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Asha SalonSpa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
1808 N Damen Ave(between Bloomingdale Ave & Churchill St)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Bucktown
(773) 572-9526
- Nearest Transit:
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Damen-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 8 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Come to Robert Jeffrey and see one of our experts for your next haircut, color and keratin services!
66 reviews for Asha SalonSpa
66 reviews in English
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Review from Shelly E.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2011
I am not the type of person to enjoy a long drawn out salon experience. I also dislike it when the stylist does not do what I want done with my hair, and instead does what they think will look best. I want to get in and out in as little time as possible and I want what I want. This is why I HIGHLY recommend Liz at Asha Salon in Bucktown.
She listened to what I wanted and executed it with flawless perfection (3 times now) and I was in and out in less than an hour and 30 minutes for a full color and cut. She is a highly skilled miracle worker as far as I am concerned.
Added bonus: friendly staff and great atmosphere. Yes, tips are cash only, but so is about every other salon in town. People need to get over that. -
Review from Allison V.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I gave myself a well-deserved present which included a massage, foot reflexology, and facial.
I was escorted to the back where I sat and waiting for my appointment.....VERY DARK.
I was offered some cucumber water and that was refreshing.
I met Marybel and she took me to my room. She explained everything that was going to take place before she left the room for me to disrobe. This aided in the more focus, less talk during my massage and foot reflexology. Marybel was AWESOME, if I could just rate her, I would give her 5 STARS. She worked out kinks in my neck and back that I did not even know existed. I was calm, relaxed, and feeling pretty good at that point.
My final part of the trio was my facial. I was greeted by a girl that I won't mention by name (my appointment was supposed to be with Alma) and she brought me back to an oddly set up room.
I think it was the girl's first day. She was nice, but very green. Her hand were ice cold, the towels were lukewarm and even cold in some places, she alternated between my face and my feet...I did not like that (she washed her hands when she came back to my face, but it was still a little uncomfortable).
I do not feel the Asha products for my facial were of that great of quality.
I left feeling greasy and my skin was not as soft as when I give myself a facial at home.
Needless to say, I am not sure if I will return because of my disappointment.
ATM inside.
Bike parking out front. -
Review from Patricia D.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
I used a Groupon to get the rosemary and mint massage. I requested a female masseuse and when I showed up, I was scheduled with a male. Other than that, the massage was pretty good. The water for the foot soak/scrub before the massage began was barely warm and I would rather have a full 60 minute massage than have my feet soaked for 10 minutes of the time. I also felt like I was rushed out after since their was another appointment right after mine. I'm glad that I used a Groupon; I wouldn't pay full price for a massage here.
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Review from Carolyn F.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2011
Okay, I can't take it anymore. While the staff is fine, the spa and tools/materials need work. First of all, the spa section is so dark you can't read anything (unless you own a pair of nightvision goggles) and I can barely see the cups to pour lukewarm or often, room temp/cold tea. They offer you tea and forget to check the temperature of it or check to see if there is any left in the container (ie Oh have some tea ....or some air from this empty carafe).
Next, the rooms are wayyyyyy too dark for waxing. They don't use muslin strips (why????) and the wax is so bad, it does not work effectively. The girls can't see the areas they have missed. Too many times, I have walked outside and seen fur! I had to go back this past week and it was only 1 week prior that the work was done. Management is never there when I have appointments so only the walls hear me complain. Please get more effective wax and better strips. Brighten the rooms for waxing. Help us read in the spa waiting area. Lightning bugs would be more helpful. The rooms may be fine for facials but the waiting room in the back is way too dark. There are plenty of spas to choose from in Chicago. Why don't you want to be the best?
Also, hairstylists, please don't complain about your customers cancelling again in front of me. It's rude.
I just can't go back anymore. I'm done. -
Review from Maram K.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2011
I come here for waxing services only because I know what I'm getting.
I see Erin when she's available and she always does a great job and gives good advice about post-wax treatment.
Prices are better than or comparable to other waxing salons but the atmosphere is much more inviting and welcoming. What helps their prices is that they have online deals if you sign up for their email notifications. I do like that you can make appointments online and that you receive confirmations in the same business day.
