Hot Mess

What a joke! Had been here a few times since it was so close to my house. EVERY single time there was not one single person in the place. Aren't most reputable and skilled hair salons busy?! This place -- totally empty. Nevertheless since it was so near my house I went a few times. First time - low lights were ok but haircut sucked. Went back and color came out good but haircut again sucked. Further the owner changed the price the second time. Third time I tell Denise (who is the ONLY stylist -- the owner doesn't even know how to cut or color I was told....!!!!!) EXACTLY what I want. She cuts it OK this time but within a couple weeks color washes out. Final time. I ask why it washed out. She says that she will make sure it doesn't wash out. So I am waiting to be washed but she does another customer (only time I saw another person in the place) . Alarm goes off but she lets me sit. She also had put color on my sideburns (as I asked) but she lets me keep waiting. The owner isn't even qualified to wash out my hair?? What a JOKE! So anyway the color came out way to dark and sideburns are disgusting . I get home look in a mirror up close and see the that the sideburns are DARK black!!! Denise sends my home with dark black sideburns. I only asked for LOW lights . Anyway I go back for a refund and the owner is so cheap she will only give me the portion related to the tip and color. Yep I gave her a nice tip since since I didn't see how bad it looked until I got home. So, If you don't believe me drive by anytime and see if any customers are there. I have now been walking around with a terrible cut and terrible color. Embarrassing. I have to see clients with this abomination. I needed a simple but stylish business haircut. But Denise is apparently incapable of doing this more than once in a row. GUYS - pay a little more and avoid this place!!! Women - BEWARE! Pros: clean place Cons: only one stylist; owner doesn't cut color or wash and poor color skills; can't cut men's hair; music too loud . more

I Went to Hotmess Back In May Or June. Denise Did My Hair. I Am Black And Must I Say At First I Was A Little Sceptical About Having Her Do My Hair And Being Able To Get It Flat. I Do Have A Decent Set Of Hair It Is Thick W/Curls (Not Brilo Pad Naps lol ,But I Have ""Black People Hair"" )It Is Easier 2 Manage And Comb when Conditioned Some Refer To It As ""Good Hair"". I Would Say A Good Mix Of The 2. So With That Being Said I Was Impressed With Denise And Suprised...I Would Suggest Just A Little More Heat to Make It Last A Little Longer.But If You are not sure if they do ""Black Hair"" Denise Does A Good Job And Won't Tear Out All Your Hair Trying To Comb It. I Have Not Been Back YET Just Because I Haven't Found The Time And @ $70.00/80.00 A Visit Don't Really Want 2 Do That Every 2 Weeks. But Denise Was Real Cool and Professional And I Do Plan On Going Back And I Will Be Back.So That Is Why I Wouldn't Mind Paying That Price From Time to Time. I Do Recommend HotMess For Black Women And In Genereal I Recommend For Any One Looking For A GREAT Hair Salon. Thanks Denise...I Didn't Forget About You : ) Pros: Service Cons: Price more

There's a reason why the good reviews on this site HEAVILY outweigh the bad ones :). Hot Mess is a great place to go! Gladys is a fabulous hostess: friendly conversationalist, really takes care of the place, and really takes care of you. The atmosphere is fresh and inviting, music's good and not too loud. \r \r Denise can't be beat in my book. She listens to what you want and will offer good suggestions. \r \r My mom is VERY particular about her hair (and why shouldn't she be?), and needed a cut but couldn't get her stylist at her regular (seriously overpriced) place. So I brought her down here this past weekend, and we both came skipping out like teenagers going to prom. Mom looks great (so do i) and we're both very happy!\r \r Thanks Gladys and Denise! Pros: Great staff, great cuts, good products, good lemonade Cons: None that I can remember :) more

