Salon 161 Introduce
Salon 161 stands as a long-established pillar of professional hair care and beauty services in the bustling Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. As a dedicated **Hair salon**, this establishment focuses on providing a wide array of services designed to meet the diverse styling and coloring needs of its clientele. Operating in a premier location, Salon 161 has built its reputation over decades, aiming to deliver polished results and maintain the high standards expected by residents across the Chicagoland area.
The salon is known for its commitment to the technical aspects of hair artistry, drawing in customers who prioritize convenience and a full-service experience in a central city setting. While reputation often hinges on consistency, which can vary across any team of stylists, Salon 161 has successfully maintained a presence in one of the city's most competitive markets since as far back as 1991, with reports of co-owners having done "an excellent job for over 40 years." This longevity suggests a deep connection to the community and a history of quality work that many clients have come to rely on.
Salon 161 is ideally situated in the upscale **Streeterville** neighborhood, placing it directly amidst the vibrant cultural and commercial heart of Chicago, easily accessible to residents throughout Illinois.
The exact location is:
161 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
This address is found just steps away from the magnificent mile, surrounded by premier shopping, dining, and landmarks, making it a highly convenient spot for appointments before or after other downtown activities. Accessibility is streamlined for central Chicago users:
- The location is easily reached via the CTA's numerous bus routes and is within walking distance of several 'L' train stations, making public transit a viable option for those traveling from other parts of Illinois.
- For clients driving into the city, Streeterville is served by multiple nearby parking garages, although costs and availability are typical of a major metropolitan area.
- Inside the salon, clients will find a dedicated **Restroom** amenity.
Given its prime downtown location, the salon operates with the expectation that clients are seeking a high-quality experience in a prestigious urban environment.
Salon 161 offers a comprehensive range of hair and beauty treatments, positioning itself as a one-stop destination for complete personal care. Although specific pricing can vary by stylist based on their experience and the complexity of the service, the available service categories cover virtually every aspect of modern salon needs. Based on available public data, the services offered include:
- Haircutting: Includes precise cuts for all lengths and styles, covering both **Women's Haircuts** and **Men's Haircuts**.
- Hair Coloring & Chemical Services:
- **Hair Colouring** (e.g., single process color)
- **Highlights** and **Balayage** techniques.
- Specialty coloring and corrective services.
- Styling and Finishing:
- **Blow Dries and Blowouts** for various finishes.
- Formal styling and updos.
- Hair Health & Treatments:
- **Hair Treatments** (e.g., deep conditioning, keratin treatments)
- Scalp care and restorative services.
- Hair Enhancement:
- **Hair Extensions** to add length and volume.
- Additional Beauty Services (may be offered through a related service at the same address, such as Complexions):
- **Nail Services:** Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, Nail Art.
- **Facial Services:** Facials and other skincare treatments.
- **Waxing and Hair Removal:** Eyebrows & Lashes, Face Waxing, Eyebrow Shaping, Lip, and Chin treatments.
This comprehensive menu makes it possible for clients to manage nearly all their grooming appointments efficiently in a single, central location.
The defining characteristics of Salon 161 revolve around its longevity, location, and operational structure designed for a professional clientele:
- Long-Standing Reputation: The salon's roots trace back to at least 1991, and its co-owners have been providing service for over four decades. This **long-standing reputation** in the Chicago area suggests a history of dedication and skilled professionals who have built client trust over time.
- Prestigious Location: Situated in **Streeterville**, the salon offers a sophisticated urban setting and the convenience associated with one of Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods.
- Appointment-Focused Model: The salon operates primarily on an organized scheduling model, utilizing both **Appointment required** and **Appointments recommended** policies. This structure helps ensure timely service and minimizes waiting, which is valued by busy city residents.
- Full-Service Offering: By incorporating hair, nail, and other beauty treatments (such as waxing and facials) into its service profile, Salon 161 functions as a **complete beauty and hair destination**.
- Modern Payment Options: The business facilitates ease of transaction by accepting all major forms of payment, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.
It is important for prospective clients to note that while the salon has a strong history, individual experiences can vary, as illustrated by one customer who praised its long-standing status but was disappointed with a specific cut and minimal hair wash service, contrasting with another who stated it was "the best haircut I’ve ever had."