Be aware that you must have CASH for a tip but they do have an ATM on site that charges you your first born for a fee. -
Review from Andy C.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2011
I had a gift certificate, and I'd been meaning to get a wax, so I figured, Hey... why not?
Well, I will tell you why not... I will warn you now there are some pretty personal details here, but I am SO upset, I want to make sure no one else had to endure this horror!
I used to get a regular brazilian every 4 weeks when I lived in LA. I went to the same place, and one of four little Thai girls, who I affectionately referred to as the Bikini Nazis to my friends, would spend about 30 minutes meticulously waxing, and then pluck any remainders. Their work was clean, precise and it cost $40 with tip!
For $65 plus a 23% tip, ASHA left me with random patches of hair, areas where she clearly had failed to properly apply the wax, and so rather than taking the root... it just ripped off the surface hair, and one of the worst reactions to whatever oil she used that persisted for 5 days! Overall, it was the most painful wax I've ever had (including the first one I ever got). Clearly, she was rushed or didn't care... either way I was in and out the door in less than 25 minutes, and that included my wait time, and counter time.
To make matters worse... I'm not a fan of looking like a 12 yr old girl, so I asked her to leave a triangle. When I got home and looked at her work, to my horror I discovered that she had taken the triangle in SO FAR, that it didn't look like the natural triangle I'd requested, but rather the head of a GIANT ARROW pointing directly south!
I was mortified, and after the service I'd received, I will NEVER go back, and will actively dissuade others from visiting this salon. Buyer be ware is right!Comment from Cate W. of Asha SalonSpa 6/7/2011
Hi Andy, We are sorry to hear about your unpleasant… More » -
Review from Meredith T.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012
I treated myself to a facial for my birthday. My BFF recommended Courtney as a technician. Originally i had booked the appt. for an Aveda Elemental Nature facial (they were running a special), but after talking to Courtney I ended up selecting a peel and facial with the SkinCeuticals line. My face still looks three years younger two weeks later. It may have cost me a kidney (Courtney did alert me to the price difference in advance), but the effects are fabulous!!!!
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Review from Perla T.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2011
Asha needs to learn about delivering better customer service.
If you went to a restaurant and ordered a ginger ale and your waiter came back with coke and sprite mixed together, instead of what you ordered, would you drink it? Probably not. In fact, you'd probably be upset at the poor attempt for a substitution. Simply put., it's not what you asked for in the first place.
That's similar to the experience I just had with Asha and trying to book an appointment with them.
I have been looking for a new salon, after about 4 years at my old one, because I wanted a change. So, I went on their website and scheduled an appointment through their system. It starts out by asking you which salon you want to go to, next what level of stylist you want, and finally has you indicate three different dates and/or times when you are available. Once you press the "submit" button it, tells you that you will be receiving a call to confirm the appointment.
I thought that was a great system, easy enough. How wrong I was to assume that Asha would listen to me and give me what I asked for based on their questionnaire.
Here is the response I received from them, via email.
"This email is confirming your request for a Cut and Style tomorrow at 9:30. Unfortunately my seasoned stylist is fully committed that morning but you will be with Elizabeth and she is a Natural talent. If you have any questions or would like to wait for a seasoned stylist feel free to email or call. Please call 24 hours prior to your appointment to cancel or reschedule. Just a friendly reminder, gratuity is only accepted in the form of cash. We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you,"
I would not have a problem if the times/dates I requested aren't available, no problem. I know that scheduling a time requires flexibility on the client's part. What I had a big problem with was Asha's assumption that scheduling me with a lower tier stylist was acceptable, without even asking me. Not only that, they then place the burden on me to call them and change the time or stylist if I don't want what they gave me, even though it was not what I asked for in the first place. Why then have me go through the process of answering their questions about what kind of stylist I want if they aren't going to try and give me what I ask for?
I would have preferred if they had called me (like their email said they would) or email me and tell me the level stylist I wanted was not available, but that if I wanted, they could schedule me with "Elizabeth" their natural stylist or suggest other times/dates when their higher tier stylist was available.
I also wasn't trying to redeem an offer from Groupon or Yelp or any kind of gift certificate. I was simply trying to make an appointment with a specific tier stylist. Granted the stylist they offered cost less, but if I was willing to pay more for a higher tier stylist, they should honor that.
