The Unmasked Coven

The Unmasked Coven is run by co-owners Sarah and Faeth, who first rented separate spaces inside Posh Salon Suites in Downers Grove before combining their work at the current downtown location at 5 S Park Ave. The shop sits beside the Lombard train station and across from JL Vintage Shop. Each artist works independently.

Appointments are booked only through the online system, since there is no receptionist. A credit card is needed to hold a booking, and cancellations or reschedules require 48 hours notice to avoid a fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, or no-shows arriving 10 minutes after their appointment time, are charged 50% of the estimated service amount. Listed prices include gratuity and are set by the service itself, not by client age, hair density or texture, and there is no separate kids cut price. The shop welcomes clients ages 10 and up, and caregivers are asked to use discretion when booking for younger guests. While waiting, guests can help themselves to water, coffee, tea and snacks, and local art and zines are on display.

Haircuts include a consultation, wash and style. Current guests pay $15 for a color consultation alone or $35 with a test strand. New guests who want a color service must book a 60-minute color consultation with a test strand for $35, and a separate deposit secures that appointment. The Ritual Hair Bath deluxe treatment starts at $180 and runs 90 minutes or more: a customized herb blend is added to the shampoo basin for an intention the client chooses, followed by a detoxifying hair masque and scalp treatment, a hydrating hair masque, and styling.

Faeth is the shop's curl specialist and focuses on curly and textured hair care that is realistic and easy to keep up at home. The shop also offers education for stylists and barbers, including visits to salons, barbershops or schools as well as one-on-one or small-group sessions. The salon says it takes pride in the experience and education it provides, and that it aims to make people of all hair textures feel welcomed and properly cared for. The salon is not hiring at the moment and does not run an assisting program for recent graduates.

Each artist works independently, and the salon puts weight on education and on making clients of every hair texture feel welcomed and properly cared for.

The waiting area offers complimentary drinks and snacks, with local art and zines on display.