Natural Elements Salon
Categories: Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Hair Removal [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park2212 N Lincoln Ave
(between Belden Ave & Geneva Ter)
Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 477-2500
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
19 Reviews for Natural Elements Salon
One of Natural Elements Salon's Favorite Reviews
I always thought I had problem hair. Turns out I have had a succession of problem hair-stylists. Now, I don't have problem hair. I have awesome hair. I love Scott; he listens to me and somehow translates all the hair-related gobbledeegook coming out of my mouth into a haircut that not only looks good, but that I can handle doing in the morning. Pretty kick ass.
I'm looking forward to having color done, (which I will do as soon as the old highlights finally grow out) because I know it's going to look just as kick ass as my haircut does.
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I went here after a fellow yelper recommended Alexis. I've had dyed jet black hair on and off for about 12 years now, and it was time for me to find a new colorist.
My hair has never been shinier, and for the first time EVER, there was not a single stray spot of color on my skin. I've never left a salon with perfectly clean skin until I went here.
Alexis is also extremely personable, and I was highly impressed by the handwritten thank you card that I got from her in the mail yesterday.
I will definitely be back!
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I like it when colorists and stylists have an opinion about what I should do with my hair. I much prefer it to apathy. I particularly appreciate their opinions when I myself don't have a clue what to do. That was the case last Saturday, when I walked into Natural Elements for a cut and color without having a clear idea of what I wanted.
First I saw Katie for color. I explained that I wanted something that was basically like my own brownish color, but "better." Maddeningly vague, I know! I said that I liked a bit of red. Maroon or copper, she asked. Copper. Do you plan to come back every 4-6 weeks, she asked. No. So she recommended a glossing, demi-permanent color with a touch of red that would eventually wash out without showing obvious roots.
That's what I got and I love it. I look younger, my skin looks better, and I haven't entered into a vicious highlight-maintenance cyle.
Next, I saw Christina for the cut. She is one of the salon's owners and she's also a certified master colorist. She had come over before I got the color to talk to me about what I wanted to do. I love that! I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted, so I told her what I disliked about my current style. She completely understood, and outlined her plan for giving my "do" a better shape. I have very short hair that's alternately curly, wavy, and just kind of shrubby, so it's difficult to shape and tame.
As she cut, she explained why she was doing certain things, which I really appreciated. She blew it dry and finished it off with some heavenly styling potion without any promotional push whatsoever. I bought the stuff anyway, but I appreciated the fact that she didn't push any products.
The woman who shampooed my hair did an amazing job. I was so relaxed. Throughout the visit, various people asked if I wanted water, coffee, etc. The atmosphere is laid back, but you can tell that all of the employees are serious about their jobs.
I am notoriously fickle about hair salons, but I'm daring to hope that my experiences here will be consistently positive. I paid $65 for the cut and $48 for the color and both were worth the price.
Note that you can put your services on a credit card, but you need cash for tips. I parked on Geneva Terrace, which is one block east of Lincoln. Parking on that street is only restricted to permits in the evening, so if you park there during the day you don't have to do the meter-dance on Lincoln.
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First of all, I want to preface this that I have really thick, coarse, curly hair. I say this because Alexis not only got it bone-straight, but she also gave me a cut that did not make my hair poof out like a Christmas tree after it grew out. I loved it so much that I went back to her for to her my hair colored for the first time ever -- and that came out fabulous, as well! It is well worth the price to get my hair done here.
This place is great! Katie did an amazing job on my hair. I came in and told her I wanted a new look, but had no idea what I wanted. She worked with me and gave me an amazing hair cut. I got bangs for the first time since 2nd grade (well there long bangs, but its a start!)
The lady who washes hair should be a massage therapist. Tip her!
Over all very happy. This was the first new hairdresser I have had in 15 years and cant wait to go back.
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Finally: a hairstylist who understands that cutting my hair with a razor is a bad idea. My hair is too fine and too prone to split ends for a razor not to make it look like crap after about three days; Alexis is the first person in years who hasn't tried to force "texture" upon me with a razor.
She gave me exactly what I wanted, which was a cut that will look good even if I am too lazy to do anything with it (which, let's be honest, is the case just about every day). My hair looks healthier today after her cut than it has in ages, and the price was reasonable ($40).
The salon's atmosphere is very nice, and everyone was friendly & did an excellent job. I can't wait to go back & try the color services!
