XEX Hair Gallery | Chicago Loop Hair Salon

testimonials

We appreciate our clients and always do our best to treat you well. Below you will find some reviews from those who have joined us.

Feel free to send us your comments as well! They are always appreciated.

“I work upstairs, which is the only way I heard about XEX. I was skeptical at first…what are the chances that the best salon in Chicago is in your building? But lucky for me, it is!

XEX is different from any other place I’ve ever been. It’s not snobby or pretentious, but very relaxing and neat. You go to XEX if you want your money’s worth for an excellent job done. You don’t go if you want to get your hair cut at a place that looks like a lounge. XEX is only open during weekdays so the point is to get your hair done on your break or right after work. This works out great, so I don’t have to make an extra trip. Also, there is no stupid price breakdown according to “experience.” All the stylists are the same price, eliminating the dilemma of choosing whether or not to take the risk of the less-expensive cut. From experience, they all seem to do a great job. Also, your stylist will wash your hair herself/himself, eliminating yet another hassle — tipping 5 times. Instead, I just give my stylist one big tip since he does such an amazing job.

My hair is really thick and long, and T.J. is the only stylist I’ve ever had who can give me a cut that looks great for weeks afterward. His layering technique is just amazing! It never looks too clumpy or uneven in random places…the layers blend in nicely. I’ve also got my hair colored here before by Tracy and feel that she did an amazing job even though I no longer get color.

You can’t beat these prices for this service in Chicago. Most importantly, you get treated very nicely and always walk out feeling excellent.

One more note. If you’re Asian, like I am, try T.J. He is really good with cutting Asian hair, which I think takes a unique skill. Please tell him Julie sent you.” – Julie H. (via Yelp!). 01/13/2010

“I recently moved here from Boston and was very reluctant to try a new hair dresser. However, since I cannot fly back everytime I need my hair done I relied on YELP reviews to guide me the right place. The reviews here did not disappoint! Sheena gave me a full highlight and a great haircut above my expectations! I found my salon in Chicago. I also had a coupon from their website that was an added bonus. I highly recommend Sheena.” – Mary P. (via Yelp!). 01/22/2010

“Wonderful service with superb stylists (Barbara, Gary and David) who know how to cut hair. Great atmosphere – including fabulous Italian glass creations and Aveda products for sale. You get what you pay for – and more – here. Marlene, the fabulous manicurist, is returning in March. This place is first rate – have been going there for 4 years.” – M.D. (via Yelp!). 01/20/2010

“This review is long overdue as I had my haircut here a little over two weeks ago. I saw that XEX was giving Yelpers 50% off haircuts so I decided to give them a try since it’s located 5 min from my office and I have walked passed the salon many times.

When I arrived I was greeted right away and was taken back within 2 minutes by my stylist Gary. I’m currently trying to grow out my hair so I was looking for a trim with some style and thick side swept bangs. I told Gary that and he took a look at my hair and seemed to know exactly what I was talking about. So far so good. During the haircut we had great conversation which is a rarity for me because I’m not much of a talker during haircuts or colors. At one point I mentioned how I wanted to color my hair but I was unsure of what to do and he called over the colorist to talk with me and give me some ideas. I thought that was really nice. 25 minutes later I had a great haircut with a great blowout. I am very pleased with my haircut and even more pleased weeks later. I have wavy hair and I’m often too lazy to blowdry in the morning and the cut Gary gave me works great with my waves as well.

Probably one of the better haircuts I have had and I’m planning on going back there for my next haircut even if I have to pay full price!” – Hilja C. (via Yelp!). 12/03/09

“Took advantage of the 1st-time Yelpers discount and was so glad I did! Got Sheena for a haircut, I was kinda nervous cuz I wanted to try getting bangs but was worried that they would make me look too young. She was super friendly (as are the other people who work there), and didn’t try to push hair products on me, which I really appreciated. I can pretty much only afford to splurge on good haircuts because I don’t buy $15 bottles of shampoo all the time! Got a great haircut with bangs and ended up winning their holiday fundraiser raffle for a complimentary cut or color…how crazy! So I went back to Sheena again for a bang trim and fun blue highlights! She was also an expert at the bleaching/coloring process, it went fast but not sloppy. And my hair still feels pretty healthy for being bleached. I really like them…I think I’ll go back to get more highlights done, maybe mix up the colors too. It’s all part of my master plan to turn into a generic anime character.

