Charles Ifergan Salon

Pretentious, never going back. it’s been over a month since I saw Jessica at this salon. It’s taken me this long to write my review as I wanted to get some distance from the experience and think about this with a clear head and be as objective as possible. I used Groupon to find the salon as I was new to the downtown area. My appointment was at 11:30. I arrived at 11:30, got the tour, met with Jessica and then on to the shampoo station. I was back in Jessica’s area 15 minutes later (following a shampoo/​conditioning treatment, which was my only pleasant experience). There was a couch behind Jessica’s station and that’s where I sat, with my wet hair, for over 1.5 hours. While I sat there, Jessica proceeded to take another haircut (of someone I assume was a regular as they chatted it up for 45 minutes while she cut her hair). Then, when I thought Jessica was done, a couple came up with one of their children and Jessica proceeded to turn away from the customer she was working on and cut the child’s hair. After the 20 minutes or so that it took to cut the child’s hair, Jessica went back to cutting the woman’s hair she’d been working on. Not once during this time did Jessica come over to me to explain what was going on nor acknowledge that I was sitting there with my wet head. Jessica never asked if she could get me anything, if I minded waiting, if there was someone else that could take my appointment, NOTHING. No communication whatsoever. When she finally did acknowledge me, Jessica said (and I’m not kidding), «whew, my schedule just got crazy, thanks for waiting». Seriously, I had no choice, my head is wet, I’m not leaving here and going back to work like this, what choice did I have? I was so irritated by then at the lack of care, the complete disregard of my time, and Jessica’s flippant attitude that it took every ounce of my composure to not lambast her up one side and down the other about her complete lack of customer service skills. Forget the haircut, it could have been the best cut of my life/​not, but the mere fact that Jessica was clueless as to the time I had wasted was beyond belief. I actually left the salon at 2:15 p.m. How is that acceptable? In looking back, I should have just asked Jessica to have someone dry my hair and leave. I’d say next time, but there won’t be one. It’s a salon, it’s not that deep. There are a million more to try and next time I’ll check Unilocal

After coming to see Jessica for many years myself I had her cut my husband and couldn’t be happier! She is fantastic. Now she is the family stylist. Always the perfect cut every time.

My visit to this salon was a huge disappointment. For the cost of a basic service, it is certainly not worth it. My color turned out poorly — I had a root touch up which isn’t all that much work to begin with however, they still didn’t take the time to ensure that the roots matched the rest of my hair, i can still see a line. After washing, the stylist put conditioner in my hair and immediately rinsed it out. The conditioner should stay in for at least 5 min, especially when your hair is being lightened — it was dry like straw. The worst part was that after the wash, i was lead to a corner of the salon where i had to blow dry and style my own hair. In all of the years that i’ve been getting my hair done professionally, i have NEVER had to sit in a corner and dry and flat iron my own hair. While i was still working on that, the colorist left for the day without bothering to check how the color turned out. What a waste of money, and i did half the work myself!