And if Elizabeth is just as good as the higher tier stylist, then why bother with the tier system in the first place?
I think from a business perspective, Asha needs a lot to learn about customer service. I'm not one of those people that calls places demanding things or making unreasonable requests. I was only following their appointment system and felt very much let down at their inability to follow through with their own system.
I'd cut my own hair at home (which I never would) before I even consider scheduling another appointment with Asha.
Zero stars if it were an option. -
Review from K M.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2011
I took advantage of the Twitter deal where if you follow a certain location, you can get 50% off any service for that location. Since I was going to be in the area, I decided to try this Bucktown location. Also, because it was 50% off, I did the Mommy to Be - Got That Glow Facial. [Why do places charge extra because you're pregnant?]
The room for the facial was nice but tight since there was a shower in the room. It was clean and looked presentable but when you're preggo and have to move around the massage table, it's kind of a pain.
I started w/ a foot soak which was not nearly as relaxing as the foot soaks I've had before at the Gold Coast location - looked like a regular plastic tub w/ lukewarm water. Plus, the awkward position I was sitting in, didn't make things better. For me, it's not comfortable sitting upright and then having to raise your feet to someone's lap to get them dried and lathered with lotion.
After that I struggled to get on the table. I'm short so usually it's an issue but it's more of an issue w/ the bump in the way.
The facial overall was good and in between the masking and washing off, the girl massaged my arms and hands and a little bit around my neck. I should have asked her to focus more on my shoulders vs. massaging my arms and hands twice. My skin feels good (hours later)and I'm glad to get my pores unclogged. She was gentle on my face so the extractions that were done didn't hurt as bad as other times.
For some reason, the music stopped so getting your facial in silence was kinda odd and didn't make it a spa experience.
So overall, there were good moments and some bad moments. I wish I could do 2 and 1/2 star ratings but since the girl was nice, I'll leave it at 3. -
Review from Ashley D.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2011
The Bucktown location of Asha Spa is my favorite hair/spa spot in the city. I've had my hair cut and colored there for three years and just recently started taking advantage of their spa. Although their spa isn't full feature - no locker room, steam room, showers, robes, etc, it's still very nice, clean and relaxing.
The best thing is the fact that they often have spa appointments the morning of, which is great for my busy schedule. -
Review from Adam P.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2011
I've been going to Asha for nearly 7 years for my haircuts, and since I haven't written my first Yelp! review, I figure it is a perfect place to start!
As a guy, my needs are simple: a good cut at a reasonable price, a stylist who listens to what I'd like done, does it well based on my hair type and growth patterns, and who offers suggestions & feedback to match up current trends with my personal preferences for the best look. So you can imagine how relieved I was when I was recommended Liz, who met all those criteria right away!
She takes time to ask me what I want while offering suggestions here and there before she starts. And as a bit of a control freak (who isn't when it comes to their appearance?), I always appreciate it when she asks for my opinion before finishing up too, so that she can make any minor adjustments needed to make sure I'm happy.
One last thing she did that I appreciated back around the holidays: I was given an Asha gift certificate as a Christmas gift, but I neither carry them around with me nor remember to bring them with me the day of the cut. To solve this annoyance, Liz gladly entered the card's value into their computer system so they could simply debit the amount from my account balance until it was exhausted... another small touch that keeps me coming back and recommending her and Asha to all my friends! -
Review from erica k.
Chicago, IL
10/31/2010
My experience revolves around a long, drawn out story. But I will spare you the details.
I had a flat out bad customer service experience here. This place overpromised and then didn't deliver. Liz, the manager, was not helpful and basically did nothing - but tried to act as if she was doing everything to help me. The people that work here are fake and they don't care about the reputation of this place. Because in 6 months, they will have moved on. And if you go here, so should you. There are far better salons in Chicago.Comment from Cate K. of Asha SalonSpa 11/4/2010
Thank you for taking the time to post a review about your… More » -
Review from Jessica G.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2011
I've been jumping between the two ashas in chicago (the one on state and this one) and I've had pretty good experiences over all.
I first saw Chris, then he left. Then I saw Leila, then she left. Now, I am finally with Derek and am very happy. He's hilarious and always gives me a faaaabulous haircut.
I get waxed here pretty often too, and the estheticians range from pretty good to really amazing, so I've never really had a bad experience.
