The best salons & beauty spots in Lake County

“When you want protective styles that look clean and last, Splendid African Hair Braiding delivers with knotless and box braids, boho braids, stitch and Fulani styles, plus Senegalese and other twists.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Perfect Color Salon is a beauty salon in Waukegan with a site that's still launching, which usually means the chairs and shears are getting set just right. If you like being first on the list, drop your email to get updates and be first to know what they roll out.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 26, 2026

“Waukegan folks keep Braids By Felo on the shortlist when it's time to switch up the look with precise, salon-quality braids that actually fit daily life here. If your hair needs a low-drama refresh that still turns heads, this spot is a reliable bet.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Long-established beauty salon known for its chic cuts, offering scalp treatments & massage.”

“Chain retailer with beauty products including makeup & skincare (plus some kiosks & Brow Bars).”

“Beena's Salon (Art of Eyebrow Trading) is the quiet fix when your arches need a reset. Clean, precise shaping that flatters your face, quick touch-ups that fit between errands, and a friendly vibe that keeps Mundelein locals coming back whenever the brow situation drifts off course.”

From the Mundelein newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Endless Journey Tattoo feels like hanging with creative friends who take your ideas seriously, then turn them into black and gray, full color, traditional, fine-line or custom lettering that actually fits you. Piercings too, done with sterilized equipment, plus one-on-one consultations so your story shows up on skin.”

From the North Shore newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Casual salon offering haircuts for adults & kids along with professional styling products for sale.”

“Cosmetics & Eyebrows Atelier specializes in precision shaping that flatters your face, from threading and brow mapping to tinting, lamination and even microblading. It’s a tidy, detail-obsessed Gurnee spot locals lean on when they want clean arches, soft lashes, and less time spent battling pencils in the mirror.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Luxy Nails & Spa is the local one-stop for meticulous artificial nail care, soothing spa treatments, and tidy wax, lash, and brow services. When you want a quick glow-up, their team keeps it polished and low-drama... ideal for pre-week resets or last-minute plans.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Chain retailer for an array of jewelry & fashion accessories, plus beauty & make-up products.”

“Chain retailer with beauty products including makeup & skincare (plus some kiosks & Brow Bars).”

“BLKxGRY Tattoo Studio in nearby Gurnee keeps the focus on the artists, so you can actually see who fits your vibe. Scroll the Instagram portfolios for AngelsTat2, LitosTat2, and BitasTat2, then hop on the site to inquire with AngelsTat2 and plan your next piece.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Dnails LLC serves Lake County with experienced pros, squeaky clean standards, and a wall of high quality polishes and acrylics to match whatever mood the week throws at you. Book online, relax, and yes, hablan español, so everyone’s manicure goals get heard.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 11, 2026

“Toyes Hair & Nail Salon brings together licensed, independent pros offering multicultural hair services and a private nail area, with educators on staff and product lines like Redken, Wella, Mizani, Paul Mitchell, and more. When you want a style beyond your expectations without driving to the city, this spot delivers.”

From the Gurnee newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Eighty Eight Barbershop has been keeping heads sharp since 2017, starting with two barbers, and they’ve tripled in size with a crew of licensed, award-winning artists using superior tools. If you want crisp grooming, unique designs, and people who care, this nearby spot delivers... and their motto says it all.”

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Locals keep Cleo's Salon de Belleza packed for a reason, from crisp fades and fresh trims to confident blowouts on tricky curls, all handled by friendly, Spanish-speaking stylists. Come with a podcast queued... the wait can happen, but the consistent, affordable results make it a neighborhood standby.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Faded Best Barber Shop ( Cheapest Fade In 10 Miles! ) delivers crisp free hand fades from owner Cruz, a speed-obsessed pro contending for a Guinness mark of five skin fades in 14 minutes. Expect sharp detail and little waiting, plus a barbershop vibe that actually feels good to be in.”

From the Wheeling newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Tough It Out Tattoo Waukegan is a go-to for black and grey realism, fine line, bold traditional, cover ups and transformations, and thoughtful custom pieces shaped from your references and ideas. Portraits, script, neo-traditional, new school, you name it, these artists deliver clean lines and solid work.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Chain with a diverse selection of cosmetics & other beauty products, plus on-site salon services.”

“Raj’s 44 Barbershop (Vernon Hills) keeps it simple and sharp, the kind of neighborhood spot you trust when you need to look cleaned up for work, a big night, or just because. Friendly crew, steady hands, consistently good results... the definition of a reliable go-to near Mundelein.”

From the Mundelein newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Casual salon offering haircuts for adults & kids along with professional styling products for sale.”

