Best Salon for Color Services Near Summit, IL | 3rd Coast Salon

Specialist Hair Coloring | 20+ Years Experience | Experts in Climate-Resilient Color and Hard Water Mineral Detox

By Kevin, Color Specialist at 3rd Coast Salon

Working with color in the Midwest means dealing with elements that actively fight against good hair. I see it every single day behind the chair. You leave the salon with a beautiful, bright blonde or a rich, vibrant red. Two weeks later, the color looks dull, brassy, or completely washed out. Most clients blame the shampoo. But when you live in Cook County, the real culprits are usually right above your head and coming out of your shower head.

Welcome to 3rd Coast Salon: Summit's Trusted Color Services Destination

Welcome to 3rd Coast Salon, the premier destination for expert color services for Summit residents and communities throughout Cook County. Located at 223 West Erie Street in the River North gallery district, our salon is just a 30-minute drive from Summit. This easy commute makes us the perfect choice for locals who need professional hair coloring paired with genuine, personalized service from stylists who truly care about long-lasting, healthy results.

Hair coloring is a complex chemical process that requires precise formulation and deep environmental knowledge. Our professional color specialists understand the frustration of fading and brassiness, whether it happened after a week of intense Illinois summer sun or following a winter of dry indoor heating. That is exactly why we have become specialists in color services that transform dull, brittle hair into radiant, multi-dimensional styles.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn grey coverage, brassy orange tones from hard water, chemical breakage from previous over-processing, or flat color that lacks dimension, our master specialists have the training, premium products, and decades of hands-on experience to restore your hair's brilliance.

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

Serving Cook County and the Surrounding Suburbs with Color Excellence for Years

Why Summit Residents Choose 3rd Coast Salon for Color Services

Located northeast of Summit via I-55, 3rd Coast Salon offers Cook County residents the perfect combination of world-class color expertise and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Summit clients travel to us because they know that professional hair coloring requires specialists who understand both the chemistry of pigment and the artistic flow of modern, lived-in color. The scenic drive from your Summit neighborhood along the Stevenson Expressway to our Erie Street location takes just about 30 minutes. That short trip is worth every second when you finally see the depth and shine of your new color.

What Sets Our Color Services Apart

Mastery of Lived-In Color and Balayage

Balayage is a freehand hair coloring technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look with minimal maintenance. We specialize in these lived-in color techniques because they are specifically designed to grow out gracefully. Unlike traditional foil highlights that show a harsh line of demarcation within a few weeks, our hand-painted balayage and root-smudge techniques are tailored perfectly to the busy Summit commuter lifestyle. We focus on creating depth at the root and brightness through the ends. This allows you to go much longer between appointments while maintaining a high-end look.

Our stylists have spent years refining these techniques. We do not just apply dye to your hair. We carefully analyze your hair's porosity, elasticity, and natural undertones to ensure the formula we create is uniquely yours. As a colorist who loves creating beautiful reds and seamless balayage blends, I take pride in making sure your color looks just as good on day sixty as it does on day one.

The Hard Water Mineral Detox Protocol

Summit's local water supply contains significant calcium and magnesium that directly impacts hair color longevity. These minerals create a microscopic film on the hair shaft that blocks color from penetrating evenly. It also causes professional shades to turn brassy or muddy up to 30% faster. Every color service at 3rd Coast Salon begins with a diagnostic check to see if mineral buildup is compromising your hair.

When we find buildup, we perform a specialized mineral detox to safely strip away these impurities before applying any color. This extra foundational step is exactly why our blondes stay bright and our brunettes stay rich. We believe in doing the necessary prep work so your investment in your hair actually lasts.

Premium European Color Lines and Bond Builders

Professional color services require high-quality formulas to protect the structural integrity of your hair. We use only the highest-quality professional color lines known for their superior pigment load and conditioning properties. To protect your hair during the coloring process, we integrate advanced treatments from premium brands like Milbon into our lightening services. This ensures that even the most dramatic color transformations leave your hair feeling stronger and healthier than when you first walked through our doors.

