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Blo Salon and Day Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
826 W Armitage Ave(between Halsted St & Dayton St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 477-2256
- Nearest Transit:
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Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 7 am - 9 pm
Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
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100 reviews for Blo Salon and Day Spa
100 reviews in English
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Review from natalie d.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/4/2011
I have been going here for years. I LOVE my stylist Jamie! She is amazing at highlights and the color is always perfect. She is really sweet and fun to talk to as well. Their hours are awesome, they open early and are open late. They have also done some updates and the space looks really cute. They also do eyelash extensions, spray tans, facials etc. They have it all! :)
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/6/2010
I hate seeing all of these stupid Groupon Reviews that are all negative. I have been going to this… Read more »
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Review from Rob N.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2011
I had a groupon so I decided to get a facial and a haircut. I am a male, for the context of this review. The facial was 3/5, the woman kept getting the chemicals and lotions in my right eye. I would never pay the full 90 dollars though.
But why am I giving this review 1 star? Because the hair cut was absolutely awful. Honestly, the worst cut of my life. The little blonde girl who was cutting my hair asked me where I usually go- and I told her a couple places I've been, Including Halo and even Supercuts. She scoffed at the idea of going to supercuts, well honey, they cut hair much better than you do. She left the back of my head uneven. My sides were left bushy and nappy. She took about 45 minutes just trimming the top of my head to oblivion, meanwhile talking my ear off about how she doesn't use the bus because she thinks she's a "target." Wait, what?
Yeah. This place sucked. And you can't tip on a card, so I suggest if you have a groupon you use it, don't pay above the 110 limit, say you need to go to an ATM to get your tip and NEVER COME BACK.
If you don't have a groupon, save yourself from this hair, nail and spa DUNGEON! -
Review from sara h.
5/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Frankly, this place blows.
I went here with my Groupon and got a nice dye job and then a TERRIBLE haircut. It took all of 5 minutes. This is not an exaggeration. When I tried to tell the woman it was too fast and say I was worried that she might have missed some spots she said "well I've been cutting hair for 20 years, I'm good at it now".
So I got home and noticed I still have a ton of split ends and my bangs look like I cut them myself. Fine. They were VERY busy. I called and made an appointment to fix it.
When I showed up for my second appointment I found I had a message on my phone from 30 minutes earlier CANCELING my appointment. When I got upset they had me talk to my stylist over the phone who said she had to cancel my appointment to meet with the owner of the salon.
When I said that I did not get her message and anyway I could not have rescheduled and that I was very upset she said that I would have been in the same boat no matter what happened because she had to meet the owner. Really???? Your owner is making you miss an appointment?
I asked for the owner to call me to discuss this issue but she never did and they would not give me her contact info.
This basement hole of a salon is so badly managed that even if you get a good service, like my single process $95 dye job, it's spoiled by the fact that you never know if the owner will want a meeting with your stylist at the same time as your appointment.
DO NOT GO HERE. -
Review from Lauren C.
Naperville, IL
12/30/2011
Had the spray tan groupon for 3 tans. This place is a little salon in a garden commercial unit. The spray tan room is not very bright or well equipped. The towels that you stand on are damp (I assume from the last person to go in). The woman is nice enough and the tans were ok, but if you're going to stand in a room wearing nothing or almost nothing, you'd want it to be clean. I'm not sure you can even see your work if it's that dark in there. Also, both times I went I had tons of blotching on my hands and feet (probably from standing on towels soaked with dye?). The additional reason for my 2 star rating is that I called to make an appointment for my 3rd tan a month before the groupon expired. They were snotty on the phone and said if I'm calling to book with a groupon there would be limited availability. I asked if due to how busy they are, could they fit me in the day after it expired. They said they'd call me back and never did. I called again when I didn't hear from them and went through the whole thing again and they said they'd call back and never did.
Now, here is the thing some businesses don't seem to get about groupons: they are a tool to bring new customers to your business. I had never been to Blo and with the experience I had, I wouldn't go back. Why wouldn't you put your best foot forward? I'll have to look for another place to get my airbrushing done in Chicago. -
Review from Ericka A.
4/15/2011
I bought a Groupon for Blo and had no problems scheduling. I knew it would be hard to find a weekend, as this was the last month of the deal, so I took some time off work and came on a Wednesday. Parking wasn't too bad and I found the salon easily. I was a little taken aback by how small it was. It really is a throwback to my days of the Balkan underground beauty shops.
The waxing went as well as waxing does. I forgot to take any Aspirin or vodka before I went, so I was gripping the table as Ariana did her thing. It hurt more than the only other waxing I've ever had done, but I didn't expect it to be a fun time and wouldn't take off stars for that. She tried to comfort me and take my mind off of it. She also gave me great pointers for future waxing - exfoliate as much as possible, don't use lotion for at least a week, try and come in regularly, etc. All good advice that no one else had told me before. Plus she left fewer hairs than the last lady.
