As You Like It Hair Design and Gallery

I’ve been going to Pat for my hair and beard trimming for years. Pat is a true artist and cares deeply about her customers. She is very attentive to the way the weather and seasons change my hair, and adjusts the cuts accordingly. It is easy to reschedule appointments, and she is always on schedule. Best of all, Pat is a delight to be around. She is conversant on a wide range of subjects and has a fresh point of view. The salon itself is an oasis of calm. I come for the haircut, but I stay for the serenity and art that infuses the entire experience.

This place is brilliant and I’m telling all my friends about Pat. She’s a genius with hair! I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion that my unruly, thick, wavy hair could be so much more stylish/​easy to manage if I had the right cut, but every hairdresser I’ve been to wants me to tell them how to do it. I had no idea what would work/wouldn’t work with my hair. Then I went to Pat, explained all the ‘issues’ I have with styling/​caring for my hair, and after listening to what I wanted out of the haircut (a bit of a change, something easy to manage, low maintenance) she really gave me really thoughtful advice and the best haircut I’ve ever had. She knew exactly what would be best for my hair, taking into account my face shape, how much effort I want to put into styling (none), coloring, frizziness etc. I’ve also had color done here — I was making the transition from heavily (blonde) highlighted to natural (dark blonde), and had Pat do a paint job which gave me natural looking hair with a slight ombré effect so that it wouldn’t be too much of a shock. As a corny-​90s-​shampoo-​ad-​model might say, my hair has never looked better. Bonus — the salon is so peaceful, with a no-​phone policy, good books, revolving art exhibitions and chilled staff, and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated by the space, the service and the conversation.

I can not say enough positive things about ‘As You Like It’.
HAIR: I have had Pat cut my hair for almost a year now. From the moment you walk into the door Pat makes everyone feel taken care of. Pats intelligence as an artist, business owner, and member of the Evanston community is apparent from the moment you meet her. She takes into account my life style, personality and unique hair qualities when cutting, coloring, and sculpting my hair. I work in the entertainment industry and image is VERY important. I personally am not the kind of person who likes to use 6 products in the morning and spend over an hour getting ready. Pat gives me a hair cut that looks great if I don’t have time to do anything to it at all, but also has gently taught me how to do one or two simple things to get a more manicured look.
MASSAGE: Sam uses a unique combination of intelligence and know how, strength, precision to heal. Sam and I have had any number of fascinating conversations while he has worked on my feet, back, and neck. As a performer my body is my tool for earning a living. Sam has: made it possible for me to spread all my toes individually, made my bunions shrink to ¼ their original size, addressed my cronic should and neck tension, I’ve seen Sam elevate sciatica and since seeing Sam I haven’t had another tension headache.
WAXING: I’ve had my eyebrows, underarms, and legs waxed. The esthetician was fast, professional (which means a lot less painful), and very hygienic. Lovely to talk as well.
SPACE: In a time period where art, culture and relaxation are so important I can’t think of how a working salon and gallery could do it all better. Great care and thought has been taken to assure that the lighting, acoustics, and general feel of the space as warm and welcoming as the people who work in it. Details like the communal library, tiny dishes of candy and the thoughtful curation of the gallery itself set this space apart from others.

Pat has been my favorite hair person now for almost 20 odd years. I first discovered her because a friend of mine had a really amazing and unique yet classy haircut, and she directed me towards Pat.
Over the years I’ve taken any number of people to Pat who claimed that no one was ever able to cut their hair right. One was a male friend with some interesting cowlicks that cutters never notice until it’s too late — Pat found all of them before even picking up her scissors, and his hair lay neatly when she was done. Another was a couple from Belgium who swore that no one in the US could give a good haircut, I took them to Pat and they were converted.
Granted, Pat is pricey (~$ 50) compared to super-​cuts (or any of the other $ 10 places), but if you really care about having a great hair cut or have ‘problem’ hair than I strongly suggest that Pat’s skills are not only worth her fee, but actually quite affordable compared to some of the pricer salons.

I love this place. I have worked with Patt (the owner), Liz (for me haircuts, although she does more), and Pamela (for eyebrows, facials, and manicures).
The great things have already been said — lovely environment, great talent, very pleasant and interesting people who are very kind and generous. Liz and Pamela even helped me get made up for a big event once after I got hair and nails done!
Love the no cellphones rule, the art, the teepee for children, the magazines and books.
I left for awhile, looking for a less expensive haircut, but I had to come back. it’s a refuge, a beautiful space, and the results are great.

I got a haircut from Liz many, many years ago. I am one of those people who hates haircuts, and usually bothers every 2 years to go to a professional. After a few Mario Tricoci cuts (rating anywhere from meh to yawn), I returned to Liz.
I had asked a friend at work to trim 2 inches off of my hair, and she removed 6 inches. Her math skills aside, let us say that I truly needed help. I had come to like the overall messy bob look, but it needed to be shorter, layered, and perhaps of a more symmetrical shape.
I remembered the magical feeling I had from my 15-​year-​ago experience with Liz, and managed to remember her name. She gave me a cut so fantastic I actually cried a little. Took her time, edited, asked questions, made suggestions and made me cry with joy.
Naturally, I have waited 7 months to return, ’cause I’m poor and lazy. MY HAIR STILL LOOKS GREAT. Billions of compliments later, time for another cut.
If yer looking for a change and need guidance, or just want the best haircut you’ve ever had, call As You Like It. I’ve seen the work of the other stylists, too, and they share the same philosophy and skill set. I can’t say enough about my experiences here. Thanks, Liz.

I highly recommend waxing and nail (manicure/​pedicure) services here. I’ve seen Pamela five times now for waxing. She does an excellent job. Pamela is quick, efficient, and professional while being totally relaxed. I’ve always had good waxing and nails services here and the prices are very reasonable. Sometimes Pamela offers specials which are good deals for multiple services. There is a discount for first time clients. Check the website for details.

