Fringe Salon and Spa

Thanks, Aaron, for these few months of wonderful haircuts! I seem to have been unlucky in the past, as I thought that the long layered cut I always wanted was almost impossible, or that I was just unable to duplicate it at home, but he has given me several lovely, easy-to-style, versatile haircuts that look marvelous for weeks. My hair looks modern but very classic; most of all, it's very ?me,? by virtue, I think, of his caring consultation, ability to listen, and superb judgment about what looks good on me, with my hair type.
He's easy-going in the right way (not cavalier, but nice to talk to) as well as professional- a rare and admirable combination. I will continue coming back as long as I live in Chicago- the right stylist is hard to find, and this one is absolutely great.

Pros: Inexpensive, great customer service

Posted 04/22/09

Natalie is one of those great hair stylist every girl hopes to find: she can see what she wants to do with your hair before she ever picks up her scissors. When Natalie finished taking my hair from mid-back to my chin, it looked absolutly FABULOUS. And the cut is VERY low maintenance--wash it, dry it, flat iorn,and shape it a bit with fingers and a brush and it is good to go. Get windblown or mashed under a hat--no problem. I can bring it right back with the brush and fingers! Give yourself a treat. Have Natalie cut your hair-incidentally, she is also a great colorist. To top it off Natalie did an AWESOME job with my hair for my wedding. I have very thin and fine hair and Natalie was able to transform my it into a gorgous full and curly half up do. My hair looked better than I had envisioned it to look on my wedding day! Natalie is an all around FANTASTIC hairstylist, and I highly reccomended her to everyone looking for new and trendy stylist!

Pros: Ambience, Professionalism

Cons: Parking

Posted 01/25/09

For the last year or two, every time I needed a haircut, I tried out a new salon, and was never thrilled enough with the results to stick to a stylist. After searching again for salons on citysearch, and reading a lot of good reviews for fringe, I made an appointment. I wanted to see either Natalie or Winter, and Winter was available, so I went to her. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside, it is very cute and modern. I was a little disappointed at first because she cut my hair dry (I always like getting the shampoo) but I went with it. The end result was a little different than I expected, but I loved it. In the past, my cuts always looked very similar, after asking for long layers and side sweep bangs, but somehow, it just lays different this time. It has been two months now, and it still looks great. I'm away at school, but I can't wait to go home and get another cut...I'll definitely be sticking with this salon!

Posted 01/21/09

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Posted 12/08/08

After experiencing literally hundreds of bad highlights and hair cuts over the years, I finally found the perfect sylist. Natalie is truly talented at what she does-- my highlights are always absolutely gorgeous and I am constantly getting complements about how beautiful the color looks. I am a natural brunette, but the way Natalie colors and tones my hair, the blonde looks absolutely natural on me. Her highlights, besides being dead on in terms of color, are the perfect thickness and placement throughout my hair.

Natalie is also amazing at hair cutting. I've always had flat, volumeless hair that is just past my shoulders. She has completely transformed my look into something modern and yet easy to maintain, with lots of layers that create volume and frame my face beautifully. And I was able to keep the length.

I have gone to stylists who charge three times the amount Natalie does and Natalie is better than all of them, without exception. Her prices are reasonable, she has a great personality and is fun to talk to, and she really takes care of her clients with amazing customer service.

I also think Fringe overall is a great salon-- it's always clean, has a sleak and modern feeling, and the staff there are all extremely friendly. Everytime I go to Fringe, I feel like I'm walking into a room filled with old friends.

Natalie is by far the best stylist I've ever gone to, and I will NEVER get my hair done by anyone else, ever. I feel beautiful everytime I leave Fringe, and Natalie's combination of mad color and cutting skills, great customer service, and ridiculously cheap prices makes her my only choice. I have to travel for months at a time for work, and I'm so serious about my allegiance to Natalie that I have actually contemplated flying her to wherever I am working just to do my hair. That's how awesome she is.

Do not even think about going to another salon. Go to Fringe and ask for Natalie. Your won't be disappoinnted.

Pros: Amazing stylists, spa services, friendly but modern atmosphere

Cons: No body wraps in the spa, limited parking

Posted 09/25/08

OMG!! I don't know what any of these other people are talking about....this place is FABULOUS!!! I loved the feel for it as soon as I got there It wasn't like some of the salons I've been to in Lincoln Park or on the Gold Coast --pretentious and cold. No, it was upbeat and warm. The owner is amazing! She has a flare for her trade and will tell it like it is (maybe that's why some of these folks out here can't handle it). Anyway, I had fun. Got a cute haircut and color. Dawn was the best. I'm so glad I finally just took a chance outside of comfort zone....it was the best experience!!! I'll be back!

