We are a boutique hair extension salon specializing in the best hair extension methods, precision haircuts, color correction and Brazilian Blowout, and are located in upscale downtown Elmhurst, just outside of Chicago. Having come from large, corporate salon atmospheres, our aim was to take things down a notch and create more of a relaxed place for clients to come and be pampered.
Our unique, customer-focused salon space is private and feels more like a retreat than a circus. This dynamic duo of passionate hair designers are eager to use their breadth of knowledge to address your needs and help you attain the hair of your dreams.
Our unique, customer-focused salon space is private and feels more like a retreat than a circus. This dynamic duo of passionate hair designers are eager to use their breadth of knowledge to address your needs and help you attain the hair of your dreams.
Services
Services include a personally formulated shampoo with relaxing scalp massage, a custom cut designed for your needs and a blow dry. This patented technique that uses relative geometry surrounding the head shape leaves no heavy-spots or flat areas. Currently Head Shape Matters! is only practiced by our senior stylists.
We are located in a state-of-the-art facility near prestigious downtown Elmhurst. Conveniently located just 16 miles west of Chicago's loop, Elmhurst is easily accessed by several highways and thoroughfares. We are just north of North Avenue, two miles east of Route 83 and one mile west of I-290/294.
Reviews (21)
Elizabeth L.
Jul 19, 2021
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Alter Ego Hair Design is the Very Best! Both Erin and Caitlin do amazing work. My hair extensions are beautiful and the quality of work is top notch!
Erin has taken my fine, limp and over processed hair to a new level. From extensions, to color, to a new cut, SHE HAS IT ALL! She is a professional and a truly kind and wonderful person!
You will NOT be disappointed with any of the services offered at Alter Ego.
Erin has taken my fine, limp and over processed hair to a new level. From extensions, to color, to a new cut, SHE HAS IT ALL! She is a professional and a truly kind and wonderful person!
You will NOT be disappointed with any of the services offered at Alter Ego.
Sophia M.
Jul 08, 2020
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I chose this hair salon based on the many good ratings but am unfortunately not pleased. From the minute I walked into my appointment my stylist was on the phone with the IRS or some company - on hold. She had her phone on speaker the entire three hours I was there while the background music of being on hold was playing and the constant "a representative will be with you shortly". She would keep checking her phone throughout my service. There were three times when a representative got on the phone throughout my appointment and my stylist stopped what she was doing to talk to the representative
Kathy Starbeck
Nov 30, 2019
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I could not say enough about Alter Ego!!! My stylist and moved out of state and I was looking for a new place. I initially went to Mario Triccio. I have not had to seek out a stylist in so long and figured I should go to a name brand place. Boy was I wrong. They ruined my hair at Mario's. I had three diff colorist trying to cover my gray. I never had issues covering my gray roots before and they could not get it right. My hair started to break off and it was a mess! My daughter's wedding was coming up and I needed help. Not only did Erin fix my hair color, she put in extensions for wedding for
Tori R.
Dec 19, 2018
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Y'all, I can't even! I found this place right here on Yelp and decided to take a chance. I had originally planned on going to a salon in Arlington Heights until they wanted to charge me an obscene amount of money. When I found Alter Ego, I had decided I was going to give up my almost two year adventure of going blonde (I'm a natural dark brunette with incredibly stubborn hair) and do something more practical, yet fun. Based on some of the reviews, I decided Emily was the way to go, and I (along with the other yelpers) was right! She did a gorgeous color mix on my hair, where I was
Ann Marie A.
Nov 07, 2018
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Nicolette did an awesome job touching up my highlights and fixing the blonde tone! She was also efficient which I really value- I hate when I'm at a salon for hours upon hours, and that was not the case here without any sacrifice on the quality of her work. Emily followed my color with a great cleanup haircut and blow dry. Will definitely be back!
Lisa K.
Jun 23, 2018
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I went to Alter Ego for the first time for a hair cut with Emily. She was great! She spent the time to talk to me and make sure we were both on the same page with what to do with my hair before she started. She listened to what I wanted but also gave her advice. I just needed a reshaping and she did an amazing job. The shop is clean, cute, and modern.
Alexis B.
Apr 11, 2018
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Terri B.
Mar 21, 2018
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Angelica T.
Mar 20, 2018
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Shannan D.
Jan 29, 2018
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Because of the near perfect reviews here on Yelp - I chose Alter Ego to get my hair done. I split my time between Green Bay and Chicago these days so it made sense to find a hair person in Chicago. I really like the online scheduling feature and I had lots of confidence that Emily would be able to do a great job. The salon is part of a conglomerate of health/beauty suites - Alter Ego itself is somewhat small (although I hear they are expanding). It was just me and Emily. I told her I wanted a partial highlight and I even knew the colors my previous stylist had used.She replicated the color exactly
Oksana De Mesa Oky
Dec 12, 2017
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I had been through a rough patch in life and wanted to start the new year fresh, beginning with a new haircut and color. Right away I knew I picked the right place as this hair studio seemed to know exactly what I wanted even though I couldn't quite put it into words. My stylist was super supportive and encouraging, guiding me every step of the way from mixing the perfect color to picking the right cut and style. She took her time answering all my questions and even gave me a quick lesson on how to best maintain and style my new haircut every morning. I couldn't be more pleased and will definitely
Bridget O.
