Best Salon Near Forest Park, IL | 3rd Coast Salon

Chicago's River North Hair Salon Serving Forest Park and the Western Suburbs | 223 West Erie Street

Welcome to 3rd Coast Salon: The Best Salon for Forest Park, IL Residents

If you live in Forest Park and you have been searching for a salon that actually delivers, the drive to 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago's River North neighborhood is worth every minute. Tucked inside a boutique suite at 223 West Erie Street, Suite 1E, just off the Blue Line and an easy shot down I-290 from Forest Park, this is where west suburban Chicago residents come when they are done settling for less.

3rd Coast is a collective of specialists, not a high-volume floor salon. From Phillip Fowler's precision cuts and extension work to Kevin's exceptional color, Amarii's mastery of textured hair and corrections, and Lydia's creative fantasy color, the talent here is the kind that Forest Park clients drive to Chicago for and never stop coming back. You leave with hair that feels like you, done by someone who actually listened.

Salon Location: 223 West Erie Street, Suite 1E, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone Number: +1 (312) 929-2627

Email us: Info@3rdcoastsalon.com

Hours

• Sun-Mon: Closed
• Tues-Fri: 10am-7pm
• Saturday: 9am-5pm

Book Your Appointment Now

Why Forest Park Residents Choose 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago

Forest Park sits right on the edge of Chicago along the Blue Line, which makes 3rd Coast one of the most accessible River North salons for west suburban clients. It is a 20-minute train ride or a straight shot down I-290. And once Forest Park clients find 3rd Coast, they do not look anywhere else. The combination of specialist-level talent, thorough consultations, and consistent results is simply not something you find at most suburban salons.

Specialist Talent That Forest Park Clients Travel For

Most salons near Forest Park offer generalist services. 3rd Coast offers specialists. Kevin's color work, particularly his reds and balayage technique, is some of the best in the Chicago metro. Amarii's expertise in textured hair, bleach and tone, color corrections, and updos is rare at any price point. Lydia's fantasy color and extension work draws clients from across the city and suburbs. Owner Phillip Fowler, who is also a stylist, educator, and mentor, holds the entire team to a standard that shows in every result. Forest Park clients who want their hair done right make the trip to River North because this is where that level of work lives.

A Hidden Gem With a Loyal Suburban Following

3rd Coast has built a reputation as a hidden gem in Chicago, and a meaningful part of that following comes from the western suburbs. Forest Park residents, Oak Park regulars, Berwyn clients, and people from throughout the I-290 corridor have found 3rd Coast and made it their permanent salon. The salon earned that loyalty through consultations that go deep, results that hold up, and an experience that feels personal regardless of how busy the floor gets. Taylor came in for color she had been chasing for years and left calling it the best salon in the city. Allison sat with Diana and John and was already planning her next visit before she walked out. That is the kind of place 3rd Coast is.

Professional Products That Perform Through Every Season

3rd Coast carries Milbon and Unite, two professional brands that genuinely perform in the Chicago metro climate. For Forest Park clients dealing with the same brutal Illinois winters and humid summers that affect everyone in the region, Milbon's precision formulas protect color, restore moisture, and keep hair healthier between appointments. The team recommends what your specific hair needs, not a one-size recommendation from a shelf.

Services at 3rd Coast Salon

Haircuts

Haircuts: Starting at $50

Every haircut at 3rd Coast includes a shampoo, cut, and blowdry. Hot tool styling is available as an add-on. Pricing varies by stylist. Amarii's haircuts start at $95, Phillip F.'s at $125, and Lydia's at $90. If you are combining a haircut with a color service, book color first. The team builds every cut around your face structure, texture, and lifestyle so you leave with something that works for you in real life, not just in the salon chair.

Styling

Blowouts and Up Styling

3rd Coast offers two styling services. The blowout includes a shampoo, condition, and full blowdry, with hot tool work available as an add-on. The up styling service is done on clean, dry hair and includes hot tool work and up styling without a blowdry. Whether you are heading into Chicago for an event or just want to feel polished for the week, the team delivers clean, lasting results.

Color Services

Single Process Color: Starting at $93+

Single process color is a reliable, foundational service for clients maintaining an existing shade or making a change. Pricing starts at $93 and varies by stylist. Book color first when combining with other services.

Highlights: Partial Starting at $213+ | Full Starting at $243+

Both partial and full highlight services include one gloss. Partial highlights start at $213 and full highlights start at $243. Kevin and the color team approach highlights with an understanding of how Illinois UV exposure and seasonal climate shifts affect color longevity, which matters whether you are spending summers near the lakefront or in the western suburbs.