If you don’t want to read my full review here is the main take away:
1. This is a chop shop for hair. do not go here if you want someone to spend time and effort on your hair. The stylists are in a crunch time rush and do not care!
I am new in Chicago and was fishing for my go to salon. I found Charles Ifergan Salon via Groupon (that should have been the red flag). Everyone was VERY nice upon my arrival. I was and still am impressed by their hospitality. I sat to get my hair conditioned and washed, everything was great. Went to the haircut chair and told the stylist to not cut any length off, I am just looking for layers. She chopped a good 4 inches off my length but DENIED she cut anything off from the length. I am not blind, everyone could notice a huge cut. My husband who never notices anything was first to notice how much shorter my hair was. At least admit that you cut it shorter instead of making me sound crazy. Not only that, she began to «thin» my hair from the ends… I have very thick hair so I get thinning done at least twice a year. I have never see anyone thin the ends of the hair because it will make your hair look like mullet. Thick from top and thin from bottom. After being very disappointed with the haircut, I left and figured that’s what you get from Groupon coupons. The next day I had a wedding to attend and needed someone to do simple waves. After calling many salons, I ended up back at Charles Ifergan (I know I know). I figured how can they go wrong with curls. and honestly their hospitality was great, besides the haircut from hell, I went back thinking they could not mess up curls. Boy was I wrong.
My appointment was at 3, I got there right on time and my stylist was still working on another client. I wanted patiently for 10 minutes and was in the seat by 3:15. The stylist was taking his time and curling my hair patiently until another staff came by saying his next appointment was ready. I noticed he started rushing and grabbing HUGE chunks of my hair and curling like 20% of my head in one shot. Remember I have VERY thick hair. Let’s just say the end result was FAR from what I wanted and the picture I showed him. I told the stylist I was not satisfied, but its fine I will go home and fix it myself. He told me to hold on and gets Charles to come take a look. Charles tells my stylist to go ahead and take the next client and he will fix this. He tried to work on my hair but also had no idea what he was doing. He seemed to be in a rush as well and in the end drenched my hair in hair spray. He could clearly tell I was not happy and said «since you are not happy with the hair cut, you don’t have to pay for it» and walks over to the elevator and presses the down button (as in, please see yourself out) and walks away. SO RUDE!

I’ve been coming to Charles Ifergan for a year now. My standard is full blonde highlights and a cut. I see Bella for color and Giselle for cut– both of which are absolutely amazing and I highly recommend them! The only complaint that I have of the salon is if you come to only get your hair colored but not cut then you have to dry/​style yourself, which seems odd considering the prices you pay for the color. With that being said, I love coming here and will continue to come.

Really disappointed in this salon, especially considering the prices. I tried it three times because it is so convenient to my home, hoping for a better experience each time. Single process color is uneven – my hair is several different colors – although colorist was very nice and did try to do what I wanted. Wash bowl people are rough and sloppy. The person who cut my hair – apparently a newbie because she was never busy when I was there – butchered it. I brought a picture of what I wanted and the cut was nothing like the picture, even after multiple attempts. Also this place has a very strange vibe – you get the feeling that some clients are valued more than others.

No matter how convenient this salon may seem– do not waste your time bothering. The staff (check-​in and out) remains blatantly lackadaisical after years of randomly frequenting this salon in hopes they’d seek improvement. This place, and its people, could really put a damper to your, otherwise, pleasant day.
The services, from haircuts to blowouts, are all worth passing up. This was never a selling point here. When you combine average-​to-​mediocre services with offensively ill-​mannered staff, you get Ifergan Salon.
WORST of all is the lamentable owner, Charles, himself. The lack of character on him is indicating of what’s to expect. After receiving multiple calls and emails from his daughter about my regrettable services, he had the audacity to question my Unilocal review. Bitter he is. And, yes, Anthony Cristiano remains my go-​to.
Maxine’s (best in Gold Coast) nearby is exceptional– both in professionalism and standard. Make the visit.

Have gone here a number of times (usually on a groupon). The salon is usually pretty busy and loud– so if your looking to relax this may not be it. The cut and blow dry is always good, but at my last visit the front desk staff was very rude! I would still probably go back, but would not pay full price for services

To CI artist and guru Jamie L. Wallace.
I was BEYOND Excited to climb the four story staircase to be greeted by Jamie Wallace, my hairstylist today. I could not be more impressed, happy and thrilled with the outcome of my hair. From the hospitality, offering water, coffee or tea to the shampoo service, beautiful staff and fabulous products it all made me feel at home and very happy.
Jamie cut my hair to perfection. She has a fun, generous, down to earth, kind and professional technique that brings the wow factor. We laughed and she taught me how to take care of my hair moving forward. I have got nothing but compliments on how wonderful my haircut looks.
I am all smiles and can’t wait to return.
Big thanks to Jamie and the CI team.

