Old School Beauty Parlor Gets Makeover As Flair With Hair

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — An old-school beauty parlor in Chicago Ridge is getting a second life. The storied Flair, where for 40 years women flocked to for wash and sets, fancy hairstyles and socialize under bullet-shaped hair dryers has been passed down to a new generation.

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at the new Flair With Hair, 5924 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge. The salon was “gifted” to Melissa Kowalski by the former owner.

“We actually opened a year ago, so we’re having a ribbon cutting to celebrate our first anniversary,” Kowalski said. “I’m the owner and cleaning lady. I run the business and do the buying. I clean and mop the floors and get services.”

In addition to cuts and styling, Flair With Hair carries a wide assortment of accessories.

The salon has undergone extensive renovations, boasting an open, airy floor plan with subway tile, new furnishings, new stylists, and new facial waxing and nail stations.

“It’s just gorgeous,” Kowalski said.

Flair With Hair will be celebrating all week long with discounts and free raffles through April 20, including quite a few baskets featuring products from Express Meds Spa, CGT Aesthetics, Nubinu, Arena Lanes, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Kerlin Walsh Law, Edwards Insurance Agency, International Florist, Be Bronze Tanning, The QuickBooks Queen, Jenny’s Steak House, Cooper’s Hawk, Cork and Bean and Joe Daniels at Thursday’s one-year anniversary celebration. The salon is offering free eyebrow waxing, gift cards and a free manicure for purchase of a pedi.

“We’ll have a table set up with free raffles, some beverages and sweets,” Kowalski said. “Hopefully people will stop by, make an appointment with one of our stylists, and buy some product.”

The salon has seven stylists (two offer facial waxing services, too) and two nail aestheticians that have clientele from the surrounding south suburbs. Flair stylists have 25-plus years of experience in hair color, cut, style, highlights and perms, serving men, women and kids. Flair sells products such as shampoo, conditioner, clips, headbands, and much more.

“We also do hair masks which are great for winter,” Kowalski said. “One of the things I love is that the salon is all in one.”

In addition to cuts and styling, Flair With Hair carries a wide assortment of accessories.

As an open concept salon, stylists provide their own specialized products, set their own prices, and make their own hours. Stylists are free to book their own clients or use Flair’s receptionist. The salon also has a shampoo assistant at their fingertips.

“I am actively looking to expand the salon with more stylists,” Kowalski said. “I would love to expand my salon services to include hair extensions, eyelashes, mini facials and more.”

Kowalski has assembled a new, fresher style team along with seasoned stylists retained from the old Flair. She anticipates adding more stylists and has reached out to various local beauty schools.

“Everyone works as a team but still gets to be their own boss,” Kowalski said. “All my stylists are station renters. My stylists are seasoned and have their own clientele. Others are using TikTok and social media to build clients.”

These days she’s getting a lot of boys from Richards and OLCHS who are coming in to get their hair permed, which Kowalski says is all the rage.

Hours for Flair With Hair, 5924 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or by appointment. Reach the salon at 708-425-2299. For more information or to inquire about stylist opportunities, email Melissa Kowalski, [email protected].