Firefly Salon

I purchased the BuyWithMe deal for a keratin treatment with Joe Kinane at Firefly for $115 - the cheapest keratin deal I've found yet. I had a great experience and highly recommend Joe. For more details than you probably ever wanted to know, please read on. The phone number on my deal rang me straight through to Joe's cell phone, which I initially thought a bit odd and maybe unprofessional but in the end was pleased with the ability to work out a mutually agreeable time with Joe himself, - without the need to go through a receptionist. My last attempt to schedule a keratin treatment at a fancy pants salon (see my review for JV) was really frustrating due to their utter lack of flexibility. I ended up taking a half day off work just to use my coupon. Joe Kinane, on the other hand, was the epitome of accommodating. I basically picked my day and time. A+ on scheduling! Note: I later found out that Firefly is a space owned by Ellen (as noted on their listing), who rents out chairs to stylists. Joe is one such stylist. So this isn't your typical salon, but rather, more informal, hence the cell phone calling instead of a receptionist etc. Not a bad thing, just a fact. Firefly is located a couple blocks west of the Diversey brown line stop in a cozy basement space that is surprisingly bright and welcoming. The salon is clean and tastefully decorated with art by a friend of Ellen's. There was another young, female stylist working during my appointment who didn't acknowledge my presence and seemed kinda bitchy/unfriendly. Joe, on the other hand, greeted me warmly and asked plenty of questions before getting started. He was also careful to make sure I understood the "rules" of keratin treatments both at the time of scheduling and when I walked in, which is really really important. The other fancy pants salon I went to really dropped the ball in that regard. Joe completed the process on my hair in record time, and didn't tack on any hidden charges like the Other Salon I was keratin'd at. He did spend a fair amount of time commenting on mistakes my hairdresser had made in cutting and coloring my hair, which I found a bit uncomfortable and unprofessional. However, given the economy and nature of these groupon-type deals, I get how he needs to fight to get customers to come back to him after their deal is done. Overall, I'm on day two after the process and my hair is stick straight, as it should be post-keratin. Joe Kinane did a fabulous job at a really cheap price, and made my appointment enjoyable. He is sincere and honest and someone I will return to for future keratin and probably a cut and highlights too. more

I travel 45 minutes to get my haircut by Katarina. Her haircuts are fantastic, they don't cost very much and she is as fun as she is beautiful. Don't hesitate! more

I started going to Ellen at the recommendation of my wife. Until recently, I was the kind of guy that bounced from stylist to stylist, but Ellen's great haircut, and her attention to detail (especially taking the time to wash the hairs from the back of my neck after a cut), keeps me coming back. Ellen is friendly and down-to-earth, and she doesn't push annoying conversation unlike many of the other stylists I've gone to. The price is fair for the high quality of cut that you get, and Ellen is really helpful with recommendations for styling my hair, which can to be hard to tame. I'm always comfortable at Firefly Salon, and I'll definitely keep coming back. more

Ellen, is in a word, awesome. She loves what she does and it shows in every cut and color she gives me. She is the master of highlights for blondes. I've been going for over 10 years and she just gets better. She also doesn't book clients so close together that she has to rush. I cannot recommend her enough. I've sent lots of friends and not one disappointment - not even close. more

Ellen is absolutely amazing! She's been my stylist for at least 6 years now and I've never even THOUGHT about going elsewhere. She is not only a master when it comes to hair, she takes time to listen and is just a nice person overall. I recommend her to everyone I know! more

Joe Kinane rescued me from a truly messed-up haircut. After crying for hours, my roommate told me to go to Joe. I made an appointment with him, and he knew exactly how to fix it. He also smoothed my frizzy hair with a keratin treatment, and I'm in love with my hair for the first time in my life!! more

As the rating says -- Run, Don't Walk to Firefly! I've been following Ellen Dunn around the city for years. I always receive compliments on my hair and refer everyone I know to Ellen. Her Firefly Salon is conveniently located at Diversey & Lincoln. Ellen's places are always comfortable, including the staff! She's a true professional you need to check out! more

Ellen is a master at color as well as all other salon services, including great haricuts, styling and blow drying. Everyone who leaves her chair looks fantastic - my color is so natural and really lasts. You can't go wrong with Ellen. I went through a whole slew of colorists before I found Ellen and I'm here to stay. Ivy more

I've been going to Ellen for more that 15 years. I wouldn't trust ANYONE else. She colors and cuts my hair perfectly. She also does a great job on waxing my messy brows! If you're looking for a great place and great stylist - this is your place. more

just got another cut from ellen @ firefly. awesome! thanks again. you all should go! more

