Mister 312

Poor customer service…
I tried very hard to schedule and appointment but never got through to anyone. I called 3+ times and it always went straight to voicemail. I left a message and call back number but never heard back. I ended up going somewhere else.
I guess they just don’t need the business…

I was blessed with a VIP room haircut and shave yesterday as part of a birthday surprise from my amazing wife. Calvin was a brilliant and kind host and owner and Ricardo took great care of me in his chair. We laughed together, my wife and I were served great drinks, and I look and feel like Ricardo reinvented my look. At 40 years old, I needed it and the haircut is exceptional. I would gladly take the drive into the city once a month for this kind of treatment. #blessed

Review of private event services:
I recently got married in downtown Chicago and had the idea of getting straight shaves for all of my groomsmen. Having a suite at our hotel I called with the crazy idea of having a barber come to the room. I was unsuccessful with a few other barbershops before calling Mister312.
Calvin was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. He was able to coordinate bringing a barber, assistant and reclining chair with a towel warmer to the room and the entire thing was hassle free. The staff I was in contact with were extremely professional and all of my groomsmen loved the straight shave experience.
Based on their flexibility and professionalism, I could not recommend Mister312 enough!

Really clean. Friendly staff. Lots of great services. I got the best haircut I have ever had from Nora!

This place is legit! Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. I had Robert, the barber, and he did a fantastic job on my hair. The price was $ 50, and that might appear steep to some. However, when you consider what you get (perfect cut, calming environment, two shampoos, hot towel, etc.), it’s worth it. I was able to get a same day appointment, but my guess is that was pure luck since it was a Tuesday morning.

There are much better options in Chicago. All the talent left (see 316 Club or iMale). If you get a membership, don’t use it too much. The owner would not let me renew my membership even though it is listed on the website. He told me that they had discontinued the memberships, while hours later one of my coworkers called only to be told that they did indeed still have memberships.

For the money, u can do better. Every stylist I’ve had is pretty palpably unhappy, some gruff. Which I would guess reflects a crappy culture, bad mgmt. manscaping services were solid but i’m easy to please. For that kind of money, u can do better.

I was a pretty loyal Mr. 312 patron for more than a year. They’ve had some recent turnover, though, and I think a turn for the worse. I had always had my hair cut by Whitney, who is amazing. I’d also heard good things about Rachel, another stylist. However, both have left. Whitney is now at FM Studio, and I’ve followed her there. The transition was not handled well by Mr. 312. I received a voicemail the day before my last appointment, but no message other than «call us back.» I figured this was just a courtesy call to remind me of the appointment, and was disapointed when I arrived to be told that Whitney was gone. The substitute was not as good. Then, I also found out that their very good massage therapist, Megan, had also left. Not sure what is up with all the turnover, but I think it has hurt them in terms of quality. Like I said, I’m no longer a customer.

To be honest, I haven’t tried all the services available here but from what I have experienced, this is what I would say:
This is an amazing place. For men, a salon? I walked in and was greeted professionally and very kindly. I was given a tour of this place and it has everything you could think of. Not only does this place offer all the services a salon for men would have but then they go that distance where they have private VIP rooms with leather recliners and game systems hooked up to big screen tv’s. I mean, talk about pampering.
My friend received their shave and cut where I went for massage therapy a few times. Each time I had a great experience with no complaints. The staff was very courteous and friendly.
The only thing is that I find this place a bit pricey. But maybe that’s how a men’s salon is supposed to be… I don’t know. This was my first men’s salon and the only one I visited.

Don’t waste your money here… The few stylists that were any good have left. Seems very disorganized or under poor management. My appointments have been cancelled, rescheduled, or changed stylists on me several times. It seems like they have a lot of turnover with the stylists here. Not worth $ 50 more like $ 8.

I never thought I’d write a review for salon, but this place is so good it wouldn’t be fair to the city of Chicago to pass.
They have great amenities and spa services, but personally I don’t care about that stuff, it’s just «fancy bullshit»; that’s not what makes it great. What makes it great is that these people (and in particular, Whitney — *update*: Whitney moved to FM hair studio, so I moved w/​her) know how to cut hair.
They’re consistent, and after a year of patronage I can say it’s without a doubt the best haircut money can buy.

Thank you «Mister 312» for a great cut! Rachel L. was my stylist and Calvin and the whole staff were very hospitable. I would recommend «Mister 312» and would go again!

If you are looking for a fresh hair cut, check out Mister 312. This is a great place to get a your hair did and because of my experiences here, I wouldn’t dare go anywhere else. Ask for Reggie and you will not leave dissapointed. I also had a massage here and I almost cried because it was so good (Not really ladies, I’m a man). It’s a little expensive, but it’s not about quantity but about quality. Great location and the service here is amazing. Bottom line, this place is slamming and they know what their doing. Boom!