I’ve been a client of Charles Ifergan and his Oak Street Salon for at least 10 years, and the salon is continually evolving with the times. From time to time I visit another high end salon — and I’ve been to them all — to see if I’m missing something. The answer to that is an emphatic NO. Charles cuts hair perfectly, beautifully and I’m alway ecstatic when I leave the salon. Everyone there is highly trained to stay on top of the trends. George is one of the top colorists in Chicago. I look polished, sleek and, sophisticated because of Charles and his team.

Had wonderful color done, but ended up burning my face with zero effort or an apology. You’ll get a great color and a scar to match. A month later, I have kept my scar.

I’m disappointed to write this review as I do love my colorist and stylist at Charles Ifergan and have been going to the salon for over ten years– however, I’ve finally seen too much. After being a loyal customer and sometimes going every 6 weeks, NOT ONE person at the front desk knows my name or who I see. (How is this even possible?) The front desk always seems irritated to check you out, check you in, answer the phone, etc.
My final straw was when a trainee was blow drying my hair. I was exhausted and she had stayed late to accommodate me for which I was so grateful for. We had a nice conversation but then I was happy to relax. Charles walked by and said to the trainee, «did you forget to brush your teeth today». At first I was embarrassed, was he making fun of me or her? It was so uncomfortable. She looked mortified. Later, I found out it was his way of signaling her to talk to me. It’s 2015-​insulting your employee in front of a customer is bad business and shows poor management. AND I didn’t want to talk!
In addition– I have very long hair and whenever someone would be blow drying it, he would stop and comment that it was taking to long.
Also– no one wants to see the fashion shows that have been on repeat for years. With so much innovation and new concepts in salons– I see many customers opting for a more friendly, inviting experience.

DO NOT GO TO THIS SALON. I have been to many many salons and I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MY LIFE. I have never written a review on Unilocal but the hostile and poor customer service and extremely unprofessional behavior of this low level salon justifies this review. I made an appointment and they called me two days before the appointment and said they had a meeting and could not «achieve» the hair color she wanted. I was confused and asked why and they would not give me an answer. I then said, well then instead of ombré, she will just get normal highlights. They said no, with no explanation. Then I asked if I could speak with the stylist and she hung up on me. I called again to speak with the manager, and he HUNG up on me! I called back and the owner HUNG up on me. Eventually they just ignored my phone calls, as they recognized my phone number. If you look at prior reviews you will see how they treat people poorly… this = the likelihood of bad hair color and haircuts… PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE I SHOULD’VE listened to the reviews!!!

I have been going to Sayuri for my cut and style for almost 5 years. She does an amazing job and is friendly and welcoming. She is consistent and detailed and I am always happy when I leave the salon.

I’m surprised at the mixed reviews because I can honestly say I had a 5-​star experience here and I’ve been to some of the top salons in Chicago. Ceci did my balayage exactly the way I asked (I showed her multiple photos of what I like and she confirmed by showing me some others from her iPad). It turned out gorgeous! Everything was on time and on point! Jessica gave me a great blowout and an assistant prepped my hair– a very nice touch since she was finishing up a client ahead of me. I think part of the client’s responsibility is to let the colorist or stylist know exactly what you want, and if they are good they will follow that. It helps to over-​communicate! I used a Groupon (note this is for first time clients) and checkout was completely smooth. I’ll definitely be back to try a cut with Jessica and I can say that no one but Ceci will be touching my color!

I’ve been coming here since 2012. It took me months to find a new colorist/​stylist, it might actually be easier to find a new doctor. After stalking many of my friends Facebook looking at their hair, judging who’s was best, then asking who did their color… And hoping they didn’t get offended, I booked an appointment.
Miriah is my homie for color and haven’t turned back since! She’s a super talented colorist for blonde, highlights, base blending, etc.
she’s witty, genuine and personable… Like you’re hanging out with your bff while getting beautified.
Sayuri: stylist. Such a sweetheart. Great cuts & blowouts.
Ceci is also a great colorist, I’ve gone to her a few times and have a friend who loves her!
The front desk staff are super friendly and easy to work with through scheduling.
And the shampooing station is a little slice of heaven, so relaxing.
Make sure to call a couple days in advance for appointments.
They’re closed in Sunday & Monday.
Parking isn’t the most fun option so you might as well valet if this is your only option
Enjoy and relax and say hi to Miriah for me!