My haircut was done by Vanya. I wish my top layers would have been made slightly shorter, per my request, but the end result isn't bad. I actually quite like it. I wasn't in love with it when I left. It was curled with a blow dryer and circular brush, which apparently was an additional cost since I ended up an extra $30 or so past what I had calculated. I was expecting to just have it blown straight with the aforementioned brush, as almost every other salon I've been to does for free. In the end, it was too much fluff for me. I didn't like it. But now that I've gone back to letting it naturally dry and using my own products, it lays nicely and is a good cut. I would definitely recommend Vanya for a haircut.
They were having some issues with their system, so I was not greeted when I came in. In fact, it took an incredibly long time for them to acknowledge me. I was also early and sat down and waited, but no magazines or anything to pass the time was available near the seating area. They also missed out on up-selling when it was time for me to pay up. Supposedly they offer 50% certain services to entice new customers to return; however, the girl working the front desk made no mention of this. You could visibly see a number of the girls seemed to want to be anywhere but there. It's a bit claustrophobic. I don't blame them.
So all in all, I'm not the biggest fan of the customer service aspect of the salon, but I think the services are above average and I'm very satisfied with my wax and the haircut I received. I would recommend the esthetician and stylist I had if you are looking for a salon in the area. I think if I move to the city then I still won't be that close to them. For me personally, it's a good salon, but not good enough to make me drive out of my way for it a second time.Listed in: G-Unit: Adventures in…, Beutification Stations
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Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
10/31/2011
I was here for a facial and was no impressed. The place was in the basement and the facial room was tiny. All through the treatment I could hear everything going on outside.
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Review from Brittany P.
Chicago, IL
6/27/2011
I had a groupon for a haircut here last year, and I've been going back ever since. Vanya is fantastic; she gave me the courage to go shorter than I've ever gone, and I was thrilled with it. I trust her completely. Haven't used any services except the regular women's haircut, but I've also gotten great product recommendations.
Update (10/17/2011): I got purple highlights over my blond hair. They looked awesome. -
Review from Mandy P.
6/5/2011
Admittedly I think I self-consciously held off on modifying my review of Blo because I have this fear that Ariana (the resident "waxologist") will be completely booked thanks to my glowing evaluation, and therefore I won't be able to get an appointment. Throwing out all selfishness, I will now begin my praise.
Ariana is a real professional at what she does. She meticulously takes care of all waxing needs and does it without missing a beat in conversation. And she also flies through the process, which let's be honest ladies, is for the best. Now that I'm a regular I feel like she even is starting to know me beyond my follicles; recalling details of discussions we've had in the past. I also never feel like she's sales-y in anyway shape or form. On one wax occasion we somehow ended up on the eyelash topic, to which she did offer me (without any pressure) the service of perming my eyelashes. Of course this sounded like a make-believe concept, but I trusted her, booked an appointment, and now I have Disney-style lashes that don't quit. I can't speak to the pricing for hair services, but I definitely have found that the wax pricing, considering the location and the value, are hard to beat.
You're welcome. -
Review from Lai-Nin W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/27/2011
Alright, so to update my review from before, I've been going to Blo for awhile now and they typically do a great job on my tans, but this past time I went was quite terrible....
First of all, even though I had an appointment, I still waited approximately 20 minutes. As far as I could tell, they didn't seem that busy, so I'm not sure why I was kept waiting so long.
Once my lady showed up (name withheld to protect), she led me to the back and was very nice about going through what we would be doing and how to prep (pull my hair back, put on a hair net thing, etc.). I have to say that even though my experience was sub-par at least she was nice..
I waited approximately another 20 minutes for her to begin. She seemed to be very thorough, but then afterward she left me to "dry". I waited.
Typically drying takes 10-20 minutes. At the 30ish minute mark, I began to get restless... At about minute 35, convinced she had forgotten about me, I got dressed, assuming she would probably pop her head in to check in on me afterward. Nothing.
I checked out, left a tip(I mean you really should even if service is terrible) and never saw my girl, the check out girl was largely uninterested in me even though all I wanted to do was pay and leave a tip (no one else in line. No calls. She just chose to talk to another girl who didn't have a client instead of paying attention to me at the counter.)
How did my tan turn out this time you ask? Well, it was a strangely odd orange color (which has never happened before), and because she had put too much on some parts and not others, I was splotchy... worst part, she had missed an entire part of my leg, so I looked a bit like a Jersey shore zebra...Sigh. (As a side note, never try to fix a spray tan on your own- just go to a professional! ) On top of everything, on the parts she sprayed too much on, I had weird darkened droplets all over my skin where the spray had stuck. Usually she catches those and wipes them off before they stick, but...welll.. yeah.
