Reviews of iLLustria Salon & Academy. (Hair Salon) in Milwaukee (Wisconsin).

iLLustria Salon & Academy

127 Reviews

87 Comments

Hair salon

1200 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, United States

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Description Map Opening Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of iLLustria Salon & Academy, Hair salon in Milwaukee (Wisconsin)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of iLLustria Salon & Academy

Sunday

10 am–4 pm

Monday

10 am–9 pm

Tuesday

10 am–9 pm

Wednesday

10 am–9 pm

Thursday

10 am–9 pm

Friday

10 am–9 pm

Saturday

10 am–4 pm

Popular times

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Reviews of iLLustria Salon & Academy

Marissa Schaber

I chose iLLustria Salon for my bridal hair and makeup this summer. Karla and her staff are a hoot! They are all lively and talented and I am very glad I found them. Karla and her team offer off-site services which was so amazing to get our hair done in my bridal suite closer the wedding ceremony venue. They are very prompt and brought all of the salon products they could possibly need. Karla always take cares of the bride and she transformed my not-so-full, fine, blonde hair into a voluptuous updo. She also did my makeup which was perfect and she makes you feel very comfortable around her, welcomes feedback - lighter on the eyes, more contouring, etc... The best part about it, my hair and makeup held ALL NIGHT! To give you some context, Karla did me up at 9am and our reception went past midnight. That's some serious talent she has. Her prices for the bride include a trial hair and makeup session, and she charges you at the trial so you don't have to worry about payment on your stressful Wedding Day. This salon does not skimp on you! I had 9 bridesmaids + me and she brought an additional 4 stylists with her. For off-site services, her pricing for the bridesmaids are very reasonable. Charging a constant rate for mileage and tip made it easy to budget exactly right for all the hair expenses. My only critique for iLLustria would be to invest in a credit card scan device that hooks up to your iPad or such. This would shorten the payment process for the Bridesmaids. The existing process required them all writing full credit card number + CVV + expiration date on pieces of paper which seemed less secure and more tedious to us. At the end of the day, I would definitely recommend iLLustria. Photos attached.

J Adams

I want to tell everyone about my experience at THE ILLUSTRIA. I decided to go gray and it was a big deal to me. Reluctantly, I would show my age, but coloring it monthly was not good for my hair. After arriving early, nerves almost sent me running. Then, Kelsi arrived. She seemed to understood my heart and concern. She colored my hair and did a beautiful job. She used my nature colors, brownish in the lower back and my new color coming in at the roots on top and around my face. Then she blended them in a biolage. Now my hair can grow out without coloring it. Growing old gracefully? Perhaps! Karlabeth, the owner, would come by and visit with me. We all talked and laughed through the hours as Kelsi worked on my hair. All the girls were friendly and helped me feel at home. When Kelsi finished my hair, I felt younger instead of old. It was an amazing experience. I was pampered and loved. I recommend it to everyone. If you want to feel good about yourself, go to iLLustria.

Nicole Duarte

I've been seeing my stylist Marissa here for a couple of years and I always have a fun, wonderful experience. The whole crew works in tandem, helping each other and creating a first class experience for the clients. I have very long hair and they use only the most gentle products and techniques. Regardless of hair type, they know what they are doing and have low, competitive pricing.

Kasey Mareno

Great experience. Karla gave me another great haircut and color. Thanks!

Liz Haagensen

The BEST salon in Milwaukee, hands down. I have tried too many to count and this one is my favorite by far. My color and cut are perfection and the salon’s vibe is impeccable. It felt like I was hanging out with my girlfriends. I booked a color appointment and Marissa noticed my cut could use some love so she offered to clean it up! I’m moving across the country this summer and I plan to keep coming back to see Marissa. Karla is a riot too 🧡

vanessa ramirez

It was my first time at this salon. I hadn't seen a hairstylist in a while but Marissa did a wonderful job with my cut. She was so kind enough to even answer my hair care questions. I will definitely be returning and would recommend this salon.

Alyshia Kroll

I just left this place and I had A LOT done on my hair. Color and a perm. Karla is a woman on a mission not only did she have my hair done in record time but it was also exactly what I wanted. The services were worth every penny. This place is awesome and the stylists and owner care about the clients,not only what they want done but keeping them comfortable threw the whole experience. I am definitely going to come back and would recommend this place to anyone.