WHATEVER YOU DO, STAY AWAY FROM HERE. I just moved to Chicago fand thought after the reviews, that it would be a good salon. Kennedy, «a senior colorist of 18 years,» ruined my hair. I have light brown hair, and before moving here, I had gotten balayage and highlights done numerous times. Kennedy made my hair stripey, after i specifically asked her not to. I just wanted my balayage touched up as I hadn’t gotten color done in a while. After Kennedy did my hair, there were patches of random color, and perfect lines down the side of my head. I am not joking when I say that a toddler would have done a better job coloring my hair. In the process, Kennedy managed to dye one of my eyebrows… she by mistake got color on it so my eyebrow was white and she had to dye it back.
The manager saw how bad my hair was and offered to have another colorist fix it but I knew that would be another epic fail. I did get a refund, but save yourself the hassle and just DON’T GO HERE.
My hair was SO bad that it took another salon two separate colorings to get it back to normal. The patches and stripes were that bad. It was like someone who was drunk was coloring my hair.
Please see the attached pictures so you can save yourself from misery! If you care about your appearance and want professionalism, do not go here. The front desk is rude too.

I’ve been going here for years and have always had good experiences… but I tried a new stylist (her name was either Sophia or Olivia, I can’t remember which) yesterday. She burnt my hair when blow drying it! It smelled awful! I didn’t realize how bad it was until I got home, ran my hands through my hair, and all of these strands in the back broke off! They were so brittle and crisp, I’ve never seen my hair like that. And now I have this whole section in the back that is shorter than the rest of my hair!
She also only cut the bottom layer and left the top layers in bad shape. She cut my hair unevenly, too, so that when I pull it to the front, one side is longer than the other.
This is definitely not worth it. Really really disappointed.
*UPDATE*
I called the salon and told them what happened. They arranged for Charles (Ifergan) to fix my hair. He definitely made it better, but it is still one of the worst haircuts I’ve ever had. I’m not sure that is a reflection on him as much as Sophia/​Olivia.
I think there are some great stylists here, but I’m done taking risks with my hair. I won’t be returning.

BEWARE!!!
I just got a hair cut here. I asked for the BEST hair stylist (cut & style). The front desk person said that would SYURI (Asian Girl). I was told she’s MASTER Stylist. She ruined my hair. I will never come here.
The salon is so date (old & dirty).
This is my 1^st Unilocal post, and I hope my last. Im only taking time out of my busy day to post this in hopes this helps someone from making the same mistake I made of going here.

Growing up in Chicago, I am often going back to visit with friends and family. During my most recent visit I had the pleasure of visiting the Ifergan salon downtown. It was recommended to me by a friend that lives down the street from this location. It is located in the heart of the goldcoast. The salon is very nicely maintained. The front desk staff is very friendly. I needed a blow dry and style before meeting up with some friends for a birthday party. I showed my stylist a picture exactly of how I wanted my hair to look. She did an excellent job! I have extensions so it can sometimes be a challenge to style. But hair stayed looking great all night and didn’t get flat like when I visit just a basic blow bar. Will definitely return when I’m back in Chicago again.

My new boyfriend travels a lot for work and ever since we started dating we’ve been inseparable so he took me with him to his work trip to Chicago last week. Since he’s at work during the day I decided to do a little exploring. We were having dinner with his CEO later that day so I decided to do a little beauty day to impress his colleagues.
I called my bff that moved to LA from Chicago and this was THE place she recommended for my to get my hair done.
Everyone was so sweet and my stylist really got the style I imagined. I babble a lot and he really understood what I was trying to explain.
If I ever come back to Chicago I don’t even want to risk exploring to try a new place. THIS is the place for me! I’m so thankful for my friend recommending this place!
I recommend this place for everyone else as well!