So here's my problem. I know I may look like a hot mess when I roll in here on the weekends, but that doesn't mean it's okay for the terrible service. I spend a significant amount of money here on services, and I like this salon. But seriously. Service is going downhill and I don't want to go to a salon that doesn't make me happy and actually makes me MORE stressed out before... so I'm sorry Blo, but as soon as my package is up, I don't think I'll be coming back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2011
Let me start by saying this review is wayyy overdue. I've been coming to Blo for the past two years… Read more »
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Review from Trisha A.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2011
Overall I was not impressed. Not sure if it was because the service I got was because I said I had a groupon. A couple of things irked me even before I arrived for my appointment:
1) I call 2 weeks before the groupon expires to setup an appt. they have no openings for facials. They tell me they are working to open up spots to accommodate once I insist I don't want my hair done, I want my choice of a facial.
2) I hadn't heard anything from them 4 days after my initial call - so I call again. They still don't have openings setup yet. I ask, "so when do i call back and get an answer?" They say a couple days later.
3) I call back and they only have early morning appts. Fine. Nice of them I guess to accommodate. I ask how long a facial typically takes - they say carve out about an hour and 15 mins.
This morning I'm really excited to go get my facial, and then I end up waiting a half hour for the estitician -she was running late with another client. Fine again.
The facial felt really good, but she did NO extractions whatsoever and I was done in 35-40 minutes. REALLY?! The website explicilty states a $110 facial lasts 60 minutes. So I ask the receptionist at the counter what service she did on me exactly and all she could say was I spent my full $110 in services. Unbelievable. I did NOT get my money's worth. -
Review from Casey O.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2011
I can really only comment on the customer service, as I have not received any of their salon services.
I called about two weeks ago to cash in my Groupon for a Galvanic Facial. Once I told the girl on the phone that I would be using a Groupon, she started talking very fast and I couldn't understand a word she was saying. I could only make out that she wasn't the person who made the appointments and that she would have her receptionist call me back. Confused, I said, "Okay..." and reluctantly gave her my phone number and the date I wanted the appointment. Never got a call back. I felt like this was a sign to not come in at all.
After reading the recent reviews, my strange phone experience doesn't surprise me now. Now I'm wondering if using their services would even be worth it and if I should just eat my $56 Groupon. -
Review from Courtney S.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2011
So I finally joined the Groupon party and cashed mine in here.
1) hair cut: not with the same stylist they scheduled me with on the phone, but that's fine. Dan was super-personable, did a great job and the whole experience was seamless and enjoyable. I would definitely come back to him.
2) wax: was absolutely terrible. The room was tiny, as other yelpers have mentioned. It was also FREEZING, I almost considered leaving and I should have. The aesthetician, Angelina thought she was doing my eyebrows, even though she had given me a cover-up to put on. OK, really?? So she gets the right area and basically had to be instructed on everything, like where to wax, etc. Didn't ask me anything, just waited for me to ask her to do something different. I was completely dissatisfied when I left. I got home and inspected her handywork and was even more annoyed. Groupon or no, I will be sticking with my girls from Trim, that's for sure.
On my way out, I told the receptionist how cold it was in the wax room, and she just said...oh....ummmmm....OK. Which perfectly sums up my feelings about this salon. -
Review from Becky P.
Chicago, IL
4/5/2011
Like many other reviewers, I purchased a Groupon about a year ago. Immediately afterwards, I heard how difficult it was to schedule appointment due to the Groupon masses. So, I waited. About a year. As the expiration date grew near, I finally called and scheduled an appt. Luckily, I was able to get in for a week day appointment easily. I scheduled an Organic Facial because I have sensitive skin so I figured organic was the way to go (plus, it used up the entire Groupon amount).
The facial was...okaayyy. That room is SO cramped! The lights were left on and the whole thing seemed pretty fast. The esthetician never explained what she was doing or putting on me - which I think is a facial faux-pas. She did put some kind of toner on that seriously smelled like tequila. Cheap tequila. I didn't know whether to vomit or dance topless on the table.
Come to find out, she only did a regular facial - not organic. So I technically didn't use the whole Groupon, which is annoying. They did offer a discounted facial if I booked an appointment while checking out, which I give kudos for. But I passed on the offer. -
Review from Dora V.
10/14/2010
Dear Owner of Blo: Please believe your staff when they tell you that the room for facials needs to be sound-proofed. I heard every detail of every stylist's (and customer's) weekend plans and wedding whirlwinds and real estate frustrations, none of which helped me to relax.
I felt bad for Angelina, the esthetician, whose skill, care, and kindness were undermined by the cacophony of the salon. I made a joke about it, which is when she told me they've been asking the owner to do something about the noise for years. Years is too long.
The room was tiny and the facial table rotated. That's a darned good thing, because walking around the bed would be impossible. When I say tiny, I mean it. Angelina worked all of her magic from a seat between the table and the wall. The table rotation was a necessity.
