Vanité – A Paul Mitchel Focus Salon

I have to say… this is the best salon EVER! I’ve been going to Vanite for at least three years now. I started going there because my hair was falling out (I’ve been getting highlights since I was 15).
Ever since I walked into the door I’ve been getting my hair colored, highlighted, and cut there. Carolyn is the best!
I get frantic when it comes to my hair. Since going to Carolyn I have never been happier. My hair is now thicker and my color always comes out amazing! She is such an artist when it comes to highlights! Awesome haircuts too! She is also always furthering her knowledge and techniques.
If you’re looking for a great time and great hair I would definitely recommend going to Vanite and booking an appointment with Carolyn!

I’m on a Unilocal Review roll today, so I want to make sure to give every girl the best hair advice in Chicago: Go See Carolyn!
I will never turn back, she is the best stylist and colorist I’ve had in my 27 years. She takes time to chat with me about what I want, provides realistic expectations and always makes sure that I’m completely satisfied when I leave! I have short, blonde hair that she highlights and cuts perfectly. If you have short hair, you know that the dreaded mullet is a real thing. Carolyn always makes sure that this is taken care of completely when I leave.
The atmosphere is incredible, completely relaxing and everyone who works there is so kind. A must visit for people who are completely meticulous about their hair!

Gigi was awesome! I got color, not even a cut, and when she was done I felt like I had gotten the best haircut ever. My hair felt so great and it literally bounced when I walked. I left the salon feeling like I was going to a hair commercial. Highly recommend her!

I’ve been here before, and always had at least a good experience no matter who my stylist was. However, today I had Erik and was very pleased with my experience. He’s a newer stylist who takes mastering his craft very seriously, and he said he had been benefiting from Carolyn’s expertise as a colorist while working there. To me, it certainly shows: I got just your basic partial highlights, and somehow they’re beautifully multidimensional in tone — the perfect balance of subtle and noticeably face-​framing. I felt comfortable putting trust in his aesthetic judgment to make decisions about my hair, which is rare for me with a stylist. As a result, I wound up with a haircut which is similar to the one I always get, but different enough that I can’t stop playing with it and looking at it. I really appreciate that he took so much time with me — in steps like feathering the roots of my highlights and blending out layers of the cut, it makes all the difference. Finally, although conversation isn’t central to what a stylist does, of course, it does make a difference in the experience. I really enjoyed talking with him as well as being able to read a book at times while he was working. I would definitely recommend him, especially for color!

I moved from California to Chicago about 2 yrs ago. All girls know the hardest thing about moving is finding another hair dresser ;) well I am so lucky to have found Carolyn !! I walked by this shop and just fell in love with the ambiance. Tried her out and never looked back ! She is one of those hair dressers that you can just trust with your hair ! Her ombré and cuts are just perfect every time. I would highly recommend Vanite hair salon, and if you are looking for the best hair dresser ask for Carolyn :)

UPDATE: I just came back from a Wella salon. My previous colorist used Wella products, so I decided to go back to that. It turns out Caroline took my already lightened hair *darker* when she colored it (if I understand the lingo, it’s now 1.5 levels darker). I just can’t comprehend this, especially since I explained that I love wearing bright punchy reds. She nearly returned my base color to my natural color (a medium dark brown). Why would you do that??? Now I’m stuck with darker hair because lightening it back again would ruin it.
I’m guessing the bright red temporary «InkWorks» color she painted over the permanent color masked the new darker base, because I had no idea. I’m devastated. I’ve poured a lot of time and money into my hair over the years, and in one fell swoop, Caroline undid the lightening that was so crucial to achieving the colors I love and has left me with no option other that to wait for my (very long) hair to grow out. I’m just at a complete loss.

