Penny Lane Studios

My appointment with a stylist today was very disappointing. I booked with her because I had previously used her for color correction services years ago and thought this could be a fresh start as a new client at Penny Lane Studios. I also figured this appointment would give me a chance to get a feel for the salon before booking with other stylists. After washing and drying my hair, we discussed the plan for my haircut—the reason for the appointment. Her communication during the initial assessment was very off-putting. She isolated a section of my hair and referred to it as a "tail" that needed to be cut. This language made it difficult to understand the haircut holistically. She also repeatedly said that my hair was too thin to achieve the look in the photos I shared. To me, this felt like an excuse since Afro-textured hair naturally has the ability to create volume regardless. She went on to compare the hair at my nape to the rest of my hair length. When I asked why she was using the shortest length of hair at the nape of my neck as the reference point to cut instead of focusing on my actual split ends and heat damage, her response felt manipulative: 1. She stopped the conversation mid-discussion to fill her water bottle, then tried to blame me for the pause by saying I needed more time to consider getting a cut today. 2. When I explained that I wanted the back of my hair longer than the front similar to a v-shape or wolf cut, she dismissed the idea. It became clear she only knows how to cut straight across with zero layers and no volume. It seemed like her work is limited to shorter cuts and color services. Her work suited me when my hair was shorter, but now that it’s shoulder length and my goal is to grow it longer, I need a stylist with experience cutting coily, longer hair who can offer more than a one-way approach. Nonetheless, the result was okay, though the haircut looks like it was done in 2018. There is no volume, no layers, no gradient effect, and each strand was cut bluntly rather than with a gradual taper. I shouldn’t have to wait for my hair to grow out in order to achieve a tapered look on my ends. Based on this experience, I will not be returning and would not recommend.

Diana gave me a wonderful cut for my fine, dense, curly hair. I showed her a few photos and I felt like she really listened to my concerns and what I was going for. It was one of the best haircuts I’ve ever gotten.

I USED to get services here from two stylists who both unexpectedly disappeared around August. When I followed up with them I was told these stylists had left the salon I was very surprised since they had been there a while and were the ONLY two latinas and spanish speaking stylists, who also serviced my kids. I was even more surprised and disgusted when I found out they were actually wrongfully terminated along with another employee (also a woman of color). For a curly hair salon that preaches inclusivity and services many women of color, it seems that they don't treat all their stylists equally. It's very hard for curly girls to find a stylist who they connect with and trust with their hair and for them to let them go and not share any information with their clients was very disappointing. Very upsetting to find out and won't be supporting anymore.

Lauren was awesome and gave me a great curly cut. I would highly recommend this place. She helped guide me on the best way to style and maintain my hair until I can come back to Chicago for the next one.

I don't know why I took so long to review this place! I've been coming here since 2019. Coral did my first deva haircut and I've been hooked ever since! Unfortunately, Coral is no longer there so I have tried other stylists. Kelly did my haircut recently and I love how healthy and vibrant my hair looked. She's also easy to talk to. I highly recommend the deva haircut to my fellow curly girls and guys. They do other salon services as well. They always return calls and emails in a prompt manner which I appreciate. I'm OBSESSED with Penny Lane!

I have been to penny lane twice and my curls are more defined and healthier than they ever have been. Laura is a curl wizard and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend if you are looking for a salon to help you transition to the curly girl method!! First photo is after 2 visits to penny lane.

I’d been on the hunt for a good curly hair salon and came across Penny Lane awhile back. Xotchilt cuts and styles my hair and i always leave feeling so good and confident. My hair is super curly, thick and dry so styling is not only exhausting, it’s frustrating. Over time, Xotchilt has not only styled me to perfection, she’s given me so many tips on how to keep my hair healthy and style on my own at home. If you’ve been struggling to find a great stylist who is educated and trained on multiple hair textures, you don’t need to look any further. Outside of being incredibly knowledgeable about various hair textures, Xotchilt deeply cares about her clients and will go above and beyond to ensure you have the best experience. I also walk away with so much great life advice, feel uplifted after my appointments and that no matter, everything will always be okay. The salon is full of a ton of great products so she can walk you through revamping your hair routine. The salon is located in a lovely area, so you can come get styled, and get a great meal or drink in the area afterwards. You won’t regret making an appointment here!