I went to Ifergan with a Groupon. The staff was cordial. I was given a tour and introduced to
Charles. I also met with my stylist. I went to get my hair shampooed and conditioned. The washer
put a shower cap on my head and told me to sit on the bench across from the sinks. Why not just stay at the sink? Every other sink was available and my hair was long, dripping! I asked for a clip
to keep it up, again, why must I have to ask?!
Next, the cut. I have fine hair but a nice amount, how about sectioning it before cutting?
Noooo, all at once! Yes, it was one length and I wanted a few inches off, but no sectioning?
That’s a first, ever!
She did take her time going over the cut after it was dried, and nice conversation… thank you.
I did wash my hair at home, due to all the brushes in her drawer, loaded with hair.

Let me start by saying this review is for the spa not the salon but I think people should know about the entire place. You walk into the spa and there is no one to greet you. You have to yell hello 4x. There isn’t anywhere to sit, no robes to put on, no water is offered to you, and my lady was 20minutes late. The facial was ok but I had add ons that were done that I was charged for and refused to pay at the end. For one, my chin was waxed even when I said no… because I have no hair there at all. I’ve been to several facials in Chicago and this was so disappointing. No wrap around the fingers, no soothing music, I felt like I was in an operating chair. Only good thing was the massage on my face was relaxing.

Not good at all. I’ve had my hair cut here 3 times by Jamie. It was cut way to shoes every time, even when I only asked for a trim. Also, the staff is so rude and judge mental.

I looooove Charles Ifergan. I’ve tried at least 3 or 4 salons in Chicago and I’m here to stay! My stylist is Ryan and he’s phenomenal. He always takes the time to teach me to do what he’s doing so that I can recreate the looks at home, and his cuts not only look great but they grow out perfectly as well. My colorist is Clio, and she’s equally excellent. I get highlights, but the way I like them, it’s really hard to blend them to give my hair dimension without making my ombré. But you know what? She’s a freaking beast. It looks like a million bucks every time and 100% natural. You would really never know I get it highlighted to add dimension. It also grows out really nicely and continues to look great even when I haven’t gotten a touch up in awhile.
This is also just a fun salon! Tons of people, great energy and vibe, and you can get a manicure without an appointment before your cut if you want! They just wheel this little cart around and add it to your bill. I always get one while I’m waiting for my dye to set. The price is right too ($ 20 for a mani, $ 60 for my haircut, $ 150 for complex custom dye job). I love this place and would recommend it to anyone.

I’m newly returned to Chicago and I should have heeded the reviews, but went on the advisement of a co-​worker. Finding a new hair stylist can be one of the most traumatic experiences a woman can go thru.
Walking into the salon I was taken back by its aesthetic, this place hasn’t had an update since at least 1988 — it looks like a «salon» that still suggests, and is willing to give, a perm. I was then shown to the back for my shampoo, all of the shampoo stations were cracking and sad like grandpa’s dirty recliner. As I looked up for my shampoo, the ceiling was bubbling and pealing like a tenement house — it was disgusting.
I fought back tears during my haircut. There wasn’t a consultation, my «stylist» chopped off my hair and bangs like he was fresh out of beauty school. I would have preferred to go to Hair Cuttery — at least I would have been mentally prepared.
I left a tearful VM for the manager, Joe. He called back and offered Charles himself to fix my hair (once it grew back). Charles’ name is on this salon — which says a lot. I declined.
11÷24÷14
I waited a couple days to see if my hair would «settle» and I would feel like I overacted. This is not the case. It is a bad cut by Phoenix and an awful experience at Charles Ifergan.
It is hair, and it will grow back, that’s what I keep telling myself.

My review is for Olga and Gisel. Olga is an amazing colorist, she knows what she’s doing and you do not walk away disappointed. I have gotten so many compliments on my color since I started seeing her. And Gisel, she is one of the stylist. She is awesome as well. I could only get the bare minimal trimmed because of all the weddings I’m in, and that’s exactly what she did. But she fixed my layers and took of split ends. She also gave me an awesome blow out. I drive an hour to see these girls, I will continue to do so!

