Asha Salon & Spa
Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
Neighborhood: Bucktown1808 N Damen Ave
(between Bloomingdale Ave & Churchill St)
Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 292-1100
- Nearest Transit:
Damen (Blue)
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
37 reviews
Neighborhood: Lakeview
"I had to write a review update after another fabulous cut by my stylist Josh. I am the kinda girl who gets my haircut on a whim. I wake up…" read more »
34 Reviews for Asha Salon & Spa
If you are looking for a great stylist then stop looking and go to Kristina in Bucktown. We have been going to her for over a year now and she is the best.
Actually my SO randomly found her first. His hair looks awesome every time she cuts it. She is very talented and knows how to cut hair beautifully.
The best massage of my life! I used a gift certificate to try out the Hot Stone Fusion massage and I couldn't recommend it more. My massage therapist was named Jennifer and, although I didn't tell her what areas needed worked on, she found all of my problem areas and worked hard (for extra time!) to get out my neck and shoulder knots. The stones were a great temperature and an excellent addition to a standard deep tissue massage. You choose your oil scent with your eyes closed sitting in a dimly lit room; the whole environment was pleasant and relaxing. I couldn't get over how talented the therapist was. Highly recommended! (The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it's a little pricey - I won't be back as frequent as I'd like without those gift certificates in hand.)
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I came here to get my hair done by professionals for the first time in YEARS. I had an appointment for partial highlights with Marlene and a cut with Patricia.
First off, they ask you on the phone whether you would like a seasoned person, or someone who hasn't been styling as long(the prices depend on what you select). I like that they give you that option but it kind of made me feel like I was gambling with my hair.
My natural hair color had grown out by the time I came in here and Marlene did a great job picking the color of highlights for my re-virginized hair. I told her I didn't want anything drastic so she mixed two blondes together to give me a dirty blonde partial. It went fast and I didn't have to go under the dryer, which I loved! ...
Shampoo....
...off to see Patricia.
I brought in a picture of an idea of the cut I wanted but Patricia explained to me that my hair was too thin for that style. I was a little upset because I did want an edgier cut, but I understand some hair just can't do what you want it to. So I gave her free reign to layer me wherever and how ever short she wanted. She did a good job and I was pleased.
In the end, I feel like I look like a yuppie and don't really like my hair. I prefer dark hair, because I am a dark person. I mean, I have all of the Laurell Hamilton books and gob at underground punk shows for God's sake. I drink PBR and shoot guns. No, no, this is just not me.
I am at fault because the stylists did a good job at giving me what I thought I wanted.
My partial highlights and cut cost $150. Too bad I'm going to Walgreen's to buy black dye today for $7.
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I just came back from a massage with Jillian--best ever!! Some massage therapists spend too long on one area and rush to do another. Jillian didn't do this, she spent an equal amount of time and it felt very focused. Great amount of pressure and she'd check in a few times to see how I was doing. I didn't feel rushed to leave either.
I've been going to Asha to see Patricia for about 7 months now and I couldnt be happier. Sometimes I need to wait a few days for an appointment, but it has always been well worth the wait.
Patricia is a great stylist. She takes time to really explain what she is doing and why she is doing it. I had some way too short layers on top and she explained to me why I need to grow them out and how she was going to make it work until they grew out. She's super fun, Brazilian, and full of life. I definitely trust her style. She also fits people in for bang trims on a moment's notice...which is nice when you have a big event.
I've never been pressured to buy products or anything and the rest of the staff looks like they are perfectly competent and nice. The prices are VERY reasonable for the quality...i've paid 2x as much for much much less!
I've never tried their spa-- but would love to
UPDATE:
So Patricia is out of the country indefinitely...which makes me very very sad--
I had an appointment with her yesterday but they switched me to another stylist. At first they said I was going to be with one stylist who had "been cutting hair for 7 years" so that was supposed to make me comfortable or something (although patricia has only been cutting hair for 1 year and i love her but whatevers) A couple of seconds later I was told i'd be with yet another stylist Joanna but that she was going to honor patricia's pricing (which i could kinda care less about but it was nice).