The salon space is quaint and a little crowded. The two shampoo chairs are shoved right up against each other into a back corner that looks like it should hold a linen closet. One client was being shampooed with her little dog on her lap. If you don't go anywhere without Toto, keep Blo in your little black book.
Many Yelpers have mentioned the fact that it's in a basement. They are correct. But it's not just a basement -- it's a basement with low ceilings. The white paint doesn't make up for the claustrophobic feeling.
My facial, which I paid for with a Groupon, was very nice. Angelina definitely knew what she was doing, and seemed somewhat removed and more professional than the rest of the staff.
With all of the pricey places to get pampered in this city, Blo salon just doesn't cut it. No pun intended. -
Review from Maggie G.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2010
I did the Group On thang to try this place out. It was alright but I have a few problems.
Brazilian Wax: The aesthetician, Arianna was a doll. i loved her! However, the koochie cover up given to me was either stained or dirty. Either way, it's problematic. Even if it's only a stain, it gives a bad impression. If it was dirty, I am going to vomit. Also, they use honey wax which was obviously sticky. Not a fan of that product.
Haircut: My stylist was a junior stylist who was kind enough to listen to me vent about my wavy hair. She told me she would be able to cut it in such a way to enhance the curl. She actually did, but you wouldn't have been able to tell by the way I looked leaving the salon. I couldn't believe she was even finished, I looked so bad. She was going to straighten my bangs, but they looked super nineties and curled under. I couldn't believe that senior stylists and management let me leave looking so horribly.
I was at a cosmetic store later in the day and the sales people kept offering me hair samples-I finally told them I had just come from Blo Salon and they laughed about how terribly my hair was styled. To my surprise, it actually looked good after I washed it at home. So, I guess this chic can cut but hasn't learned to style-at all.
Salon: This salon is in a basement. It is very crowded and if you look in the corners you can see built-up dirt. The chairs where your hair is washed are stained with old dye. Furthermore, the pop music is a bit loud and the various stylists have that twenty-something attitude of being too cool or pretty to even smile at customers that are not theirs.
Mostly, I am amazed that no one came to mentor/ consult a junior stylist's work. Also, the place and all of the ikea furniture/ towels need a good scrubbing. -
Review from Ross N.
Minneapolis, MN
9/22/2010
I used my Groupon last week (around 9/15). I decided to have the facial and a haircut.
As I walked downstairs into some danky basement, I thought "really?" But I was comforted knowing that if a tornado passed by, I would probably be okay. I was brought into a room for my facial and I would give that experience a 3/5. It wasn't the best I had received, the woman kept getting the lotions and rubs in my right eye, and her hand/face massage was more like a tickle. Before I left she gave me some glib advice like "exfoliate more.' Okay, thanks a lot. I am glad I had a Groupon or it would not be worth $90.
I entered the main dungeon once again and waited for my hair stylist. I was brought into the chair by a skinny, blonde 20-something. I was about to receive the worst experience and actual cut of my life. First, she talked my ear off about how she hates to use the bus because she feels like a 'target' and other insanely moronic things that made me want to put a glock to my temple. The cut itself took forever because it seemed like she was picking at my hair.
During the cut she asked me where I usually go, and the answer was Halo and Supercuts- which she scoffed at. Well honey, they do a much better job than you, talk much less, and charge half. She left the sides of my head nappy and uneven- which surprised me because I didn't even know my hair could be nappy. She showed me the back of my head and I nearly died, it was incredibly uneven. She immediately noticed it and said she was "obviously" going to fix it. This girl was completely incapable.
After I was finished I went to use my groupon and pay and discovered you can't put a tip on a card, so I went to an ATM. My advice to anyone using a groupon is to not bring cash, say you need to go to an ATM for a tip, and PEACE OUT. These people do not need any more money- its ridiculous.
I ended up going home and buzzing the entire thing off, and I actually look much better looking like I left a concentration camp rather than what Blo did to me. Sigh. -
Review from Kit G.
3/5/2011
I just got a haircut from Krista. I love my haircut, but am reluctant to give a 5 star review just because I just got a simple haircut.
The overall experience was great. My appointment was originally scheduled for last month, but they very kindly let me reschedule. I was able to get an appointment for a Saturday no problem.
I really like the atmosphere at Blo. It is a smaller salon, so it isn't hectic and loud like other places I have been to.
The first time I went to Blo was with a Groupon. I had a great experience during that visit as well. I think that with all Groupons, if you wait until the last minute to use it, you will not have a good experience. From what I have been told, the majority of people use Groupons, You Swoops, etc. on either the first month or the last month, so I recommend not going during those times (for any Groupon style deal).
After my Groupon appointment, they told me that if I made another appointment right then I would get 50% off. So today my haircut was 50% off! Today I was told if I booked my next appointment I would get 25% off.