Pros: Experience and upbeat atmosphere

Cons: parking

Posted 08/07/08

I got a terrible hair treatment by the owner.
I asked to get my hair straightened.
Paid $100.00.
My hair hair is still frizzy.
Went back to show and talk about it, ask her opinion.
She was not interested in any communication.
The other stylist seem very capable.
I've gotten facials by Susan (who works at Fringe), she is amazing!!
Too bad she has to work for such an incompetent owner!

Pros: Amazing place for facials and hair removal.

Cons: Owner does not know anything about hair styling.

Posted 07/14/08

This girl knows how to cut some hair...I went drastic with my cut taking about 8 inches off and not only did she do an awesome job the first time but the second time i went back within the month to go even shorter she threw down and I love it! She's a neurotic perfectionist which is a quality I think every stylist should have. She even called me the next day to follow up and make sure I LOVED it. If thats not great service then I dont know what is. I'd follow her to any salon!

Posted 06/23/08

Natalie gave me a great do. I am growing out my hair and thought I'd go in for a simple trim. Natalie exceeded my expectations by doing way more than I thought could be done with my hair. She took the weight out, gave it texture and definition, and spent a generous amount of time consulting, cutting, styling, and touching up.

Prior to going in my hair was an untamed, straggly, shrub-like mess. It embarrassed me and caused me months of grief. I developed a sore spot on my nape from wearing my mullet in a pony tail for so many damn days on end. I considered my hair a lost cause since I'm trying to grow it out, but alas, I ended up leaving with a swell do indeed. Hot stuff.

Posted 06/20/08

The only reason I am giving this place 4 stars is because of parking. The other reviews say that there is plenty of parking, but I had to drive around for 10 minutes... maybe it's because I am from out of town...but was late to my appointment because of it! Even though I was late, the stylist, Wintere (sp?) was still very cordial and didn't make me feel rushed. Having said that, I was also not there for three hours, and I got highlights, some all- over color, and some type of gloss that I believe they called a toner at my old salon, AND a haircut. My hair is fine, thin, wispy, boring, plain, and dull. Now my hair is shiny, modern, super clean, stacked, and fricking amazing! I love my hair for the first time (not saying I didn't like it before), but seriously LOVE it, and am so sad that I don't live in Chicago. If you live in Chicago, I would recommend her for fine hair or if your hair is just boring like mine. Also, this cut was over a month ago, I live in Florida, and it has grown out perfectly. My regular stylist actually thanked me for seeing someone who knew what they were doing so she didn't have to figure out anything! I thought she was going to be disappointed that I cheated on her.

Pros: stylist

Cons: none (parking)

Posted 06/07/08

It's an industrial type space, orange walls, bright lights, and a very ecclectic group of stylists. I had Winter, and she was great. Haven't had any color done, but my cut was phenomenal. I have seen her twice now, and will be seeing her a third time and so forth.

Posted 05/14/08

oh yeah. it's all about Wintre. she is the best hair cutter i have ever had, even on her so-called "off days".

Pros: great haircuts

Posted 05/12/08

I've never gone to a hair salon twice in Chicago but I'm definitely going back to Fringe. I got the most wonderful haircut of my life and the place is very cool with nice, comfortable people.
The only down sides were when I made the appointment, I asked for the cheaper (junior) stylist and got the more expensive (master) stylist and I didn't know that until they told me the price. But he was totally worth it- amazing haircut. Also, he was really slow but again, totally worth it! Highly recommended.

Pros: amazing skill and friendly without be pretentious

Cons: appointment took a long time, kind of pricey

Posted 04/14/08

I just moved here and was VERY sad about leaving my stylist of 5 years. I needed a new place and was told to try this salon by someone who has great hair. Read the reviews as well and thought I would try it out.

First thing, though not important overall, but the lighting is really horrific here. If I am going to be sitting in a chair for hours, I really dont want to look at myself with fierce overhead lights beaming down on me. Ugh!

Next, told them what I wanted and had them look at my hair. The stylist was NOT at all confident about what I wanted so she brought over the owner. Bad sign, should've left. So the owner comes over and actually poo-poo's my old beloved stylists work ("Was this professionally done?" "Uh, yeah, and it always looks great, I just happened not have had it done in 3 months.")

To make a long and miserable story short, the stylist pretty much messed up my color completely, I looked like a racoon, though they used the technique that the owner suggested would be much better than the way my other stylist had done it. Not only that but the shampoo gal basically tangled my hair to oblivion-she had short hair, I have super long hair and she clearly had not washed a head of long hair...ever.

