Marianne Strokirk Salon

I actually have nightmares about having to one day switch colorist… I have been seeing Kate for my blonde addiction for about 3 years now and I have never been let down. I am constantly getting asked where I go to get my hair colored, which to me, is the best compliment ever. Before each session that Kate begins to do my hair, she consults with me and we discuss what I want to do with my color. Kate is always giving me the best advice on what she thinks I should do, whether it’s to put some low lights in or snapping me out of wanting to go brunette :) Kate is as good as it gets… hope this helps anyone who is in search of a colorist!

Wow!!! My highlights have never looked better! I have been to several salons in the city & Marianne Strokirk by far outshines the rest. My colorist, Mimi, is absolutely fantastic. She listened to what I wanted, made some great suggestions & voila… fabulous hair! My cut by Troy is also one of the best I have ever had. He even took the extra time to show me some new styling tips. So happy to have found my permanent salon. You’ll know where to find me every 6 weeks :)

Love Kate for color she is the color master. You’ll never walk out disappointed. The salon is on the pricier side; however, I don’t mind paying a little extra for quality. They are timely and will take you at the time of your appointment.

This review has nothing at all to do with the talent I’m sure the stylists have. Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to experience what everyone else is raving about. I was referred by a friend to get my hair highlighted by Mimi and cut by Ingrid. I was very excited. I called yesterday, and spoke to the receptionist. I told her that I wanted to make an appointment to get my hair highlighted and cut. I mentioned that I had never dyed my hair before, so I wanted to talk to Mimi before we did anything. The receptionist told me that depending on how long my consultation took, Ingrid might not have time to cut my hair. I said that was fine, and that I could come in another day to see Ingrid.
I came in today for my appointment at 1:30pm and was taken back to talk to Mimi. She was wonderful, and together, we figured out what we were going to do to my hair. She seemed confused as she mentioned that she saw on the schedule that I was to see Ingrid after for a haircut after, but that Ingrid was actually not in today. Apparently, she called in sick. No one had called me to tell me that Ingrid had called out, and I went the whole day thinking I was actually going to get my hair cut. I then sat in the chair waiting to get my hair dyed, and Mimi kept looking at me every once in a while. After some time, she sat another client of hers next to me and started getting ready to work on them. She then turned to me and said, «Is there anything else I can do for you?» I said, «Can you give me a robe because I’m cold.» She said, «I meant in regards to your consultation.» I said, «Well, no, I’m just waiting for you to start on my hair.» She then told me that I was only booked for a consultation, not an actual service. That’s when I had had enough.
I was escorted to the front so that I could speak to the receptionist myself. I told her that I was under the impression that I was coming in to get my hair highlighted and cut. Not for a consultation, but that I just wanted some extra time to talk to Mimi before anything was done. I would never want to waste anyone’s time or money by just coming in to chat, then leave. I wanted a service. Not only that, but I reminded the receptionist that she told me that Ingrid might not have time to cut my hair after Mimi. Not only did Ingrid not have time, she wasn’t even there and no one had the courtesy to call me and let me know!
At this point, there was nothing that could be done. Ingrid wasn’t there, and Mimi had other clients. All that could have been done was to give me a sincere apology. Miscommunications happen all the time. But, instead, the receptionist tried to give me excuses and said, «Well, you said you just wanted to talk to Mimi before she dyed your hair…» NO. I said that I wanted to talk to her BEFORE doing the service. I intended to get my hair dyed that day. She avoided the whole Ingrid thing the whole time. She just kept stumbling over her meager excuses. That’s what truly upset me. I wasted 45 minutes of my time all because the receptionist «misunderstood» what I wanted and she didn’t even care to apologize. That’s bad business, and although I would have loved to have had my hair done by Mimi and Ingrid who were so highly recommended, I will never think of going back all because of how unprofessional and rude the receptionist was. I would never have treated her like that had she been at my work. I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
I’m going to continue my search for a new salon and hopefully I’ll find one soon.
Update: I was given a call and left a voicemail by the salon manager, Alexandra. I called back, but she was gone by then. Hopefully this matter will be resolved soon.

Kate for the best color/​highlights in your life and Andrea for a great cut! They never disappoint.

Mimi is a genius when it comes to color! I have never received so many compliments on my life since I started going to her a couple of years ago. Switching from Mario Tricoci was the best decision of my life. Troy is amazing with haircuts. Everyone at the salon is so very friendly, genuinely friendly, not fake. I love the natural light from the windows as well. They also don’t book 2 – 3 clients at a time like they do at Mario, so you have your stylist’s attention the whole time. Couldn’t be happier and I recommend Marianne Strokirk to everyone I know. Go, you will be so happy you did!