Haircuts are a bit pricey (especially when you’re a student), but their website lists special monthly offers…after that it’s actually pretty reasonable, compared to a lot of other salons in Chicago.

You can also find the salon by going into the entrance for Wow Bao/The Renaissance on State and Lake, and just follow the hallway (if I remember correctly there are some stairs that lead up to the Renaissance, don’t go up those…stay on that hallway as it takes a slight left).” – Nan S. (via Yelp!). 01/12/2010

“Love XEX and the warm and professional staff there -Sheena, Barb, Charles, Gary, David, Tracy! You walk in, are offered a glass of wine(!) and treated like they genuinely care. I go to Tracy for color and she is truly an expert in this area. Each time I go it’s like the first -not just routine, she pays attention each time to the details, checks to be sure nothing should be changed and always offers new advice and product information when it makes sense. And, they don’t gouge you on their fees which are competitive.” – Nancy M. (via Yelp!). 01/10/2010

Probably one of the better haircuts I have had and I’m planning on going back there for my next haircut even if I have to pay full price!” –

“So after 1 visit I’ve decided that this is going to be my downtown hair place. It’s really hard to get down there from my house and parking’s awful, but it’s convenient from work and they do a great job. I showed up late and they were cool about it. There were only 2 stylists working and they were awesome at multitasking. They did a good job on my color and they did an awesome cut. I like it, I’ll be back and I’d send friends too!” – Kelsie C. (via Yelp!). 07/19/09

“If you are looking for an amazing team of experienced stylists, a great location and a beautiful salon, then XEX is a must! The salon is absolutely gorgeous inside–a fusion of both art gallery and salon–filled with bright colors and showcased glass.

I would definitely consider myself hair-obsessed (kind of a trademark for me) and am incredibly picky about who I let cut/color my hair, so finding a stylist who listens to my needs as well as advises me about what would look good is a must. Sheena is awesome! After my old stylist moved away, a friend recommended I come see her and I’m so glad I did!! Her cuts are great and I can go a few extra weeks without needing a trim since my cut grows out evenly. Sheena is super friendly and attentive and everyone at the salon is nice and not snobby or pushy at all, making you feel really comfortable and amongst friends.

I highly recommend this salon!!” – Erica W. (via Yelp!). 07/07/09

“I stopped into XEX for a cut because it’s near my office to give it a try and ended up sticking with it for the last three years. Gary is an excellent stylist; he’s not afraid to give you his opinion and is great at recommending a look that suits you well. When I went for the first time I’d had the same cut for years and was looking for something unique and classy (not easy when you have curly hair) and he gave me the perfect change I was looking for. I’m also hesitant to trust anybody with my curly hair, because most people don’t know what they’re doing, but this man certainly does!!

A cut isn’t cheap there, but like I said, it’s worth it, and you can’t find a great cut for much cheaper in Chicago. After tip it ends up being $70. They have punchcards that get you a free cut (or color) every six visits which definitely helps. I would recommend giving it a try (check Groupon.com for half off) and see if it works out as well for you as it did for me! There is always some kind of discount out there for new clients, so get on the internet and look around (check their site too).” – Lauren C. (via Yelp!) 07/06/09

“I’ve been going to XEX for over a year. TJ’s the best. I trust him to pretty much do whatever he wants with my hair, and he always does a great job. I always get tons of compliments.” – Bobbie W. (via Yelp!). 07/28/09

“I’ve been going to XEX for about a year now. Sheena does an excellent job with cutting, hair color and not to mention, one of the best blow outs (for straightening) I’ve ever had. She pays great attention to detail and listens. From the moment I walk in, the entire staff and Sheena great their customers with a smile and an offering of a beverage- and I like to have a glass of wine while I’m relaxing and getting my hair done! Its a nice touch! Sheena has kept my hair looking amazing; and she always has a smile on her face! The prices are totally reasonable and I highly recommend the salon and hairstylist/colorist, Sheena. She makes this place special!” – Joanna R. (via Yelp!). 07/03/09

“I love this salon. Tracy and TJ know how to make me kook good. My color is the best and my haircuts are wonderful.” – Adrienne R. (via Yelp!). 07/15/09