I left the store and looked at the job they had done more closely and was mortified. It was horrible. I called the next day and told them they had to fix it so I saw the owner the following week. She was not very apologetic, and suggested that I come see her the next time I want this done because it really was a unique request. (Color touch up with highlights...yeah, real tough). She did a bad blowout, tangled my hair again in the process, and left with a somewhat fixed botch up of a color with a bad blowout.

There are too many salons in the area for this to be acceptable. Try somewhere else if you are new.

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Staff, Owner, Ability of the owner right down to the shampoo girl

Posted 04/10/08

Unfortunately I do not live in Chicago, because I have received the best haircut experience in a hair salon at Fringe in Chicago. I was squeezed in with Winter about three months ago, and I wish I could fly her overseas to cut my hair again... If you are a man who wants your hair cut with a beautiful girl who can cut hair extremely well, then you would be crazy not to go to HER.
*Sigh*

Posted 03/19/08

I swear I have never seen this salon before, but I must have passed it up a hundred times in the past 5 years! A friend of mine recommended Wintre, so I gave her a shot. She was really hesitant to cut off any hair past shoulder length, even though I wanted to get the same bob cut that she gave my friend (which is so cute). She said that she would cut my hair that short if she knew me, but she didn't think it was appropriate so I was a tid dissapointed...until I saw the finished result! This girl made my hair feel lighter, healthier and it moves more than ever! On top of that she gave me a gloss to refresh my color for a seriously reasonable price. I have been back twice since, and would definately recommend Wintre for a haircut.

Pros: Great haircuts

Cons: sometimes there are dogs in the salon?

Posted 03/09/08

I came to WIntre after 6 months of growing my hair out, ready for a change but nothing too dramatic. After telling her this and a few ways that I like to wear my hair, she gave me a haircut that works great any way I where it. Most stylists always end up giving me the same haircut just different lengths. Wintre went the opposite way and I couldn't of been happier with it! I highly recommend Wintre she takes her time, listens to what you have to say and gives you a style that works best with your lifestyle and look.

Pros: very relaxed atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 02/12/08

I have been to this salon several times, and I normally have Sanjoy who is top notch. I have also had both Dawn and Winter and they were all great. The shampoo assistants are great, the receptionists are friendly, etc. If you are looking for a chill place to get your hair cut in Wicker Park, check it out. And the parking (like stated below) is not bad for the neighborhood at all.

Posted 02/08/08

Seems either people really like Wintre or not here. Or maybe some of the good reviews are by Wintre herself? Or maybe she just fluctuates so much? Unfortunately I got one of her very bad cuts. It does not even remotely resemble what we discussed. As I was still explaining how little I wanted taken off...she had already cut too much! Winter you must listen closely before you pull out the shears! There was absolutely not consultation here! She just cut what she wanted,which is just bad. She actually made excuses for it after. "well the color line was high so I cut to it" ?? We did not discuss color! If we did, she would have known I had an appointment to get my hair colored next week! Cutting all the way to a line of demarcation?! Ladies, that is high. I was not offered any apology or a time to have it fixed. This also took almost 2 hours! The service is slow, expensive and poor taste.

Cons: no consultation, cold atmosphere

Posted 02/06/08

I love my experience at the Fringe Salon. I received excellent service from one named Rae. She has the experience and the knowhow of how to cut very thick hair. I highly recommend her. She was very friendly and professional to my needs. I give this Salon a very top rating.

Pros: excellent haircut

Posted 02/02/08

my first experience at FRINGE was not so good, I swore i would never give them my business again thats until a friend of mine recommended WINTRE, she did a great job... If your thinking of going here I would def see her for a great experience!! THANKS WINTRE...........

Posted 01/09/08

First time to citysearch here, but I felt compelled to review my last hair cut, it is absolutely amazing! Go to Wintre, she really knows what she's doing and you can trust her to take care of your hair. She doesn't' try to upsell anything to you that you don't need, and is honest with what will work and what will not work with your hair. My hair is beyond my expectations and I would highly recommend getting your hair cut by her. Also, parking is really good for the neighborhood.

I'll be back.

Pros: Great haircut

Posted 01/07/08

I went into this salon because my stylist moved and I was walking by this salon in Wicker Park while shopping. I admit I was scared because because normally when you just walk into a place without an appointment, you get the worst hairstylist... I was fortunate to get the best.
Thanks Wintre!