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Natural Elements is a fantastic salon. It is close to the DePaul campus and the former Grant Hospital by Webster and Lincoln. The salon is very modern and relaxing. The night I went they were offering free red wine!
While getting a cut and color, I was observing the clientle - all of the clientle looked very happy and looked excellent walking out of the salon. The stylists are very friendly here and I believe that there are 2 Master Colorists on staff which is very hard to find.
I had my cut and color done by Alexis. She is excellent at doing highlights. My highlights look very subtle and natural with the color choices she suggested. I got compliments for weeks after she did my hair. She also suggested Davines (http://www.davines.com...) products for my thick, semi-wavy long hair - Nou Nou Shampoo and Love Conditioner. They are quite possibly the best shampoo and conditioner I've ever used for my hair - it is now shiny and not frizzy. Those will run you about $14 - $18 each.
The shampoo lady is everything you've heard about - you get a great scalp massage while she washes your hair. Please tip her!
This place is pricey, that is my personal drawback. This is why I give the place 4 stars. For a cut and color (with highlights), I paid close to $200 and that is not including tip. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for so it was definitely worth it. Once you find a stylist that meets your cut and color needs, the price is of no option for the most part (unless it is really through the roof). I am not used to paying this much for a cut and color however; on average I've paid less than $150. The thing you have to consider are that some of the stylists are certified colorists so you are getting what you pay for.
Parking is a pain around here so I suggest going during the daytime. I believe that you also have the option to park at a nearby parking lot for a discounted rate but you should inquire about that.
This place is worth trying out; just looking at the folks walking out of here. They look fantastic.
I was amazed when I called for an appointment here & received one for that very evening. Which was a God-send because man, did I need a haircut & color!
My stylist, Alexis, was super nice & friendly & there weren't any of those awkward, "So what do we talk about next?" moments that I've had with other stylists.
We cut a ton off of my hair that I had pretty much ignored & needed to just get off of my head, quite frankly. Then she found the perfect color for me: Super dark brown-almost black, but not quite.
The shampoo? Heavenly. If only I could have my hair washed like that every day ... ahhhh.
She gave me a great cut & I was waiting to review because I wanted to be sure I could style it well myself before I gave her 5 stars.
Well ... I can & it's simple & non-time-consuming, just like I requested.
I will definitely go back for my color maintenance & my trims!
PS: Single-process color + shampoo/condition + cut + blow-out = $100 (not including tip) at the time that I went.
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I loved this salon. They were able to get me in only 3 days after I called for an appointment and Katie was great. I loved that they really proved that Spa atmosphere that is so enjoyable. I got my hair colored and cut and I love it!! She really listened to what i wanted and asked questions to be sure we were on the same page. Prices were fair.
I was in Natural Elements Salon today for the first time, and there's definately a high chance that I will return. I arrived about fifteen minutes early (I'd never been to the location and didn't want to risk being late.) I was greeted by the receptionist as I walked in and gave her my name, she led me to a hallway in the back of the salon so I could hang my coat. She handed me a robe to wear and seated me at the front of the salon. She asked if I needed anything to drink, I got a coffee with cream and sugar. I waited for 2 minutes and was led to the hallway area again where I was told to sit and wait for the shampooer. The girl who gave me a shampoo did a great job...this part usually makes me ticklish but she actually massaged my scalp and it felt great! I was then taken out of the room to prep for my hair cut. Katie was my hair stylist, she was nice but a little cold it seemed. She made small talk with me but it was evidently forced conversation which made me feel awkward and uncomfortable (hence the four stars.) Katie cut me hair, and since I'd gone in for a simple hair cut, my hair still feels and looks the same. Next time I go in I will try to book an appointment with someone other than Katie; anyone cutting my hair who constantly looks out the window is definitely not interested in doing the very best job on my hair! But, the environment was nice, and the price was right ($40 for a regualr hair cut.)
I first went here years ago for the manicurist who has returned, and she's great. Both manicures and pedicures are well done in a quiet area downstairs. I finally started having my hair styled here as well, equally terrific. This is a great neighborhood salon.
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First I must start off my saying I still adore my former stylist and would recommend her in a heartbeat. I almost feel like I am cheating on her, but I wanted somewhere close to home on the weekend, so after reading reviews I decided to try Natural Elements. Their environmental focus was an added bonus.
