appt-only

appt-only was founded as a long-held plan to open a salon of the owner's own, and it runs strictly by appointment. The salon describes itself as a modern, inclusive space in a big city, and says it was built around its clients and a love of design.

The space was designed by Andrew Tartara together with Amanda Rieb of Friends of Faux.com. The look is French industrial with a high-end but warm feel. The backbar is finished with 80 antique mirror tiles accented in gold leaf, according to the owner, and the furniture is a mix of Belvedere, Arhaus and antique pieces. The salon was featured in Salon Today's 2016 Salons of the Year feature.

Because it is appointment-only, each visit is scheduled with a specific stylist. Clients who arrive more than 10 minutes after their booked time are counted as missed appointments and charged a cancellation fee of 50% of the service price. Street parking is available nearby, but parking is not allowed on Wabansia.

The team works across cutting, color and styling, from single and double process color and highlights to extensions, relaxers and straighteners. Retail lines include Oribe, R+Co and V76, and the color lines carried are Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional and Matrix.

The salon is built around its clients and a strong interest in design, with each stylist tailoring cut, color and style to the person in the chair.

A French industrial room with antique mirrors and gold leaf, styled to feel high-end yet welcoming.