The best salons & beauty spots in McHenry County

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

Dark Heart Tattoo is Northern Illinois’ premier tattoo and piercing studio right in downtown Crystal Lake, with a diverse crew whose decades of combined experience cover almost any style. If you want a custom, quality piece that will actually age well, their artists and piercing pros deliver.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 28, 2026

Voted Best Barber in McHenry County’s Best of the Fox 2022, 2024, and 2025, Frankie DeBarber's Place is a one-chair, appointment-based barbershop focused on clean cuts, no waiting, and old-school attention to detail. Haircuts start at $30, and you can book online.

From the Algonquin newsletter, September 12, 2026

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

Since 2001, O'Grady's Barber Shop has nailed that sweet spot between old-school barbering and on-trend fades, tapers, and hard parts, plus tidy beard sculpting from five seriously skilled women barbers. Book ahead or try a walk-in when they have room, enjoy the easy conversation, leave looking unreasonably sharp.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 3, 2026

Since 1954, Joe's Barber Shop has been the kind of spot where you walk in, get a warm hello, and leave feeling sharp, blending classic 1960 chairs, modern products, and that small-town feel locals actually want. Walk-ins welcome, solid fades and beard trims, kids cuts too, plus Polish-speaking stylists.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 5, 2026

Posh Salon Suites is a neighborhood hub of independent salon professionals, with individual suites and an easy way to browse who’s there through the Find a Salon Professional page. It keeps your self-care routine simple and local, minus the big-salon chaos.

From the Algonquin newsletter, September 10, 2026

Whether you're plotting your next tattoo or eyeing original wall art, Crespo Art keeps it personal with artist bios to browse and clear aftercare info once you're inked. A handy spot for locals who want art on skin or on walls, from the same creative crew.

From the Algonquin newsletter, September 9, 2026

At Bloom Nail Bar in Crystal Lake, it's an indulgent experience with top-of-the-line brands and bespoke treatments that actually feel, well, special. Founded in 2022 and already a local go-to, it’s the spot to refresh your look, gift a little luxury, or snag easy online booking.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 15, 2026

If your ends need rehab or you’ve been daydreaming about fuller, natural-looking length, Strada Salon & Spa / NBR Extension Specialist focuses on NBR extensions, balayage, and color corrections, with owner-trained stylists, high-quality products, plus smart repair options like Japanese & Olaplex and GK Keratin.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 20, 2026

Mahal Beauty Nail Suite makes self-care easy with straightforward online booking and a portfolio you can peek at before committing, so you know the vibe. When your week calls for a clean, polished look, this Crystal Lake spot is a low-stress go-to.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 4, 2026

Area 51 Tattoo is the spot for thoughtful, custom work by licensed artists who actually listen, then design. Safety is the priority with all-disposable, single-use setups opened in front of you, vegan-friendly inks, and a no-pressure vibe, plus decades of combined experience from Khalid, Desirea, and Madison.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 19, 2026

Hair & Art keeps Crystal Lake lined up with clean haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves, head shaves, and kids cuts, all bookable online through Squire. When you want crisp edges and a straightforward, pro-level cut, this spot delivers... minus the fuss.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 25, 2026

If your Crystal Lake mane is ready for strategic oomph, Hair by Just-Tina focuses on ICE and IBE extensions to add length or volume with a clean, low-fuss finish. A solid pick when you want your style to read as you, just with more hair and fewer compromises.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 11, 2026

Whether you're dreaming up wispy florals or a nerdy mashup with dragons, Pokemon, or a little witchy flair, Tattoos by Sunshine is a private, one-on-one, appointment-only studio in Crystal Lake with a calm, body-positive vibe.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 21, 2026

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

From low-maintenance color and modern cuts to lash enhancements, brow tinting, and those lifesaving conditioning treatments, A&S Artistry Studio keeps McHenry looking effortlessly put together. Planning a wedding or big event? They also bring polished hair and makeup to you, so you can just sip coffee and enjoy.

From the McHenry newsletter, September 13, 2026

When your nails, hair, and brows all need a pep talk, Taylormadebeauty LLC is the low-key spot McHenry folks whisper about. Think gel manis and sturdy builder sets, fresh highlights and blowouts, quick waxing, even permanent jewelry and hair tinsel... tidy, polished, and very you.

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, September 7, 2026

Happy Nail Spa McHenry is the kind of boutique spot locals bookmark for a reset, with a warm, friendly vibe, treatments tailored to your mood, and premium non-toxic formulas. Expect patient, detail-minded staff and gel manicures that keep their shine for 10 to 14 days, plus genuinely relaxed shoulders.