Balayage: Starting at $159+

Balayage at 3rd Coast is a freehand painting technique that creates natural, sun-kissed dimension with low maintenance between appointments. Starting at $159, includes one gloss. Kevin's balayage results grow out beautifully and are well suited to Forest Park and suburban clients who want a look that holds up without constant salon visits.

Gloss: Starting at $127+

A standalone gloss service for clients who want to refresh vibrancy, correct brassiness, or add shine between full color appointments. Starting at $127.

Color Correction

Color corrections at 3rd Coast are handled by Amarii, one of the best correction specialists in the Chicago area. If you have had uneven results, box dye buildup, or color that shifted in the wrong direction at a previous salon, Amarii's expertise in bleach and tone work and layered color services is exactly what you need. Pricing is by consultation.

Fantasy Colors

Lydia handles all fantasy color work at 3rd Coast. Vivid pinks, purples, teals, pastels, bold panels, and complete transformations. If you want color that genuinely makes a statement, Lydia is your stylist. Her technical foundation in bleach and tone means she approaches creative color with the knowledge to keep your hair healthy through the entire process.

Texture Services

Keratin Treatments

3rd Coast is a Keratin Complex KCELITE certified salon. For clients throughout the Forest Park and western suburbs area dealing with Illinois humidity, a professional keratin treatment significantly reduces frizz, cuts dry time, and keeps styling manageable through the wettest months of the year. The team matches the right keratin option to your hair type and gives you a realistic picture of how long results last in the specific Illinois climate.

Extensions

Custom Hair Extensions

Extensions at 3rd Coast are handled by Phillip Fowler, Lydia, and Luke. Phillip is the primary extension specialist, with deep experience matching the right method to your hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance reality. For Forest Park clients who want length or volume without compromising the health of their hair, this is the team to trust. Pricing is by method and consultation. Book a consultation first so the team can assess your hair and recommend exactly what will work for you.

Conditioning Treatments

Conditioning Treatments: Starting at $35

3rd Coast offers several levels of conditioning and repair treatments based on what your hair needs. Options start at $35, with mid-level treatments available at $50 and more intensive options at $75. The standout in this category is the Scalp Treatment, starting at $129, which includes a full one-hour scalp massage and targeted treatment. For Forest Park and suburban clients coming out of a long Illinois winter with a dry, sensitive scalp, this is one of the most restorative services on the menu. When pairing any treatment with color, book color first.

Meet the 3rd Coast Salon Team

Phillip Fowler, Owner and Master Stylist

Phillip is the foundation of everything 3rd Coast does. As owner, stylist, educator, and mentor, he brings decades of experience to every client and every conversation on the floor. His extension work and precision cuts are some of the best in the Chicago metro, and his approach to mentoring the stylists around him has made 3rd Coast a place where real talent develops and stays. Cuts with Phillip start at $125.

Kevin, Colorist

Kevin's specialty is color that turns heads. His reds are rich and dimensional, and his balayage work is precise and intentional. Forest Park and suburban clients who drive in specifically for color work often end up in Kevin's chair and never look elsewhere.

Amarii, Color and Texture Specialist

Amarii is the go-to for color corrections, textured hair, bleach and tone, and updos. Her depth of understanding around how color interacts with different hair types is exceptional and rare in the Chicago area. Haircuts with Amarii start at $95.

Lydia, Fantasy Color, Extensions, and Cut Specialist

Lydia brings creative vision and technical skill in equal measure. Fantasy colors, bleach and tone, extensions, and cuts are all part of her practice, and her clients are fiercely loyal for good reason. Cuts with Lydia start at $90.

Luke, Colorist and Extension Stylist

Luke handles color, highlights, cuts, and extensions with a steady, detail-forward approach. His clients come back because the results are consistent and the experience is easy.

Mark and Tammy, Color and Style Specialists

Mark and Tammy are versatile, dependable stylists who bring the same care and professionalism to every service. Great at color, cuts, and styling across all hair types.

Independent Stylists: Olivia, Christopher, Mya, Krista, Parto, and Kristen

The independent stylists at 3rd Coast add significant depth to an already strong team. Olivia, Christopher, Mya, and Krista all handle color, cuts, and styling. Parto specializes in cuts and styling. Kristen is a dedicated colorist with a loyal client base built over years of consistent, thoughtful work. Her clients describe her as someone who goes above and beyond every single time to make sure they leave thrilled with their color.