I am definitely a fan of Blo. After my positive experience using my Groupon there, and being offered additional deals since then, it has become my go to salon.
Krista also told me that Blo has a referral program. If a friend refers you, you and your friend receive $20 off. -
Review from Elaine C.
Chicago, IL
6/29/2010
The very sweet Taylor gave me a dye job and a bang trim. When I decided I didn't like the dye job that afternoon, she re-dyed it for me for free and gave me a free blow out, without a slightest hint of an attitude.
She's the sweetest.Listed in: Thanks to Groupon
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Review from Carolyn D.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2011
Three strikes, you're out, blo. I went in as a new client for a simple trim, and left with much, much more missing than a trim. at least 4". I'm not totally by the books when it comes to hair maintenance, so I probably needed more than the standard trim, but that was extreme.
I went in to have my hair trial for my wedding up-do. I showed up with a picture, a few changes, and it actually turned out really fabulous. When I went for the day of to have my hair done it was nothing like the picture-instead of interestingly placed braids and texture, I got a simple run of the mill bun type style. If she had forgotten what we had done, I wish she would have asked. To make matters worse she used the weirdest pins that didn't have any staying power, and halfway through the pictures my sisters had to re-do the entire thing.
I decided to cut my hair short (shoulder length) a few months ago, and went back (such a glutton for punishment!) to give them one more chance. I asked for wispy side swept bangs and soft layers around my face. What did I leave with? 1990's "mall bangs" and precisely two layers. One long layer to my shoulders and one chopped off layer at the top, no longer than 2". It. is. awful. That was FOUR months ago and it is JUST to the point that I am able to go somewhere else to have it re-shaped without having to go pixie.
I still give 2 stars because they were all very polite, and they did a good job on my sisters' hair styles for the wedding and make-up styling for my mother and mother-in-law. But, I would never recommend them to anyone. -
Review from Tanaya P.
New York, NY
6/8/2010
I completely understand that when a business sell 4,000 Groupons, it becomes strained for capacity and resources. That's why my friend and I were not at all upset that we could only get an appointment for 8 am on a Saturday despite calling 4 weeks in advance. We were psyched about our day of pampering, following by brunch and a little shopping.
What I don't understand is when the services are just poor. I went for a facial and a wax. While the front part of the salon is cute, the back part (where all the private rooms are for the wax and facial services) needs a serious renovation. It just felt dingy and gross. The facial was ok... i definitely didn't have the facial-glow after. The wax was just bad. She literally just missed spots, which is frankly unacceptable.
If you have a Groupon, wait to use it. Let them try and figure this massive surge in demand out. -
Review from Lady N.
Cook, IL
9/24/2011
I went to this place earlier this year a couple days before their Groupon was going to expire. Understandably it was extremely crowded with all last minute Grouponers like me. They were also understaffed.
Long story short, I had gone in for a single color process and they messed up by doing some kind of highlighting. The problem was they were not even ready to talk being busy running around attending to multiple clients almost simultaneously. I could not even ask what was going on with my hair since I just assumed the lady doing my hair knew what she was doing given that I had told her what I wanted done to my hair twice when she was washing it.
After she was done doing what she was doing to my hair, she was like, how do you want your hair cut? I just looked at her like - are you serious!! At that point, I had been at the salon for over 90 minutes (LONG wait but the hair wash and highlight) and I had to get back to work so I just pissed and wanted to walk out. Then the manager came in to soothe ruffled feathers and said I could come back and use the entire value of the Groupon at a later date (even after it expired) because "they had messed up my hair". I thought that was really nice of her and I even remember giving an overall $20 tip + the Groupon.
So I called a couple days ago to use the promised credit and I was told the manager would call me. I was called today by someone who said the old manager who had promised me the credit was no longer working for them. Instead she said she could do one of the complimentary services they did last time and once again, I was angry at the unprofessionalism of this place. WTF!! Seriously!! Those services she offered me were not even the ones I had wanted in the first place - I wanted a simple single hair color process and what they did was neither asked for nor wanted and now she was offering to do one of those exact services I DID NOT WANT. I hate this place. I dislike the callous nature with which they treat customers.
So the old manager left, how is it my fault that you were overbooked, understaffed, messed my hair and now don't want to do the right thing. Agreed I waited until two days before expiration but this is BS. Despite the messing up of my hair last time, I had actually left the place impressed with their commitment to the customer thanks to the previous manager but this new manager was unfair and not really customer-friendly in my limited opinion. You don't treat customers like that, whether they have a groupon or not, whether it was something the old manager promised or not. You honor the word of the organization because that is what this behavior is a reflection of. You don't hide behind the "oh but the old manager isn't here" garb. You take responsibility. I wasn't lying. There are so many other salons in Chicago, if I am coming back to you there must be a reason why and if you don't want to maintain a returning-customer base, too bad for you. I am done. -
Review from Megan G.
