Studio T Salon

Studio T Salon is a hair topper and custom wig business in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, founded and owned by Tina Apostal, who also works as a hair topper stylist. The salon describes its mission as empowering people through personalized hair solutions.

Toppers and wigs are made from 100% human hair, which the salon says is European. Toppers are handmade, with hair placed by hand and double knotted, and come in mono base and silk top styles. Each piece can be cut and colored to blend with the client's natural hair. Topper colors carry names such as Madelyne, Lydia, Gabriella, Penelope, Pearl, Faith, Joy, Gracie, Sophia and Hope, plus custom color. Wig shades include Lydia, a medium brown, and Faith, the lightest ashy blond.

A visit begins with a free consultation. Clients submit hair photos taken in natural light, showing the front, back, sides and any thinning areas, then book by text at (815) 909-2566 or by email at info@studiotsalon.com. Consultations are by appointment only, in person at the Crystal Lake location or by photo and video call for clients who live elsewhere. The salon ships worldwide. Business hours are 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and the salon is closed on weekends. Listed prices start at $550 for a small mono base topper, $950 for a medium, $1,450 for a large and $1,500 for an extra large, with silk top large toppers starting at $1,450 and wigs listed at $1,800. Prices are subject to change for custom coloring. A client review mentions payment plans paid monthly through PayPal.

Toppers typically last one to two years with proper care, and lighter colors may wear a little shorter. The salon recommends washing every six to eight weeks, avoiding over-washing, and using Moroccanoil products for care. Heat tools may be used on a medium setting, no hotter than 350 degrees F. Customized pieces are non-returnable. Non-customized toppers may be returned within two business days of delivery if requirements are met, with a 20% restocking cost unless the client chooses a different topper.

The Pop-Up Private Consultation Reservation is a one-hour private session with a stylist at pop-up events, priced at $150 and non-refundable. The fee does not apply toward buying a hairpiece. It includes a custom cut for any piece bought at the event, a silk storage bag and a personal tutorial on placing and removing the piece. Hairpieces are not colored on-site; customized pieces are finished at the Crystal Lake salon and then shipped or made available for pickup. Pop-up events are for ticketed clients only, and locations are shared 30 days ahead.

Each topper or wig is custom made so it blends with the client's own hair, built around personalized hair solutions.