Joanna did a great job on my hair-- I think that i like Patricia's cuts better but we are friends outside of Asha and she has been cutting my hair for a year. Considering this was Joanna's first time with me she did a really great job....as my hair is growing out i like it less and less...it has no texture or style in the cut like the one patricia usually gives me...I think i'll try somewhere else if patricia isnt coming back.
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If you need to get your hair colored... go to ASHA and ask for KIM... She's taken me through several colors this past year... Blonde..Crimson..Copper....and now we're doing a funky fall leaf combination of all three. She is amazing, talented, and fun to talk to.
I also love getting facials from jennifer. She does the most amazing facials, and she convinced me to change my face wash from an aveda product to skinceuticals. I've been acne free ever since.
Finally, If you have curly hair and can afford to pay an asinine amount for a hair cut... go to Andre. I used him once when I had a half off coupon... it was seriously the best hair cut I had ever received in my life. I keep trying to find a way to justify the expense and return. He UNDERSTANDS curly hair.... I even brought my husband (who has hair curlier than mine) to him for some grooming and he did a great job on him as well.
I love this place, but only because of the people. They are fantastic!
Patricia is great! I have naturally curly hair that I wear very short....plenty of lee-way for errors or mistakes that can make my head look like a nerf ball...I NEVER have to worry about a bad cut when Patricia is around. She gives a great cut initially, and then is meticulous about texturing and perfecting any stray strands.
I can''t comment on any of the special massages or aestheticians, but a basic deep tissue massage with Toya is fabulous-even my husband agrees...
For the basic services that I have utilized, I couldn't be happier
I've had my hair cut here (and I'm VERY particular about my hair) and have fallen in love with the woman who cuts it for me (I don't want to name her, because she's mine! lol). Granted, I went in with a very open mind as I wanted a change from the straigh across the back that every other 20 something has, and ended up with a great cut that was flattering to my face. Add in the problem that the front half of my hair is straigh and the back section tends to be wavy - yeah, not easy to deal with.
Ok ok - it was Josie and I loved her.
I've had waxing done there by a few different people - and its all about the same. Granted, I've been doing them since college so I know a. it isn't as therapuetic as a massage, and b. everybody does it differently . I don't expect to leave there feeling like a million bucks once I've had a brazilian, but they do a good job. I've had FAR worse from other "salons" in the city.
I haven't been to their salon yet but I did book a massage a few weeks ago and it really wasn't the best experience. The decor is beautiful however, my actually massage was awful. Part of it might have been that I was about 10 minutes late which out of anyone I should known the rules about being late but I know I wouldn't have minded shortening my massage if the experience was still the same. I felt like the pushed me and and out of my service so I didn't get to relax at all and my service provider seemed like he really didn't have any experience in massage therapy. The changing rooms were so incredibly small that I have to bend down the whole time I was getting ready. Overall, I think they have a good concept but I didn't feel like knew a lot about customer service.
Holy bad decision to get my haircut here. They said they could get me in the same day that I called which should have been a warning bell...didn't listen and there I was two hours later with an updated bowl cut. Yikes! I even told the stylist that I didn't like it (which is tough for people-pleasing me) and she said there was nothing she could do. What?!
So I went back to the old trusty Fantasia at Marianne Strokirk who did her darnedest to fix the mess. The only saving grace was the color job done by Kim.
I am not crazy about Asha's massages and body treatments. I agree with Tina B.- I was kind of rushed in and rushed out and was not given the time to relax after my massage and body scrub.
While the massage was very theraputic, the body scrub was something I would not go here for again. I felt like the woman who was administering it was not performing a spa service, but was instead cleaning her floors. For an amazing body scrub, try SpaSpace's pineapple papaya treatment. Heaven.
I left feeling like I had wasted $175.