2/28/2011
Blo is no longer accepting Groupons on Saturdays, which was not part of the terms and conditions when I purchased my Groupon last April. I understand some small businesses are unable to handle the rush of customers Groupon brings, but changing the terms after the Groupon is offered is bad customer service. Fortunately Groupon refunded my money no questions asked, but this has left a bad taste in my mouth and I will never patronize Blo.
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Review from Nima P.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2010
I bought the groupon - like so many others - and was extremely disappointed. I could not get a hold of anyone at the salon for 5 continuous days of calling. I even set my alarm for 7am so that I could call as soon as they opened, and yet the lines were still busy.
My appointment. I waited about 5-7 minutes for my arm wax to begin. The lady who normally waxes in a private room was busy, so someone else did it right there near the waiting area. So when other women came and had to wait a few minutes, their view was of me getting my arms waxed. I had to hold my arm up the entire time, which was exhausting because the woman took FOREVER.
I normally do my own arm wax, but needed to use up the rest of my groupon, so thought I would just get it done - definitely a bad idea. When I asked her for some calming oil or gel since I have sensitive skin, she looked at me like I was crazy.
I had planned to dye parts of my hair purple, and since this was my first time dying my hair, I spoke to the person taking my appointment over the phone extensively. I told her my hair type (dark black), what I wanted (a rich purple), and she told me this would be a "single process hair color."
The stylist first brings me a pathetic selections of colors. The purple they had looked like hay that was colored purple with a crayola. She then goes on to tell me that since my hair is pitch black, she would have to bleach and then dye purple, which means it's a double process.
I didn't do the color because it was ugly and they wanted to charge me an extra $50. I asked for a pretty basic cut. Even that, I could not get. I asked for long layers, yet the longer part of my hair is TWO INCHES longer than the shorter layer. It looks AWFUL.
I will never go back to this place.
Oh yes...and I had to come home and re-cut my bangs because she made me look like a 10 year old child. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Evanston, IL
10/22/2010
Last month, I used my groupon to get highlights from Stephen. I've never gotten highlights before and I just wanted something to blend my natural summer hair together w/ my dark winter hair. Stephen made it so subtle and perfect that no one even noticed. Of course, my bf did not notice but also, my girlfriends did not notice and not even my roommate.
Stephen is a very patient and skilled colorist. If he didn't co$t so damn much, I'd definitely return.
Blo is very small and in a garden apt. ( I don't know how they were able to take on so many customers after their Groupon.) Besides that, the salon is spotless, well-lit and tastefully decorated. It seems like a nice place. -
Review from Megan M.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2010
After reading all these negative reviews, I have to comment.
I also bought the groupon and had no trouble getting an appointment in August of the day I wanted. Cayli did my highlights and cut, and did a fantastic job! She asked me a lot of questions about the color/cut I wanted and how I normally style my hair. She was super friendly during the whole visit as were the other stylists. I even made an appointment for November to get my color/cut touched up. A couple of weeks ago, I went back to get my hair done for a close friend's wedding. They did another wonderful job and I received so many compliments about my.
fyi: you can't put a tip on a credit card so bring cash! I never carry cash and I had to go to the ATM after the appointment to get tip money. -
Review from Kirsten O.
Lisle, IL
8/26/2010
I was scared a bit by the reviews, and when I called to schedule my hair color appointment the receptionist asked me if I wanted my hair blow dried... but when I got there I had a pleasant experience! When I got there they had me scheduled for a blow out, which I declined, no way was I going to pay $30 for a blow dry. Everyone was very friendly, but she did not dry my hair after coloring and washing it, which was strange to me. When I got home after my hair had completely dried I noticed that the color my roots were noticeably darker than the rest of my hair, something that easily would have been caught had she dried my hair to begin with.
I have had better quality service from students, I want to go back and get it fixed but I am moving out of town today and it is just not worth it. I would advise paying the extra $30 to ensure you don't leave with jacked up hair. -
Review from Jessica J.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2011
I got up early to go in this morning only to find out that my appointment was never switched from next Tuesday to today. I made the appt 2 days ago and was told I was confirmed. They didnt do anythin to try to make up for it except say they could try calling me later. Horrible customer service, especially after all of these negative reviews. What a joke.
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
6/2/2009
Oh, Blo. I don't know.
For one, the girls that got updos in my party looked FABULOUS. Truly. The wedding party looked curly, lovely, pinned up, and primped.
Mine though? hmmm. A blow out, but...kind of, meh. I mean, having your hair blown dry for $25 is a treat, most definitely. However, the end result was just mildly better than I can produce on my own, therefore not proving a worthwhile expenditure.
Luckily I can whip my own little mullet into a pretty "OK" looking updo, so all was not lost. But, pretty much just shellacked my blo-out into oblivion...
The staff? SUPER friendly. No complaints at all, they were jovial and fabulous.
