Alwin Anthony Salon

Alwin Anthony Salon was established in 2009 and has served Downtown Grayslake for more than 16 years. It began as a larger operation and has since moved into a smaller studio within The Alwin. The salon brand has operated downtown as The Alwin Collective for over 15 years, and it has grown from two locations, one a space for independent artists and the other a training salon.

Hair extensions are the main offering. The salon's Hair Lingerie extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair according to the brand, and they are applied by tape-in or hand-tied methods. The brand says they can be reused for several months with proper care. The salon says its extensions are damage-free, reusable, undetectable, breathable, comfortable, affordable and easy to care for, and that its luxury extensions are the best in the business. It also says fewer than five salons in Illinois offer its extension system.

Booking is by appointment only, Tuesday through Friday, and extension services are booked the same way. Appointments are scheduled around each specialist's availability and specialty. Clients are asked to arrive 10 minutes early, since late arrivals may have their service time shortened and services are completed as scheduled. Cancellations of all services need 24 hours' notice, and gratuities are not included in service prices.

Retail products include the Surface and CULT + KING lines, along with the salon's own Alwin brand, which has a range of stylers. Orders can be placed through an online shop, with curbside pickup offered. The salon gives 10% of its net profits to a scholarship for students attending beauty school. It states that it belongs to the Strands for Trans network and describes itself as open to guests of every gender, identity and sexual orientation. According to the salon, it holds a Platinum-level Sustainable Business Award for its environmentally friendly practices and is the only registered salon in Grayslake.

Built around service, value and individual attention for every client, according to the salon.

A cozy studio setting within The Alwin.