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Muted sage and beige, Aveda-scented haven of coolness. If you are willing to pay lots of money for this atmosphere, then Asha is the place to spend it. I mainly frequent Asha for their spa (read: waxing) services. Asha is one of the only places in the city where the brazilian bikini waxers don't seem to harbor double lives as sadistic dominatrices.
Eyebrow shaping at Asha is also a great service. You end up looking groomed and natural, instead of like Kim Mathers.
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The hair odyssey. It's that uneven OMG "box" color. People do not use color out of a box. Just don't do it. Cheap..cheap..cheap. I was a do it yourself project and there was no denying it.
In the process of looking for a new place, since this is within walking distance I thought I'd give it a try.
Setting up the appointment went fine, friendly and welcoming.
When I walked in just as friendly, and my appointment started right on time.
I went in for color, wanted to do some highlights. Over all pretty nice, I did ask for some contrast and some different sized streaks, some just regular and some chunky pieces. Ended up with it not as chunky as I would have liked. Possibly due to my hair needing some color correction to begin, with. My base color was very uneven, and she told me that it will be a while before it's exactly the way I want it. So I want to be fair about the "chunky" part of this.
I went to Samantha, very nice, friendly and a good sense of humor. Everyone else was equally as pleasant. I will go there soon when I need a cut.
Upon leaving, everyone was just as nice, made me feel like they appreciated my business. Overall I was very happy with the experience and my hair looks so much better.
UPDATE:
Went in today for a cut with Teddy. I'm happy with the cut, he did ask what I wanted and made a couple of suggestions. He is such a sweetheart.
I also got a chance to talk to the front desk people a bit because it was slow, also a nice group.
UPDATE:
Both Samantha and Teddy have moved on, it's been only three months! Maybe a better place somewhere, as they were called "fresh talent" The front desk was friendly and did tell me about some other people in there shop. I'll give it some thought, but I think I'm going to try to find something a bit more stable. I hate being bounced around.
Deduct one star.
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Everyone was sweet, personable and seemed glad that you stopped in. I got a wax and it was fine. Everyone has different thresholds for pain, but waxing is gonna hurt, plain and simple. At Asha, I braced myself and it wasn't as bad as I've experienced before (pain of hair follicles being yanked from skin). Price was what I'd expect and everything was clean and speedy. Nice job, ladies.
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I just went to Asha for a brazilian bikini wax. I enjoyed the experience (as much as possible with waxing) because the esthetician I saw was really good. She asked if I wanted her to go slow or fast, and was open to letting you take a breather, even though I prefer to just get it over with. The spa area is really dark, but smells nice and has nice music playing with the sound of water coming from little fountains.
The only reason I don't give Asha 5 stars is the price of the brazilian wax...$65. But I really like Aveda wax and the soothing stuff they apply after the wax.
The online reservation system didn't work quite right for me, but I just called and they were able to fit me in the day I called. Cash tips only!
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I went here for a facial last summer. The outer area for the spa is relaxing and quiet. The treatment room was a bit on the claustrophobic side for me, but I thought that the facial I had was well worth it.
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I've only had two bikini waxes here, but each time they were relatively painless and very, very quick. My friend recommended them to me, because of the relaxing space and said that it was unintimidating, both of which were true. I also bought a massage gift certificate for a friend, and he claimed it was unbelievable. He told me that it felt like everything except his teeth had been massaged, and felt incredible all day. So for his birthday, I bought him another one, and in the next few weeks, I plan on getting myself one.
I also want to try a pedicure and facial from them.
NOTE: My friend has gone back two more times for a massage and said they're getting better and better.
ANOTHER NOTE:
I had a massage and it was really great.
start off with no expectations (ie give it 3 stars since thats average
+ 1 for random snacks and tea
+ 1 for a neck warmer when we get there
- 1 for the neck warmer being room temperature (don't call it a neck warmer, call it neck support)
- 1 for being expensive ($200 for a couples massage)
- 1 for telling me that our room will have a place to shower the oils after the massage and then not having that room for us
We got massages this morning at Asha. The atmosphere was so relaxing, although seemed really dark compared to how bright it was outside. The decor is soothing, including the music, warmed table, and great smell. Only downside- I love when they give you the white fluffy robe to chang into- they didn't! Otherwise, I would reccomend it!