Sam Styczynski

I've been going here for over a year now and I love it! Niki is an amazing stylist and professional while also being a ton of fun. She made me feel really comfortable coming in and getting my hair done after years of avoiding hair salons due to bad past experiences. Very clean and friendly atmosphere, I trust Niki so much with my hair and recommend her and Illustria to anyone whos looking for great salon experience!

Hailey Wittliff

The absolute best hair salon in the Milwaukee area. All the staff are so knowledgeable and will work with you to get exactly what you want. Best quality, best prices I’ve seen at a professional salon. I’m moving to Madison next year and you better bet I’m driving the 1.5 hours to continue going here ❤️❤️❤️

Emily Hopkins

I went to iLLustria for my wedding hair trial, and Karla (the owner) did my hair, and even came in on Sunday when the salon is normally closed to do my day-of styling! She is so fun, and did my hair exactly the way I wanted it. I had really long hair for the wedding, and then went back the next day to cut it short and the stylist listened to what I wanted and I love my new look! The atmosphere of the salon is also very cool and eclectic, which was a very fun experience. If I lived in the area I would definitely make this my go-to salon for all of my styling needs :)

Kyle Lineberry

I moved here from Cleveland about a year ago and I couldn’t find someone new to do my extensions. I found Illustria salon online and came in for a consultation with Niki. She was amazing from the start. She takes out my tape in extensions without ruining my hair, adds new color, and puts them back in. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I come every 6-8 weeks and I’m happier with her than my last stylist I went to for years! You won’t regret it.

Angela Roach

I have been coming to Illustria for over a year now and I wouldn’t go anywhere else! The owner does my hair mostly all of the time she is the best!!! As well as I have had the other stylist do my hair also. They listen to exactly what I want done and it always comes out better than I could imagine!! This is the best salon I’ve ever been too! And I wouldn’t go anywhere else! I’d Recommend everyone to go to Illustria if you want your hair done right!!! It’s also such a fun atmosphere all the women are great and very friendly!!! The owner knows hair. This is the place to go!!!

Tea Manthey

This salon is the best in the business! So happy to have found such a talented & knowledgeable hair designer named Marissa! She gives A+ service every time in a fun environment & has been beyond accommodating to my busy schedule. Their variety of professional products, creative styles, & off-street parking are other pluses. This place runs like a fine-oiled machine & is a true gem!

Brynne Shannon

Was able to schedule a blowout less than 24 hours before the appointment - on a holiday weekend! Jade did an amazing job on my hair and I left feeling so glamorous :). She was incredibly friendly and made the experience very relaxing and enjoyable. Extra bonus? The cost is so, so reasonable!! If I'm ever in need of a blowout the next time I'm in Milwaukee, I definitely know who to call.

Alyssa Reum

I have naturally curly hair but wanted a perm because my front half is very curly but the back half is straight. Went in for a consult with Karla (owner) who persuaded me into a style and cut instead to bring out my natural curls. She could have made a bigger profit off of me by doing the perm but she is a pro and knew how to boost my curls naturally. She also took the time to teach me how to take care of my curls. I'm so happy I came here and will definitely be returning.

Heather James

I've lived in Milwaukee for 4 years and have never been happy with a haircut before going to Illustria. I'm so happy to have found the salon and Marissa. She listened to me, gave me a great cut that I'm totally satisfied with, and it was a perfect price point! I will definitely be going back, esp. with the perks of the new customer card for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th visits!

Courtney West

Had the best experience at illustria salon! Hands down best salon in Milwaukee!!! I would recommend Marissa for anyone and everyone looking for any service! She is absolutely amazing at what she does and very experienced! Aside of her amazing styling talents, her personality is one of a kind and will keep you laughing throughout your entire appointment! I have nothing but amazing things to say about Marissa and the salon! Book now and make sure you request Marissa! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Courtney Gruenwald

I had a perm done by Karla. I have to say she did a great job and I am very satisfied with the results. It is very hard to find someone to do a perm now a days who doesn't burn off your hair. I can't say enough about how thankful I am at the job Karla did. I am going back for a color and highlight next month. I will let you know the results. Also, if you are searching for salons that do perms in Milwaukee this is pretty much the only salon that has great right up regarding perms.

Stephani Doege

Great experience all around. Everyone was very friendly and my stylist, Marissa, really knew her stuff. My hair looks and feels better than ever and she showed me what to do so I could do it myself.