Location: swanky...for a basement.Listed in: Hair Salons
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Review from Jennifer L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/2/2008
So, Blo used to be this awesome, easily accessible place where I would breeze in every Monday morning, plunk down $20, and walk out with a nice blowout that included a few curls.
Now?
Need a credit card to hold an appointment. Ok, not such a big deal, but...
They raised their prices to $25 for a blowout AND...
an extra $20 for some curls.
So, you're saying that what cost me $20 a year ago now costs $45? Um, no thanks. See ya, Blo.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/21/2007 First to Review
Need a quick blowout and don't want to spend a lot of money? Go to Blo! For $20 they'll shampoo… Read more »
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Review from Andrea R.
1/11/2008 1 photo
Oh Blo- you are what's been missing in my life! $20 blo outs??? I had heard about these $20 blo outs, but I don't put my unruly hair in the hands of just anyone so I haven't experienced them yet.
But last night the Blo stylists (Amy was my stylist- love her!) worked their magic fingers (& curling irons) on my hair for the Yelp Fashion Show and boy did it look fabulous. The stylist from tristinstyling had suggested Victoria Secret hair and I wasn't quite sure how it was going to come out, but I sure felt like Heidi Klum (sans the body) as soon as they were done!
So yes they are talented, but more importantly- these girls are FUN! I almost want to get a part time job at Blo (i have about 20 years of blow out hair experience from doing my own hair ;)) just to hang out with the fireball owner, Elizabeth, and her awesome staff!
Thanks to Blo for making me & the rest of the Yelp models look smokin HOT! -
Review from Kristin B.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2008
As of April 1 - Blo upped its prices to $25 for a blow-out, completing obliterating their brand. With a five dollar tip, I'll spend $30 at Blo - just as much as any hair cuttery.
I was looking online to schedule an appt, but lost interest after reading the new price... Just as there is a radical difference in consumers' minds between the marketing value of "free" and "one cent", so too is the leap from $20 to $25. And it's not just the psychology -- one yelper put it very accurately that the extra five bucks - however minor it seems - "changes the calculus" when it comes to choosing Blo over another, perhaps more convenient, facility.
Just in case management reads this, while the salon's still a bargain, you are severely diluting a brilliant brand! One that is unmatched in the entire city.
In this economy, we've all tightened the metaphorical belt, but you should consider "pulling an airline" and tack on extra costs for extra services (like, say, blow-out's that take longer than thirty minutes, walk-in appointments, a coffee bar, or checking your luggage.) I would eschew lower pricing for other services, personally, as long as you maintain the $20 blowout.
I suspect Blo will no longer be a hot tip on the lips of every woman in Chicago...
I'd be interested to see where this leads their business. In my mind, once you go $25, you can never go back. -
Review from Misse D.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/10/2008
I can't believe that I haven't given any more love to Blo.
Blo gave me a fabulous blow-out for my bachelorette party. I also went there the day before my wedding, to get a blow-out for my bridesmaid luncheon as well as a waxing and a spray tan.
They treat you so well! I'm a little sad that the prices went up...but I think that is happening everywhere.Listed in: My Bachelorette Party
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2007
For my engagement pictures, I wanted to look good so I scheduled a blow-out and a spray tan session.… Read more »
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Review from Alex A.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2011
I had a blow-out that I liked a lot, and held all day. I've also had a few spray tans that I was pleased with. One of my spray tans was much lighter than I anticipated, so the next day, they gave me a touch-up for free. Very nice staff.
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Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
Updated - 3/24/2009
Went back to Blo AGAIN on Saturday for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. I had to get another Blo out before going out for my b-day/roller derby party... plus I hadn't washed my hair since over a week before, when I was last at Blo for my first Blo out... I can't believe it lasted so long and truly, my hair looked rockstar everyday.
The ladies remembered me and asked how my friends b-day event went the week before- very considerate! The girl who did my hair didn't even grimace when I told her that I had still not washed my hair and she made me look fab in no time flat... well not flat, actually full bodied.
Wait- I'm getting ahead of myself... I am perpetually late. I don't know how it happens but I blame it on my internal clock being on Hawaiian time. I had a 4:00 appointment that I was running late for due to a disco nap and some unexpected heavy traffic going into the city. I call Blo and they were able to get me a new appointment at 4:45... Perfect! I got there a little early and waited in the VERY crowded waiting area... people- please don't bring your kids to blow to take up space, get a babysitter for Christ sakes! Okay, back to Blo... My girl washed and blew out my hair in no time so I could still make it to my b-day without being late.
They are seriously miracle workers! I have not had my hair cut since November and her blow out made my ends feel great and look like I'd just gotten a fresh new cut. I felt like a zillion bucks walking down the street as I saw heads turn... okay, maybe it was my neon hair but I know I looked good.