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If you are looking for a relaxing, clean, professional and trendy hot spot to get pampered...Asha in Bucktown is the place. Everyone there is very attentive from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Each service I have had done was performed by a very knowledgeable professional. They use the highest quality products including Aveda...and the little things they do make a big difference. The only quirk is the pricing is a little high even for city standards.
Short review= Have Jorie cut your hair. Don't have Brooke color it.
Long review= I have mixed reviews about Asha. I am been getting my hair cut there by Jorie for the past two years. She does fantastic work. I always end up with a great cut. I don't really care what I end up with as long as it's fun. Jorie gets this and has given me a different style every time I'm there ranging from sassy, asymmetrical styles to cute, flirty bobs. Jorie gets a five.
I usually opt for friends to do color in my hair, because salon color can get so pricey. I've gotten my hair colored at Asha twice. Once was about two years ago and was nice but looked a bit basic. I decided I wanted some color in my hair a couple days ago, so I went to Asha to get highlights. They were done by Brooke. Now, like I said earlier, I really don't care what I end up with as long as it is fun and not dull or boring. Even though the highlights are executed very well, they are only 1-2 shades lighter than my natural color (which means NO ONE can even tell they are there unless I point them out or the person is really, really close to my hair.) and not fun and blonde like I asked for. When I called to talk to someone about how I didn't like my highlights, the receptionist was so nice! She set up a redo appointment for me. Only at the redo appointment was I told that I would have to pay for my new highlights, because it was my fault I didn't get what I wanted. No way. I decided it wasn't worth it. An upscale salon that doesn't redo dye jobs when they aren't what the customer wanted is not worth my time. So the rating boils down to 5 stars for Jorie and 1 for customer service.
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In the past I've actually had really bad experiences with Aveda salons (yes, I know, weird) but I had heard really good things and wanted to give Asha spa a try. I was skeptical to book any services online, thinking that no one reads those things, anyway...until I got a confirmation about 10 minutes later. I booked at the last second and got in without a problem. The best part is that they're open late - my appt. was at 8 and the salon was pretty empty. Esthetician-wise, Anna is my girl!! She's young and 'gets it' and is fun to talk to, which is a nice change from some of the weirdos you encounter in spas. Nighttime is probably a good time to go since street parking was well available, too. Love it.
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I've been getting my hair cut and styled here for a year and am always happy with the end result. I've never left thinking "Oh my god, what have they done?!" In the past, I have left many a salons with that attitude. I have a LOT of curly hair that I straighten every single day. It's a beast to manage. But Jorie knows what she is doing! I never felt my hair had any style before going to Asha. For the first time in my life, it has something going on. And Jorie is always giving me great tips on how to make things easier on my hair and how to style it. Love it, love it, love it. As a former "I don't get how people can spend $60+ on a haircut" person, I can now say.... I GET IT!!!
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I love Aveda products!! The makeup person is really helpful and the girl that cut my hair was "gentle" - she didn't force me into anything that I didn't want to do (like cut my hair shorter!)
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I've been using Aveda products and getting my hair done at Asha salons for the past two years... the staff is always polite and my hair is consistently done to specification (no matter which stylist I go to).
Because the products are all natural your hair never feels sticky or heavy and they make great recommendations on which products suit your taste and hair-type. The recommendations, I should note, are not forced - they only made them when I had specific questions about how to achieve a certain result.
Most times you also receive a hand massage and make-up consultation along with the hair cut, which is a great treat.
*Update: Wish I could add more stars... I went in for a facial when I was in town a month ago and it was truly an amazing experience. My skin was glowing and I was more calm and relaxed than I have felt in ages. Privacy was honored and I was told to take all the time I needed afterwards to collect my things. Of course, it's a business, so you can't camp out all day - but they were very polite and welcoming.