Eva Corchado

Karla did a perm to my hair and she did an awesome job. She knows hair well and explains in detail how to manage it to keep it looking good. Super nice and great personality. The salon is comfort, clean, professional.

Stephanie Schuelke

My daughters and I go there and LOVE it! It is a friendly atmosphere and Karla took a great deal of time and care in fixing my youngest daughters hair. We drive a ways just to come here - wish all places were so knowledgeable and caring about their clients. Wish I could post the picture of how lovely my daughter looked for Prom this year too - her hair was just the way she wanted it and the extra accents that Karla added made it even more special:)

Judi

The entire staff is friendly and makes you feel so welcome! Marissa is my hairstylist and does an amazing job!!! I’ll never let anyone else touch my hair! Her Instagram shows how great her work is from cuts, to colors to extensions!! Love the illustria fam 💘 …

Gina Povolo

My very fine hair has gotten so much thicker and healthier since I've been going to Illustria. Karla really knows her stuff. You ask her a question about how to change something about your hair, and she has the answer -- and it works! Whenever I'm out doing errands, someone approaches me and tells me how pretty my hair is. Never ever happened to me before Illustria. Great place!

Ashley Kohler

I've never really been one to do anything drastic with my hair - usually it'd be a once/year occurrence that I would get it minimally highlighted. However, I recently decided to compete in a bikini competition and my coach told me that I would need to go a shade much lighter (blonder) than my current color (dirty blond-brown). I wasn't sure where to go and, after looking online, Illustria seemed to be the most cost-effective out of any in Milwaukee. I walked into the salon and was immediately impressed by the decor and ambiance. After showing my stylist, Brittany, a picture I had found of what I ultimately wanted my hair to look like, I would say that it is an understatement that I was ecstatic with the result - it looked just like the picture! I stuck with an ombre look and Brittany was polite, funny and demonstrated her knowledge by doing a beyond AMAZING job. I was so relieved seeing as how I never really had my hair dyed, but she did an awesome job! Definitely my new favorite salon in town. :)

Katherine Doman

This is by far the best salon I have ever been to! The stylists are extremely talented and prices are amazing. For the first time; I truly love my hair. I won’t go anywhere else! Thank you Niki!

Kori Fuerst

Karlabeth, Illustria's owner and master stylist, did a knock-out job on my hair! She seamlessly turned my overly yellowed and poorly ombred hair (done at a very expensive Milwaukee salon that I won't name) into a lovely balayage and textured bob. I love the small business feel, friendly stylists, and the personal touch Illustria provides. Karla is the first stylist I've ever had that walked me through the process and made me feel like I could make decisions and tweaks along the way. Truly my best salon experience! I won't be going anywhere else.

Casey Silkwood

I had a beyond ideal experience with Illustria. The salon itself is very welcoming and lively with tons of natural light. I got a balayage treatment with Gina Rose and she did a phenomenally great job! She listened very intently to what I wanted for my cut and color, then totally executed. Additionally, they are very up-front about pricing. I would recommend this salon to absolutely anyone.

D Lap

Karla is the best!. Super loving and talented! She has been doing my hair for almost 20 years and has done a great job with it. I have been gray since age 21, and Karla takes great care of it. You can not tell that it's not my natural color and my hair looks great! I'm allergic to hair color, so Karla is using a green non-ammonia no-smell hair color on me called INOA. She is sought after to teach at conferences and trains apprentices constantly. She works hard and loves her trade. I got my hair and makeup done for my wedding at Illustria and it turned out great too. My husband was speechless. It looked natural and was just stunning. I just love her!

Kourtney Ward

I've gone to Karla multiple times for various things such as cuts and color jobs and I always leave satisfied. The salon is so welcoming and friendly. I love every experience at iLLustria. I would recommend Karla to anyone looking for top of the line hair services.

Deann Titus

I took my 9 yr daughter to ILLustria for the blow dry bar. Im very skeptical going to salons when it comes to my biracial daughters hair. Salons i usually go to often use too much heat and charge entirely too much. I initially had an appointment, but thought I'd drop by earlier to have the apprentice access her hair type. She was able to take her right away and did a wonderful job. My daughters hair was dry, tangled and a little matted looking upon arrival. Ive struggled with her hair type as my younger daughter and myself have much courser hair that I am used to maintaining. Her style lasted in the heat and as she played outside which is what i look for. I only paid $20 for a style that was very close to the $100 style i usually paid and with less heat involved. Im embarrassed i cant remember the apprentices name, but she was very nice and comforting to my daughter and I didnt receive as many awkard looks as i thought I would coming in with an African American client. They gave both my girls cute little hair brushes to take along. I also love how the owner uses her red haired logo on everything, my daughter and i thought that was very cool.

