The best salons & beauty spots in Waukegan

“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.”

“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.”

“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

“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

“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, September 9, 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

“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

“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

“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.”

“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, September 7, 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

“Relaxed barbershop offering scissor cuts, styling, beard trims and buzz cuts, plus online appointments.”

“Whether you need custom color, extensions, or just a cut that behaves on Tuesday mornings, Salon Revolution pairs rigorously trained artists with a collaborative vibe, then actually teaches you how to style it at home. Expect pro product tips, real talk, and results they’ll tweak until it’s right.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Friendly barber shop offering men's cuts and beard trims as well as women’s haircuts and styling for kids.”

“1845 Esthetics - Brazilian Waxing, Brow Artistry, & Spray Tanning Studio in Edison Park delivers speedy Brazilian and bikini waxing, meticulous brow shaping and mapping, custom airbrush tans, and even Korean lash lifts, all tailored to you.”

“Hidden Gem Salon is where friendly stylists, great music, and serious skill meet, especially if you're after luxurious extensions, custom color, or lived-in balayage. Patricia focuses on consistent, customized results so your hair looks effortless on day one and as it grows.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Salon offering hair styling and cuts, facials, nail care, waxing, and spray tanning.”

“Salon offering color services and a variety of hair extension techniques.”

“Banana Nails blends neighborhood salon vibes with serious skill, plus a nail supply store, training, and business education if you’re the DIY or pro-in-the-making type. With locations in Edison Park and Irving Park, it’s a go-to for tidy cuticles, creative sets, and the occasional confidence boost.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 11, 2026

“KR Bonita Nail SPA keeps Oak Lawn hands and feet looking sharp with over 180 vegan polish shades and 600+ no chip colors from OPI, DND, and more. Appointments required, but worth it for meticulous manicures, pedicures, waxing, and even quick nail fixes... your indecisive side will be thrilled.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Picture Perfect Hair Studio is the West Side spot for cuts, color, braids, locs, silk press, natural haircare, and manicures or pedicures when you want the full glow-up. Ideal for Oak Park folks who want straightforward, polished results from people who actually listen and make you feel like a regular.”

From the Oak Park newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Barber shop offering haircuts and beard trims, amid a welcoming atmosphere.”

“Permanent makeup clinic offering ombré brows, brow tinting, and teeth whitening, plus training.”

“Chaste Hair Institute’s student salon serves the neighborhood with box braids, feed in braids, loc maintenance, and wig installs, all performed by students getting real world training under experienced educators. A solid move when your roots need love and your calendar needs something that actually lasts.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 25, 2026

“NuBginNs Natural Hair & Wellness Center keeps things chemical free with a holistic, non-toxic approach to natural hair, plus an Afrocentric boutique and vibe that feels like community.”

From the Oak Park newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Diva-tude keeps your hands, toes, and brows on point with skilled nail care, custom manicure styles, and precise microblading, all from licensed pros who actually listen. Book it for this week, they focus on healthy results and send you home with maintenance tips, so your glow survives weekday chaos.”

From the Palatine newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Hair salon with stylists offering cuts, blow drys, and styling services.”

“Natural nail spa offering manicures and pedicures in an appointment-only environment.”

“Trendy salon known for gel manicures, waxing and friendly staff.”

“Charming salon for expert nail care such as manicures and pedicures plus waxing, eyelash extensions and brow shaping.”

“Chicago week got you tense? A Polished Work Inc turns a simple mani-pedi into a mini retreat, with Gel-X for next-level extensions and pedicure thrones tricked out with chromatherapy and hydrotherapy. Settle in, let the color therapy do its thing, walk out feeling like your most polished self.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 21, 2026

“By-appointment-only salon specializing in natural hair care, with locations in 4 cities.”

“57th Street Beauty Salon has been a neighborhood staple since the 90s, now bringing modern technique with the same community vibe. Think precision cuts, silk presses, braids, smart color, and relaxers tailored to your texture, delivered by stylists who actually listen so you leave looking like you, just better.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Relaxed salon featuring skilled stylists who offer cuts and color, plus manicures and makeup.”

“Salon specializing in natural hair care, including locs.”

“Appointments-only hair salon where customers praise the stylist for his work and conversation.”

“Longtime barbershop known for its celebrity client list, offering cuts for men & boys & shaves.”

“Friendly nail salon offering manicures, pedicures, waxing, and threading services.”

“Meesha B Luxury Nail Lounge is the place for Chicago-level polish, with meticulous manicures, indulgent pedicures, and intricate nail art done with precision. Detail-obsessed techs keep up with trends, and their own MB Luxury products let the pampering follow you home.”

“Upscale hair salon offering styling services, including blowouts, perms, and silk presses.”

“Luxe nail salon (with eyelash extensions and brow services) offering gel and dip manicures, acrylics and pedicures.”

