Until I visited Michael & Michael, I didn’t realize how little I knew about frizzy and dry hair. Michael & Michael salon is located in the Western Area of the River North neighborhood, and this past March it celebrated 13 years in business.  People seldom stop here when passing by, as they don’t know of the existence of a "top hair salon". "We have only this single location and have become a destination salon that attracts many customers from different places," said Michael Crowley, co-founder and Business Director of the salon. The other founder, Michael Jacobson is the chief hairstylist and "First Scissors" of the salon.  Many successful companies are eager to open branches after becoming established, but it is the last thing the two Michaels want to do. After experiencing first hand Jacobson’s fantastic skills I have to agree with them, this unique salon is definitely worth your visit.

We have all experienced that, after extensive dying and perming, repairing damaged hair ends is almost impossible. It is in vain that you apply piles of professional haircare products trying to salvage it.  What you may not know is that the main reason for your dry and frizzy hair is not the result of dying and perming, but the wrong cutting techniques. "Professionally trained hairstylists should be able to properly recognize and analyze all types of hair textures, and use the most suitable hair cutting techniques and styles." Jacobson said. To become a hairstylist or hair colorist at Michael & Michael,one needs to go through two years of training in the salon. After “diagnosing” my hair, Jacobson gave his professional “prognosis:” "If you want to go against the way your hair grows, you absolutely cannot win," Jacobson explained, "so, you must have your hair cut in harmony with your vortex." Before perming, Jacobson started by cutting lengths of my hair, this "seemingly casual" cut enables my hair to regain its balance and makes it immediately look better.  

According to colorist Marta Contino-Lopez, "balayage" remains very popular, and in addition to the natural effect it creates, it doesn’t require much maintenance.  At Michael & Michael, understanding hair texture and protecting the health of the hair is of utmost importance.  "Our task is to create beautiful color without overly damaging the hair," Marta said, explaining that the more different you are making the original hair color, the more processes you need to reach the target hair color. Marta explained that, if a colorist achieves the correct color in the "lift" process, no additional "toning" is needed, which can avoid further damage to hair. 

Following Jacobson’s advice, I tried the burgundy red. My expectations were low at the outset but I was amazed by the results. I never imagined that burgundy red fused with my natural dark hair can turn so bright, beautiful, healthy looking and shiny at the same time.

According to Jacobson, curly hair and "undercut" styles were popular this year. He recommends using the comb when the hair is 90% dry. After Jacobson’s attentive and careful trimming, my new hairstyle is stereoscopic from all angles, and I am able to reproduce my fresh new look daily with my own, at home blow dry.  If you're still looking for Mr. Right for your hair, Michael & Michael will never disappoint you.

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