Let’s get this out of the way– Complaining about high prices here is like going to Charlie Trottter for their food, but expecting Kitty O’sheas’s prices. Absurd.
Like Fergie’s dad told her so, if you ain’t got no money take your broke ass home! Or at least take it somewhere you can afford. If $ 47 for a haircut is too much for you, then this place isn’t for you. If quality service, superb experience, high class and killer style is for you.. . then this place is perfect for you.
You see my buddy Johnny T.‘s review on here? I convinced him to go get his ‘do done, and done it was. For as long as he could maintain it, he was looking super sharp. Reggie — as talented as he is friendly — set him up real nice. It was like he had made it where a spotlight and theme music would follow Johnny when he walked. How fly? Superfly! Say what?!?
The spa itself is decked out way better than any female spa I’ve been to. I’m actually a little jealous I can’t get my hair done here. Each hair station has a little TV set into the mirror for the client to watch sports if they so choose. You know what I have to watch in the mirror when I get my hair done? Just me getting my hair done. Jealous much? Yes! There are groom rooms where it’s like a guy’s own personal theatre while they are getting their spa services. J-​E-​A-​L-​O-​U-​S!
Outside of that, they have top notch products for men, a bar in the front (yep, bar, as in liquor) and great people working there. Celebrity treatment at non-​celebrity prices, just not at JCPenny salon prices. It’s money well spent. I’ve resolved to recommend many more men to this spa. Mister 312 can help Chicago men manifest their inner flyness; one male at a time.

Oh, so this is why people make fun of Fantastic Sam’s? I didn’t understand the mindset of paying beaucoup bucks for a haircut. But, as a very wise woman once told me, you get what you pay for. And, I got bodied! Yes, my hair left here looking fly, textured and with body. Me! My hair! Reggie, you are a genius. This man is a miracle worker. He performed an anti-​Mumm-​Ra on me. He transformed my multitasked and hunched-​over form into a hot, young stud who could get Derek Jeter-​cast offs (the female ones. Oh, NO he di’in’t. Oh yes I did!). You see what happens when I get a good haircut and shave? I get sassy!
My journey to gorgeousness began with a comfortable chair and a glass of ice water. I know a lot of guys start off with a beer. I had hours of awesome event planning ahead of me. I needed to be on my game. After a short wait, I went to the barber chairs and Reggie prepared to change my life. He asked me what I wanted. I told him what I usually got but told him that I trusted him to do his thing. He thanked me on my faith and took off. He’s a great conversationalist and I didn’t notice the time fly by. I like to close my eyes when I get a haircut, so I don’t get hair in my eyes. When I opened them, I saw a different mop of hair on my head. It wasn’t my usual and it looked really good! Wow! Rock on, Reggie.
He wasn’t done. He took me to a back room to watch Beyonce writhe across the stage (and, to my chagrin, not fall down the stairs) and sit back and enjoy a hot towel shave. Again, he asked how I usually shaved, what I used and what I wanted. I told him to do his thing. He did and I am a better man for it. Three hot towels, one straight razor, one set of clippers, one pair of scissors, and several face ointments later and I was stylin’ like I looked like I was ready for my close up. I looked young, cool, hip and smashable. I loved it. Reggie is a genius. You get what you pay for and… I’m beautiful. I’m beautiful. I’m beautiful, dammit!

Being a female, I can’t comment on the haircuts, etc. here. However, I’m reviewing this based off of my husband’s love of Mister 312. He said that he would join Unilocal just to review how awesome this salon is. I’m doing it to for him, but the high marks remain the same.
Mr. Cake Ball has been going to here since it opened because of its proximity to the Blue Line and home. During the week leading up to the wedding, both of us had our grooming sessions. He had his at Mister 312. He came home so pleased with his haircut and facial. He finally found a stylist who cuts his hair the perfect length and has it lay just right. This amazing stylist also got him to use facial moisturizer with SPF 15 after his facial! Miracle worker!
He likes Mister 312 so much that he got his groomsmen gift certificates here. Since I was nearby, I picked them from the salon. The staff is extremely nice. When I purchased the giftcards, I mentioned my husband’s love of this salon. They remembered him immediately. Just like its partner salon American Male, Mister 312 delivers on a great haircut, facial, and service.

Mister 312 — you’re like the expensive date that is good, but probably just not worth the drain on the pocketbook. $ 47 for a haircut/​shampoo seems a bit much today. I decided to try it with the advertised $ 25 «first time customer» special intro price during a week where my normal hair guy was on vacation. I showed up and that price had changed to $ 33. Fine, no biggie…
I need to clarify — the haircut I received was great. 5-​stars. My problem is that we’re in a recession, and I can’t justify paying $ 47 (higher after tip) for a basic haircut/​shampoo. Location is great, so convienent considering how close to my work. Service was great, staff friendly — but I keep coming back to the $ 47. For a dude’s haircut? Ok, ok they play music… they have ESPN on the TV’s…but I havent received a bonus in over a year. Many of my colleagues are struggling or unemployed. $ 47? The salon that cuts my hair closer to home, up north, is just as friendly, gives me a shampoos, and does just as good or better of a job for signifcantly less. $ 47? That’s where you lost me Mr. 312. maybe you’ll be my emergency backup QB, but for now the starting QB’s job is more than safe. In fact, I just gave him an extension on his contract.

