your stylist is not what you’re looking for, then please don’t go to THG. If you are into hair weaving, she does fabulous sew-​ins and extensions. She also does relaxers, color, eyelash/​brow enhancements, as well as «natural» hairstyles like twist outs, rod sets, etc.
If you plan to schedule an appointment, do yourself a favor and BOOK AHEAD. Nadling’s appointments tend to be filled 3 – 4 weeks out. There’s a very convenient and easy-​to-​use link on the THG website where you can book online.
Finally, as Nadling always says, «Good hair is healthy hair!»
Amen.

Update 3÷3÷10
So about 3 weeks ago I went back to Time Hair Gallery. Unfortunately Nadling was completely booked for a month (yeah, she is kinda that good). So instead I met with Kenyon! Well… let me tell you, talent is abundant at THG.
I received a rinse that upgraded my look from lil’ olé me to FREAKIN SPECTACULAR. Do you know what it means to feel like 1 million bucks when you’ve spent under $ 150? Thats getting your money’s worth, for sure! I had never received a rinse on my virgin hair and its was gorgeous. I have found my permanent rinse color!
Kenyon also put some of the most beautiful curls in my hair that I had ever seen! I truly walked out a new woman and now have a signature hair style.
In this world of natural hair, my true self has surfaced. I absolutely loved being Kenyon’s temp client. I felt a little torn between her and Nadling :(But I believe in having faith and loyalty in my hair stylist… and I’m sure Nadling can do just the same (OBVIOUSLY IF SHE IS BOOKED ⁹⁄₁₀ times :))
Having Kenyon do my hair meant that I now have another amazing go-​to stylist when Nadling is booked solid. Its a very comforting feeling, for sure! I also liked that I was out of there in 3 hours! Record breaking time! I wonder what it would take for 2.5 hours which would be normal considering I have a «big hair»
QUICK SHOUT OUT: To the lovely ladies that shampoo and take appointments :) Thanks for reading the comments. lol. And thanks for not pulling out my hair anymore!
P. S. That damn light is still there!
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Time Hair Gallery, How I love you… let me count the ways…
1. Oh so talented Nadling who is great at her craft!
2. Free teas, so scrumptious.
3. Free Wi-fi…GRACIAS
4. That «dirt» hand wash in the bathroom, WHAT! My hands never felt so smooooooooooooth in my life! :)
5. The friendliness of the staff :) Me likes that!!!
6. Knowing how to take care of natural hair and keeping my curlies curly even with straighting.
I took points off for:
1. The tremendous amount of time I have to wait. I arrive on-​time for my appointment, but almost wait 2 hours every time. 5 hours in a beauty salon is just too much for me to stomach at times. I really enjoy my life and FRESH AIR.
2. The BRIGHT ASS light in the first shampoo chair, its too much! REALLY, it detracts from the entire relaxation experience.
3. The shampoo ladies are just a little to heavy handed with the comb through. I want to keep the little bit of hair that I have on my head!

Time Hair Gallery saved my hair. It had broken off so bad from relaxers and I hated it. I hated looking at pictures of myself, I hated looking at my hair in the mirror, and I didn’t know what to do. In desperation, I decided to get a weave to grow out my hair. One of my neighbors had a great weave and referred me to Kenyon. In less than a year and a half, I have a full new head of hair. My hair is beautiful now. It’s natural, thick and healthy, and I only have Time Hair Gallery and Kenyon to thank. Kenyon really understands the dynamics of natural hair, and she teaches you how to keep it healthy. I am a true «before and after» success story. Highly recommended.

I’ve tried a number of salons since moving to Chicago, and for the most part… I’ve had great experiences. With one tiny, tiny exception. I always gulped, gasped, swallowed, blinked and nearly cried when they gave me my bill! I have probably spent more on my hair… than I have on vacations in the last three years!!!
WELL, not any more! Thanks to my niece, I discovered Time Hair Gallery and Nadling.
Let me clarify: This is not a bargain basement salon. It is wonderfuly appointed. The staff is professional and the stylist use all of the latest and greatest products. AND my hair looks divine!!! This is probably the first time (in a long time) where I left a salon and I absolutely, positively loved my hair. I mean I’ve loved it before… but there was always something I wanted done differently. A bit longer, a bit fuller, a few highlights… something. But, not this time. Nadling spent time talking to me… about my lifestyle and my preferences, so she got it perfectly right the first time!
Yes, the services are REASONABLY priced, but the key is I got a fabulous hair style and even my worst critic says I look awesome!