Overall a nice place, definitely going to keep coming back here. -
Review from Sam K.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/9/2011
The manager of Asha, after reading my review, reached out to me; she left a message and extended the 50% off offer for any future wax I might have at Asha.
I'll give them another star for reaching out to me; however, since Asha Gold Coast also has 50% off deals periodically, and has been awesome on several occasions, I'll just stick with them. It was cool of the manager to give me a call, though.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2010
Okay, I'll admit it.
I have a 'stache.
Look, it's my genes. I'm not apologizing for it. I do,… Read more »
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Review from Julianna G.
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
12/9/2011
I first went to Asha after I bought a groupon for a 60-min massage. The massage was wonderful, but that isn't even the most important part. I got an email offering 20% off a haircut. Perfect! I usually go to K.Paige in Lincoln Park because they do a pretty good job, but the service between Asha and KPaige is night and day. I didn't know what I was missing! I was treated SO well at Asha, something I wasn't used to. I got tea when I walked in, a free sample when I left, and the best haircut I've ever had from Joanna. I am now an Asha customer for life. This is the first yelp review I've ever written for anything, but thought that it should be known. Thank you, Asha!!
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Review from C C.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2009
I am any marketer's/advertiser's dream. Offer me a special and I am there! Especially when it comes to pampering myself. I usually won't throw mucho dinero down for a massage so when Asha offered 1/2 price on all their services for the xmas season, I immediately signed myself up for an inexpensive rub down.
And although inexpensive, it sure did not feel cheap! Maribel did a fantastic job on me! I am particularly tight in my neck and shoulders and she worked all the knots out of me. One thing I really enjoyed was after working on my back and moving on to my lower body, she laid a heated blanket over my back. She also used hot towels on my feet. I was super relaxed by the end of it.
My only complaint is the same as others have mentioned. The spa itself is very nice and relaxing but Asha needs a post massage relaxation space. When I was done with the massage, I was jolted back to reality by returning to the super loud and sunny room. Total buzz kill. After a massage, you need a few minutes to return to reality.
Asha and the salon space aside, Maribel was top notch. I will be back for more pampering. -
Review from Jaime C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/21/2010
I called up Asha to schedule my reparations cut & color &, true to her word, Liz booked me for a Monday afternoon appointment. She went through my tragic locks & proposed a warmer all-over color & removal of the dead ends. The color came out great - darker than I expected, but not necessarily in a bad way. The cut is fine. I really don't know how else to put that. It's pretty boring, & the bangs were weirdly shorter on top than they were on bottom in this cascade sort of way, & I now fight with my bangs every morning, but it could have been worse & hey, it was free, so whatever.
Was Liz friendly & skilled at what she does? Yes.
Were people nice? Like saccharine.
Was the guy who screwed up my hair to begin with present & throwing me looks like I stole his prom date & spit on his shoes? You better believe it.
Look. Asha is not a bad salon. Asha is not, however, MY salon, which is to say that I should not have gone about assuming that a salon that's great for Bucktown customers is great for everyone. Asha is about as exciting as The Gap, filled with evenly-tanned, long-locked women who love large SUV's & watching their friends get married in big, traditional services. There's a lot of talk about having babies & how so & so's husband you just kill her if she cut her hair short.
If this sounds like you, by all means! You're going to love this place. But if not, I recommend someplace like Art+Science or Strange Beauty Show. I appreciate the effort they made to repair my hair, but I won't be back.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/22/2010
i gotta say, though i was extremely upset with the childish experience i had with thomas, asha was… Read more »
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Review from Lauren S.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2007
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. -
Review from candace l.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2009
I will be the first to admit that I am very particular about my hair. After six years with my favorite Aveda solon in Mpls, I moved to Chicago and have yet to find one. I am a loyal Aveda customer, so it was a natural choice to visit Asha since it is in my neighborhood. My experiences have been less than stellar. Here goes:
Hair cut - I went in, expressed that I liked my previous cut and only wanted the ends cleaned up, including my long layers and my bangs left longer and side swept. What I got was chunkier layers and straight across bangs. Was it coincidence that I left the salon with the same haircut as the lady cutting my hair? I think not.