I am not feeling the love lately. There is no online booking and when you call now you get voicemail. If you want to try to talk to a person you have to press more buttons and wait. I just don’t feel like my business is valued lately and I have been a client for almost six years. Not sure what is going on but I want to feel more valued for the amount of money I spend there. It’s also become almost impossible not to have to miss work in order to get my hair done. Saturdays seem to be booked up or else the stylists are off. Sad but I may have to go elsewhere.

I went to Gia after being referred by a friend and I was so glad I did! She knew exactly what I needed. First time clients get 50% off and every time you refer a friend, you get another 50% off. You also get a punch card for buying products at the salon so I bought a heat protection spray she recommended. Friendly, attentive staff– I was greeted and offered coffee and a treat while waiting. Overall, great experience and I will be returning for Gia!

I’ve been seeing Liz since I moved to Chicago 6 years ago — she is wonderful, a terrific listener and my hair always looks beautiful. Her prices are reasonable and she is absolutely worth every penny! I would recommend her to anyone. She’s a genuinely lovely, warm person and I truly look forward to going to the salon to get pampered by her. I should add that she is GREAT with blondes and getting a bump every month has reduced the frequency with which I get my hair highlighted — it’s healthier, more cost effective and looks great. Honestly people have asked me on the street who does my hair and I send them immediately to Liz. She’s absolutely amazing!!!

COLOR: DANIELLE
I am very picky when it comes to my hair color but DANIELLE at strokirk is absolutely fantastic! She turned my brassy, orangey hair into a beautiful light sandy blonde. I am naturally a brunette and I could not believe how natural she made my hair look. AND with as little damage as possible. Danielle is also incredibly friendly and personable-​she made me feel welcomed and comfortable. She walked me through every step of the process so I would know that I was getting the color I asked for. I have been going to Danielle for 4 months now and I would never let another person color my hair after her. Believe me after you go to her once-you’ll never want another person coloring your hair again.

Kate for color! Seriously she is a color goddess. I have been seeing her for the last three years since I moved downtown, and I wouldn’t let anyone else touch my hair. I also go to Ingrid for cut. I adore both ladies and HIGHLY recommend them.
The salon is always in pristine condition, and has a very modern feel to it. The staff is wonderful and gracious. Also, if you refer a friend you both get 50% off.

Gia has been cutting/​styling my hair for several years now. I always leave feeling very satisfied whether it is just a quick trim, a sexy blow-​out, or a whole new look! I have fine and curly hair, and Gia knows exactly how to cut and style my mane so that I look my best. I would definitely recommend her to curly haired girls, but I know she gives fabulous cuts to all hair types, as my fiancé and sister (thick & wavy,) have both gotten great cuts from her. The salon is always pristine and relaxing, and the staff is very hospitable!

I have been all over trying to find a good colorist and hairdresser. I have tried highly recommended salons like Mixed Co. in downtown Chicago and have even traveled to the suburbs looking for someone that could give me straight flat hair volume without cutting super short layers. I finally found the perfect team at Marianne. Marianne gave me the perfect cut and Danielle gave me exactly what I asked for when she highlighted my hair. I would highly recommend this salon. Not only do they do a great job with color and cutting they are super friendly and listen to your needs. Marianne cuts your hair with you in mind and makes sure it’s styled in a way you could recreate at home.

I have been going to the same stylist/​colorist for almost two years now and was very hesitant to try this salon out when he was out of town for a month. With some good words from my co-​workers, I decided to give them a try. Kate was my colorist and Troy was my stylist. Although the salon was a bit tricky to find, it was clean, hip and the service was fantastic. I am very satisfied and will be coming back to see both of them when I am due.

Excellent! Gia cuts my hair and Danielle colors I always leave fabulous and they go above and beyond! I’m so happy to have stylists who really get me and my style.

I have been going to Marianne Strokirk for almost a year now and just love the place. I have worked with several stylists and colorists there and they are all top notch, but the one that knocks it out of the park is TONI SCAVO who is my hair cutter and sometimes keritin applier. Her haircuts are the best. I have shoulder length, longish hair that grows über fast and Toni gently pushed me towards more layers, more edge — just more — and assured me that it would only get better as it grew out. And boy was she right. I have one gorgeous haircut with layers that fall like perfection whether I blow it out, sleep on it wet, or stick it up on rollers. My hair has never looked so good. Check out Toni. She does good work and is fun to hang out with too.