So, before i went to get my hair colored and cut, i made sure to read at least the last 10 reviews. And Oh Boy where they great, almost hard to believe, but my regular hairstylist was on vacation and I decided to try Hotmess. Mistake! \r When you call they do not tell you the price, instead they say that it depends on your hair, wouldn't even give you an approximate amount. Ok, that's fine. the salon is in Jefferson Park for God's sake how expensive can it be I thought. You might wonder as well. Let me tell you. $170 and 2 and a half hours of wasted time. I had my hair colored the same color as i always have, which means they did not have to do anything complicated. Also, my cut was not a cut, the stylist trimmed the bottom half of my hair, it took her 2 minutes to do that and did not even touch my layers. Then the stylist styled it, did not even flat iron it. So when i asked why so much, the owner i think, not sure who she was, said ""Did you see what hair you came in with?"" Not so friendly! My hair color was faded and i had a lot of outgrow but the color was the same!\r I like to spend money and I spend a lot, however I do not like to spend money on something that does not deserve it! Color and style does not deserve $170. I'm sorry for saying it but come on, maybe if you lower your prices a bit your salon will be a little busier and you will not have to ask people to write nice things about you on citysearch! Cons: price does not deserve the amount of work they do more

I've been to HotMess several times. I'm always greeted with a smile and conversation. As a teacher, I'm on a pretty fixed budget; HotMess knows exactly how to accommodate my needs. I've had a terrible updo from another salon (a pricey one at that!) fixed into a beautiful wonder for chaperoning prom; I've had shoulder-length, bleach-blonde hair transformed into a smoldering honey-colored, layered dream; I've had the typical ""Posh Spice"" turned into a sleek, asymmetrical, high/low-lighted bob. Denise is amazing at transforming my hair. I wouldn't trust another salon! Every time I'm at HotMess, I grab a handful of cards to keep on hand in my wallet because it NEVER FAILS: I'm constantly stopped and asked, ""Where do you get your hair done?"" I'm EXTREMELY PROUD to be a walking billboard for the hotness of HotMess! Pros: Friendly atmosphere, great value, knowledgeable technicians Cons: NONE! more

I found Hotmess from this website a few years ago. Everytime I walk in I am greeted with smiles, hugs, and great hospitality. The place is absolutely adorable as Gladys always decorates and rearranges this trendy store. I am always asked if I want something to drink and/or eat and I am always accommodated whenever I request an appointment. I never have to wait once I arrive. My stylist Denise ALWAYS highlights, cuts, and styles my hair to perfection. I am a teacher and all my colleagues always ask who does my hair. Due to my partners profession we always have alot of events that we need to attend. Denise styles my hair for them and I ALWAYS have people telling me how much they love my hair! I drive from Wicker Park and don't mind the drive one bit because of what a marvelous job Denise does and how welcoming Gladys is! They offer a variety of services and even have cute items too purchase too- I recently bought an adorable clutch purse! Hotmess does it right every time you arrive! more

I got my hair cut/ highlighted today, my hair was rather dull and lifeless - and I needed a boost, and boy did I get it! I not only LOVE my hair, but I ran into a girlfriend on the way home, and she instantly asked where I got it done and said she is 100% going there in a few weeks to get hers done!!!\r I loved everything about the inside of the salon, the wonderful stylist who had answers to every single one of my questions (and trust me I had a million), and the pretty doggies.\r I cannot wait to go back - not only would I reccomend this place to everyone that I know - but also everyone that I dont know as well!!\r Thanks girls I LOVE my hair... \r OHHH And my boyfriend says he has to worry even more about letting me out of the house now ... haha\r thanks again! Pros: Skill, atmosphere, knowledge Cons: none!! more

Denise is confident, highly talented, and very savvy with the latest styles. They use and sell top products and the space is fun and funky. Sounds like some high-end concept salon with total attitude and rediculous prices, right? Wrong. Hot Mess is very chill, not intimidating, and they actually listen. What a concept! Pros: A rare combination of talent and accessibility. Cons: Pack a lunch--it's pretty far north! more

Hey Everyone!\r \r I just went to HotMess today to get my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed. They're so great and so nice to talk to. You definately feel very welcomed as soon as you walk through the door. Oh!! And their two dogs are very behaved and cute, too! :) I will definately be going back! more

am not a cheap person but $80 dollars just to cut my hair. The only reason i want to hotmess salon was cause it was saturday evening and that was the only place empty. more