I spend a lot of money on Aveda products. A LOT. One time I realized I bought a second bottle of something I already had, so I tried to take it back. Even though it was never used and in its original packaging, I was told that I missed their return deadline. I don't know Aveda's exact return policy, but I do know them to be pretty lenient, at least according to my previous experience at the Hancock location.
Color service - this is where our relationship ended. I get home to see horrible, inconsistent highlights throughout on hair. It looked like blotches of straw-colored on my crown and sides. I was leaving town the next day for two weeks. After coming home, I stopped in the salon and told them I was unhappy with my last service and wanted to know if I could get a few lowlights to break up all the blond mess in my hair. I was told that I'd be charged for a partial, regardless if I have 5 lowlights or half my head. I wasn't asking for them to redo the service at no cost, but it was uncalled for the way she took an accusatory, condescending tone about the three weeks that had passed and that I should've come in earlier. Right. I should've BUT I was in Germany for two weeks. I don't leave openings in my travel schedule just in case I get a poor salon service.
I went in attempting to have the situation resolved, giving them the benefit of the doubt that it's an Aveda salon and they'd stand behind their service. She didn't even look at my hair, ask if I wanted to speak with a colorist, or manager; she basically just shooed me out the door. I had no intention of sharing my bad experiences had they corrected the error. The customer service at this salon is non-existent.
I had to pay quite a small fortune at another salon for corrective service, who inquired about my last color. While they were very diplomatic about it, they admitted that my previous highlights were a disaster. They were surprised that I had them done at a professional salon. I have no reason not to warn others: Asha = poor customer service, incompetent colorists, and stylists who disregard your wishes. AND they don't stand behind their service/products. I can't think of a reason why I will go back to Asha. -
Review from Kate Z.
Los Angeles, CA
2/25/2009
The hairstylist I had for 2 years moved out of the city and I had a gift card to Asha, so I made an appointment with Katie for eyebrow and lip wax and Layla for a hair cut. I like their online appointment system and they called back right away to confirm.
I should also say that I LOOOOOOVE getting my haircut! I love talking about hair, I love trying new looks, I love a stylist who can be creative, I love the whole dang process!
Parking in the area sucks, so I was 5 minutes late. My bad. I got in for my cut and Layla was nice, but didn't seem all too interested in what I wanted or needed. She kept looking around and it didn't seem like she was listening. She washed and cut and it was over in 15 minutes with very little conversation, which I thought was odd. I felt pretty rushed to get out of the chair, but figured I had set her behind b/c I was 5 minutes late. I went to the back area to get my wax and they offered me tea while I waited, which was nice. Katie was really nice and gentle, but to be fair, I probably should never get waxed- I don't have a lot to take off and I am always disappointed when I go home and have to clean it up. So, no harm there- I think she probably does great work and I enjoyed the experience.
When I got home and started playing with my hair, I noticed that it was uneven in the back and the layers were really blunt. I gave it a few days of trying different styles (curling, flat iron, air drying) to no avail. It looked horrible. I called and told them what happened and they got me in right away with Joanna the following Saturday (1 week later). No charge.
Joanna was great! She saw exactly what was wrong and knew how to fix it. I really appreciate her help and it looks so much better now.
I don't plan to go back there- it's just too risky. -
Review from Joyce P.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2009
I should start off saying I have never gotten my hair colored or cut here, I have however gotten other services. I go for waxing and facials. I have also gone for a hair style. The Bucktown location is my regular salon but I have also been to the Gold Coast location. The service I have received from Asha has always been friendly, genuine and consistant. Whenever I get a service done there I always get the sense that the people working their really enjoy their jobs, The staff has never been condescending or indifferent and I have never encountered a long wait or the feeling as if I were being rushed. I've always been able to get an appointment when I needs one and I have never run into and issue where I couldn't cancel or reschedule.
2 other pluses are that they sell Aveda products, you can make appointments on-line and they have monthly specials on services. I've gotten facials for half off in the past! And their prices are reasonable. And don't be nervous about book on-line..I was at first but you always get a quick call from them and so far I have always gotten my 1st choice. -
Review from Janna V.
Washington, DC
3/8/2008
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.Listed in: My "People"
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Review from Christy H.