Thank you (AGAIN), Blo!Listed in: It's a Nice Day For a... WHITE…, Do You Really Need This,…, Mr. Miyagi Approved
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2009
I initially went to Blo because they had a special on Brazilian Bikini Waxes... LOVE IT! It was… Read more »
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Review from Stacey A.
1/17/2008
The lovely ladies here took care of us at the Yelp Fashion Show, and styled our hair and did our makeup and made us look gorgeous and edgy and awesome. I will absolutely be going here on days when it is absolutely necessary for me to look wonderful at work or wherever.
AND! The owner/main person reminded me of Janice Dickenson. Which is probably the best compliment I've ever handed out in my whole life.
Other things to note:
1) The girls who work here are all kinds of sweet.
2) The blow-outs? Are PERFECT.
3) I got my hair dyed here the other day and I am in LOVE. Plus, it's only in the $60's for a single process color as opposed to the $100's like every other salon in the universe.
This place rocks. -
Review from Angie H.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2010
I too bought the groupon and had a little trouble making an appointment because of the multitude of services I wanted, but got in last night and had a pretty good experience.
I got a flash facial, haircut and deep conditioning treatment (which comes up to approx $107). The facial was fine. I wish she would've told me what she was putting on my face while applying creams etc, but other than that it was ok. You can hear all the noise from the salon and that is somewhat distracting.
The hair cut & deep conditioning treatment were good. My stylist was very knowledgeable and gave me tons of recommendations for my super dry blonde hair. The haircut was exactly what I needed.
The best part about this salon is that they offered me wine. I had two glasses of pinot noir and that made the entire experience more relaxing.
I was scared to use my groupon because of the bad reviews but it was a pleasant experience overall. -
Review from Nicole W.
4/25/2010
I was in Chi-town for a family wedding and thought I'd give Blo Salon a try with the fantastic Groupon I acquired a few days ago. The phones were naturally jammed due to the Groupon success (the staff mentioned that they sold over 4,000 of them)...but I still ended up with an appointment on Saturday. With my Groupon I scheduled a Blo out, Deep Conditioning, bang trim and makeup application.
As I sauntered into Blo, I was promptly greeted and checked in. My Deep Conditioning and Blo out with Taylor was great - not only is she a talented stylist but she was bubbly and just the sweetest to be around. As for my makeup application, it was just ok. While Adrianna expertly applied some great false eyelashes, the rest of the look was something I could have easily done at home in just a few minutes.
If not for the Groupon, I would not have been happy paying $50 for the makeup application....and while $29 isn't a huge chunk of change for a great blow out, adding in fairly substantial extra charges ($10-$20) for longer hair, curls, flat iron, etc irks me just a bit.
Overall though, next time I'm in town I will definitely stop by Blo for a standard Blo out with Taylor. -
Review from Karolyn S.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2011
Between the poor customer service, dirty/bleached out towels in the tiniest facial room, the loudest conversations being had while getting the facial I'd say never again. While the facial was okay, my experience was anything but spa like and relaxing. Far too small a space to call it a spa when you can hear everything that goes on in the front room. Not to mention that in the 10 minutes while the facial mask was drying, 4 people walked into the room to get something. Far too many places in Chicago where I can go to experience relaxation, not chaos. Provide what you promise, Blo. Or change your name to Blo Salon and not so relaxing day spa.
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Review from Cate R.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2007
My favorite magazine (Chicago, of course) gave Blo a "best of the year" award for their very convenient, affordable blowouts. I concur wholeheartedly. I came in this morning at 7:05, slightly hungover from a good weekend, no coffee, and as I told my stylist, "a desperate case". My hair was unruly, with no straightener nearby, and I had an important afternoon meeting with a bunch of clients. The girls at Blo were great! They sat me right down, gave me a relaxing shampoo, and proceeded to style my hair far prettier than I ever could - all in 1/2 hour for $20! What a deal! If only I had the money to do this every day....
I will definitely use this as my new important-day ritual. I suggest you do the same -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2008
Okay, we all know Blo does great blow-outs and styles. As one of the yelp models (and I use that term as loosely possible) I experienced that firsthand. I also got a discount coupon and a gift card, so I decided to put them to good use and get a much needed trim.
My stylist, Amy, was awesome. She listened to what I wanted (to lose as little lenghth as possible while still transforming my hair from grown-out and straggly to sleek and healthy) and made a few suggestions as to how to accomplish that.
Less than an hour later, my hair looked like a 100% better version of what I had. She took only the tiniest bit off the ends and put in a few long layers for body. She aslo gave me a great blow out - my hair was shiney, healthy, and full of body.
I will definately be back to Blo. Their stylists are very talented, but they don't charge a fortune. In addition to cut and color, they also do spray tanning, waxing, facials, and mani/pedis. The cute space is located right off the Armitage stop, but it can be easy to miss since it is downstairs. Also, be aware they don't allow credit card tips so bring cash!
