CheekyChicago

Finding a good salon is like finding the perfect pair of black stiletto boots.  The search is painful – trying on style after style – but in the end, it fits perfectly.

Such was the case when I stumbled (probably because of my senseless stilettos) into Red 7 Salon on Kinzie Street a few days ago.

After climbing a fantastically cartoonish set of stairs, I landed on a platform, immediately smelling salon air.  Red 7’s part whimsical, part rock ‘n’ roll, part David Mamet Chicago, and a large part Alice in Wonderland. I half expected the tea I was drinking (that the very friendly staff brewed for me) to bear a signing reading ‘Drink Me.’

First things first, they bathed my untamed hair with high quality Bumble & Bumble product.  However, the quality product was secondary to the scalp massage.  This wasn’t the obligatory scratch-client’s-head-for-17-seconds-to-make-the-customer-feel-good scalp massage.  This was a complimentary, very thorough service that they offer to all clients.  (Another comp service: easy check out. Pay from your chair and walk out the door.)

Wet and clean, I made my way to David’s chair.  Oh David!…one of the very few stylists (and co-owner of the salon) who actually cares about what the client wants.  “Trim or cut?”; “Layers or no?”; “Bangs or wisps?”  And at the end of my haircut (after stimulating conversation ranging from color guards to dating to Chicago architecture, and a complimentary, hot lotion hand massage) – guess what? – he listened.  My hair was barely shorter, but a whole lot healthier, bouncier, and bangier.  Plus, I made a new friend.

Two, in fact.  Crystal – the cutest, spunkiest thing you ever did see – completed my look with a make-up consultation.  I like to think I know a thing or two about make-up (duh, you can’t wear pink lipstick with blue liner), but this one knows it all, and you can see it on her face.  Flawless, fun, and composed, I think she pulled the same look off on me.

I was now ready to take on the town….or the Red Queen…whatever happened first.

So head to Kinzie Street – up the whimsical, red-carpetted staircase and past the steam of salon air.  After your services, you’ll be thrilled with what you see reflected through the lookingglass…