AJ’s Salon

I have been burned on my forehead, waited for over 5 hours, clients put ahead of me, a lock of my hair burned away, and treated like a low class citizen after spending large sums of money over the years. They treated their base paying clientele like crap. I am not trying to win a freakin popularity contest, I want my hair done in a professional and timely fashion. The owner and his minions are not worth $ 1. I would never spend another dime at this salon.

I was new to the area and of course remembered the show on tv and thought that this place would be a great place for Afr. Amer. hair. My stylist (Nikki I think) was pretty much on time. I went for a wash and style, and she did a good job with the wash, but I was surprised that she didn’t let the conditioner sit on my hair at all. Also when she combed out my hair to blow dry it, she used a small tooth comb. My hair was straight, but a week later when I went to do my own hair it was sooo uneven. She combed my hair out and broke my ends off! Everyone knows that you use a wide tooth comb to comb curly hair and that hair is weakest when wet. I went somewhere else to get the ends evened up. Maybe if I tried a different stylist, I would have a better review. I really hate giving bad reviews, but I lost length because of this. She doesn’t work there anymore, and I would consider going back to someone else.

Terrible Rude Customer Service from the OWNER HIMSELF when I called as a new client. This place puts the hood in hooded-​dryer. I was more polite than the employees when I called to confirm hours, price, if they could handle my natural hair. They were annoyed & angry at my questions and showed it. They were frustrated when I described my hair type in an attempt to ascertain which stylist would be best suited to style my hair. They were pissed when I asked for an estimate of the time needed to complete the services I was requesting. They basically acted as if I wasn’t a customer and I should feel privileged to talk to them at all.
I ended up canceling my appointment and going elsewhere (Hot Comb Salon– which did an Amazing job). I left a message with a receptionist regarding my cancellation. An hour after my cancelled-​appointment was supposed to start I got a phone call. It turns out it was some ghetto employee leaving a belligerent message saying that I should have called to cancel. I call her ghetto because her tone was foul, and she came off as rude and uncouth. If this is how they treat potential new customers, I can’t imagine actually paying them and putting the fate of my hair in the hands of such unprofessional and mean-​spirited people!
(P.S.- According to google maps and hopstop, this place is really far from downtown and very inconvenient to get to on CTA, another reason that I was really confused about the salon’s attitude problem).

Let me preface this review by stating that this was a Groupon experience gone bad. I should have come to Unilocal and read fellow reviews prior to purchasing my Groupon and I would have saved myself a lot of time, money and headache.
As other’s have stated… this salon specialized in African American hair. I am not that… pretty much as far from that as you can get seeing as I have blonde, straight, thin hair. I went in for a color, just to touch up my roots. The stylist seemed to have really no experience with highlights on blonde hair. I had a color slopped on, baked and removed. She then blow dried and styled my hair (no cut). I left with lighter roots, but instead of a blonde it was more of an orange.
Please don’t think I am bashing this salon, I am absolutely positive by what I saw when I was there that they are completely competent and fabulous with African American hair, their specialty. They had a ton of clients come and go, all were happy with the services received and they really did look amazing.
And the staff was fabulous, friendly and funny.
My review is more of a «caution» to those like me that don’t necessarily need the services they excel at and may need services they are not so familiar with.
I will not be going back here, but I would not hesitate to recommend them to the right customer.

My hair is perfect! Thanks so much to Maridel. She is so sweet, professional and she cut my new bangs just right. Love her!

This place is definitely a «class act»! The experience at this salon was exactly what I have been craving. The stylists know what they are doing, and they do it well. The climate is light and full of laughter. The décor is chic. Not once did I feel rushed. They make you feel as though it is really «all about you». And, as an African-​American woman with natural hair, Valincia was an absolute God-​send!
It is pricey (at least for me… I’m a teacher), but, you get what you pay for – and I got satisfaction. I wanted to give everyone a hug when I left.

love ajs!!!

Does an okay job but charges too much! I was given a touch up for $ 150 and my friend got a cut and perm for $ 275! The prices here are outrageous and there arent as many clients as there use to be.

I can’t speak for AJ’s as a hair salon, but as a barber shop it’s whack. To make a long story short, my wife came here and got her hair done before our wedding. It’s very close to our house, so she suggested that I get my hair cut there. I booked online, and during the online reservation process was told the charge would be $ 25.
To make a long story short, the charge was actually $ 50 and you get a «discounted rate» of $ 40 as a new client.
First of all, no haircut is worth $ 40. The haircut and mustache trim I got was the same as what I would expect from an above average barber.
I will never return to this shop.