Lauren McClone

Heide, Karla, and their team did such beautiful hair and makeup for my wedding party and just did the same for my sister's wedding party. They are talented, professional, listened to what I wanted, and just fun to be around. I would recommend them to any and all brides wanting to make their big day perfect!

Liz Smith

1. Appointments were available asap. 2. The atmosphere was unique, cozy, and inviting! 3. My stylist, Gina Rose! She was amazing, easy to talk and friendly. More importantly she gave me the harcut I wanted! Overall experience was really great. I will definitely suggest this place and will be back! -happycustomer!

Reem Al-zubeidi

I went to iLLustria last summer to get a blowout before going on a trip because it was listed as a blowout bar online. My blowout was amazing, I don't remember who did it, but she washed my hair, took her time, added volume, shine, and big curls, exactly what I wanted. I really needed a haircut and wanted another blowout for my weekend so I called to get myself and my friend appointments. I was NOT satisfied at all with my experience the second time. I asked the younger stylist for the better blowout treatment and a haircut and she said sure. She went on to wash my hair, cut it and thinned it (which I didn't ask for) and proceeded to blowdry it straight while keeping it wet and frizzy. Now, I'm not a hairstylist, but I know what a blowout is. I stopped her and asked if she did the treatment, she said yes and lied straight to my face because I know she didnt. Then told her she wasn't doing a blowout, just blow drying my hair straight. Another stylist handed her a different brush and she smoothed it down a bit more but it was definitely not what I asked for. I think it's unfortunate that someone would purposefully not do what they were asked because they were in a hurry to go home. I had an appointment and was a paying costumer just like anyone else in that salon. I know they're capable of providing an amazing blowout, but this stylist had no idea what she was doing and lied about the services she provided. The owner of the salon was doing a blowout on a customer whIle I was there and let me tell you, it looked absolutely amazing. She is awesome with a blowdryer and her technique...THAT was how I wanted my hair. Wish I was told that I was going to be worked on by someone who doesn't know how to do anything before I came in, otherwise I would've waited to make an appointment. Probably won't go back again. It's unfortunate because I'm always searching for a place to get a great blowout. Update: I'm changing my review and giving illustria 4 stars based on the great customer service. I wasn't out to get anything to free so if I do decide to come back, I will pay full price for any services I get. Thanks for the response, maybe just make sure you tell people making appointments that their stylist may not be that experienced. She was super nice though! Thanks again.

angela Vanossome

LOVE LOVE LOVE this salon!! i recommend illustria to anybody that needs a stylist who knows what they are doing. My hair is difficult on so many levels- a lazy hairdressers nightmare. ive given trendy "master" stylists so much money to waste my time and ruin my hair, i was at a point of complete frustration when i found illustria!! i had an incident with another salon and needed it fixed immediately, i called a few places and made an appt with Carla. Color corrections are tricky so my expectations were low- but it looked amazing! BLONDE- no orange! i love my hair every time i get it done! they are passionate and will make you look good!

Erin Erving

Precision haircut! I had not had my hair cut in over a year. It is difficult to find a stylist that is able to cut my thick, coarse hair that will take out some of the weight and allow the hair to have body and movement to it (while keeping the length). They definitely know long hair at Illustria!

Meghan Bitenc

LOVE iLLustria! Its a fun salon with great sense style. I trust my hair to Heidi. People stop and ask me where I get my hair done all the time, because Heidi cuts great hair and really knows color. I always walk out with bright sexy blonde hair feeling like a million bucks.

Karla Roman

I was looking for a place that did hair extensions and came across Illustria Salon. It was the best decision ever! Karlabeth was so friendly and the salon atmosphere was great. Nikki did my hair extensions and did an amazing job! Would recommend for sure!