The little room where they do the shampoos is cozy and relaxing, very zen. The woman who shampood me (Erica?) deserves a sixth star if I could give one. She gave me a head massage that felt so good I think it may be illegal in several states. Also, she checked the products to make sure nothing had avocado oil (I am allergic), and she noted in the computer the allergy so when I go back anyone who takes care of me will know. I appreciated this extra effort.
The stylist, Alexis, took the time to find out what I wanted, and gave me just what I was looking for. And the prices are extremely reasonable ($40 for the cut--especially great considering it's in Lincoln Park).
The best part (and the real test) is that this morning I was able to style it and have it look like she did.
Definitely recommend this salon.
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I went to get my hair done at this salon tonight. I just moved to Chicago, and wanted the same exact color used on my hair; once I found what salons used it, I looked for information and this one came up on top.
I enjoyed the experience; it's a pretty little salon and surprisingly, the parking wasn't difficult. My hair looks great, which is of course the objective, and Alexis was really nice. And she is a PHENOMENAL stylist! Seriously, this woman knows her stuff - once you find her, there is no need to visit anywhere else.
I debated whether to give it 3 or 4 stars, though. I don't know if it's because it's my first visit or something, but I wasn't allowed to have a Saturday appointment. This is a bit of a problem for me, because I can't get off work early just to make a hair appointment.
The other problem I had was with the cost. I went to the salon about 2 weeks ago for a consultation, to see how much it would cost and how long it might take. I was told it would cost $160-180, tops... it ended up costing me $210. This was a big surprise to me, and I was disappointed that it was $30 more than what she had quoted after visiting. She took a bit off the price, but it was still a lot, and I don't know if I can afford to continue visiting with both the expense and not getting an appointment at a day/time that's convenient for me.
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I have been going to this salon since it opened and I love it. I have a regular stylist but have gone to others when she wasn't available. Everyone is good. They listen to you and give suggestions. They know their color. The salon is always evolving. They have added a makeup room downstairs where you can get manicures/pedicures plus they are available for wedding parties..
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I love this salon! I have been having my hair cut there for years and think all the stylists are great but I am particularly excited that my all time favorite nail tech, Basia, is now there, too. She does a wonderful, gentle, but thorough, job and the polish seems to last longer when she applies it than anyone else does it. I don't know what it is about the way she preps the nails but the polish just wears amazingly well. The salon has a nice comfy, laid back atmosphere and everyone is really friendly but still very professional. My hair always looks great, too, and I am often asked where I get my hair done by people on the bus or street.
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Five stars for my stylist listening carefully to what I want, evaluating my hair (I have a lot but it's very fine), questioning me about my styling routine and giving me the perfect cut and color. She gave me options and made good recommendations-- and that is why I go to a hairstylist. (I've been to far too many places where stylists say, "OK, what are we doing today?" Really --- you're the expert. Tell me what you think).
I went to Katie this time, but I'm confident that any styist (they're all certified colorists) would be good. I also like that they have a small separate room in which they shampoo people.
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Love this place. My stylist, Katie, did everything right. I've been getting my hair highlighted for years and I either encounter someone who just does what she wants and doesn't listen, or won't give me an opinion and I usually have to tell them what to do. Katie was really nice, she listened and then made suggestions. When it was all said and done, I had great color and a great haircut. I'll definately go back.
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I decided to go to Natural Elements after reading the good reviews in Yelp. I am so glad I went there! My stylist, Katie, was great. She listened carefully what I want and then gave me some suggestions. The end results were much better than I expected. I am so happy to find a great hair colorist in this area. I am ready for CHRISTMAS =)))
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I was a little sad when my "stylist" left. But, today I tried one of the many other hairdressers here and found him to be quite excellent. And hilarious (which is always a bonus!). My hair is in the process of growing out, so nothing too extraordinary was done to it, but my shampoo was amazing. And the cut looks nice even if it is on the boring side (my choice).
Only gave it four stars because I would advise against the eyebrow waxer. Went to her for a while and never hated my brows. But I also wasn't in love with them. After trying someone new elsewhere I decided that her wax method is one of extreme torture.
Oh, and good news! They just renovated the basement and will soon (or maybe already are?) be offering manicures and pedicures! Can't wait to try it!
PS - forgot to mention that the "hook" or "gimmick" at Natural Elements is that ALL (or 5/6) of the hairdressers are certified colorists. I guess this is unusual. They have been featured in many national magazines for this fact - so DEFINITELY a place I would recommend for color.
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