True Understanding of Illinois Hair Challenges

Living near Summit means your hair faces extreme seasonal shifts that affect color retention and hair health. The humidity rolling off Lake Michigan during the summer causes the hair cuticle to swell, which is the number one cause of color bleeding in vibrant reds and coppers. On the flip side, the freezing temperatures and harsh winds during our winter months strip away moisture, leaving hair brittle and prone to static snap.

These extreme weather fluctuations require specific expertise to manage properly. Our stylists have years of experience working with Cook County clients. We understand exactly how the local climate affects color services. We never just give you a color and send you on your way. We provide a tailored seasonal maintenance plan to protect your hair all year round. That is why many of our Summit clients book their color services with us at 3rd Coast Salon.

Honest Assessments and Realistic Expectations

Honest consultations are the foundation of healthy hair coloring. If your hair is currently compromised from past chemical treatments, we will tell you directly. Achieving a platinum blonde or a vibrant copper is a journey that often requires patience. We provide a very clear timeline for your hair goals. We often recommend a series of gentle appointments to maintain hair health rather than rushing a harsh process that could cause permanent damage.

Our ultimate goal is for you to have beautiful hair for the months following your appointment. We take the time to explain the reasoning behind our recommendations. Whether we are discussing the specific developer strength we chose or the Milbon restorative treatments we suggest for home care, you will always know exactly what is happening with your hair.

Patience to Do It Right, Not Just Fast

Healthy hair coloring requires careful monitoring and adequate processing time. In a world full of rushed express services, we choose to prioritize quality and safety above all else. A complex color correction or a full-layered balayage simply cannot be rushed. We block out ample time for every single client to ensure that processing is monitored closely. Every detail, from the tone of the gloss to the precision of the blend, gets our full attention.

We believe the salon should be a comfortable sanctuary. When you sit in our chairs, your hair health is our primary responsibility.

Getting to 3rd Coast Salon From Summit

Easy Drive From Your Neighborhood

3rd Coast Salon is located on West Erie Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood, about a 30-minute drive from Summit via I-55 North. The drive takes you right into a vibrant, upscale area of the city. Our suburban clients really appreciate that we are easily accessible while offering a level of color expertise that makes the drive completely worthwhile. It is actually perfect for a walk down by the Chicago Riverwalk after your appointment.

If you are familiar with the area, we are about 30 minutes from the Summit Argo Metra Station via I-55 N, 25 minutes from Bedford Park via I-55 N, 35 minutes from Justice via I-55 N, 35 minutes from Bridgeview via I-55 N, and 10 minutes from the Magnificent Mile.

Convenient Parking

Parking is highly accessible right near our salon. There are several parking garages and easy-access options in the River North Gallery District, so you can arrive relaxed and ready for your color consultation without the stress of searching for street parking.

Getting Here From Summit:

From North Summit, hop on I-55 North toward Chicago. Take the exit toward US-41 N/Lake Shore Drive. Merge onto US-41 N, take the exit toward Illinois St/Grand Ave, and navigate toward West Erie Street in River North.

From South Summit and Bedford Park, take S Cicero Ave north to merge onto I-55 North. Follow the expressway into the city, exiting near the Loop to cross the Chicago River North Branch up to Erie Street.

From Central Summit in the Argo Area, head east on Archer Ave to catch I-55 North. Follow the signs to downtown Chicago, cross the Erie Street Bridge, and you will find us at 223 West Erie Street.

Proudly serving Summit, Bedford Park, Justice, Bridgeview, Lyons, McCook, and surrounding Cook County communities.

Our Color Services and Pricing

Every color service at 3rd Coast Salon is crafted using professional-grade formulas and executed by master stylists who specialize in transforming dull hair into beautiful, healthy-looking results. If you are booking any color service alongside another service, always book color first.

Balayage: Starting at $159+ (Includes 1 Gloss)

Balayage is a custom hand-painted highlighting technique that mimics how the sun naturally lightens hair. Our approach is the ultimate low-maintenance luxury. We focus on placing brightness beautifully around the face while maintaining soft, blended roots.

What makes our balayage exceptional is our dimensional toning approach. We apply different glosses to different parts of the hair to create a seamless 3D effect. This specific technique ensures that as your hair grows, there is absolutely no harsh line of demarcation. Every balayage service includes one gloss.