5 stars for cut, 5 stars for style, 1 star for time.
After 14 years of having my hair natural, I decided on a different look. AJES is fabulous but they are not quick. So, when my schedule is tight, it is very difficult for me to be there three (3) or four (4) hours at a time. In fact, it is getting increasingly difficult to do.
The reviewers Trena H. and Jillian K. are dead on in their assessments of AJES salon (except for the end trimming. My cuts have been nothing but fabulous). However, you have to decide how valuable your time is.
Every has to decide if the money you are spending is worth the services provided based on what is important to you. My time is important to me. So if I can find someone who provides the same quality of service in a shorter time frame, then it is likely I will go to the place that saves me time.
In terms of parking, there is a parking lot on the northwest corner of Washington and DesPlaines, which is one block away from the salon. The night rate (after 2pm) is $ 6, Then, you would not have to worry about meters.
Finally, the choice is always yours. AJES Salon really is a fabulous place with fabulous, fun, talented, and good looking people.

Right to the point: I have been going here on and off for two years. It is a really nice place, the atmosphere is great, I love the vibes. Everyone here is cool… except for Ajes. He is a tight ass at times. I went in to have him trim my fro and guess how much he charged me…$ 150 BUCKS!!! I am a broke ass college student and this is what he charges? WTF?
He is sometimes outright mean to his employees, not ashamed to out right yell at them in front of everybody…
Just for a wash and style he charges $ 70-​$ 80 bucks so beware all you naturals out there!
Other than that the place is cool. They do a nice job all around… But FYI there is a lady there, sweet as hell, not T but another lady… when she hot combs your hair she will go over the same handful of hair about 5 or 6 times with a really hot iron, which is counterproductive if you have natural hair like I do because the heat kills, but she is just trying to make sure you are satisfied… just tell her enough is enough if it comes to it.
And on top of it, there are way too many people working on one head. I know they are trying to be efficient but in one appointment my head passes through 2 – 3 hands including Ajes himself. I guess I don’t really mind it but FYI ok.
Def. not going there EVER again!
Good Luck!

When in Chicago, and you want to get your hair looking beautiful, I strongly suggest Aje’s Salon. The décor is inviting and the staff is classy. They make you feel comfortable and right at home. Salute to Aj and his staff!

Pros:
Hip bi-​gender salon, moderate parking, friendly and fun, on-​line appt calendar, variety of services, great music, talented artists, very professional.
Cons:
Must ask to trim ends, too many people working on one person, my personal experience of hair mistakes, sit and wait for services, tickets at parking meters if you don’t pay attention, «extras» that you don’t need, prices aren’t clear.
Suggestions: Book someone other than AJ FIRST to see how you like salon and get a feel on who is doing what. You will pay extra for the owner. He is really good, but be ready to pay, make sure you are clear on on what you want and need, ask for prices up front and DONT assume, be prepared to wait. If you don’t tip well… they know it. Your hair will look amazing, but pay ATTENTION.
My experience was fantastic at first and then kinda went downhill from there (sorry guys). I think AJ, and the other stylist are fantastic people with a great business, but I miss that personal «they know you» feeling from smaller salons that I am used to. I dont want to say anything I would not say in person. But, my wedding day hair was not as I imagined. Let’s just say, I left my veil on the entire day… but my make-​up was AH-​MAZING !!! Thanks.

I think it is important to mention that I came in with extremely damaged hair and I dont love my hair right now, but its because it was damaged and really all that could be done with it was done.
1. If you are looking for somewhere to do natural hair and not question why you dont have a perm or if you would consider getting one, this is the place to go.
2. Make sure you have hours to wait. I was there for 4.5 hours, which is a really long time in my experience.
3. If you’ve ever gone to Too Groovy Salon and Spa (either location) in Atlanta and you want something close to it, this is the place to go as well. Too groovy is way more timely but, when you have natural hair and you dont really want anyone to ruin it, is time really that valuable? Bring good reading material or headphones.
4. AJ is a really good stylist. He straightens very well. Since I moved here I have constantly complained that no one straightens better than I do here, but this place has proved me wrong.
5. From what I witnessed today, AJ is not the only good stylist, everyone I witnessed getting their hair done looked pretty fabulous leaving
6. Fridays or Saturdays are probably not the best day to come.

For all of those who read my review of Streets of London Salon, this is the African American salon that my stylist was talking about…
Ajes is filled with stylists who are concerned about the utmost care of your ‘do and the overall health of your hair. They make sure that you are making smart choices when it comes to maintaining your style at home away from the salon.
This place not only caters to women patrons, but believe it of not, they have two very very good barbers in the shop as well. For all those dudes, who want a good fade or shape-​up, you better get in here pronto.
Ladies, you can also get your eyebrows waxed and your nails done as well (mani/​pedi)!
Tracy is my favorite stylist, she has been doing my hair for over a year now, and her relaxing skills and blowout skills outweigh by far any that I have experienced before. My hair ends up being light, fluffy and has a TON of volume. It also keeps (when wrapped properly at home) for about 2 weeks. She is amazing. I have recently decided to go natural, and she is helping me transition…
Aje, the owner, is the friendliest guy. He remembers me every time I come. He is very very serious about his salon, and more importantly, he is very very serious about hair! He is always buzzing around to make sure everyone is being taken care of. It’s great to see the owner working in their own salon and making sure things get done the right way.
This gets my vote for best African American salon. Look no further.