I rarely write a review but this salon is amazing! I have been to many colorists as well as stylists in my life and I FINALLY found 2 woman who are fantastic. First let me tell you about Linda. She is the colorist at the salon. She knows here stuf! I let her tweak the color and do her magic and that is exactly what she did! The color is perfect! It compliments my skin tone, I didn’t itch from the product, and I have received a lot of compliments ever since I started letting her do my color!
Now, let me tell you about Toni! OMG! FINALLY, someone who actually knows how to blow dry and cut hair. I have naturally curly hair and I usually tell stylists to just «blunt cit» the ends. She asked me to «trust her»! So I did! The technique she used to cut my ends and style my hair (just by doing a little something) was amazing! It has grown out beautifully too. That’s when you can tell if a cut is really good. She also knows the secret of how to blow dry hair. It is an art. My typically frizzy hair looked like it came off the pages of a magazine. I am not exaggerating! :)
I know they sound too good to be true. But «trust me»…they are! And the salon is so positive and a great environment. Everyone has a great attitude. And that really is rare to find! You will have to just see for yourself!

Danielle is amazing! She did such a great job that both my sisters, who are extremely picky with their hair, went to see her along with my mom. We all have different hair, too. One blonde, one with very fragile hair and myself having darker hair that has been damaged by previous work and over processing. I showed a picture on my phone to Danielle of what I wanted and it turned out exactly like the picture. She was extremely careful to not damage my hair any further than it has been over the years. I’ve been to her twice in the last 4 months and I’m the happiest I’ve been with my hair. Danielle is not only so good at coloring but an absolute angel. She has such a warm personality and just a pleasure to be around. Thank you Danielle! Marianne Strokirk is most fortunate to have you on her staff! You’re an asset to her company!

Finding the perfect colorist is like finding the perfect man… it takes a few rendezvous with the wrong ones to find the right one! But once you find him/​her, you must never let go!
THE STYLIST:
I have been a client of Mimi’s for the last two years. When she recently moved to her new Oak Street salon, Marianne Strokirk Salon, so did I. Not even one iota of hesitation. I mean, would you leave your man because he got relocated from the River North to Gold Coast? Of course not!
Besides loving Mimi for all of her non-​hair related awesomeness… such as the fact that she is young, hilariously entertaining, actually listens to you talk and remembers what’s going on with you, great fashion sense, and is someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with and would totally hang out with on the weekends or workout with… I also love her because she is a complete professional and REALLY KNOWS HER STUFF!
I’m a medium colored blonde, so when I first met Mimi (a skinnier Kardashian sister look alike) I was sort of assuming I’d be working with a blonde stylist. But Mimi has been the only stylist who has EVER gotten it right consistently! I know what to expect when I visit her: 3 hours of laughing, relaxing, and leaving feeling like a brand new, better than when I walked in woman. She always listens to her clients goals for their hair, and thoroughly checks the dry outcome before you leave. She also encourages you to switch off between full and partial hi-​lights to keep your hair the most healthy (and keep your pocketbook that much happier).
THE SALON:
Marrianne Strokirk Salon is located on the third floor of 41 E Oak Street (conveniently located next to Tory Burch… love!). It’s a minimalist modern design, extremely well lit by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the shops. The receptionists are super friendly, and the stylists assistants are seriously on top of their game. For example — I found street parking right outside the salon and was going to run outside with foils in my hair to fill it and the assistant did it for me without so much as a blink. She was totally happy to help, and I was SO appreciative (as there was a cop a few cars down and I would have otherwise gotten a parking ticket!).
Everyone seems to truly enjoy working here and they all have such a friendly, family like demeanor with each other. Its so obvious that when employees are treated nicely by corporate and by fellow staff, that everyone has a more positive experience… including clients!
I would highly recommend Mimi for any of your coloring needs, and the salon for an enjoyable way to relax while getting pampered!

I felt a pretentious vibe as soon as I walked in. The kind you feel when hot girls look you over from top to bottom, make an inward judgment, but then are outwardly all smiles and nice to you. Hey, as long as I still get quality service by the time my appointment is done, then the fake attitudes are ok by me.
Rosemary was my hair stylist, and she did a great job with my outgrown bob. She actually advised against the way I wanted my hair cut so I let her do her thing, and I was really glad she didn’t let me have my way.