Common Issues We Solve: Harsh, stripey highlights, flat one-dimensional color, rapidly fading ends, unwanted orange or yellow undertones, previous bad blending from other salons, over-processed blonde hair, lack of natural shine, and frustrating natural grow-out phases.

Perfect For: Summit residents dealing with busy commuting schedules who want expert color that looks amazing for months while prioritizing long-term hair health.

Highlights: Partial Starting at $213+ | Full Starting at $243+ (Both Include 1 Gloss)

Full and partial highlights involve high-precision foil placement to create brightness and coverage. We reimagine traditional foil work by customizing the weave and placement to suit your specific haircut and styling habits. Both partial and full highlight services include one gloss. Partial highlights start at $213 and full highlights start at $243.

Perfect For: Summit clients with darker hair that has developed muddiness from local hard water and who want a bright, clean, consistent result.

Single Process Color: Starting at $93+

Single process color is a reliable, foundational service for clients maintaining an existing shade or trying something new. Pricing starts at $93 and varies by stylist. This is a solid option for consistent grey coverage, a fresh all-over tone, or a base that supports other color services.

Perfect For: Clients needing dependable, consistent coverage that survives dry winter months without fading prematurely.

Gloss: Starting at $127+

A standalone gloss service for clients who want to refresh vibrancy, correct brassiness, or add an intense layer of shine between major color appointments. Starting at $127. Many Summit clients on a balayage or highlights schedule add a gloss visit around the six-week mark to keep tone fresh without the cost of a full service.

Color Correction

Color corrections are complex, multi-step services handled by Amarii at 3rd Coast. If you have had uneven results, box dye buildup, or color that shifted in ways you did not want, Amarii is one of the best in the Chicago area for getting your hair back on track. A deposit is required for color corrections, determined at consultation. If a complete correction is too risky in a single day, we build a multi-step plan to get you to your goal safely.

Keratin Texture Services

For Summit clients dealing with Chicago's summer humidity and color fading, 3rd Coast offers keratin treatments as a complement to color services. The Keratin Treatment starts at $350 and the Brazilian Blowout starts at $400. Keratin treatments seal the hair cuticle, protecting the pigment inside the hair shaft and making your color last significantly longer. If you are booking a texture service alongside color, always book color first.

Meet Your Summit Color Specialists

Phillip Fowler, Owner and Master Stylist

Phillip brings decades of high-level salon experience to every appointment. His philosophy centers around education, precision, and building a comfortable environment for every client.

What Phillip Does Best: Precision cutting and styling, high-end hair extensions, teaching and mentoring stylists, creating cohesive modern looks, and total hair transformations.

Why Cook County Clients Trust Phillip: Phillip has dedicated his career to mastering the art of hair. He constantly pursues continuing education to ensure 3rd Coast Salon remains at the forefront of the industry. His calm demeanor and technical skill make every client feel completely confident in his chair.

Kevin, Master Colorist

Our color team has spent years perfecting advanced coloring techniques for the Midwest climate. As a colorist, I focus heavily on the science behind the pigment.

What I Do Best: Creating beautiful, vibrant reds, seamless balayage and lived-in color, hard water mineral detoxification, and complex color formulation.

The 3rd Coast Salon Experience

Serving Summit's Unique Community

Summit is a hard-working community located in the gateway to the western suburbs. We completely understand the lifestyle of our suburban clients. From commuters catching the Metra at Argo to busy professionals driving into the Loop, you need hair that fits an active lifestyle. Your color has to look professional for downtown meetings but remain practical for weekend errands. We design color that respects your time and holds up beautifully between visits.

Part of the Greater Cook County Community

3rd Coast Salon has built lasting relationships with clients from all over the city and the surrounding suburbs, including Bedford Park and Justice. Many of our color clients have become loyal regulars who make the drive because they refuse to trust their hair health to anyone else. We understand what it takes to protect your hair in this specific climate. Your final color result should reflect the vibrant life you lead.

