Hair Extensions in Streeterville, Chicago

Streeterville is the high-rise condo wedge east of Michigan Avenue, between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Streeter Place, Lakeshore East at the south end, the towers near Lurie Children's, and the staff housing around Northwestern Memorial Hospital fill out the neighborhood. The clients who book extensions with us from Streeterville almost always cite proximity first. We are a 7-minute walk or a 5-minute rideshare across the bridge.

Why Streeterville residents book hair extensions at 3rd Coast Salon

Streeterville's clientele runs younger and more professional than the older money sitting one neighborhood north in Gold Coast. We see a lot of medical residents on rotation at Northwestern Memorial, lawyers in the high-rises on Columbus Drive, and visiting parents at Lurie Children's who need a fast appointment between hospital visits. The thread tying all three together is calendar pressure. They cannot be in the chair for 6 hours on a weekday afternoon.

So when Phillip plans an extensions appointment for a Streeterville client, the schedule is part of the design. He'll often install in two shorter sessions instead of one long one, or batch a color refresh into the same window so the client only crosses the river once that month. For Northwestern staff who need a Saturday morning, we hold a few of those slots specifically.

The other Streeterville-specific factor is hair condition. Many of the residents work in environments with constant tied-back hair, hospital ID lanyards rubbing the nape, and Lake Michigan wind whipping off the Navy Pier waterfront. That combination is hard on the hairline and on extension bonds at the temples. Phillip places bonds higher and uses smaller sections at the front so the install survives a 12-hour shift with hair up.

Our extensions process

Every extension appointment starts with a 20-minute consultation. Phillip looks at density, scalp health, hair texture, and your daily routine. From there he matches the method to your hair. We don't push one extension type because it's profitable. If a tape-in install is the right call for a Streeterville client with a thinner density, that's what he books.

The install itself runs 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on method and amount. We color the extension hair to match your base, then place it. You leave with a maintenance schedule and a printed list of what shampoo to switch to and which Unite product to skip.

Stylist spotlight: Phillip Fowler

Phillip is the most-named stylist on our site and the one Streeterville clients book most often for extensions. His placement is meticulous. He cuts the extensions in after install rather than installing pre-cut hair, which is what makes the layering blend instead of stack. He's quick, but he's not rushed. A first install with Phillip will run on the long side. Every install after that gets faster as he locks in the pattern that works for your hair.

Getting to 3rd Coast Salon from Streeterville

From most of Streeterville, 3rd Coast Salon is a 7-minute walk. Cross the Chicago River at the State Street bridge or the Wabash bridge, then turn west on Erie. From the north end of Streeterville near Streeter Place, a rideshare runs about 5 minutes. If you're coming straight from Northwestern Memorial, the walk is 12 minutes and crosses the Mag Mile.

Who this isn't for

If you want extensions for a one-time event and plan to remove them yourself the next day, we are not the right salon. Our installs are a 2 to 4 month commitment with proper maintenance. If your hair is currently mid-chemical-treatment and the integrity is compromised, Phillip will recommend a conditioning protocol before any install.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an extensions appointment take?

90 minutes to 3 hours for install. Add 20 minutes for the consultation and matching session.

How do I get to 3rd Coast Salon from Streeterville?

Most Streeterville addresses are a 7-minute walk. A rideshare across the river takes 5 minutes. Walking from Northwestern Memorial Hospital is about 12 minutes.

What extension method does Phillip use?

We match the method to your hair and your routine. Phillip will tell you in the consultation whether tape-ins, hand-tied, or a different method fits your hair density and lifestyle.

How long do extensions last?

2 to 4 months between maintenance appointments, depending on method. The hair itself, with proper care, can be reused across multiple installs.

Can I work out with extensions in?

Yes, with a few adjustments to how you tie your hair up and what shampoo you use. Phillip covers all of this at the install appointment.

Will extensions damage my own hair?

Properly placed and maintained, no. Phillip places bonds with enough natural hair around them to distribute weight evenly. The risk goes up when extensions are left in past their maintenance window.

Can I book a Saturday appointment?

Yes. Saturdays book up fastest, so reserve early. We hold a few Saturday slots specifically for Northwestern staff and other Streeterville professionals who can't get in during the week.

Do you color-match the extensions?

Yes. We custom-color the hair to your base before install so the blend reads natural, not stripey.

Book your appointment. Book online or call (312) 929-2627.