Salon By Design

Specialties

We are a diversified salon that can encompass the needs of many types of hair, from the very curly kinky hair and it’s specific needs to the hi-​lites and color needs of other ethnic groups. Haicuts and haircare, hi-​Lites, and body waves are also a specialty of our salon.

History

Established in 2007.

Established by Rudolph Adam in 1896, this structure has continued

to serve the Village residents as a local barber shop. It is noted that

in 1919 haircuts were 40¢ and shaves were 20¢. In order to provide

a variety of services, a pool room was located on the premises as

were bathing facilities for men at a cost of 35¢. Business was so

brisk at times that patrons had to take a number in order to be served.

News and conversation served to pass the time of day, as it still does

today. The red and white barber pole is an original feature. Owned

now by Lucille Walker, she has rented the apartment in the rear.

The barber shop is still considered the oldest continuously operated

barber shop in the State of Illinois. An original barber chair is in the

Matteson Historical Museum

Meet the Business Owner

Edwin A.

Business Owner

The third of five children, Edwin Berto Alexander was destined to become a hair designer. At the age of 10, his younger sister needed her hair done for a local church Easter program. His sister wanted her hair straight and without frizz. Through his efforts with her long, frizzy and curly hair the roller set did not take out the frizz. As a result of this experience, he learned the importance of having the right products for the unique hair types.

During the past thirty years, he has done hair styling for commercials, live theatre, as well as creating hair color and style trends. He has spent the bulk of his time perfecting his «thermal

silkening technique».

His training in hair color began as a chemical specialist trainee in the John Louis David Salon of NYC. From there, he mentored in there Los Angeles/​Beverly Hills Salon. The imprint, impact and European techniques developed from the various salon educators have stood the test of time in Mr. Edwin Berto Alexander’s career.