I can't wait for my appointment at HOTMESS! The atmosphere at this place is so inviting and the service is wonderful. My last time there I felt like a queen being pampered. I had come in for a cut and my stylist not only cut my hair perfectly but told me how to take care of my difficult to handle hair. She also gave me a conditioning treatment which was just what my stressed hair needed. I walked out of there with the smoothest hair I've had in a long time. They all really know their stuff. more

I went into hotmess looking for a color and cut for the spring and Denis knew exactly what I wanted. She sat me down and explained in full detail what she thought suited me best and also incorporated my own ideas. From the moment you walk in, the environment is so warm and friendly (especially with Nassy around). I was always asked if I was comfortable, offered beverages and always a smile on everyones face. By the end of my appointment I came out of Hotmess feeling beautiful with my new color and cut. Thanks Hotmess .. u guys rock! Pros: parking available more

I have spent the last year and a half trying to recover from a bad hair cut I received at Gallery of Hair. I have curly hair that for some reason many hair stylist end up giving me a bad cut. I went to Hot Mess after I saw my sister's hair style and was very impressed! I loved the cut and style that Denise gave me!!!!!!!! It has been a long time since I have been able to find someone who can give me a wonderful cut. Denise had her work cut out for her. Not only did she have to fix the mess that a previous stylist gave me, but she was still able to make my hair look so nice. The rest of the staff was also kind! I thank all of them greatly!!\r Sheam more

Last week was my first time there and I have to say it is the best experience I have had a salon. Everyone was so nice and made me feel comfortable. I was so scared to try a new look but Denise assured me that it would look nice and it did! I love the way my hair looks! You guys are great! Oh and Denise you were rite- Im already ready to go shorter:) Im recommending this place to everyone! Pros: Service! more

Now..... I know what I like and I know what's good.... and this is GREAT!! I love everyone there they are great. I've been plenty of times already, and everytime I go it's a different style and great experience. I have gone for some red high-light and baby I looked great once it was done. This time it was coming in with long hair coming out with B.E.A.utiful short bob by Denise. My eyebrows are the BOMB by Gladys!! Thanks to the girls at HOTMESS you girls are all great. more

My first time going to this Salon and as someone who has no clue about what to ask for I often feel intimidated but they make you feel at ease. I was prompted to find out more about the salon because of the great response on here so I contacted the owner Gladys and she was very nice and suggested a stylist to me. Phoenix was able to take my damaged hair and breathe some life back into it. She does a great job with blowdrying straight (seriously!) and great hair weave process that is beautiful and classy. I suggest this salon to anyone who is looking for a salon with a trendy feel but also great customer service. Oh...they also recommend good products to use for those of us who need a bit of guidance. I'm not sure where the salon falls in terms of pricing but I think I got a great amount of service for my money and I plan to return and try other stuff. Pros: Great space, staff, music,service more

PHOENIX PHOENIX PHOENIX\r I walked into Hotmess with a roller set salon travesty of hair flopped flatly on top of my head. The lovely Phoenix saved me. She lovingly beat my hair into submission. I had the best cut and color and eyebrow tweeze ever. I will be back!!! If this review convinces you to go, tell her ""AGNESS"" sent ya!!! Pros: great atmosphere more

today was my first time there and got good ideas for my ideal hair and i love it i will make it my salon where i will go there to get my hair cut i recommend it awsome service and awsome atmosphere thank you ladies for my hair more

I just went to this salon today and just couldn't wait to review it. The people are truly nice. And happy. And happy to see you. Which took all the stress out of trying a new hair salon for me. I went in for a simple cut and some waxing, and they didn't push any products on me or any services I didn't need. I have NEVER been HAPPIER with my HAIR! They did EXACTLY what I told them to do and excelled at everything. I am never going anywhere else again. After all the places I have been to where I have had to fight off overeager stylists and cooler than thou hipsters wanting to make me over, this was truly a breath of fresh air. They are exceptionally professional and very quick.\r \r I'm a loyal customer now! AND, I am going to send my husband there! Pros: Everything is great more

The reason I initially went to Hot Mess was for Missi to cut my hair. I came to find it is a very nice place with a very friendly atmosphere. I have tons of confidence in Missi and her ability as a stylist. I usually don?t have any idea what I want her to do before getting my hair done. I am very comfortable letting her do whatever she thinks will look good, and I continuously receive compliments on my hair. more