I got a Groupon for this place for highlights. While I’m really satisfied with how my hair turned out, I will never be back to Charles Ifergan Salon.
Why, you ask? Buckle up. It’s going to be a loooooong ride.
I arrived and was promptly greeted, and given a tour of the salon, as it was my first time there. I thought this was a nice gesture. During the tour I was a little overwhelmed at how chaotic and… mirrored the place was. Every wall is a mirror. It’s like a fun house! Not a relaxing atmosphere at all.
Eventually I was lead over to the girl that would be taking care of my highlights. She took one look at my hair and said «you need a trim.» Well, I’m here for highlights, so no thanks! «No seriously you really need a trim»…I asked how much a trim was. $ 55! Definitely not interested now. The girl seemed annoyed by my refusal, and insisted she call a stylist over to check out my hair. The stylist came over and she too insisted I need a trim. Really? Are we going to start off this way? With two women shaming me about my hair? I did not want a damn trim that day!
So the stylist finally goes away and the girl starts to highlight my hair. The conversation was pleasant, she worked really efficiently. No complaints there. But every 10 minutes she would bring up me getting a trim or a blow out after my color. I realized that this was going to be an ongoing issue. I was not relaxed for even a minute because I was on the defense the entire time!
When my highlights were finished, I was brought over to a washing station where another girl washed my hair. When that was over, I wasn’t quite sure what to do, nobody told me where to go, just slapped a towel on my head. So I headed back to the chair I had been sitting in, and I see a woman in a white coat standing there, waiting for me.
Oh boy.
This time it was an esthetician, telling me all about their services and telling me I need to have my eyebrows shaped. Only $ 8. By now, I’m in complete NOPE-​mode, so I noped my way out of that one, even though she was very pushy. Since I didn’t fall for her ploy, she decides to grab a makeup artist, and they both try and convince me that I need to get my makeup done that day. By now, I’m laughing out loud because I cannot believe the gall these people have!
My colorist, seeing that I’m not buying into any of this, hurriedly comes over, takes the towel off my head and sends me to a room in the back, next to the bathroom, to dry my own hair. For real? There’s a bunch of unsanitary brushes there for my use, covered in other people’s hair. Whatever, I’ll just dry my hair a little and leave so I’m not dripping all over my car.
Well, not without a little visit from the manager. He comes to the blow drying cave and asks me if I would like a complimentary blow out. You mean the one my colorist was just trying to sell to me? Nothing comes for free, and I dreaded to see what kind of harassment I would get if I took advantage of this, so I declined and he flitted away.
When I returned to my girl to let her see how the highlights turned out, she was already working on someone else’s hair! I felt like I was intruding, and she definitely made me feel that way, so I got out as quickly as I could.
All that being said, I do like how my highlights turned out. It just goes to show that good customer service goes a really long way. Make a person feel great, and they’re going to want to come back. I’ve been convinced to buy a product, because I was told how it would benefit me and they did it in a very kind and tasteful way. I realize that up-​selling is a part of working in this industry, but learn how to do it the right way! Shaming people will only scare people away and cause them to write the longest Unilocal reviews of their life.
Other downsides — it’s gold coast so it’s full of a bunch of snotty assholes. And street parking for 2 hours was $ 8.

Charles Ifergan Salon is like a girls club– you walk inside and find a brightly lit, bustling salon where women are getting their hair cut, styled, colored, nails or make-​up done all while sipping coffee and gossiping.
I came here for a haircut. It was great! Ask for Giselle– she seemed pretty knowledgeable and did a thorough consultation with me beforehand. I thought it was a little weird that there is a changing room and a separate hair washing technicians who manned the sinks instead of the stylists washing their clients hair, but my overall experience was good. I will be back! (As a side note– has anyone else ever noticed how hairdressers tend to have the most awful hair? I assume they get bored with «normal» styles and choose edgier looks, like platinum blonde pixie cuts with blue tips, but it scares me to think that someone with hair like that is going to style MY hair. Anyway, Giselle’s hair is totally gorg and I appreciate that.)