Venice, CA
8/18/2008
I couple weeks ago I was walking by and they had a sign out front with 1/2 off waxing special. So- on a whim I stopped in and they were able to fit me in right then.
Lisa did a GREAT job, and it was only her 2nd day there. She worked at their other location out in the burbs, and just made the transition to working in the city.
And to get both done for for $17 that day- full price was $32. Another salon I tried closer to where I live was charging $35 full price and was not a good experience.
As I have been very picky because my chick back in SF - Felicia did such an amazing job - and that was hard to live up to. But I will be coming back to Lisa again for sure!!!!!!! -
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
10/18/2006
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. -
Review from G R.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2007
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. -
Review from Catherine R.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2007
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. -
Review from Kerri M.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2007
I went in for a hair cut and style. My first red flag should have been when my stylist didn't really ask much about my lifestyle or what i wanted. I initiated that conversation and did receive some input from her.
As she cut, she talked to the stylist next to her more than she did to me; i'm not saying that we had to become best friends, but it just seemed a little rude. Then all she did was talk about how badly she wanted to leave--go home, get ready, go out for drinks. This isn't very comforting to here while my hair is in her hands and her mind is elsewhere.
I felt rushed, but was happy with the cut. However, she proceeded to blowdry and style, which aged me about 10 years. I don't get it. I have stylish 'do that looks best straight, yet she wanted to blow me out like Delta Burke cica Designing Women the early years????!!!
Thankfully, I live nearby. I rushed home and flat ironed my hair--stat!
I don't think I should've paid that price for pretty sub-par care. I've switched salons and see Johnny at Plateau Blu Salon on Western Ave. This place is great and I was lucky that Johnny just came back from a trip to NYC...he had tons of ideas for my hair. The end result was brilliant and the experience was worth the money!!
k. -
Review from Jessica L.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2007
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! -
Review from Amelie D.
Chicago, IL
7/18/2007
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. -
Review from Jenny S.
9/2/2006
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? -
Review from Natalie H.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2011
I went to the Asha Bucktown location to get a facial for my birthday last year and loved it! I only go to Aveda salons to get facials because they have the best products, and I will keep coming back to the Asha in Bucktown because they have great service, the employees are all very friendly and profeccional, and my experience was worth every penny. The woman who did my facial was very helpful in picking out the right products for my skin, and when I left my face was incredibly soft and had a glow to it. I highly recommend Asha for skincare. I go to the Schaumburg location to get my highlights done, only because I'm loyal to my favorite colorist there. Love Asha!
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Review from Meagan S.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2009
Chic, Sophisticated, Clean....
I had a successful first experience wtih Asha SalonSpa Bucktown. Making an appointment was painless and the appointment times were flexible (I made an appointment for 2 days after I called!) The salon is even open on Sundays, which is a big plus.
My scheduled appointment included both partial highlights and a
cut/style. The appointment started on time and I was lucky enough to
have Danielle for highlights. She is extremely friendly, laid back and
knows exactly what she is doing when it comes to color. She matched my highlight color perfectly and suggested to add a second color to give
my hair more dimension. My partial highlights turned out fresh and
stylish (if I do say so myself)! Then I had Kylie for my shampoo, hair
cut, and style. She did a wonderful job of turning my too long and
unshaped hair around. She added layers and framed my face. I will definitely go back to both stylists!
The salon has a very large selection of Aveda products too.
PERK: Asha Salon is having a 50% off hair services including cut and
highlight for the month of January, 2009 which is an amazing deal! -
Review from S L.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2011
I've only been here once, so I can only review my massage. What I can say is that it was the BEST massage I've ever had. I have a lot of neck and back pain so I get a lot of massages. Jimmy was my massage therapist and he really knew what he was doing. I've never felt so much relief after a massage, truly. I have been feeling better ever since. Also, he took the time to teach me some stretches to avoid future pain. His massage is worth every penny, I promise.
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Review from Melanie V.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2010
Thank GOD for the 50% off summer sale at Asha! Lovely! I scored this awesome deal on a random Monday when I decided my hair looked like a hot mess.
Jaime did an fabulous job! She freshened up the layers and styled my hair so that it looked amazing! I LOVED it! It was FAST, too. I left feeling super pretty and awesome. That's how you need to feel after a haircut! And at only $40 a haircut, I thought it was a great deal!