“When you need a quick escape without booking a flight, Hawaiian Island Tropical Spa delivers a tropical vibe with muscle-melting massages, spray tans, and ear treatments that reset your whole mood. Friendly, no-fuss, and focused on wellness, it’s the midweek recharge your shoulders keep begging for.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 8, 2026

“P keeps Waukegan looking sharp with clean fades, beard detail, color, braids, loc maintenance, and even hot towel shaves, all in one spot. Family-owned with over 10 years behind the chairs, they explain each step so you get the look you pictured, not haircut roulette.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 25, 2026

“In nearby Waukegan, Dinosaur Studio Tattoo & Art Gallery blends a legit tattoo studio with an art gallery feel, so you can get fresh work and soak up inspiration in the same spot. Great pick when you want something you’ll still be proud of at the next backyard hang.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 10, 2026

“Beauty Collective is a boutique salon where independent stylists run their own chairs in a modern, warm space, so you can pick the pro who fits your vibe. It feels like a community, not a production line, with appointments that feel more laugh and recharge, less rushed.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Whether you need a precision cut, fresh color, or the whole reset with nails, lashes, waxing, massage, and those HydraFacial skin treatments you keep hearing about, Salon Bliss brings the well educated, genuinely friendly vibe that makes you feel taken care of from first hello to mirror check.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Whether it's a clean fade, crisp lineup, or your beard dialed in before the weekend, Fade-N-Shave Barbershop has you covered right here in Waukegan. Skilled barbers who listen, keep it friendly, and blend like pros so you leave looking sharp without the drama.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Right in downtown Grayslake, The Alwin Salon Studios brings modern beauty artistry in a welcoming, eclectic setting, with a real focus on environmentally friendly practices. If you want great hair without the guilt, check out Alwin Anthony Salon inside, committed to ongoing education and a welcoming, eclectic vibe.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 9, 2026

“When you want a clean cut, sharp beard, or nails that actually turn heads, Fonzy's Prestige Barbershop and The Nail Room Spa brings 15+ years of experience to Waukegan with bilingual service, skilled barbers, and lash and nail pros who make looking put together feel easy. Check it out.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Alwin Anthony Salon is a cozy, solo studio inside The Alwin where stylist Sara Alwin focuses on Hair Lingerie luxury extensions that are reusable, comfortable, and blend seamlessly. She’s taking new clients, and the vibe is welcoming to every gender, so you get great hair without the fuss.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Skip the wait, get a crisp cut or close shave at Cut & Shave, a local barber shop serving the McHenry area. Classic vibe, skilled hands, and easy online booking... get the style and service you deserve without making a whole day out of it.”

From the McHenry newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Since 2011, Maximum Tattoo has been the Northwest suburbs go-to for clean, thoughtful work in any style or size. Warm, accommodating artists make ideas better on skin, and they handle walk-ins and consults with zero ego. Good vibes, serious craft, very Buffalo Grove energy.”

From the Buffalo Grove newsletter, August 31, 2026

“From no-chip manis and sturdy dip sets to acrylics, ombré, and custom nail art, T & J Nails is the low-key spot for tidy, long-lasting nails. Detail-focused techs, a calm vibe, and designs that actually match your inspo make it an easy Buffalo Grove upgrade this week.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Chain for men's, women's and children's haircuts, coloring, blowouts, highlights and perms, with appointments recommended.”

“Salon offering haircuts, coloring, and other hair services in Creekside Commons.”

“Chain beauty shop carrying its own brand of cosmetics and skin-care products, plus wigs.”

“Between sculpted acrylics, Gel X, dip powder, and glossy no-chip finishes plus ombré and classic Pink & White sets, Luxury Nail & Spa has the upgrade your nails are begging for. Add a Matcha Cloud or Milk & Honey pedicure, maybe a quick brow cleanup, and call this week officially handled.”

From the Buffalo Grove newsletter, August 28, 2026

“For sleek box braids, twists, or crisp cornrows, Dalphny Hairbraiding delivers premium, thoughtful work with a welcoming, soul-soothing vibe. Booking is easy through their digital salon, and the focus on care means your hair feels looked after long after you leave.”

From the Buffalo Grove newsletter, September 2, 2026

“For a no-drama haircut that actually grows out well, Element Barbershop is the kind of local chair you stick with. Straightforward online booking, attention to detail, and the kind of easy conversation you only get from a neighborhood shop make this a reliable go-to for Arlington Heights folks.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, September 5, 2026

“HairCrafters Waukegan keeps it simple with individually priced services, so you can grab just a trim, go bold with color, or lock in a perm without the mystery math. Mid-priced, full service, and neighborly, it’s the spot for reliable cuts and pro products that actually behave.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Cosmetics chain offering brand-name beauty products & supplies, including salon equipment.”

“Lovina's African Braids is the local go-to for lightweight knotless box braids, Senegalese twists, cornrows, and custom patterns that protect your hair and save you time in the morning.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Nadeja's Artistry treats brows like, well, art with custom shaping, hybrid brow treatments, lamination, and lash lifts that enhance your natural features and age beautifully. A licensed esthetician who obsesses over detail and long term brow health, she builds looks around your bone structure and maintenance goals.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Need a little self-expression upgrade this week? Enchanted Body Art is an all-female studio in Waukegan doing custom tattoos, precision piercings, and luxury body jewelry in a welcoming, judgment-free vibe...”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Maritza’s Chair Hair Studio is the local move for balayage that blends, vivid color that turns heads, and clean bleach touch-ups that keep roots in line. Want a subtle single-color refresh or a big switch-up... they customize it so you leave feeling like the main character.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 12, 2026