“XEX is a fun, relaxing awsome environment with a talented staff of colorists and stylists. Tracy has an eye for color and David, for cuts. Everytime I leave the salon, inevitably someone asks me where I get my hair done!” – Shelley E. (via Yelp!). 07/23/09

“I recently got my hair highlighted by Tracy. I have long dark brown hair. She did an amazing job. I am going lighter with my hair and it looks great. I definitely recomend Tracy to my friends. I have been really timid in coloring my hair because it is so long and healthy. My hair is now colored and still just as healthy.” – Heather C. (via Yelp!). 7/21/09

“I moved to the South Loop a few years ago and needed to find a new salon close to home. I found XEX and Tracey and I have been thrilled ever since. Tracey is the color specialist. With her I always feel like I am in good hands. She is honest, listens and knows what she is doing. I also enjoy her company which is a bonus. The salon is open on Mondays which is a huge plus for me because it is my day off. I think XEX is a friendly salon with a talented staff and recommend giving it a try.” – Maria M. (via Yelp!). 7/7/09

“I found this place through the first time customer discount while looking for a salon close to work/school. I like convenience. I saw Sheena, who did a great job on my poor tresses (after moving to the southside and far, far away from my high-priced salon up north, they had gone somewhat. . .neglected!!)

Anyway, being a no-fuss girl who is trying to just grow my hair out, I had no interest in a salon that charges 80 bucks for a stupid trim. On the other hand, I had already suffered from my miserliness thanks to the Hair Cuttery butchers who give new meaning to the “you get what you pay for” rule of thumb. I wanted something in between.

Sheena did/does a great job, never tries to talk me into getting highlights or going just a “little more blond”. She doesn’t try to convince me that everyone is doing bangs now, nor does she push product into my hands or attempt to coerce me to come in more often than I need to. I am so incredibly grateful to have found a stylist who listens to what I want and can deliver a great look without all the unnecessary upsell you get at other salons.

Everyone else at the salon is incredibly friendly–price, location, quality and friendly staff. I couldn’t ask for more. So glad I found XEX!!” – Beth T (via Yelp!). 6/16/09

“I just came back with a very awesome hair cut by Barbara. I LOVE my new cut. She did a fabulous job. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I have nothing but good things to say about XEX . The salon is very unique. It is inside an art gallery and the salon uses Aveda products. Very convenient location in the loop. I am definitely booking my next appointment here. Very reasonable prices, discount for first time clients and you get a discount card, once it is marked 5 times you get a free cut. How cool is that.” – Moni K (via Yelp!). 5/11/09

“I recently purchased one of those sold on the street spa package deals, I had just chugged a Venti coffee and was feeling generous from my caffeine high, I am NOT one of those people to buy into the “pay now, save later” packages but I digress.

I scheduled my first haircut and was assigned David as my hair stylist. He turned out to be very funny, friendly, and intuitive in regards to my hair. I left with the perfect trim and an offer for a free blow out on my return visit to receive highlights. The products smell so yummy(love Aveda) and the salon manages to feel classy and relaxing.

I would recommend it to friends and strangers alike.” – Alice R (via Yelp!). 5/8/09

“If your recession budget has you feeling a little bit antsy about your usual $80+ haircut, but you’re not ready to subject your tresses to the $18 Russian roulette of a Great Clips kind of place, you might want to consider XEX- it’s got a luxury feel and expert service, but surprisingly reasonable prices ($48 for a women’s cut with the first-time $10 discount, and daily specials on their website for other great discounts.)

Gary, the owner, did a great job cutting my hair, and it was a lovely, unhurried experience throughout. He’s got tons of experience in North America, Europe, and Asia, and is very thorough and detail-oriented. He was also lots of fun to talk to and a really nice guy. We talked a lot about the business, and he emphasized that their goal was to run a salon with high-end service without charging high prices, which certainly seems to be what they’ve achieved.

Another neat thing- I noticed a Feeding America poster on their wall and asked about him about it, and he told me about the various fundraisers that they run to give back to the community, namely doing events to benefit foodbanks and promote local artists. I think he said that their most recent event raised on the order of $20,000 for Feeding America. This salon is a great choice for a haircut, but it’s also a business that cares about and gives back to the community- another great reason to visit.” – Elaine H (via Yelp!). 3/23/09

“The staff is friendly and love the look inside. I always receive a fabulous hair style. Highly recommend.” – Nancy N (Via Yelp!). 5/8/09.