Monika, Independent Nail Technician

Monika handles manicures and pedicures at 3rd Coast, making it easy for Forest Park clients making the trip in to take care of their nails at the same stop. It is a real convenience when you are already in the city.

Getting to 3rd Coast Salon From Forest Park

Easy Access via Blue Line or I-290

Forest Park is one of the best-positioned suburbs for getting to 3rd Coast quickly. The Blue Line runs directly from Forest Park's terminal station into the city and connects to the Merchandise Mart area. By car, I-290 east takes you straight into Chicago's Near North Side, with parking available on Erie Street and throughout the surrounding River North blocks. The trip is easy, and the result is worth it every time.

River North Is Worth the Visit

Once you are in River North, you are in one of Chicago's best neighborhoods. theMART is steps away. The Chicago Riverwalk is a short walk. The River North Gallery District, Marina City, and the Magnificent Mile are all nearby. A lot of Forest Park and western suburbs clients turn their salon day into a full Chicago afternoon, and it is hard not to when you are already in the middle of everything.

Built for What Illinois Weather Does to Hair

Illinois winters are hard on hair. Dry, heated indoor air combined with cold outdoor temperatures strips moisture from every strand. Springs are transitional and unpredictable. Summers from June through August bring the kind of heat and humidity that frizzes out color-treated hair and fades lightened strands faster than expected. Fall is the window to repair summer damage before the cold returns. The team at 3rd Coast builds all of this into how they treat your hair, what they recommend, and what they send you home with, whether you are heading back to Forest Park or anywhere else in the metro.

Serving Forest Park and the Western Suburbs

3rd Coast's western suburbs client base includes Forest Park, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Elmhurst, Lombard, Maywood, Broadview, Hillside, and communities throughout the I-290 corridor. Clients also come in from the North Side and neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The talent at 3rd Coast has built a regional reputation, and Forest Park residents are some of the most consistent clients in that suburban following.

Frequently Asked Questions From Forest Park and Western Suburbs Clients

Why do Forest Park residents drive to 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago instead of going to a local salon?

Forest Park and the western suburbs have plenty of salons, but 3rd Coast offers a level of specialist talent that is genuinely hard to find outside of the city. Kevin's color work, Amarii's expertise in textured hair and corrections, Lydia's fantasy color and extensions, and Phillip Fowler's precision cuts and extension installs are the kind of skills that Forest Park clients make the trip for. The consultations are thorough, the results hold up, and the experience feels personal every time. Once Forest Park residents find 3rd Coast, most of them stop going anywhere else.

How far is 3rd Coast Salon from Forest Park, IL and what is the best way to get there?

3rd Coast Salon is at 223 West Erie Street, Suite 1E in Chicago's River North neighborhood. From Forest Park, you can take the Blue Line directly from the Forest Park terminal station into the city, then connect to the Merchandise Mart area, which puts you just a few minutes from the salon. By car, I-290 east takes you straight into River North. Street parking is available on Erie Street and surrounding blocks, and several parking garages are close by in the neighborhood.

Does 3rd Coast Salon handle color corrections for Forest Park clients who have had bad experiences at other salons?

Yes. Amarii at 3rd Coast is one of the best color correction specialists in the Chicago area and regularly works with clients who come in with uneven results, box dye damage, or color that shifted incorrectly at a previous salon. Her expertise in bleach and tone work, layered corrections, and textured hair makes her one of the most sought-after stylists for this type of work. Book a consultation first so she can assess your hair and walk you through the process before anything starts.

What is the best keratin treatment option for Forest Park residents dealing with Illinois humidity?

3rd Coast is a Keratin Complex KCELITE certified salon, meaning the team is professionally trained in the Keratin Complex system. For Forest Park and western suburbs clients who deal with Illinois summers, a professional keratin significantly reduces frizz, cuts dry time, and keeps your style manageable through the humid months. The team will walk you through which option fits your hair type and give you a realistic expectation for how long results hold in the Illinois climate specifically.

Which stylist at 3rd Coast Salon should Forest Park clients book for extensions?

Phillip Fowler is the primary extension specialist at 3rd Coast and brings deep experience matching the right method to your hair type, lifestyle, and how much maintenance you want to commit to. Lydia and Luke also handle extensions and bring strong skill to the work. The best first step for any Forest Park client considering extensions is to book a consultation so the team can assess your hair and recommend the right method before any install begins.

