MRB Barber and Salon

MRB Barber and Salon is in Hillside, Illinois, and specializes in looks for people of color. The salon describes itself as a high-end, Black-owned, family-run business. It was started by an uncle and niece who taught cosmetology side by side before opening the salon together.

Barbering covers sharp fades, classic cuts and more contemporary styles, along with beard sculpting, trimming, shaping and razor line-ups. Visits can begin with a consultation to define the look, and can finish with a hot towel treatment or razor detailing. Hair coloring also starts with a consultation and a custom color formula, and covers all-over color, highlights, fashion shades and grey coverage. It typically ends with a post-color treatment and blow-dry, and the salon uses premium products for coloring and finishing styles.

Chemical services, including perms, relaxers and smoothing treatments, begin with a consultation and hair analysis, and finish with a neutralizing or conditioning treatment and aftercare guidance. Braiding includes cornrows, box braids and twists, and starts with a consultation and preparation of the hair. Locs services cover starting new locs as well as maintaining established ones, which includes scalp cleansing, shampooing, and re-twisting or grooming new growth.

The salon says it supports the growth of up-and-coming stylists, and the team includes a mentor role for the next generation of talent at MRB.

The salon says it supports emerging stylists and begins most services with a consultation to plan the look.