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, September 12, 2026

Beauty salon for haircuts, coloring & treatments as well as manicures, pedicures & facial waxing.

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

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

If your ends are fraying or your color is feeling flat, J. Alek Hair Studio Inc. specializes in shape-saving haircuts including dry cuts, plus customized coloring from classic highlights to dreamy balayage, and seamless extensions.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 2, 2026

Inside Algonquin Town Center, Moderno Beauty Salon handles the everyday essentials with hair coloring, kids' haircuts, perms, and restorative treatments. Straightforward service and quick online booking make it a low-stress choice when you want fresh color or a tidy trim before the next school pickup or coffee run.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 1, 2026

Arcadia Salon is a handy go-to when you want a refresh, offering hair color, cuts, and styling that actually fit your week. Then grab a manicure and pedicure in the same stop, so your nails look as put-together as your hair, no fuss, just solid results.

From the Carpentersville newsletter, September 12, 2026

Chic hair salon providing haircuts, coloring, and extensions, plus Brazilian blowouts.

For a proper cut without the circus, Strack's Barbershop in nearby Algonquin delivers classic fades, straight-razor beard trims, and a barber who gets to know you. Appointments recommended, and with Best of the Fox honors plus service since 2011, it consistently sends you out looking sharp.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 1, 2026

When your cuticles start freelancing, head to Unique Nails for no-chip gel manicures, dip powder, and ombré that actually lasts. Their hygienic, individually sealed Pedi in a Box plus hot stone and sea salt pedis make it an easy reset before the next Crystal Lake week kicks in.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 2, 2026

Le Love Nails keeps things serene while tackling acrylics, gel, dip, and Gel-X, plus shapes from almond to coffin and nail art. For toes, the Honey Princess and Deluxe pedicures add scrub, mask, hot stone, and warm towel, making it an Algonquin go-to when your hands and feet need a reset.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 6, 2026

Whether you're overdue for a fresh cut, craving a tension-melting massage, or ready to finally book that facial, Bella Vita Salon & Day Spa in Algonquin does the whole self-care circuit for men and women. Hair, nails, skin, and spa packages... all without trekking far from Carpentersville.

From the Carpentersville newsletter, September 9, 2026

Whether you're after a fresh cut and color, a relaxing skin care session, or a quick wax before the weekend, Blush Salon & Spa delivers thoughtful, polished results across hair, spa, waxing, and bridal services. Consider it your local shortcut to feeling put-together without trying too hard.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 13, 2026

If your summer hair is doing its own thing, Salon MACKK & Company brings thoughtful consultations, precision cuts, color and balayage, extensions, and waxing in a modern, creative vibe. Bonus points, they’re Green Circle Certified, so your glow-up comes with a lighter footprint.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 30, 2026

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

From curly cuts and seamless blonding to keratin smoothing and several types of extensions, Salon Saffire is the Crystal Lake go-to for hair that actually behaves. Need a quick glow-up this week? Their updos and blowouts make you look like you tried...

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 28, 2026

Salon Cora brings expert hair color, precision cuts, and extensions to Crystal Lake, plus skin, brow and nail care that makes your self-care checklist feel easy. The team’s education-first vibe means you leave with hair that behaves and confidence that sticks around longer than your coffee buzz.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 20, 2026

Whether you need a subtle refresh or a bold change, Salon 334 pairs detailed consultations with a team of independent stylists who actually listen, then deliver. ” moment happens on purpose.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 5, 2026

Naomi Michelle Salon & Spa is that reliable Crystal Lake spot for lived-in color, crisp cuts, kid-friendly trims, and nails that survive a week of errands. They also handle facials, lashes, makeup and waxing, and their skincare earned Best of the Fox recognition.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 2, 2026

Multi-year Best of the Fox winner Monster Ink Tattoo & Piercing Studio turns your idea into a clean, custom piece, and backs it up with 100% sterile needle piercing. Their jewelry case is stacked with implant grade titanium and custom solid gold, so finding the right upgrade is easy.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 11, 2026

Skip the noisy salon this week and book with Pride N Joy Salon Suites, a collective of independent stylists working out of cozy, beautifully decorated suites. Haircuts, brows, even nails, all with one-on-one attention that feels like catching up with a talented friend who actually fixes your fringe.

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, August 26, 2026

Abbey Road Studio Hair Salon brings a fun Beatles shrine energy plus serious skill, with one-on-one attention, organic-by-nature products, and everything from classic cuts to color, highlights, lowlights, and foilyage. She even does wig detailing and care, so you can feel like a headliner this week.

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, October 17, 2026