I went to see Carolyn after a major hair disaster and Im so glad I did! She squeezed me in on short notice, stayed late, maintained not only the integrity of my hair but gave it the most unbelievable color and shine that I never thought possible. My hair had been so damaged and I walked out of the salon with GORGEOUS hair! She is fun, wickedly talented, listens and loves her job more than anyone I’ve ever met. Go see her! I promise you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Wonderful! I had bought a groupon for a keratin treatment and knew very little about the salon even though I had driven past it hundreds of times. I was a little tentative but as I arrived I was immediately welcomed and offered water.
My stylist, Kyle, came over and greeted me warmly and proceeded to have a full consultation with me informing me extensively about receiving a keratin treatment. I felt very reassured and in good hands. When I originally called, they said to expect the keratin treatment to take up to 3 hours. Kyle managed to get it done in an hour and a half! She was great, very confident and delivered an incredible result. My super curly hair went to nearly stick straight. I couldn’t be happier!

This was the worst haircut I have gotten in my life. The color barely lasted 4 weeks and the cut is awful. The stylist I had was very down to earth and seemed like a great person so I won’t mention their name but I’m starting to see a trend with how Paul Mitchell stylists are trained. My hair is not even and the stylist tried to tell me that all the stylist I have gone to in the past were cutting my hair wrong… Right now it looks like my hair was chopped off in a random place by a 3 year old. I just made an appointment with my old stylist in the suburbs to hopefully fix the mess of my hair and the color.

Came in for a keratin treatment, great service, good quality, friendly staff. Will recommend to anyone I know.

I got a cut and color by Carolyn and couldn’t have been happier! I wanted to do a creative color, and she was very knowledgeable and gave me suggestions of colors she thought would be a good fit for me. When I came in for my appointment I immediately felt like I was in really good hands and Carolyn really made sure that I was comfortable with the color before we got started, just because I was going from blonde to a copper/​rose gold color. I was really happy with the end result as well as my hair cut. It has now been about a month since my appointment and I am still really happy with my hair. Will definitely go back to her again for my next cut & color! I highly recommend this salon!

It’s been 5 weeks since my huge transformation and I must say I’m still in love. Not only did Carolyn give me exactly what I envisioned but she also made sure I went home with the right products to help keep my color looking vibrant! I am a low maintenance kind of girl when it comes to my hair. So not having to go every two weeks to touch up my color is a huge relief!
I still have people cross the street to complement my color. So THANK YOU for making me feel like a movie star on the red carpet. I’ve found a stylist for life.

I came here originally with a groupon because I was looking for a new place to go. I was set up with Monique and I love her! I haven’t been going to her too long, yet she knows exactly what I’m wanting. I’m so so happy with my latest cut and color, she definitely nailed it. The receptionists have always been so wonderful and friendly as well. Really great stuff all around!

I am in love… with CHAZ!!! When I called I let them know that I had a color disaster. My blonde was not blonde, it was YELLOW! Medication and do it yourself color had taken me from looking like Gaga Sound of Music blonde to Gaga weird orb dress blonde! Being seen in public was not a good thing.
I walked in and met Chaz who was a doll. So sweet and made me feel relaxed right away. He explained every detail about what he was doing with the color. He even made me aware that all services are a la carte and the blow dry was an extra charge. He and Monique, who is adorable, applied my toner and 20 minutes later I was being rinsed out.
The color turned out AMAZING! It is better than I could have expected. I have worked in the beauty industry for years and, no one has gotten my color this on point.
Needless to say, I will be back again and again and AGAIN!
P.S– the salon is pristine and chic! Run, don’t walk to Vanite!

I love this place! I have been going to Carolyn at Vanite for about two years. She is super easy to talk to and AMAZING with color. She first started coloring my hair a burgundy-​ish color and then most recently ombré, and I have been so happy with the results every time. She takes her time and provides professional recommendations but would never do something unless you’re comfortable with it.
I have recommended Vanite to a bunch of my friends, who have been equally happy after going here. Everyone at this salon friendly and seems genuinely happy to be at work. I used to dread getting my hair done because with a color/​cut/​keratin treatment, it can take 2 – 3 hours, but I seriously look forward to my hair appointments now! I am about to move to Wicker Park, but will still make the trip to Lakeview to get my hair done here!