My haircut looks great hence the rating; and the minimalistic cutting and styling area with tv’s integrated in the mirror and good cable management was soothing, keeping the attention on the haircut. I tried Mr 312 as a result of participating in the Unilocal Elite event at Catalyst Ranch and getting a cleanup there and a solid coupon. On Friday afternoon, there was only one other customer.
Honestly, the AV setup is nice but way too loud, even for a mid twenty year old who used to work concerts. It’s just overwhelming and suited more towards the 16 year old Maxim Magazine set. Loud action movies are not soothing; tone it down. I wouldn’t have been in to the Justin Timberlake other Unilocalers mentioned either. Let’s get a little more hip in selection. Think Death Cab for Cutie and Pulp Fiction instead of Justin Timberlake and generic action film.
The location is perfect, I walked to the near Clark/​Lake spot; an interesting space in between buildings I’d always wondered about.
I’ve tried Halo, American Male, Buzz, The Originals, Xex and 316 club as well as Sport Clips in Wrigleyville (as well as Great Clips when I’m feeling thrifty) and nothing yet as yielded loyalty of more than two visits (except GC). I’ll probably cycle between them including here as I’m near one or the other.

Mr. 312 — great concept; now only if it was not done multiple time all over the city. I honestly enjoyed my visit today, I was a little worried about my stylist Fatima but she came through. My wife agrees I don’t look like a tool nor a marine so you must have done something right with this mess.
1. Congratulations who ever bought all the awesome AV equipment in this joint. Well Done. You have put awesome in wall systems, TVs everywhere you look and for the most party look like if the salon fails you could host a pretty decent rave. However; what the hell is with all the Justin Timberlake videos… what are you thinking… please put on sportscenter so men don’t have to further question their sexuality when they attend a «spa».
2. Beer. I cannot believe you are charging for it. What the hell are you thinking… Bar Credit is quite possibly the WORST idea in the loop. You are not starting a SoHo Club like in NYC, this is a Salon that charges over $ 50 dollars to tame a man’s dome. Do yourself a favor, give away Bud Light and make up the difference on salon upgrades… note: we tend to spend more when women with big boobs give us free alcohol
3. Work on the names of the services. There is a VERY fine like between hokey and contemporary. I can agree with all the names of the streets and the landmarks, but I felt like I was reading a tourism brochure that I picked up from the Hampton Inn as I was reading your over glossy menu.
I hope that Mr. 312 does well. They need some fine tuning but that’s expected from anything that goes up in the loop.
I would have easily rated 4 stars if I didn’t have to endure the Justin Timberlake videos.

From the owners of American Male debuts an ultra high-​end salon concept for males, Mister 312. When you walk in the feeling is more like gaining entry into a club than a salon. While big screens to your left pump out Michael Jackson videos, a bar in a small room waits to be used, a greeter welcomes you, as if the phrase «to Fantasy Island» should follow. Open only two days now, Mister 312 is still making some final touches on what should be an incredible concept!
There are flat screens everywhere and most were pumping out videos such as MJ. Each styling station looks into a mirror with it’s own tiny flat screen built into it, with ESPN giving you all the latest sports updates. Since the salon is new I was given the Grand Tour when I arrived! I was offered coffee, soft drinks and it was mentioned when the bar opens, cocktails will be available.
There’s a manicure station, a massage room, a shampoo room with an incredible sound system, the main salon area, and the VIP room, which I’ll discuss later.
They were offering grand opening specials on the Michigan Avenue service: Shampoo/​Condition, Scalp Massage, mini-​facial and hot towel, Style and Haircut, and (a much needed) Shoe Shine. My stylist Rachel was so helpful, friendly and professional I want to keep her all to myself! But I also want to help her build a clientele, so I have referral coupons if you’re interested in $ 5 off your first appointment. I am very particular about my haircut and style, and was completely satisfied with the final result!
All the products that they use are L’Oreal exclusives to Mr. 312. The shampoos and finishing products smelled fresh and styled well. I was always told what they were using, but never given the «hard sell» on products.
The service and handling at Mister 312 really sets it apart from other salons. I was never left to stand alone at anytime. The greeter handed me off to my stylist, then my stylist handed me off to the shoe shine guy, and he handed me off to the greeter to pay at the end.
The special VIP room is for «pampering in complete privacy». I got to experience this room during my shoe shine. You’re seated in a big comfy chair with a big screen TV, kind of your own private Starship Enterprise «bridge» if you will. I could see preparing for the «Big Day» here or it’s the perfect spot for those Howard Hughes-​like Executives that like a little privacy while under the hot towel! Dig it.
The services at Mr. 312 all go by Chicago-​based names. Any waxing above the chin– the Upper Wacker. Anything below, the Lower. They also offer Memberships for buying standard services in bulk, like the Rush St., Michigan Ave. or annual Unlimited Services. A good deal in the long run, and they thank you by giving you a discount on services, products, bar credit, and guest passes.
The location is conveniently in downtown and close to public transportation (the Clark/​Lake EL stations); something I’ve been wanting in a downtown salon. Mister 312 made me feel great, and I can’t wait to go back to Fantasy Island!