“I went back to see Tracy a couple of days ago for another highlight and she delivered beautifully again! The best part was getting tips about how to keep my blonde bright and cut down the brassiness. Maintenance is so important in this town of rusty pipes and hard water! Best of all, the customer service at this place is hands down the best I have ever seen. The prices are very reasonable considering the expertise of the hairstylists and the fact that they are an Aveda salon. GO and let Tracy do your hair!” – Dominque C (via Yelp!). 5/2/09

“I just got my 2nd haircut from Keara, and I have finally found a stylist that listens to me and knows how to cut hair! I have short hair but have had difficulty finding a stylist to try different styles that I see in a magazine. Other stylists say they understand what I want but give me something totally different. Keara on the other hand, is fabulous! I didn’t have a picture, but discussed with her the look I was going for (in my own words). She asked me what aspects of my current style I like and was able to incorporate them into my chic pixie cut that is turning heads! I never thought I could have a style that was so versatile. I purchased on their Aveda products on my first visit but had trouble using it. I told Keara, and she took the time to show me how to use it with my new style!

XEX has a great, hip atmosphere with a very friendly staff! I live and work in Lincoln Park and have no problem travelling downtown to get my haircut with Keara….I wouldn’t have it any other way!

By the way, Tracy did a fabulous job cleaning up my eyebrows!” – Amy M (via Yelp!). 4/30/09

“I’ve been getting my hair cut/colored there for 3+ years @ XEX and Tracy is hands down the best! They use all-natural Aveda products and no bleach if you’re going blonder-it’s great! I usually get my hair cut by Barbara and she’s wonderful, but if she’s booked, I’m comfortable going to anyone there. Also, the price is well under what most higher-end salons downtown are. Convenient location, easy to book, love it!” – Lauren F (via Yelp!). 4/30/09

“I started going to XEX about two years ago and LOVE IT. Tracy does my color which alway looks fabulous and Sheena cuts my hair. When Sheena cuts my hair I can go months without getting a cut and it still looks great !!! I get so many compliments from coworkers and friends that I refuse to go anywhere else !!!!!!!” – Nelly B (via Yelp!). 4/30/09

“I have been getting my hair cut at Xex for over two years. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. After my first visit my wife’s reaction was “Finally you got an excellent haircut.” The price is good ($38 for a man’s cut), the ambiance is excellent.

Highly recommended.” – Robert A (via Yelp!). 4/27/09

“My second visit to XEX was on the third week of June. I decided to add some color, as recommended by Barbara. Tracy, was my Colorist and she is FANTASTIC!!

I’m getting compliments almost everyday on the new look!

Thank you, ladies!” – Rebecca S (via Yelp!). 7/17/08

“I was in desperate need of a new salon & stylist in the Loop since I’d moved to South Loop and have been working in the Loop for a while now. Being a woman, and one who takes pride in myself, I’ve been leary to leave Nikki at Salon Siren in Wrigleyville/Lakeview but the commute was killing me. If you live in that area – she’s awesome at cuts and color – you’ll love her!

On to XEX…I tried them out and I’m crazy happy with my results. Dana was my stylist and I’ll definitely be going back again and again. I hadn’t had my hair shaped and cut in 8 weeks which is a long time for my style since I wear it in a contemporary bob cut…meaning, a lot of shaping and maitenance for the stylist.

She’s very personable and Michael (the receptionist) was great on the phone and in person. They took my coat, got me a glass of water when I came in and are an Aveda salon so my hair had a great scent when I walked out as well.

Plus, they’re open on Monday so I was able to sneak away during my lunch time and get my hair beautifully redone during the day – bonus!

And to boot they gave my 15% for being a first time client. I’m a new regular at XEX and will be sticking with Dana. I was thinking of getting highlights and she actually told me to stick wth my natural color because it’s so shiny and beautiful – what a great stylist – definitely not trying to push product or services.