Real Results From Summit Color Clients

"I have struggled for years with my blonde turning orange because of the water here in Summit. Kevin explained exactly why it was happening and did a detox before my color. My hair has never stayed this bright. Best salon experience I have had." Sarah M., Summit

"I live in Bedford Park and honestly, the drive to River North is so worth it. The balayage I got at 3rd Coast Salon is flawless. It grew out perfectly over three months with no harsh lines." Jessica L., Bedford Park

"My grey is very stubborn and usually fades so fast in the winter. At 3rd Coast, they used a formula that actually stays. It has been weeks and it still looks completely fresh." Linda K., Summit

"Red fades so quickly, especially in the summer humidity. Kevin gave me amazing advice on home care and formulated a red that actually lasted through July. Highly recommend!" Amanda R., Justice

"The salon is gorgeous and right near theMART. Phillip and the whole team make you feel so welcome. You can tell they actually care about the health of your hair." Michelle T., Bridgeview

"I used to go to places closer to home on Harlem Ave, but the quality here is unmatched. They take their time and never rush the processing. My blonde is healthier than ever." Rachel C., Summit

Frequently Asked Questions for Summit Color Clients

How does Summit's hard water affect hair color and what does 3rd Coast Salon do about it?

Summit's hard water deposits calcium and magnesium directly onto the hair shaft. These minerals create a microscopic film that prevents new professional color from penetrating evenly and causes blondes to turn brassy and brunettes to look muddy after just a few weeks. At 3rd Coast, every color appointment begins with a diagnostic check. When we find buildup, we perform a specialized chelating treatment to gently remove those minerals before any color goes on. That extra step is one of the main reasons our Summit clients see results that hold so much longer than what they have gotten elsewhere.

What is the pricing for color services at 3rd Coast Salon for Summit clients?

Balayage starts at $159 and includes one gloss. Partial highlights start at $213 and full highlights start at $243, both including one gloss. Single process color starts at $93. A standalone gloss starts at $127. Color corrections are priced by consultation and require a deposit. Keratin treatments start at $350 and Brazilian Blowouts start at $400 as complementary texture services. Always book color first when combining with other services.

What is the best way to maintain hair color during a Chicago winter for Summit residents?

The best way to maintain color during freezing winters is to aggressively replace lost moisture. Freezing outdoor air and dry indoor heating pull hydration right out of your hair cuticle, leaving it brittle and prone to static. When the cuticle gets too dry, it stays slightly open, allowing your color molecules to literally slip out every time you wash. I always advise clients to switch to a heavier, moisture-rich mask during the winter and use a humidifier at home.

How often should Summit clients get a lived-in color touch-up at 3rd Coast Salon?

Lived-in color requires a full touch-up only every 12 to 16 weeks for most clients. Because we use root-smudging and soft hand-painting techniques, the color grows out beautifully without leaving a stark line. However, I highly recommend coming in around the six-week mark for a quick standalone gloss starting at $127. This simple service refines the shade, adds incredible shine, and neutralizes any creeping brassiness without the cost of a full lightening service.

Can 3rd Coast Salon fix hair color that was done at home or at another salon?

Yes, we specialize in safe, scientific color correction to fix uneven or damaged hair. Fixing a bad color job is a complex chemical process that requires an honest, in-person assessment of your hair's current elasticity. During your consultation, we perform a strand test to see exactly how your hair reacts. If a complete correction is too risky to do in a single day, we build a multi-step plan to get you to your goal color safely. A deposit is required for color corrections and is determined at consultation.

Why does hair color fade so fast during a Chicago summer for Summit residents?

Hair color fades rapidly in the summer due to high UV exposure and severe humidity. The Chicago summer sun acts like a natural bleach, breaking down the chemical bonds of your artificial color. Our humidity causes the hair shaft to swell, which literally leaks the color right out of the cuticle. You should always use a UV-protectant spray whenever you are spending time outdoors at parks or by the lakefront.

Is balayage a better option for Summit clients than traditional highlights?

Balayage is generally gentler on your hair because it processes in the open air rather than being trapped inside heat-conducting foils. It also does not require a harsh chemical touch-up every four to six weeks. Because you are processing the hair less frequently over the course of a year, your hair experiences far less chemical stress. It is a strong option for Summit clients who want a bright, high-end look while prioritizing long-term hair integrity.