To schedule one of the comprehensive services available, clients in the Illinois region can use the following contact details for Salon 161:
- Address: 161 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Phone: (312) 943-4122
- Mobile Phone: +1 312-943-4122
Prospective clients are strongly encouraged to call ahead and book an appointment, especially when seeking specialized services like coloring or extensions, to ensure they secure time with a stylist whose expertise aligns with their specific hair needs.
For Illinois residents seeking a reliable and comprehensive hair salon experience in a prime Chicago location, Salon 161 offers compelling reasons to choose its services. It is worth choosing for the following key reasons:
- Premier Urban Convenience: Its location in Streeterville is unparalleled for clients who live or work downtown. The ability to access **full-service hair and beauty treatments**—from haircuts and highlights to manicures and facials—in one central, easily reachable location is a major time-saver for busy professionals.
- Experience and Longevity: The salon's operation since the early 1990s demonstrates an incredible degree of stability and long-term commitment. This history means clients benefit from decades of collective industry knowledge and a foundation of technical excellence, often characterized by "the best haircut I’ve ever had" experiences.
- Streamlined Planning: The emphasis on appointments minimizes the unpredictable waiting times associated with less formal establishments. By recommending or requiring a booking, Salon 161 respects the client's schedule and ensures dedicated time for a consultation and service.
When selecting a stylist at Salon 161, it's prudent to conduct a brief consultation beforehand, especially for complex or specific requests (like face-framing layers or significant length changes). This ensures a clear understanding and helps guarantee that your service aligns with the celebrated positive experiences for which the salon has become known throughout its long history in Chicago.
Salon 161 Details
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Appointment required
- Appointments recommended
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Salon 161 Photos


Salon 161 Location
Salon 161
161 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Salon 161 Reviews
I'm writing this review a few days later because I wanted to give the hairstyle a chance. I asked for a shoulder-length cut with face-framing layers, but unfortunately, the stylist cut my hair much shorter than requested, with no proper face framing and uneven lengths throughout.Additionally, the hair wash lasted less than 30 seconds, which was disappointing given the price I paid. I had expected better, considering the salon’s long-standing reputation, but sadly, this was a misjudgment on my part. Overall, a very disappointing experience, I would not return or recommend this salon to anyone.
March 29 · Sindhu ChilukaIt was the best haircut I’ve ever had
July 26 · Jonathan GreensponThis salon is just a group of stylists that rent stations. Totally depends on who you schedule with. Cynthia is the most unprofessional hair dresser that I've ever encountered. I visited her a few times for extension services and it was a terrible experience overall. I have fine hair and she struggled to get the adhesive out of my hair despite my requests to use different products that I've had success with before. There aren't very many stylists that work with the brand of hair that I use, so I continued to see her. In my last visit, she essentially was ripping the tape out of my hair ( I could HEAR it), and when I told her that it was painful and that I didn't have this issue with other stylists.... she immediately became angry and threatened to not reinstall my hair. I became very upset because I had to leave for a trip and wouldn't have time to visit another salon beforehand. Total nightmare. I told her that if she didn't complete the service I scheduled that I would leave a bad review for her online. I wouldn't have had them removed if I knew there was risk of her losing so much control of herself that she wouldn't finish, and I feel like others should know that there is a risk of that if they choose to visit her. She started CUSSING at me and going on and on about how rude I am. I was SHOCKED. I had a trip the next morning, so I begged her to put them back in (which she begrudgingly did). Never my life have I been treated that way by a service professional. Never. She embarrassed me and frankly herself. As a client, I expect more. I will *never* visit this salon again.
November 13 · Natalie PorterI just got off the plane from a long overnight flight and Natalie washed my hair and massaged my neck after sleeping on the plane! She took all the tension out of my sore neck muscle and the experience was extraordinary . That was only the beginning.I got a great short hair cut . It is super versatile from Cynthia. Nice caring people who will make your day!
February 19 · Sabrina ButlerA full service, easy going - yet very professionally run unisex salon. I was going there for haircuts / styling for more than 5 years and never was disappointed. I see they also provide manicure and advanced hair treatment services for ladies. Scheduling is very accommodative of client needs. There is coffee and plenty of magazines available. The only non-service annoyance is that your cellphone connection may be poor in that old building.
October 31 · Vlad Didenko
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