Give them a shot if you’re looking for a great salon in the Loop!” – Adriana L (via Yelp!). 1/30/09

“Great place in the Leo Burnett Building. The store is located on Lake St. by the Chase bank. I had my first appt. here a few weeks ago with Gary. Unfortunately, he took ill and Dana took care of me for my visit; she was great and has all the skill and then some needed for her clients.

Overall it was a great experience and I will be stopping by after work from now on.” – Aaron B (via Yelp!). 9/10/07

“Finally I found a good salon near where I work! …XEX is a great salon and I liked Gary. They serve you beer/wine/whatever while you wait.

Gary did an awesome job on my hair. He’s Italian and obviously up on the latest trends… (he frequently goes back to Italy and cuts hair there too?)

It’s a salon but they also sell a bunch of Italian art and have a huge hair product selection.

Men’s haircuts are $38 but they gave me a first time client discount. Also apparently their web site has daily web only offers on it.

Definitely would recommend this place!” – Dane K (via Yelp!). 5/4/07

“XEX is A friendly, comfortable place with quality service.

If someone told me a few years ago I’d be reviewing a hair salon … but nonetheless, life moves in odd ways and here I am.

What you should know about my perspective on this place:

Prior to getting my haircut here for the first time in April ‘05, I was strictly a Hair Cuttery and Super Cuts guy. For years.

What that means is:

- I have no other fancy-pants salon experience to draw upon for comparison

- I was coming from a situation where clearly anything would have been a dramatic step up

- I was also apprehensive about stepping into the grown-up haircut world and the people at XEX have been gentle with me, ultimately converting me into a regular customer.

You should also know that I work in this building, so I kind of arrived by default at first. So location earned them trial, but the experience has earned them my monthly haircut for the past 18+ months.

More background
This salon was something else before David and Gary came in to turn it around. And they have changed everything – the look, some of the folks working there, and ultimately the attitude. They are small business entrepreneurs who care and work their asses off trying to deliver good service. By all means ask more experienced hair salon critics for better/different perspective, but if you’re in this area of the city and looking for a place, give them a shot.” – Art S (via Yelp!). 1/7/07

“XEX is A friendly, comfortable place with quality service.

If someone told me a few years ago I’d be reviewing a hair salon … but nonetheless, life moves in odd ways and here I am.

What you should know about my perspective on this place:

Prior to getting my haircut here for the first time in April ‘05, I was strictly a Hair Cuttery and Super Cuts guy. For years.

What that means is:

- I have no other fancy-pants salon experience to draw upon for comparison

- I was coming from a situation where clearly anything would have been a dramatic step up

- I was also apprehensive about stepping into the grown-up haircut world and the people at XEX have been gentle with me, ultimately converting me into a regular customer.

“Making the appointment by telephone with the friendly staff is a big plus. You are welcomed into the shop by a cheerful receptionist and proficiently highlighted and expertly cut by the winsome staff of Tracy and Dana, respectively. Everyone says, “hi”, and by the time you leave you look and feel wonderful. Dr. Shanna is really terrific, too. She did a great job getting rid of my tension. Super salon for men and women. ~~MaryPreusser~~

* Pros: atmosphere, friendly experienced employees, easy to find-enter on Wacker or Lake & Randolph
* Cons: none” – MaryPreusser (via Citysearch). 2/25/08

“I’ve been going here for the last year and love them. I also work in the building (Leo Burnett) so it’s convenient. But I’m very picky about my hairstylists and have tried 4 or 5 since I moved here 2 years ago. Tracy does a wonderful job on my highlights (she was awarded Colorist of the Year from Aveda and uses all Aveda products). Gary cuts my hair and always gives me cute cuts that fit my hairtype and the trends. He’s Italian and travels around to NYC, London, and Italy to start salons with a company (not sure of the name) and keep up on the latest trends. I’ve gotten so many compliments recently from my cut and color. The prices aren’t any better or worse than any other salon. I think it’s $55 for a woman’s cut and $95 for highlights. But one of the best things about this salon is that NO ONE that I’ve met there has a snooty attitude. So if you’re looking for a great place to get your haircut/colored where people are genuine, this is your place.

* Pros: Friendly staff, skill of colorist and cutter, atmosphere, acupuncturist/massage therapist on site, prompt
* Cons: none” – Cloudy999 (via Citysearch). 12/4/07