Oct 28, 2017
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Emily cut my hair recently and I was very pleased with the cut and the service. I had one of those bad hair days and scheduled an appointment that same afternoon. I came a few minutes early and was seen right away, with no wait. I asked Emily what she thought I should do with my hair and she said she really liked my current cut and suggested a trim, taking off a half-inch. I was pleased with her honest judgement: I had gotten a cut in Montreal a few months back and was very happy with the cut except it was overgrown. She trimmed it quickly yet skillfully, blow dried my coarse wavy hair into
Sarah M.
Aug 19, 2017
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Blisse H.
Feb 07, 2016
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Ken Eiternick
Aug 14, 2015
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Becca and Kari are awesome! They are very welcoming and treat you like family when go for a simple hair cut. They make the experience more than just a cut because you relax and they make you feel comfortable. They are willing to work around your schedule so it's no longer a hassle to get an appt.
Moreover, the girls always remember your style so you don't have to worry about explaining what you like and dislike. I am starting to take my family to Alter Ego because of the quality hair cuts and friendly environment. I would recommend Alter Ego to anyone looking for a regular salon with great people
Moreover, the girls always remember your style so you don't have to worry about explaining what you like and dislike. I am starting to take my family to Alter Ego because of the quality hair cuts and friendly environment. I would recommend Alter Ego to anyone looking for a regular salon with great people
Jane Klenck
Aug 05, 2015
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Kari Ellis is an outstanding stylist. She has cut and styled my whole family's hair for the last 18 years. She does an incredible job with my short, thin hair, with my daughter's long, thick hair, and with my husband and sons' short, thick hair. Like one of the family, she has made us look fabulous not only for every day, but for proms, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and most recently, for my son's wedding. We would be lost without her. And she is a delightful person to boot. I highly recommend Kari and Alter Ego Hair Design.
Sam Man
Jan 18, 2015
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<3 <3 <3 Alter Ego!
My stylist Kari is the greatest!
I always feel fantastic when I leave the shop. The Brazilian Blow-Out worked nicely on my crazy frizzy/curly hair. Would recommend Alter Ego Hair Design to anyone who would like to have a Professional Experience and Individual Attention! They also offered customer s quality products. The entire staff is knowledgeable in regards to new products and styling trends. As for men cuts...My husband and son, have gone to Kari for many years.
My stylist Kari is the greatest!
I always feel fantastic when I leave the shop. The Brazilian Blow-Out worked nicely on my crazy frizzy/curly hair. Would recommend Alter Ego Hair Design to anyone who would like to have a Professional Experience and Individual Attention! They also offered customer s quality products. The entire staff is knowledgeable in regards to new products and styling trends. As for men cuts...My husband and son, have gone to Kari for many years.
Ann D.
Nov 14, 2014
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Lindsay is very talented -- she is still trying to get used to the way my hair absorbs color -- every client's hair is different -- it is chemistry and art -- every woman (and man) should greatly appreciate the science and artistry that goes into hair design! I was getting my hair done in Chicago -- too far and costly -- It is sometimes difficult to change stylists .. but I am so grateful i found Alter Ego and Lindsay. The shop is quaint and comfortable - lively and friendly. Lindsay is easy to talk to and cares that you leave looking and feeling good :)
Julie Sramek
Sep 28, 2013
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As usual, Kari fixed my bangs! Although she provides free bang cuts between appts., I've yet to take her up on that and ALWAYS chop my own between appointments. Seriously..... Kari was my stylist for many years and moved out of the area for a bit. I tried at least 4 different stylists and NONE of them was able to cut my hair the way I liked it. I love Kari and the salon is awesome. Comfortable setting and a great 1.5 hours of conversation each and every time. Great color and cut and I promise, once again, to stay away from the wrapping paper scissors ~ wink wink.
Karen Menas
Jun 11, 2013
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Marla Starr
Nov 06, 2011
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I've been going to Lindsay for the last 4 years and she is amazing!! She takes the crazy ideas I have and makes them come to life. Whether that be customizing my hair for my wedding, a friends wedding, adding multi-color extensions, adding a color or glaze or a simple trim or cut. You name it, I've done it...and have LOVED it every time. Lindsay makes your hair experience a personal one and makes sure you leave feeling like a brand new you with the most amazing hair day. I highly recommend her for all your hair needs. :)
