821 WEST THE SALON

Welcome to our intimate hair salon, where a small but exceptionally talented team awaits to redefine your hairstyling experience.

Modern hair salon interior with brown salon chairs, arched mirrors, a wooden stool, and elegant lighting fixture.

The 821 WEST way.

At our salon, we take pride in our well-rounded expertise, confidently specializing in both men’s and women’s haircuts, blondes, color, and extensions. We prioritize authenticity by never endorsing brands or products that don’t align with our beliefs. Our curated color selection and product lineup are a testament to our tried-and-proven choices throughout our collective career. When you step into our space, whether for a quick blowdry or an extensive color service, our commitment is to ensure you feel comfortable and indulged. Consider yourself not just a client but an extension of our salon family. We don’t follow trends blindly. Instead, our thorough consultations focus on what suits your lifestyle, hair texture and face shape, ensuring realistic maintenance post-service. Your satisfaction and comfort are at the heart of our salon philosophy.

OUR SALON FAMILY

  • Experienced hairstylist posing on a stool in a studio setting

    Hanna Oh

    OWNER and STYLIST

    Chicago native Hanna, born and raised in the heart of the city, discovered her passion for all things creative at an early age. With 16 years of experience, Hannas personality, kind heart, and exceptional creative abilities sets her apart. She continues to expand her repertoire by traveling around the world to participate in classes and find new tools to keep her at the forefront of the industry. Hanna’s goal is simple yet profound-to make people feel their best. She firmly believes that hair is one of your best accessories, and she is dedicated to helping you achieve a look that reflects your individual style and confidence. Hanna specializes in lived in color, blondes, dimensional color, and hair extensions.

    Instagram: @Hannahair_

    Certified in Bellami Hair Extensions, Combline Hair Extensions, and Habit Hand Tied Wefts

  • Balayage and color specialist sitting on a stool in studio space

    Nicole Rajski

    COLORIST

    Nicole Rajski is an accomplished colorist with 17 years in the industry. Specializing in blondes, single processes, gray coverage, keratins and corrective techniques, Nicole has a passion for creating natural color! She prides herself in formulating and believes consulting with clients to achieve a realistic desired look is the most important goal. Forming genuine connections with her clients and spending the day with 821 West team makes her feel like she’s never worked a day… “It’s truly a blessing to be part of such an incredible team, while having this warm, welcoming space to do what I love!” On her off time Nicole enjoys Lagree pilates, hiking, experimenting in her kitchen and learning all things nutrition and holistic health.

  • A hairstylist with long blonde hair smiling, sitting indoors, wearing a black sleeveless top and black pants, with a fireplace and green plant in the background.

    Ally Smith

    STYLIST

    Growing up, Ally spent some of her favorite days in high school coloring friends’ hair during bathroom makeovers. In 2021 she turned her passions into a reality, moving from the suburbs of Portland, Oregon to pursue her dream as a ‘big-city hairstylist’ in Chicago. After having honed her craft at the renowned Aveda Institute, she continued her education in a transformative year-long mentorship under our salon owner. Specializing in blondes, extensions and precision haircuts, Ally loves to create modern, livable looks. With a friendly and kind demeanor, Ally ensures that each visit to the salon is not just a service, but a personalized journey towards feeling and looking your best.

    Instagram: @allysmithhair

    Certified in Bellami Pro Hair Extensions

  • Aitu M

    MAKEUP ARTIST/BROW EXPERT

    Aitu is a professional makeup artist and brow expert with ten years of experience in the beauty industry. Over the years, she has honed her skills, creating flawless looks that enhance each client’s natural beauty. Her attention to detail, refined sense of style, and personalized approach make her a sought-after specialist in her field.

    Beyond her work, Aitu finds inspiration in music, Pilates, and outdoor walks. She has a keen eye for beauty in the smallest details—whether it’s the perfect arch of a brow, the way light plays on the skin, or the harmony of nature around her. This aesthetic perspective enriches both her profession and her life, filling it with creativity and harmony.

Join the team

We are looking for talented stylists and colorists to join our salon family. Message us to find out more.