What are 3rd Coast Salon's hours and how do Forest Park clients book an appointment?

3rd Coast is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The salon is closed Sunday and Monday. Forest Park clients can book online to choose their stylist and service in advance, or call +1 (312) 929-2627 directly. If you need to cancel, the salon requires a minimum 24-hour notice by speaking with a staff member directly. Late cancellations under 24 hours may be charged 50% of the service, and no-shows may be charged the full amount.

Does 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago work with all hair types, including textured and natural hair?

Yes. Amarii specializes in textured hair and handles color corrections, bleach and tone work, and styling across all curl patterns and textures with real skill. Extensions on textured hair are available through Phillip, Lydia, and Luke. Forest Park and suburban clients of all hair types and backgrounds are welcome at 3rd Coast, and the range of expertise on the team ensures there is a specialist who is genuinely right for what you need.

What should Forest Park clients know about 3rd Coast Salon's cancellation policy before booking?

3rd Coast requires a credit card to hold any appointment. If you need to cancel or change your booking, they ask for a minimum 24-hour notice delivered by speaking directly with a staff member. Messages left on the answering service do not count as cancellation notice. Late cancellations given with less than 24 hours may result in a charge of 50% of the scheduled service. No-shows may be charged the full service amount. Tips cannot be added to credit cards and are accepted by cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What 3rd Coast Clients Are Saying

"What an incredible experience and time. I am blown away by this place. Such a hidden gem and such a great staff. I left with color I've been trying to achieve for so long. I had a blast with each member of the team and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Arguably the best salon in the city." Taylor G.

"First time visiting 3rd Coast Salon and had a lovely experience. Diana was my colorist and talked me through my gloss service, making sure I was happy with the change and understood what she was going to do. It turned out perfectly. I received a cut from John and he was so friendly and did a beautiful job. I am so happy with my hair and will definitely be coming back." Allison S.

"Phillip and his team went above and beyond for my haircut. He took his time, walking me through every step of what he was doing for the cut, and taught me best practices for maintaining a healthy scalp. I highly recommend this salon. I left feeling very cared for by absolute professionals." Google Review

"Kristen is an amazing colorist. I've been seeing her for three years now. She is so thoughtful and goes above and beyond to make sure you're thrilled with your color every time. Phillip, John, and Reyna all do fantastic cuts and style." Google Review

"Natasha did such an amazing job. I came in to get highlights and showed a picture for inspiration. Natasha and Kevin both agreed that a different tone blonde would suit me better and I've never been so happy with a salon visit. Couldn't say enough good things. Looking forward to my next visit." Google Review

Book Your Appointment at 3rd Coast Salon

Forest Park and western suburbs clients ready to experience what specialist-level hair care actually feels like, the next step is easy. Whether you are coming in for a color correction, a fresh balayage, a keratin treatment, or a precision cut, the team at 3rd Coast is ready to deliver results that hold up long after you make the drive home.

Book Your Appointment Now

Salon Location: 223 West Erie Street, Suite 1E, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone Number: +1 (312) 929-2627

Email us: Info@3rdcoastsalon.com

Hours

• Sun-Mon: Closed
• Tues-Fri: 10am-7pm
• Saturday: 9am-5pm

Service Areas We Proudly Serve

3rd Coast Salon is located in River North, Chicago and proudly serves clients from Forest Park and throughout the western suburbs and greater Chicago metro.

Forest Park, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Elmhurst, Lombard, Maywood, Broadview, Hillside, Melrose Park, River Forest, Riverside, Bellwood, Westchester, La Grange, and communities throughout the I-290 and I-88 corridors. Chicago neighborhood clients from River North, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, the Loop, and the Near North Side are regulars as well. Clients make the trip from across the Chicago metro because the level of color, extension, and styling work at 3rd Coast is genuinely hard to find closer to home.

Your Best Hair Starts at 3rd Coast Salon

From rich, dimensional color built to hold through Illinois seasons to precision cuts, certified keratin treatments, scalp treatments, and extension installs done with real expertise, all delivered in a boutique suite in Chicago's River North neighborhood with easy access from Forest Park via the Blue Line or I-290, 3rd Coast Salon is where the Chicago metro comes when the result actually matters.

Phillip and the team built this place because Chicago deserved a salon where the work was done with intention, the consultations were real, and the experience felt personal every time. The clients who drive in from Forest Park and the western suburbs already know it.

They are right here on West Erie Street, and they are ready to meet your hair.

Book Your Appointment Now | Call +1 (312) 929-2627