I began going to Aje’s almost two months ago and my experience has been great. I was previously getting my hair done at an Egyptian Salon in Oak Park which was perfect for getting in and out quickly and at a great price… but over the past few years, my hair has gotten thinner from all of the heat and pulling that was being done to straighten my naturally curly hair.
AJ has never used a blow dryer on my hair and it still turns out beautiful! His assistant Tee is wonderful. His staff is top notch and AJ knows his stuff. He is a business owner with a passion for hair as well as beauty.
During my initial visit I was treated like a queen, my hair was colored, cut, and shampooed. I liked the color, but really wanted it to be a little closer to my natural color. AJ adjusted the color and made sure I was satisfied. He has an opinion about your hair because he is an expert, but his customer care, and experience is what will keep you coming back.
I have been so pleased with the way my hair has turned out after each visit. I wish everyone could have an experience like mine… it has taken me years to find someone who understands my hair type, which is very tricky!

I swear by Ajes. And can testify that celebrity stylist/​owner AJ Johnson is worth paying the premium. Can’t lie… he’ll keep a cute girl in there for a lil too long on a Saturday, but if you want, just put your foot down and let him know that today is not the day to play!
His assistant Tene is sweet as can be and always makes sure I’m comfortable. On a weekday appointment, she gets me in and out there quickly.
AJ cares about hair care as well as keeping his clients on trend. Never in my life has my hair been this healthy, bouncy and full of life. He has never used a blow dryer on my hair, and that’s a great sign. The follow up maintainence products he suggests are also the best.
I recommend Ajes for all hair textures, especially ethnic hair, and for all women who want their ego stroked inside the salon… and on the street!

I have been going to see Ajes for a long time (years), and have always had a quality experience. I started going to Ajes after having my Afri-​Amer natural hair growing for awhile, and needed something to manage it better. Friends recommended Ajes and getting a texturizer (think a very lite perm). First, I arranged a consultation (free), and AJ himself talked to me, asking what I wanted. He was attentive and spoke descriptively about my options, and what would work for my hair. I was confident afterwords to make an appointment, and I was not disappointed.
Ajes is all about the health of the hair along with being stylish. The salon is a industrial-​chic designed space, comfortable, the staff has always been friendly and professional. Every time I go in, it seem that every customer is walking out with a great hairstyle – it’s not uncommon for the customers to comment to each other, «your hair looks great.» Because of his flexible hours, I never have a problem getting an appointment to see him in short notice: I just made an appointment for me and a friend today for this Friday, no problem.
I give four stars instead of five for two reasons:
1) Sometimes the stylists is running behind on time, and you can be there much longer than expected.
2) Parking in the area is tight, and with 2 hour only meters you may worry more about your car being towed vs enjoying your appointment.
BUT I have yet to go to a Afri-​Amer salon where I didn’t have to wait longer than scheduled, and in that context, Ajes has been the best getting me out sooner rather than later, and you get what you paid for. Once he had a price point sheet available, comparing his rates with other stylists. His prices are in the competitive range, and has the «proof» to back his stuff up – check out his wall of work, framed articles and pictures of models he styled in various magazines (Essence, Black Hair Care, Chicago Magazine, etc.).

If you want your hair to feel soft and luxurious, this is the place to go! I stopped getting a relaxer several years ago and have found that it’s difficult to find a stylists/​salon that is able to straighten my hair without damaging and pulling it. I was pleasantly suprised with this salon for several reasons:
1. The hours are very flexible– The salon opens at 7 am on the weekends which is very convenient
2. The staff was very friendly and professional
3. My hair looked fabulous when I walked out (My stylist was Nikki)
4. The price was reasonable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this salon.

i went to Ajes because i heard they do african american hair who is in the natural state. For 2 years i was growing my perm out, my hair texture is soft and curly cues…, I was so frustrated with my last beautician. because after 2 years she completely damaged the whole frontal region of my hair where the back was to my neck and the front was barely touching my eyebrowns. When i went there i met a wonderful woman named holly. I wanted the works cut, color and style. she did a wonderful job on my hair but my color didn’t quite take the way i wanted it too. She mentioned that she would recolor my hair for FREE on my next visit.
Well a week and a half later, when i called to let Holly know i was going to be 10 minutes later. I found out that she had QUIT! So i told the secretary what happened and immediately A.J. came on the phone and said that he would do my color for free without any hesitation. I was thrilled. I saw him do other clients hair and their hair defintely fixed their face.
I like the organization and feel for this shop. I would defintely recommend Ajes for anyone considering getting their hair done.
UPDATE:
ok i went there and let AJ do my hair he did a phenomonal job… just let him work his magic on your hair and you willcome out looking fabulous
2^nd UPDATE: my hair has seen tremendous growth. I’ve been going to ajes for about 2 months now i go about 3x a month. I saw my old beautician recently she saw my hair and said it looked extremely healthy.
3^rd Update: I went to AJ’s for about 2 years until I relocated to another part of the country. He is defintely the best stylist I’ve had in all my 20+ years of getting my hair done.