The salon itself is great. Very beautiful, comfortable atmosphere and the receptionist is very professional.
I used to go to Brent, but he’s no longer there. So I was setup with Monica. I got a partial highlight, no cut. I’m really picky with my color, and the color turned out great.
However, she added a toner to my hair and didn’t mention the cost increase. (I understand it would be more, but it’s polite to at least mention it). Also, for the past year, every time I had come to the Salon, I’d get a short head massage after being shampooed. There was no massage, and she never asked if the water temperature was too hot/​too cold…
I may be coming off as high maintenance, but for what I’m paying and for what I received for the past year at this salon, this experience was below my expectations.
As much as I love the color, it’s still 2+ hours of my day in the salon, and I want that to be a great experience. So I will probably not be back.

Best place ever… Just walking in makes you feel great, they treat you like your the most important person walking thur the door. I usually hate going to salons becasue it feel like you are there for hours… But I was so comfortable at Vanite that time just flew on by.
Carolyn is the best, she takes the time to listen to what you want and explains everything in detail. She give the best advice on how to manage and mantain your color. I can’t wait for my second appointment to try something different.

Recently I had my hair done at Vanite and was completely disappointed in the services I received. When I made the appointment for a hair cut and partial color, I informed the receptionist that I had an expired Groupon and that I would like to use the purchased value towards my services.
Upon arrival I discussed ideas with my hairdresser. Never was I quoted a price during the consultation other than if she had to use a second bowl of color she would have to charge me and additional $ 20. That was okay, because I have thick hair; nothing I haven’t heard before.
After my hair cut and color, I went to check out I was anticipating a bill roughly $ 120, but my hair cut and color was over $ 200. When I said something about the price discrepancy the receptionist and the hair dresser both talking to me at once told me I was informed during the consultation and the appointment was made for a haircut and full color and why wouldn’t I have said something during the consultation (making the situation my fault). When I asked about using my value towards the Groupon I was told to call Groupon about it and they couldn’t help me. After several minutes passed arguing with them I showed the receptionist the fine print and then he honored the Groupon price I spent on it (since it was expired).
After leaving there I cried, because I felt like I was duped into upgrades that I hadn’t been informed about buying and felt very belittled and ganged up on by the hair dresser and receptionist when I was trying to talk to them about the expectations I had. I wish I had positive things to say about my experience, unfortunately I don’t.
The hair cut I would give 2 out of 5 and the color I would give 3 out 5.
Final blow (no pun intended) was I went to work today and all my coworkers couldn’t tell I got my hair cut or colored and one even recommended today that I should get my hair done not knowing I just got my hair done over the weekend.

Carolyn did an amazing job with my hair! After a cut, color, and Marula Oil Treatment my hair is the healthiest I’ve ever seen it and Carolyn walked me through every step of the process. I’ve already booked my next visit, because the process to my final hair goal was all nicely laid out for me.
Five stars for Carolyn, but took a bit off because the atmosphere wasn’t very friendly (seemed like everyone was kind of in a rushed, non-​friendly mood around us) and the front desk service was ok.

This salon is definitely on the high end. When I arrived I was offered coffee, water, etc. and to put my sweatshirt away. When the girl washed my hair, she didn’t get all of my hair wet, so it didn’t really lather. Then she blow dryed it. The guy doing the keratin sprayed my hair wet, so I was confused as to the point of blow drying it. Regardless, the experience was not bad.
The outcome of the keratin was what disappointed me. I didn’t wash it for 24 hours like they said and have been using sulfate-​free shampoo. After about 2 weeks, I don’t notice a difference in my hair anymore. I’ve had several keratin treatments in the past and normally my hair dries quicker and straighter. My hair looks healthier, but I don’t see those 2 benefits I normally do. I think they use an express keratin and charge the same price as a normal keratin treatment. As long as your expectations are set properly, you shouldn’t have an issue with this place.

I’m not a regular Unilocal’er, but with this being my 3^rd visit for a keratin treatment. Kudos is more due!!!
Not only is this salon gorgeous in design but the staff is more than inviting! Water or tea are offered upon arrival! Nothing says «you’re in for some me time» than a hot cup of tea!
Carolyn is more than gracious and makes you feel right at home! She is informative on what she’s doing and does an amazing consultation! Not to mention, you look more than amazing when you walk out of the door!
As with most of the businesses in my hood, there is something to be said when the owner is present and checking in on there guests personally! Kinley is a true treasure and Im so excited that she chose Lakeview for her salon home and has stocked it full with amazing talent!!!
BRAVA!