What products should Summit residents avoid after a color service at 3rd Coast Salon?

You must avoid any hair products containing harsh sulfates or heavy, non-water-soluble silicones. Sulfates are aggressive detergents that will strip away your expensive color almost immediately. Many common drugstore brands also contain high levels of salts that dehydrate the hair over time. We carry Milbon and Unite products specifically formulated to protect color-treated hair, and we will always send you home with a personalized home-care plan so you know exactly how to protect your investment.

Can Summit clients go from dark brunette to platinum blonde in one visit at 3rd Coast Salon?

Going from dark brunette to platinum blonde in one visit depends entirely on your hair's previous chemical history. If you have completely virgin hair that is naturally light brown or dark blonde, it is sometimes possible, though it takes many hours. If you have any previous dark dye or box color on your hair, it will require multiple sessions. Trying to rush that process in a single day will almost always lead to severe breakage. We believe in taking a slow and steady approach to keep your hair strong.

Does 3rd Coast Salon require a consultation before a color appointment for new Summit clients?

We require brief consultations for all new color clients to ensure we book the correct amount of time for your specific goals. This allows us to see your hair in person, discuss your daily routine, and give you a highly accurate price and time estimate. It is the best way to make sure we are both on exactly the same page before mixing any chemicals.

What is a toner and why do Summit clients need one after a color service?

A toner is a demi-permanent gloss that acts as a filter over your lightened hair to create the exact shade you desire. Whenever we lighten hair, it naturally exposes underlying pigments that are usually warm, yellow, or orange. The toner neutralizes those unwanted tones to give you that perfect ash, honey, or beige finish. It also seals down the cuticle to add significant shine. Balayage services at 3rd Coast include one gloss, and a standalone gloss is available starting at $127.

Does hard water from Summit's supply make the scalp itchy?

Mineral buildup from hard water absolutely can sit on the scalp and cause irritation that mimics dandruff. The calcium from Summit's water dries out the skin on your head just like it dries out your hair. Our detox treatments help clear this stubborn buildup from the scalp, restoring a clean, healthy environment for natural hair growth.

How should Summit residents prepare for their color appointment at 3rd Coast Salon?

You should arrive with day-two hair that is dry and free of heavy styling products like sticky root concealers. Please avoid washing your hair right before your appointment. Your scalp's natural oils actually provide a wonderful protective barrier that helps prevent irritation during the coloring process.

Service Areas We Proudly Serve

While our salon is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, we welcome clients from throughout Summit and Cook County who are seeking exceptional color expertise.

Summit communities including the Argo Area, North Summit, Central Summit, 63rd St Corridor, and Harlem Ave neighborhoods. Nearby Cook County areas including Bedford Park, Justice, Bridgeview, Lyons, McCook, Forest View, Stickney, and Willow Springs. Many of our color clients travel from throughout the western and southern suburbs because they know that exceptional hair coloring expertise is always worth the drive. We have built our reputation as trusted color specialists, and our suburban clients consistently tell us the flawless results justify the trip into the city.

Book Your Color Transformation Today

Ready to experience the 3rd Coast Salon difference? Whether you are dealing with frustrating brassy tones, want to finally achieve a seamless balayage, or need expert advice on what is truly possible for your hair, our specialists are ready to help. We are dedicated to giving you the beautiful, healthy-looking results you have been searching for.

Book Your Appointment Now

Schedule Your Hair Consultation

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

Walk-ins are welcome when availability allows for consultations at our Erie Street location.

Your Journey to Beautiful, Vibrant Hair Starts Here

Whether you are ready for expert color that actually survives the local water, want to explore your options with a thorough consultation, need to fix a stubborn color issue, or simply want the healthiest hair of your life, 3rd Coast Salon is your trusted destination. Our combination of specialized coloring expertise, premium treatment products, and genuine dedication to your satisfaction makes us the right choice for Summit residents who want exceptional results.

Beautiful, radiant, long-lasting hair color is just a short drive away on West Erie Street.

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