S&M Hair Salon — Attraction in Chicago

Updating review on 6/5, +1 star: The salon reached back out to me and offered to cut my hair so it blends out more naturally and I wouldn’t have a blunt piece in the back. They also treated my hair. See latest picture where it’s looking more seamless.

Sometimes feedback can be hard to read, and it can be awkward to deal with- but I didn’t sense of that! They were professional and courteous. I greatly appreciate them actively reaching out and trying to make things right!

Original review on 6/1: I was able to get a balayage appointment in, during my short visit to Chicago and was super excited, as I’ve been following their insta account for years, but man… I am disappointed now as my hair is chopped/uneven.

I came in to get a balayage touch up and a cut. Not only was I unable to get the color I want, but also so so much of my hair broke. The stylist told me that it’s because my hair has been over treated, and this is within 10% of breakage, as expected and the best he could do to control the damage. I get it, my hair has been treated a few times (peekaboo and a balayage prior). But I do think that during the analysis portion, the stylist over promised on the results and incorrectly analyzed my hair elasticity, even though I disclosed all previous treatments. My bleached parts came out orange and uneven, so they chose a darker color to mask it. I now have to worry when this color fades will orange peel through?

Additionally, I’m surprised that the stylist bleached the most inner layer (old peekaboo then lightly bleached for a balayage) part first. In california, my stylist bleached this portion last on very low volume and kept it on for a very short time. I don’t know why I didn’t question the stylist then and there, but hey also I’m not a specialist. I would think this is a rookie mistake. Anyhow.. yeah my hair length is all gone on the inside, as you can see in the photo.

I still tipped well, as they spent a good amount of time on my head. But man, it does not feel good to spend $$$ and have messed up hair. I think they tried to be extra kind to me after seeing all the breakage- but it was too late and felt like I was getting gaslit. Sigh. Gave an extra star cause I think they tried their best...

I can confidently say that S&M Salon was one of the best hair experiences I've ever had! From start to finish, I was blown away by the attention to detail and the level of care provided by everyone there, but especially by my stylist, Sam. Sam is an absolute artist when it comes to hair color. I was looking for something dramatic because if it's only a subtle difference, what's the point, right? Sam asked to see a picture of what I had in mind. I showed him photos of an ash blond balayage and he executed it flawlessly. His patience and precision were remarkable. It's apparent to me why so many people, especially from the Asian community, come to his salon. The end result was everything I hoped for and more. My hair turned out beautifully and better than imagined. I couldn't believe he was able to transform my very black hair into a beautiful ash blond balayage within about seven hours. Sam truly worked his magic! I also have to give kudos to the woman who washed my hair multiple times during the process. She was fantastic! Her scalp massages were so relaxing. She was incredibly gentle with my hair, showing so much patience and care. The whole experience at this salon was worth every penny. I drove five hours from St. Louis, MO to get my hair done here and it was worth it! If you're considering booking an appointment, trust me, you won't regret it. It's the kind of salon that makes you feel pampered and cared for, and the results speak for themselves. I mean, just take a look at the photos...

I really hate leaving bad reviews but only do it when it's necessary. I thought I picked the perfect place because of the pictures I saw online and was really excited to get my first balayage. Unfortunately I left with a color I didn't want and very damaged hair. My hair is still falling out from the poor care given to it. I showed a picture to the hair dresser and he told me it would take 7 hours and that he would have to chop some hair off which I wasn't happy about because he just didn't want to deal with all my hair but I compromised. After he applied the bleach he would disappear and attend other customers and not check on my hair as often as I would have liked, maybe the damage wouldn't have been there if he did. Some of the other hair dressers would constantly walk by and say things in Chinese and would laugh and make me super uncomfortable. I constantly felt like I was being made fun of. The only reason I am choosing not to name the hair dresser who did my balayage is because I do think they meant well but they only didn't have experience with hair like mine and maybe there was a miscommunication. I still hope anyone who goes in does their research, weighs the risks of getting it bleached and is very clear about the color they want. I paid $500 and carry a heavy regret with ever having my hair touched in general, I have...