Heather Knoebel

If you are looking for a GREAT salon ... THIS IS IT!!!! I had been a client of Illustia years ago until I moved out of the city. I bounced around all of the "high end" salons in Brookfield, and couldn't get anyone to color my hair the way I wanted. I googled "master colorist", and it lead me back to Karla! I was SO happy I decided to return to the salon. Karla took my then brassy blonde hair, and TOTALLY transformed it into the platinum that I wanted!!!!! I am now a lifer as far as salons go. There is NO ONE else that I will let touch my hair again! And the other awesome thing about Illustria is that they will let you come back in if its within 5 days and they'll fix it for FREE! Try to get your hair fixed for free in Brookfield. It won't happen!!! The vibe in the salon is VERY laid back and comfortable. You won't regret coming! There are a ton of positive thing that I can say about the salon. If you're looking for a stylist that actually does what YOU want, NOT what THEY want, my experience with KarlaBeth was

Antonia Paris

I am fairly new to the Milwaukee area and am so so glad I found Karla at Illustria. Up until I met Karla I thought the hairstylists "who just knew" what you wanted were a myth. But Karla took one look at my lackluster blonde hair and knew exactly how to fix my existing color to make it look the way I had always wanted it to. Karla takes her time and will spend hours if necessary to get your color to where it should be. It is very refreshing to see someone who is so dedicated and passionate about her work and her salon.

Jami Ann Weber

Can't say enough about this salon! My hair is in great condition since I've been coming to ILLustria. They keep your hair trendy from styles, color to hair extensions. They care about your hair and they'll discuss with you what is best. Sooooo worth it!!

Jasmine Ward

I Love Karla! I was referred to her by a longtime friend who had been going to her for years, and now I won't go anywhere else! I always leave with a fabulous cut and color, and would recommend her to anyone. Prices are fair, and it is a great atmosphere.

Victoria Gale

They are amazing. They make you feel good about yourself and hair. They are family there not by blood but by bond you can tell. Love the experiences I have had and will continue to go here.

Merrill Baum

Illustria Salon brings back the old feeling we got at the beauty shop. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with outstanding stylists that makes each client feel special and look outstanding. Having your hair done at Illustria is a wonderful experience.

Trudy Heatherly

More amazing than the first time going to see Karla! Excellent service and great conversation!

linda lubotsky

I absolutely love this salon. Marissa is so patient, and creative! My hair never looked better! I see her wkly for a blowout! I highly recommend Marissa and this 5 star trendy salon.

Angelica Olson

Illustria's staff is amazing and they do the best hair. I'll never go to another salon again! Ask for Kelsy! She has never dissapointed me!

John Schrader

Awesome place, great vibe. Nikki did a fantastic job on my daughters hair with both the color correction and a totally hip hair cut. Definately worth the drive time from Cedarburg. We will be back!

Fawn Schaefer

The staff is amazing! I am always happy with my style when I leave. I've been coming here for over 25 years. These ladies are so wonderful that I moved out of town and drive over an hour to come back.

Rosanne Siegal

I researched for hours and glad I chose this place. Very relaxing down to earth experience. My partial included a a cut and style, prices can't be beat for dwntwn milwkee. Tiffany was fantastic, I highly recommend this salon for those of you/us on a budget and tight schedule.

Dean Koch

Nice place to get your hair done. Clean and professional. Your hair will look great. They use scissors to cut your hair. Lol. They aren't just idiots with trimmers shaving your head like that takes some kind of talent...

Trish Nelson

Couldn't be HAPPIER with how my hair turned out!!! Not only were the ladies super nice, Adria listened to my ideas, and made it happen. Super impressed!

Sophia Negron

Amazing Service! Everyone is very friendly and prices are fair. They did my bridal hair and I couldn't have been happier.

Omayra Sheppard

First time client. An amazing staff and Marissa who did my color did such a great job. Will continue to come here!

Stacey Abillie

Marissa is my girl! I love all the women at the salon. They treat me like a God.

Deanna Hoffman

Been coming to Illustria for years! My hair always looks fabulous. As it does now! Can't wait to show off!

Jessie Schilz

Marissa does a great job on my hair. Always good to talk with her :)

Jawania LE

Great experience. Arrived at 10:30 and was done by noon. I will be returning!

Chalupa Jae

The whole salon is great, but Marissa is my favorite stylist

Christie Jester

Got some overall lightening and some peek-a-boo purple from Lindsey. Love it!! Great cut too 😊 …

Jiah Yusof

Kayla is so friendly and nice, she did her job done just like I want.

Tina Heizman

I love the expertise of the stylists. They are always willing to let me try a new style or color.

David Losey

Karla,Heidi and the rest of the staff have for years treated myself and my family with love and respect not found anywhere else. That is what makes them number one in everyones book.