Try the tourmaline facial - the added massage (shoulders and neck) was a surprise and a delight.
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I was referred to Asha for massages. I did not love this location. The treatment was good. However, they didn't let me relax after the massage like all other places do. Instead, I had to change at walk out into the very sunny, loud salon. Luckily, they have a Gold Coast location that offers the same great services.
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This location makes me sad. I usually go out to Asha out by my work in Schaumburg (turns out my stylist out there lives down the street from me in Logan) and on this one occasion that I was unfaithful to him, I got a terrible haircut. A week later when I was visiting my mom I had her stylist fix it. So it cost me double. Sad sad.
I'll never make that mistake again. No more bucktown Asha for me.
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I came here for the first time because I received a gift card from a girlfriend, and I'm really glad I did! The facial I got here was a much better experience than the one I received last month at Elizabeth Arden. Erin was my "associate", and she did a great job! The massages throughout were a nice plus - arms, hands, calves, feet and neck. I definitely recommend ASHA in Bucktown.
Heads up - the tips are only accepted in cash, but there is an ATM in the entrance if you need it. Also, the street parking does not require a permit if you're there between 6AM and 6PM.
The esthetician at Asha in Bucktown, Erin, is the best. She is totally funny, smart and professional, first of all. She does all my waxing and does a "fruit therapy" facial that makes your skin look fresher than baby butt. It's a nice alternative to a chemical peel -- far less scary and even though it's an expensive facial, it's much cheaper than the peel. I also received a great massage from Patrick. He actually listened to what I told him about some issues I was having with my neck before the massage and offered some great yoga-based stretching exercises to do afterward. I'm thinking about trying the hair services next.
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5 STARS FOR ANNA CALI !! ONLY !!!
She is the best skin care PROFESSIONAL ever !
Anna really cares about what's going on with your skin and guides you through a plan to get the results. I can't use AVEDA . Never has she pushed a product just to make a sale!! Anna is young,but don't let that fool you. She is up there with the best.
The reason I give only her the 5 stars, is,turn over runs rampant . I never see the same people for very long to be able to be able to yelp them. Reading some of the other reviews ,sounds like people who don't understand the service industry manage the salon.
In any case I wish ANNA much luck in her future where ever she goes.
I'll be sure to follow !!!
Asha is a great little salon in this city. I've seen a few different folks there and have always wondered if something better was available someplace else but after trying a few other salons in the area (and around the city) I'm back at Asha for good. I haven't had a bad cut yet. I go mainly for the hair services but have also had a great massage there once. I highly recommend it.
Update: WAH! My guy Teddy left. Where did he go?
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I definitely recommend Asha. I've only gotten a few services - manicure and pedicure, and haircut. I had a great manicurist, we actually had great conversations. I went to get a trim for my hair, it only took a few minutes and the stylist insisted on not charging me. All of my friends that have gone here have had great experiences as well.
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I like this place for the location. I can walk there in 2 minutes, and my husband raves about the massages, so I thought I would try one. I was turned off at first, because I thought it was a cheesy place like Mario Tricocci or Elizabeth Arden Red Door-yuck! It was really nice when you walk in and they take you to a private serene massage place while you wait for your massage. It was an awesome massage until.....I guess the massage room is located NEXT to the utility closet. What the HELL! It was so loud, I could here the water running through pipes, people washing bowls, the hairstylists yapping. It was so annoying. It lasted for about 15 minutes of my hour massage. I thought about complaining to someone, but I figured they would give me a gift certificate or credit to come back, but I really don't want to. I gave them 3 stars because the massage was awesome and the whole experience before the loudness occurred was too.......
Teddy is awesome! He gives great suggestions, not just about styling, but also about haircare and maintenance. He's also fun to talk to!
I also get waxes here. I've had 3 people do them and they were all great.
I LOVE Aveda products...very gentle on skin, hair, etc. Makeup is great too.
I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because you can get a great haircut with good service at good prices. However, I've walked out a few times not being 100% satisfied (maybe 80%), but it's still a great place.
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