Finding a colorist in Chicago is easy. Finding one you trust with your hair — actually trust, not just hope for the best — takes more than a Google search.
I've been on the other side of this for over 20 years. I've seen what happens when someone chooses based on price alone, or a flashy Instagram feed, or because their friend goes there. Sometimes it works out. Often it doesn't. Here's what I'd tell a friend who asked me how to choose.
Look at the work, not the aesthetic
Every colorist has Instagram. Most of them post their best work with perfect lighting and professional styling. That's fine — but it tells you almost nothing about consistency.
What to look for instead: before-and-after photos. Specifically, befores that look like your hair. If every before is already halfway blonde, you're not seeing whether they can handle complex starting points. A colorist who only posts easy wins might be great — or might just be selective about what they share.
Also look at the range. Can they do dimensional brunette AND icy platinum AND corrective work? Versatility usually indicates deeper technical skill.
Ask about their training — and keep asking
Cosmetology school teaches you how to not burn someone's scalp off. It does not teach you how to achieve a seamless shadow root on double-processed hair. Advanced color skill comes from continuing education — workshops, certifications, mentorships.
Ask your potential colorist: where do you train? How often? Who did you learn from? Good colorists light up when you ask this. They're proud of their education. The ones who get vague or defensive? That's your answer.
At Reverie, every artist goes through Kaizen Education — the curriculum I built specifically for advanced color technique. It's ongoing, not a one-time thing. Our team is learning constantly because hair color science doesn't sit still.
The consultation tells you everything
Here's the real test: how does the consultation feel?
A good colorist asks more questions than they answer in a first consultation. They want to know about your hair history, your lifestyle, your maintenance tolerance, your budget. They should be honest about what's realistic — if you're a natural level 3 brunette and you want platinum in one session, the right answer is "we can get you there, but it'll take 2–3 appointments" not "sure, let's go."
If a colorist says yes to everything without asking questions, they're either inexperienced or they want your money more than your satisfaction. Either way, leave.
Price is information, not a scoreboard
The cheapest colorist in Chicago isn't saving you money if you need a $600 correction afterward. And the most expensive isn't automatically the best.
What price should tell you: how much time is allocated for your appointment, what products are being used, and how experienced the colorist is. At Reverie, every stylist sets their own pricing, so balayage is priced by the colorist you choose and their price appears when you book online. Whoever you book, that price reflects 2+ hours of focused, personalized attention using professional-grade product. If someone's quoting $80 for the same service, ask yourself what they're cutting to hit that number.
Read the reviews differently
Five-star reviews are nice but generic. What you actually want to find: reviews that mention specific problems that got solved. "I came in with three inches of grow-out and banding from my last salon and she made it seamless." That tells you something. "Great experience, love my hair!" tells you nothing.
Also look for reviews that mention consultation quality and honesty. A colorist who tells clients what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear is worth their weight in lightener.
Trust your gut
At the end of the day, you're handing someone your hair and 2–4 hours of your time. You should feel comfortable, heard, and confident walking into that appointment. If something feels off during the consultation, it's not going to feel better once the foils are in.
Every appointment at Reverie includes a full consultation in the chair at no extra charge, and you can also book a standalone one before committing to anything — $50 for 15 minutes, or $150 for 30 minutes with me, credited in full toward any service or any product here within 30 days. We do it for exactly this reason: we want you to meet your colorist, see the space, and decide if it feels right before committing. Book one here. No commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation — and a written plan to take with you.