“Whether you want a new wig, fuller extensions, or just need to restock cosmetics and haircare, SamsBeauty Warehouse keeps styles, shades, and accessories on lock. Pop in this week or browse their online shop, then let your mirror do the bragging.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Whether you're restocking for the salon or your kitchen table manicure station, DD Nail Supply has the goods. Think OPI and DND alongside Chisel, Igel, acrylic and dip systems, Kolinsky brushes, LED lamps, pedicure spa kits, plus nail classes if you want to level up this week.”

From the Berwyn newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Chicago Microblading by Brows Beauty Couture turns sparse arches into their signature, natural-looking brows with microblading and ombre techniques, plus lip blush and eyeliner if you want to streamline mornings. This week, they also do brow lamination, lash lifts, microneedling, and even SMP...”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Maxine Salon has been Chicago’s premiere hair destination since 1986, with stylists and colorists who actually listen and elevate your look. Expect expert cuts, luminous color, and extensions or straightening powered by Oribe, Kérastase, and L’Oréal Professionnel, and put it on your week’s self-care list.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 7, 2026

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

“Whether your routine needs a no-fuss cleanser, a just-right nude lipstick, or a little weeknight sparkle, Over N Over Beauty is a Chicago cosmetics store that keeps it simple and useful. Expect solid staples, fun little upgrades, and shopping that feels human, not algorithmic.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 19, 2026

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

“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, August 24, 2026

“Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing turns your half-formed idea into custom work with award-winning artists, from realism and black and grey to Japanese, anime, and fine line. Thinking piercings, permanent makeup, or a solid cover-up, too?”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 23, 2026

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

“Art PM - Permanent Makeup Chicago specializes in natural-looking results, from powder or nano brows and lip blushing to subtle lash enhancement. They even offer inkless stretch mark revision that works with your skin rather than just camouflaging, so your everyday Chicago routine feels a little more effortless.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Chicago Ink Tattoo & Permanent Makeup Milly’s Brows is where Chicagoans get crisp powder brows, microblading, nano or combo brows without the overdone look. They also do eyeliner and lash liner, lip blush, plus piercings, tooth gems and stretchmark removal, all in a clean, no-fuss studio.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Over N Over Beauty is the neighborhood spot for makeup, skincare, and all the little tools that make getting ready go quicker. Swing by when your mascara’s on its last legs or you need something louder for the weekend, then leave feeling a tiny bit unstoppable.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 18, 2026

“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, August 30, 2026

“Intimate hair salon specializing in haircuts, hair color, and styling, plus custom color mixing.”

“If your microblading went sideways or you want natural-looking, custom brows, Chicago Permanent Makeup by Lana Schluter RN, BSN is the go-to. She champions Soft Tap Japanese tattooing and ambidextrous free-hand design for tailored results, with nurse-level precision and a serious focus on safety. Check it out.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Skip the daily penciling and get natural-looking brows or liner that lasts at Rize Beauty Lab, where artist Matthew uses microblading, machine hair strokes, ombre powder brows, and smudge-proof eyeliner to enhance your features.”

From the Evanston newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Lincoln Park Hair Salon keeps neighborhood hair looking sharp with fashion-forward cuts, color and balayage, extensions, and thoughtful treatments, plus waxing, lashes and brows. Their stylists work with all hair types and even do bridal hair and makeup in-salon or on location, using pro staples like NARS and MAC.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Between K-Beauty and J-Beauty staples, Korean Beauty curates the good stuff: Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot, Anua PDRN serums, Rejuran ampoules, Centellian 24 favorites, Medicube balms, plus Dr. Groot and Fino for hair. Treat your face like it pays rent this week and give your routine a glow-up.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Artist, instructor, and permanent makeup consultant known for brows as well as the lips and lashes.”

“Whether you want ombré powder brows that actually stay put, microblading, a fluffy brow lamination, or a lift and tint that wakes up your eyes, The Beauty Crew | Permanent Makeup Services & Academy delivers meticulous, pro-level results.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 12, 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, August 25, 2026

“Retailer carrying a curated selection of South Korean cosmetic brands and skincare products.”

“Lakeshore East salon (part of a family-owned chain) offering cuts, coloring, Keratin treatments and blowouts, along with waxing and manicures.”

“Hair salon specializing in cuts and highlights, offering many other types of treatments.”

“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, August 31, 2026

“Relaxed salon for permanent make-up procedures, especially for sculpting eyebrows.”

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

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

“This week, level up your hair at Salon 833 Chicago, where certified pros specialize in custom color, expert balayage and highlights, and luxury extensions.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Lira Guzi Salon nails the Chicago blonde and balayage thing, with AirTouch wizardry, seamless extensions, smart color corrections, and sleek Brazilian blowouts in a bright, friendly space. Great if your hair needs dimension, shine, or just a stylist who actually listens and matches your vibe.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 20, 2026