Asha is a cute salon. It's smaller than it looks like from the outside, but I like the feel. I'll be back. I'm a fan! Tons of parking, too. Amazing.
Try out these 50% off summer specials while they last! Great deals! -
Review from Mary B.
Grand Rapids, MI
7/12/2008
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. -
Review from Mariella C.
Chicago, IL
2/10/2009
I've experience better was my vote because I have. I was a walk in, and after having been to a couple other salons and they weren't able to fit me in for at least an hour, I got back in my car and was going to stop at the first one I found, and found this place. I didn't check the price before hand, but seeing that they have different price level according to the stylist's skill level you think they would have informed me. I guess I should be thankful they didn't stick me with a creative stylist and charged me 90 dollar for a 15 minute cut job.
So they told me about 15 minutes till the girl got there, then it was 30 minutes, but it turned into an hour of waiting, when the cheaper places i went to said they could see me in the same amount of time.
Here's my major problem, even the most boot leg salons use a razor comb to get a real angle on a layered cut. duh. The girl who worked on me, a level 3 or whatever stylist, used a regular pair of scissors, and thats it. She was no conversationalist, which is surprising, isn't that a major part of going to salon, talking about nonsense while getting a cut. otherwise i'm staring at myself and just sitting there doing nothing. and the whole cut with wash was 15 minutes. 15 minutes and the cost was 60 dollars. she took off about 2 inches. and reading another review it says they charge for blowdry. this is just crazy.
am i happy with my cut, yes. could have gotten the same cut, maybe better, at another place at half the price, yes. -
Review from Robyn P.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2009
Let's start by saying that I have my places for haircuts and waxing. Been visiting the same places for years, and trust my girls completely. However this Labor Day wknd I was feeling especially lazy and didn't make any appts and didn't feeling like taking public trans, so decided to check out Asha.
Starting with my waxing needs: I am super happy to have discovered Lisa. She was FABULOUS. She spent extra time on 'certain areas', and gave me some really good maintainence advice to prevent ingrown hairs which I've been following for the past few days and can already see improvement. She rocks.
In fact, she rocked so hard that I ended up coming back to get a haricut from the salon 2 days later for a couple reasons: 1. they were open on Labor Day, and 2. I was able to make a same-day appointment. That's how I roll - no planning for this gal! I got a fantastic cut from Emma who totally listened to what I wanted and was able to give me a cut that kept what I loved about my last cut, but improved it a ton as well. PLUS she kept my part where it naturally falls and cut around that without asking. I always have to tell ppl to watch for that, but she got it right away - my kind of girl.
The salon isn't that much more expensive than my old places. It's totally worth it for the lil extra for the ambiance and the expertise. The customer serivce I received was great - pleasant and unimposing. Plus Lisa remembered me when I came back for the haircut the few days later and made sure to ask me how everything was going. If the next experience at the salon was like either of these, they will def have me as a loyal customer from the neighborhood. -
Review from Kelly A.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2010
I love this salon! I needed a last minute hair cut and I wanted my hair straightened for my best friend's wedding, and Tommy did a great job. He was fun to talk to, and it wasn't that typical hair stylist small talk. He fixed a not-so-great hair cut that I had previously gotten elsewhere, and he straightened my very curly hair in about 15 minutes. Loved him!
A couple weeks after that I needed my eyebrows waxed, so I made an appointment with Katie. I don't usually get waxed - I just tweeze my brows on my own, so this was a new experience for me. I loved the quiet, low light atmosphere in their spa area, and the waxing was virtually painless. I'm now a convert - no more tweezing for me! -
Review from melisa g.
Dallas, TX
4/21/2008
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 -
Review from patricia b.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2011
I went here recently using their Rosemary Mint Massage Groupon. Crystal was my massage therapist. I've been here before with a great experience, but this time it was awful. First of all, I didn't smell rosemary or mint in the oil she used, she also used 3/4 of the bottle of oil on me and when I left I felt like a greasy mess. I get massages all the time, and I've never had anyone use that much oil on me. The worst part was that she literally poked my muscles as a part of the "massage." Also, the entire time she yawned and burped....Seriously. It was awful. I was hesitant to write this review, but come on Asha! I expected way more from you! I won't be going back to this location EVER again.