I have known Ellen for about 18 years..while when I first met her, I was only 8 years old and it didn't really make sense for me to get my hair cut by Ellen at that age..it was definitely a treat when I was allowed to. Now that I make my own money and my own decisions, I go to Ellen, and ONLY Ellen, to cut my hair. Even when I went to school in Ohio, I drove back to Chicago to get my hair cut by her! I have thick hair that's very difficult to manage..but she does it somehow! more

A new client, I had the rare experience of intimacy in a salon environment at Firefly. Warmed by an inviting smile and personal, yet not overbearing attention, Ellen settled me right in and made me feel familiar right away. Rather than dishing me off to an understudy to wash my hair, she did it herself and asked questions in an effort to get to know me better. I suspect this informs her intuitive approach to arriving at the right cut for my lifestyle. In contrast to SuperCuts, arguably the puppy mill of salons, I was convinced that my being happy with the experience and the end result throughout. In a way, it was an oasis to my day, again quite different than one finds at the Mega-Salons like Mario Triccosi, whose authenticity matches that of a nightclub. Sorry, no thanks...not when I'm getting my hair cut. I'll put my hard-earned down at Firefly instead, knowing that my cut will likely last longer than the ones I've received from the low-budget joints. How did the grift of a stockbroker churning commissions find its way to the salon business? Well, Ellen's Firefly offers a welcome respite from the typical hustle one finds elsewhere. more

Once again Ellen has introduced me to a great ,new product. Moroccan Oil Frizz Control Cream is the best! works all day and night in the humid Illinois weather. Smells wonderful too! Goodbye frizz, hello smooth. Look Ellen up at the Firefly Salon and I'm sure she can do something for you too! more

I, too, have been seeing Ellen for years, and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my cut and color. If you come in with an idea of what you want, or a new style in mind, she will work to give you what you want, while being honest and open about what she thinks will and won't work--always with great results, in my experience. And if you have no idea what you want, or are looking for suggestions, Ellen has a great stylistic sensiblity and can be trusted to just work her magic. I have followed Ellen through two moves into different salon spaces, and her current (self-owned) shop is by far my favorite. It's very tasteful, low-key, and easy-going, just like Ellen! I look forward to my Friday night girls' night at Firefly with my best friend and mom every 8 weeks. She juggles the three of us as only a true professional can, and we all leave feeling fabulous and looking it! more

I have been driving into Chicago for the past 2 years because I have FINALLY found a stylist, Ellen Dunn, who is an artist when it comes to color and style! more

I've been seeing Ellen Dunn (or "the goddess of hair," as she is known in my house) for cuts and color for over 10 years. She is incredibly talented and down to earth, and someone you can really trust to give you great hair! She will work with you to achieve a particular style you're going for, in a way that will be flattering and appropriate for your hair. I've never had a bad haircut from Ellen, and they also grow out beautifully. I can't recommend her enough. I've followed her to different salons, and now that she's opened her own, it really reflects her style. The Firefly Salon is elegant and chic, but at the same time comfortable and relaxed. I love coming here! more

Firefly is a perfect for my needs first and foremost because of Ellen Dunn's many talents. My span of experience with Ellen is 18 years which speaks volumes. Her ability to color hair continues to amaze me. I have watched Ellen's talent grow over the years long after she became a Master Colorist. Firefly is an especially enjoyable atmosphere. I prefer a salon where people do not take attendance to see who may be there. The conversation is interesting and fun or can be quiet if you prefer. There are also other services which Firefly offers such as manicures etc. It's a one stop shop! more

Firefly is an overall enjoyable experience. I am not one who enjoys going to a salon to see who is wearing what or taking attendance to who is there. Firefly is as lay back as Ellen is. Yet one can always strike up an interesting conversations if you wish. Ellen's talents have continued to grow over the 18 years that I have gone to her. Her ability to do color is a gift and well worth the price. more

As a man I always hesitiated to go to a "salon" to get a hair cut. However, over ten years ago I discovered Ellen at another salon and she has been doing my hair ever since. As I got older, and my hair grayer she convinced me to gradually work some color in. She is so skillful at coloring my hair no one knows I have it colored and it looks absolutly natural. I would strongly recommend her to anyone in need of salon services. Pros: Owner always has the clients best intrest as her priority Cons: none more

Ellen is truly terrific. She took difficult thick unruly hair and created an easy hassle free cut. Thanks again! Pros: hassle free haircut Cons: none more