Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa was just one of many new businesses to grace the streets of Chicago this past November, with the Cleveland-based salon’s new location in Block 37.

This salon and spa, open 7 days a week, is not your run-of-the-mill hair-cuttery. The Ladies & Gentlemen offer every client an aromatherapy experience and shoulder massage before their service begins; during the shampoo, clients receive a scalp massage, mini facial, and hand massage; and post-shampoo and cut, a make up touch up.

All of this, and their focus on excellent customer service, is what Assistant Stylist, Ben Simkins, 20, says sets this Loop salon apart from the rest. “I would have to say even hair services feel almost like spa services with all the value added services. I think it is so nice to stop in for an hour, get your hair done and completely relax and forget about your stressors,” said Simkins.

DePaul students can also be seen indulging in some pre-class pampering. Alex Wolking, a freshman Real Estate major, can vouch for Simkins claims of customer service. “They truly put their customers first, which puts me in a good mood. I look forward to getting my hair cut,” Wolking said.

Location, location, location, also seems to be a significant factor in this salon’s cool factor, their high-rent Block 37 location is located directly at the Lake Red Line stop, and one block from either Randolph/Wabash or State/Lake on the Brown Line, and finally one block from the Washington Blue Line station. Not to mention, the corner view of State and Randolph is stunning, no matter the weather or season.

“Ladies & Gentlemen is located right in the middle between the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses. It’s also a very young, enthusiastic environment, which makes college students feel more at ease,” said Wolking, who benefited from their hip and up-to-date hairstyles.

“I’ve only gotten my hair cut, but just walking through the playground of massage tables, nail stations, and whatnot all looks very tempting,” Wolking admitted.

Open seven days a week, Simkins cites the salon’s location and schedule as driving in a diverse clientele. “You know, it is such a wide demographic. We are open seven days a week so I think we really cater to everyone. We cater to a lot of businessmen and women, being near the business district. We are across the street from the Art Institute and the Joffrey Ballet, so we see a lot of art students and dancers,” said Simkins.

Opened in November 2010 by Ed and Nancy Brown, Ladies & Gentlemen also has two other factions of the brand, located in the suburbs of Cleveland. The power couple runs two Aveda Institutes in Ohio, as well, which Simkins says is indicative of their emphasis on education within the salon.

“We truly are so lucky to have the support we have from our owners. Ed and Nancy Brown would move heaven and earth for you if they could. In the past six months, I have done some amazing things and I am so lucky to have been afforded such great opportunities,” said Simkins, who recently traveled to London to study at the Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy, and worked under Vivienne Mackinder, Creative Director of Vidal Sassoon, for a style show.

Signature Stylist Brian Raines has worked for Ladies & Gentlemen, both locally and in the Cleveland salons for over five years. “I chose to work at Ladies & Gentlemen because it is the best in so many ways. We provide the best customer experience, we work as a team, a family, united by a common goal for success,” said Raines.

Raines pointed out the pure and authentic motivations for each salon employee, “The fact that we are a non-tipping salon/spa keeps our work honest and consistent. Each team member is always willing to help and provide ideas and opinions,” said Raines.

Raines also detailed that the salon is often involved with volunteer events and photo shoots, which helps create a vibrant and fun workplace to keep the Ladies & Gentlemen staff motivated and happy.

Raines, who transferred from the Legacy Village location in the Cleveland suburbs, already had some fans waiting for him. Yelp reviews are filled with referrals from clients in Cleveland, and former-Clevelanders, who now frequent the Chicago location.

With a wide-ranging menu, this salon offers anything from a dedicated children’s haircut area to a “Green Science Plant Peel,” which Simkins admits is a guilty pleasure. Raines did, however, point out that the salon does not offer Brazilian waxing, and has limited hair extension options, but beyond that any service one could want or imagine will most likely be fair game.