Posted 12/26/07

I first went to Fringe in early October and the stylist I saw, Wintre, devoted a lot of time giving me really beautiful and rich color, unlike any of the many salons I've previously visited in the area, and a perfect haircut. Seriously, the perfect haircut... and I'm very picky. My hair is long, wavy and really heavy and she gave me the perfect amount of layers to lighten the weight of my hair, but not too many to make it frizzy. I even went back last night for color and my haircut, almost two months later, is still perfect!

Posted 11/27/07

wow...this haircut really has left me speechless. I have been growing my hair out for a year, and it was just past my chin. I visited Wintre to simply have the cut spruced up and shaped up. It was soppose to be shaggy and messy. She said since it is the winter season she will not cut much off!I am not sure what bizarre haircutting trance she went into...but the length is now middle ear and extremely short in the back. The back has absolutely no style...I look like a man from behind. It is not shaggy or messy...as this does require some length. The bangs are butchered to my scalp. When I expressed dislike for the bangs she cut more off!!! They could have been razored on the ends to give them style instead of cut more. Basically I have no hair!!! She cut many many inches off!! It was obvious I hated it!! But the only way to fix it would be turn back time as you can't put the hair back on. I cannot believe I paid for this atrocity! I then paid $80 to try to get it fixed...mainly color to lighten up the hardness of the mans cut. The stylists all admitted that it looked real bad!! Feeling good! I've looked into extensions...but its too short! Its too short for hats, as it looks like I have no hair with a hat. My only options are not leave the house or get a wig. I probably will not being getting my hair touched for at least year and definitely never by Wintre again. Oh yeah, as other reviewers have commented the owner is a b@&ch and a control freak. Bad vibe at Fringe!

Pros: none

Cons: unflattering haircut

Posted 11/21/07

I'm the type of person who finds a ( stylists, colorist, makeup brand,...etc) and sticks wih it. I've been going to a waxing salon on Michigan Ave forever and despite the immense pain I endure- they're the best at what they do and i've been very faithful. Last week I needed an emergency wax and wasn't going to make it downtown in time so I had to make an exception. I looked up Salons in the neighborhood I work in to find an alternate and citysearch gave me Fringe. They had one opening for the day left so I took it. Susan was incredible. I couldn't believe how gentle she was and what a great job she did! I'm not kidding- I dreaded my visits to get waxed even though i loved the results. Susan is everything they are and more- She's gentle. Fringe is my new waxing spot hands down!!

Posted 11/01/07

I've been going to Dawn for the past 10 years. I was one of her first customers when she opened her salon, and I can't seem to stay away. I moved away to Metro NYC 5 years ago, and yes, I fly back to Chicago to visit family and clients, and HAVE MY HAIR DONE. Dawn knows what looks good, is honest about what will look awful, and does an amazing job with color. I've paid over $600 to have the same exact service, cut and highlights, done in salons in NY and CT and guess what? They never get it right. And they charged more than twice what Dawn does. And, none of those salons were even in the City. So why not fly to Chicago to get your hair done? It still costs less than having it done in NYC!

Pros: Hip, fun place with great service

Posted 05/31/07

Susan is seriously the best esthetician you will EVER go to. I've been going to her for years. For waxing she has lightening fast hands. Her facials are so soothing. Her knowledge of dermalogica is outstanding!! Top scores from me.... everyone should know about her.

I used to get my hair done here, but my stylist moved to Joseph Michaels... Michelle... she's the GREATEST too.

The owner takes well deserved pride in her salon. She knows what she's doing.

Top Notch!!!!

Posted 05/07/07

I just moved to the city and was looking for a new salon and stylist. I was referred to Fringe by a friend of mine and ended up booking an appointment. Overall, I could not have asked for a better experience. The salon is funky and chic but at the same time the stylists listen to exactly what you want. I spoke with my stylist for about 15 minutes before we even began cutting and coloring my hair. They asked specific questions about my lifestyle and personal style and in the end I left with a great new cut and added color. If you are looking for a new salon and a personal experpience go to Fringe.

Pros: Personal and Stylish

Cons: None - great experience.

Posted 05/03/07

Fringe is most likely, the best all around experience of any hair salon I've been in. The staff....is proffessional at the least; they know what theyre doing, and their friendly about it. The atmosphere is clean, laid-back, and exactly what I was looking for. Great cut, more than decent pricing; I know a great haircut, and I got one at Fringe.

Pros: Customer service, friendly staff, stylists are excellent.

Cons: They we're remodeling the front a bit when I walked in, but it had little impact.