Went to Vanite at the suggestion of a friend (with great hair), and was thrilled with the resultst! I’d been bopping around stylists and beauty schools trying to find one I liked that wasn’t outrageously priced, and Vanite fits the bill.
–Salon environment is gorgeous, clean, relaxing. Feels like you’re at a spa, and they treat you like it as well. (My first visit was on a Groupon, but I was treated like a first-​class customer all the way).
–Staff was extremely friendly, appointment was on time/​no waiting, offered bottled water/​tea/​coffee throughout my appointment.
–Carolyn did my color & cut. For highlights, she recommended a new lightening color rather than bleach-​based highlights to prevent damaging my hair, and they came out beautiful! Blended and natural, exactly like I asked, best highlights I’ve had in a long time. For cut, I took her recommendations and was thrilled. It wasn’t a dramatic difference in length — about 5 inches — but completely transformed the shape of my hair and made it look so much more full!
Make appointments in advance, this place books up because it’s worth it!

Paul Mitchell is still around??? I had no idea. And trust me, he is back (maybe never left) with a vengeance at this salon!
I found Anne on salon apprentice because I am currently on the hunt for a new stylist after my hair has been not coming out the best at my last girl… sob, four years and back to the drawing board.
Anyway, lets start with the salon. BEAUTIFUL! Clean, crisp, white, new, refreshing! Comfortable chairs, great washing station, hair dryers that hang from the ceiling… never seen that one before.
Found Anne on salon apprentice when I needed a change from my old girl (it just wasnt working anymore). Anyway, she needed a model for highlight and cut… PERFECT! She did a great job. She listened to my concerns and did her best to make them not concerns anymore. I have had brassy, yellow hair for a bit… she put a toner on it and it looked great in the mirror. When I got home, it was definitely ashy BUT Chaz (her teacher) warned me beforehand.
The staff all seem to really care. Yes, they were judging Anne, etc… but they really, really seem to know whats up. I have to say, I appreciate that after all of the salon doors I have been through.
The salon is great. The staff is amazing. Its elegant, but not crazy expensive. I might have to bring the hubs in for a cut… only $ 45!

What a great experience!
It was my first time at Vanite and I was pleasantly surprised. I got a groupon for a keratin treatment and that is why I ended up at the salon.
Making the appointment was easy which is unusual when using groupon for services at beauty salons.
The place is beautiful, feels warm, cozy and yet elegant. The service is beyond great. I was lucky to have met Anne the stylist who did the treatment. Anne not only is great doing her job but has excellent customer service. I felt pampered from the beginning til the end!
My hair looks beautiful and I can’t wait to go back. I totally recommend it.
FYI this is my 8^th keratin treatment, the 4^th in Chicago and I can say it has been the best experience so far!

I went to a «Paul Mitchell» salon for the first 25 years of my life down in Virginia, and tested out a few studios/​salons after moving to Chicago, and I was incredibly lucky to discover Vanite.
Brent is my stylist; he’s great at what he does, always hilarious and accommodating, and a true professional stylist. You can tell your hair is in good hands right off the bat. Get an appointment with him early, he books up quick! (travels around as a stylist educator during the week) Very conversational, understands what you’re looking for, and asks great questions to make sure you get exactly the look you want, and is NOT pushy, which goes a long way with me.
They treat you like they’ve known you for years, which is very calming and comforting and fun. Price was less* than I expected, and they use some of the best products on your hair that you can find. They have 5 star ratings for a reason. Trust us.

Had another haircut and color with Carolyn D… stunning! Reservations are recommended because they are constantly busy. However, they do value their customers and will respect your time. My appointment typically lasts two (2) hours.

Went in last Friday & received a super cute cut & partial highlights by Brent. I had an entire ponytail chopped & couldn’t be happier! What made it even better though was that he made it a fun & relaxing experience for me even though I was kinda freaking out in the beginning. (Didn’t take long to realize I was in good hands) Looooved all the compliments I kept getting this weekend. thx Brent!