This salon is surprising in so many ways. From the exterior, curtains hide a lovely interior, which owner Pat has designed to be peaceful and calming. There is a library for guests, a teepee for children to quietly play in, and interesting artwork and décor.
Pat is a color genius. My hair was multicolored after years of on again, off again, half/​full head highlights, and I decided it was time to go to my natural dark blonde. We had an extensive consultation, by the end of which I already had full faith in Pat’s ability to get me to the color I was envisaging. As expected, the color turned out wonderfully well. Pat used the painting technique, and left some of the blonde (but with a brief rinse over it) at the tips to give an hombre effect. I can’t yet speak to how well the color lasts, but Pat offers a guarantee on her services, and made sure I knew I could come back if I was unhappy with how it looks after washes/​daily life.

I got some waxing services done here by Pamela, and she did an excellent job! She really got all the little hairs out on my face, and it’s been a week already and i still look nice and clean :) usually it only takes 2 or 3 days for hairs to start showing on me again. It was also very nice talking to Pamela — she has been there for years, and was telling me really interesting stories about how the area has changed. That was my first time going there, so i don’t know about the other services, but the place itself is really cute and i like that they have art hanging around like a gallery. It is really inexpensive too, which is great for how nice of a job they did.
I have been living in Evanston for 2 years now, and i’m really sad I hadn’t found this place sooner! I am moving next week so I won’t be nearby anymore, but if i’m ever in the area, I would definitely come back!

Pamela does an amazing job at affordable prices!

Patt has been cutting & coloring my stick straight, thick hair for years. She is smart, funny, insightful & a true professional.

I’ve been going to As You Like It to get my hair cuts for the last 15 + years, it is a wonderful place. In fact, I live in Chicago around the Ukranian Village area and I make the commute up to Evanston just to get my hair cut here. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. The service is excellent and my hair cuts have always been great. They are in touch with contemporary styles and always strive to make sure their work is the best as can be.

I came in for a wax (leg, bikini, eyebrow) with Pamela, and had a really great experience.
Pamela was quick and extremely effective in hair removal — she spoke to me about my skin sensitivity, checked the temperature, and allowed me to check areas before she moved on. One of my better waxing experiences in Chicago.

My hair has been a regular customer at As You Like It for over 10 years.
Reasons for my loyalty.
1. Expertise. Hair is their artistry. They care about perfection and they care that I am happy, every time. I’ve had cuts and color done about every six weeks since 2000, so that is (doing the math…) about 90 visits! I was a customer (just for cuts) before that. And once you find a place that ‘gets’ your hair, you go back!
2. Atmosphere. It is one of those rare places on earth where the vibe makes me both calm and happy at once. Open, colorful, airy and eclectic, giant plants thrive next to the huge windows of the second story space. (I’ve secretly always wished I could live there.;)
3. Literature. The name As You Like It comes of course from Shakespeare, and really does sum up the philosophy the salon. Plus… books! Old fashioned hard cover books available to read while you wait or to borrow if you please. A pretty rare find in a salon.
3. Art. Owner Pat Murray features a new installment of local artists’ work every three or four months. It’s a feast for the eyes. You can take your time viewing while getting your hair done, some artists leave bio info about each piece you can flip through as well. I got to know a few favorite pieces over the course of my regular visits, and now have three of them in my home. I feel lucky to have had exposure to many talented artist’s work that I might not have otherwise.
Liz is my stylist, and a color expert. She approaches my hair with an artistic eye I have really come to trust. She is not shy about finding out exactly what I have in mind each time, and is always concerned that I like it, not just a little, but a lot!
As You Like It also offers massage, facials, mani’s and pedi’s, and sells interesting hair adornments at good prices. Highly recommend. :)

A great place to get a great hair cut! The owner Patt takes extra time to have an honest conversation about what you expect from your hair cut and what will look good on you. She truly understands how to sculpt a person’s hair to fit their personality and lifestyle.
I am a very anxious hair cut consumer but she makes you feel very at ease, along with the relaxing atmosphere. A hidden gem in Evanston.

Patt has been giving me great hair cuts for years. As You Like It is a funky, comfortable, relaxing space. I often walk in there stressed out in the middle of a work day, and I always walk out feeling a little more relaxed and peaceful (not to mention more attractive).
Everyone there is very accomodating and genuinely nice, and they really care that you leave the salon looking and feeling your best. I’m with Isla on this – a true gem!

As You Like It is a beautiful salon that reflects the personalities of the professionals who work there.
I have my hair styled by Patt Murray, who refers to my hair as «her work», which she takes great pride in. After each cut, Patt makes sure to check in, and offers to fix any little details in case there is anything that’s bothering me, which there never is. Every cut has been great and has grown out perfectly! (I tend to go a long time between cuts).
For a mix of truly amazing customer service, a vintage small business approach, and vibrant artistic surroundings, I highly recommend As You Like It!

The atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming, the styling thoughtful and attentive. As You Like It features interesting décor, a rotating gallery of compelling art, a full range of services. I’ve had some of my most illuminating conversations over the past 20 years with the owner. This place is a treasure.

Now that I live further south, I really miss As You Like It. It might be the cutest salon ever. Such a peaceful, homey, gem just north of the bustling city.
They have a library in there where you can borrow books (with great titles!). There is the sweetest little playroom in an alcove where children can play. They display and sell local art. Everyone that I have met there seems to genuinely care about the services they are delivering.
I haven’t gotten a haircut there, but I used to go get my eyebrows done all the time. Pamela was great. Very attentive. She also does a nice facial with attention to acupressure points.