Posted 04/25/07

This was the WORST salon experience that I have EVER had. A friend and I went to Fringe this weekend and I am convinced that not only do they not listen to their customers but that they all went to some sort of remedial beauty school. My friend got highlights and a haircut that took SIX HOURS. The stylist did not listen to her and gave her a cut that she didn't want. When she asked them to fix it, she was given to 2 different stylists who were also unable to fix it. I asked for specific streaky highlights and brought in a picture of exactly what I wanted. I told the stylist how I wore my hair and that I wanted my bangs long enough to tuck behind my ear... I received NOTHING of what I asked for. My hair was so bad that I went to another salon 2 days later to have it fixed.

THIS IS A TERRIBLE SALON. It is incredibly overpriced for the incompetent service that is provided. Wicker Park and Bucktown are saturated with salons that do quality work for a comparable price. GO TO FRINGE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Cons: INCOMPETENT SERVICE

Posted 04/24/07

It amazes me that some people get angry when they ask a question and they're told the truth. Ludwig has been doing my hair for years now and he has always been forthright and truthful in his own inimitable fashion. Never rude, just honest. The man knows what he's doing and not only will he tell you what won't work on you, he'll take the time to explain WHY it won't. He has done wonderful things with my hair throughout the years. He's very funny too and I love going to him as do a lot of my friends. That lady who gave him such negative review needs to go somewhere where they'll tell her what she wants to hear, then walk out of the salon looking ridiculous! Toughen up girly... beauty's not for sissies!

Posted 12/03/06

I had a haircut appointment with a stylist named Ludwig, and it was a dreadful experience. He was rude and snide. He was one of those stylists who makes fun of what you've done with your hair in the past and tries to browbeat you into his way. He was a superior, nasty, unpleasant person. Several times during the cut, he berated my attitudes about my own hair. He accused me of not caring to spend enough time on my hair. He told me I just had to, "deal with what I had" because he didn't, "have any magic wand that could help." He made me feel stupid, lazy, and ugly and then charged me $100.

Basically he paid no attention to what I told him and did exactly what he wanted to do while intimidating me and making me feel like this bad experience and my hair problems were all my fault. I'm so angry that I even let him finish the cut and actually paid the excessive price for a cut that looks like barely anything was done from when I went into the salon yesterday.

This is the very worst kind of haircut encounter. No one has the right to be that snotty to a customer. I can't speak about the other stylists at Fringe, but Ludwig is the WORST hair stylist I've ever had. It's absolutely not worth the time, money, and effort to go to him.

Pros: none

Cons: bad service

Posted 08/15/06

I really messed up my hair trying to color it myself, but Mike fixed it and made it look better then it ever has! Plus he gave me great tips on how to keep it looking healthy. I highly recommened this salon, the service it great, the people are awesome and the atomosphere is amazing.......

Pros: Service, atmosphere, skills

Cons: none

Posted 06/29/06

Michelle S gave me the best haircut I have had in years. She listened to what I wanted then was honest about how it would work with my hair texture, look on my face and meet my styling needs. I will definately be back. Book your appointment now!!

Pros: great products, stylish space

Posted 06/09/06

Fringe is one of those salons that a guy feels comfortable in: not too frilly, but still professional and comfortable. Unlike some salons where the patrons are all matrons, Fringe has a hip clientele. The staff are all friendly, and seem to be OK if you try out other stylists in the place. I've done that elsewhere any only received death stares from stylists.

Overall, very recommended.

Pros: talented staff, clean, friendly

Cons: parking can be tight

Posted 03/24/06

Fringe is such a great salon! The space is phenomenal. The stylists, talented. This Wicker Park staple has gone un-noticed for too long! They have fresh stylists with great skill and Susan the esthetician, FABULOUS! I highly recomend Fringe to anyone looking for a current look and the best brows possible. Kudos Fringe!

Pros: Style, Easy street parking, moderatly priced

Cons: none

Posted 01/25/06

Fringe is a great salon - not too frilly or trendy. Very talented and courteous staff.

Posted 06/22/05

my experiences at fringe-and there've been many,have all been outstanding.the services are reasonably priced and the conversation's always witty and hillarious!the customer service is FABULOUS, FABULOUS,FABULOUS! the salon itself is hip,relaxing and warm.KUDOS TO U DAWN.....love you all!!!!!!!!!!xoxoxoxo

Pros: great customer servic, great pricing, groovy atmosphere

Cons: there are none

Posted 05/09/05

During my last visit, the salon made a mistake on the schedule and the stylist asked me to dry my own hair. Mind you, they didn't offer a discount of any sort for the inconvenience and they are NOT cheap.

Pros: nearby

Cons: Bad service, No parking

Posted 01/31/05