Time Out Chicago
Oct 2006

Roque Salon and Beauty Lounge

As if its fireplace, deep lavender walls, exposed brick, and complimentary coffee and tea bar weren’t enough to relax you, Roque throws in a hand and foot massage with each treatment. The skin-care line of choice is Sundari, which manufactures ayurvedic products that contain botanical extracts. We recommend the Sundari Neem facial (regularly $90 and shown in the picture below), which utilizes the reparative, hydrating and firming properties of the neem plant.
 

Chicago Social
April 2006

overview: nestled on a quiet corner, just steps from the Magnificent Mile, is one of Chicago's best-kept secrets...Roque Salon. Sassoon-trained owner Melinda Rodriguez leads a creative and knowledgeable team of stylists and colorists who boast impressive credentials and take great pride in their attention to detail and precision without the attitude. What makes Roque truly unique is the ability of its stylists to tailor cuts and colors to the look and lifestyle of each client.

With advanced and innovative salon offerings and products, sophisticated layout and tasteful decor, Roque has earned the right to say it is dedicated to beauty as a lifestyle. The space itself is impressive-step in and find yourself in a comfortable modern interior with light wood floors, exposed brick, fireplace and a posh kitchen & bar. For those who want a little pampering, cap your cut or color with a chice of top-notch spa services.

Highlights:

Decor: Modern, sophisticated, yet comfortable, boutique setting
Signature Treatment: Kerastase/Rituals, the ultimate experience in hair-care expertise. Your Ritual experi-ence begins with a personalized consultation. Your Ritual is then applied with expert care and massage-a true moment of pleasure and relaxation.
Product Lines: Kerastase, Davines, Bumble & bumble, Sundari.
 

TimeOut Chicago
March 2006

Salon deals
Roque spring makeover package

Amanda Byres doesn't get enough credit for her work as an actress. Yes, she has a face that bares an uncanny resemblance to a Muppet, but man, can that girl work a makeover montage (and let's be honest, that's all that really matters). Star in your own "raggedy to resplendent" series of scenes by indulging in a complete makeover package. This one includes a haircut and color, eyebrow shaping, manicure, pedicure and makeup application-a $500 value that you can get for 30 % off ($350) if you mention this listing when you make your appointment. Sugar-pop soundtrack not included, but feel free to bring your own.

24 W Erie St between State and Dearborn Str (312-863.7678).   Red to Grand Bus: 22 Clark, 36 North.

 
Fashionista Inc.com
www.chicagofashionista.com

Every savvy Chi-town girl knows that spring cleaning should not be limited to the nooks and crannies of an apartment. As the weather gets warmer and skirts and shorts begin to line the shelves of my favorite boutiques, it is quite obvious that spring has arrived. Soon I'd have to ditch my hat and scarf, but would I be ready? Winter had wrecked havoc on my hair and my eyebrows were severely neglected - I needed some help. Taking the warm weather as inspiration, I booked myself a day of beauty at Roque Salon, complete with eyelash extensions, eyebrow stenciling, a cut and highlights.

Located in the heart of River North and tucked off the main drag, Roque is a stone's throw away from the finest Chicago shopping, and just as on top of the latest beauty trends as the boutiques. Roque offers everything from cuts and styling to makeup application, making it a perfect pre- or post-shopping destination. A welcoming yet edgy establishment, Roque invokes calm and tranquility with its deep lavender walls and exposed brick accents. The comfy waiting area gives way to a minimalist styling room with sleek stations sporting long mirrors. Downstairs are warm and comfy esthetician rooms for spa treatments.

Roque is committed to the finest salon experience and the friendly staff made me feel right at home. From complimentary glasses of lemonade to Hershey Kisses while I waited, every experience was customized to fit my needs. The laid back, approachable staff made sure I got exactly what I wanted. The salon staff undergoes thorough training and remains current on styles, colors, trends and techniques. Owner Melinda Rodriguez makes it a point to be involved in every aspect of the salon's day-to-day operations, overseeing training and client relations. A leading Vidal Sassoon educator, Rodriguez has roots in Miami and a resume that includes fashion shows for Nicole Miller and Armani. Each appointment involves a comprehensive consultation so that the experience caters to and complements every client individually.

Eyelash extensions were next on my list. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are the hottest thing this spring, with everyone from Sandra Bullock to Nicole Kidman gushing about the no-hassle way to achieve gorgeous, full lashes without mascara. Xtreme Lashes last up to three months with proper care (don't worry, the staff at Roque explains all the do's and don'ts) and are completely water-resistant. While I lay dozing comfortably, the esthetician attached synthetic eyelashes one at a time to my existing lashes. I did not feel a thing, and before I knew it the procedure was complete. The effect was amazing, my lashes full and beautiful. To accentuate my new lashes, I left my eyebrows in the care of Roque's eyebrow expert. With a combination of waxing, tweezing and stenciling, the perfect brow for the shape of my face was created.

Next, I was swept back upstairs to meet with one of Roque's top colorists. We discussed my daily approach to styling and what I hoped to get from my color. I opted for warm honey tones that would be picked up by the spring sunshine and add a bit of life and energy to my dark brown locks. After assuring me she had the perfect color in mind, the colorist disappeared and returned with three different shades of dye, all of which were to bring out various hues in my hair. Proving that she did in fact possess a keen eye for detail, the three colors were applied to my hair to give my locks dimension.

After allowing the color to set - which involved a few minutes under a heat lamp and a relaxing scalp massage - I was off to meet my stylist. Famous for their innovation and expertise, Roque stylists are in the business of providing personal cuts that work with clients' lifestyles. The extensive selection of products, including Bumble & Bumble, Kerastase and Kusco Murphy, allow stylists to cater to all types of hair. My newly colored hair was revived with a detailed cut involving brilliant body-building layers.

Though it is located in one of Chicago's ritziest neighborhoods, Roque is a down to earth salon that specializes in everything dealing with hair. The stylists and colorists at Roque pride themselves on being industry leaders and live up to their image. The detail with which the colorist approached my hair was truly amazing and my cut clearly accentuated my new color. To top it all off, I was now sporting the prettiest lashes in River North. Truly a must for any spa girl on the cutting edge, Roque salon was the perfect place to bring me into the new season.
 

 
TimeOut Chicago
 http://www.timeoutchicago.com

Not many people know about this salon, but those who do consistently have head-turningly gorgeus,hip hair. Schedule a cut with Gustavo Brian, Roque's Sasson-trained artistic director , and he'll trim half of his regular fee of $100. The catch? The deal is good on Wednesday and Thursday only, and you'll need to trust Brian to work his creative magic-no control freaks allowed.

Revlon On The Red Carpet
 www.revlonontheredcarpet.com

"Roque Salon
They're not kidding here when they say they're dedicated to beauty as a lifestyle. The Roque Salon itself is gorgeous, with brick walls and sophisticated black and silver accents. The owner is Sassoon-trained and her smart cuts show it in the way that they're tailored to the look and lifestyle of each client. They also do fabulous holiday up-dos, which you can complete with a manicure and pedicure, if you really want to spoil yourself."

InStyle Magazine
 
November 04

"An apprentice program even the Donalds would love: Schedule a cut or color (each costs $20) with a trainee and get a conditioning treatment worth $25 to $30 free at this Chicago salon. Owner and stylist Melinda Rodriguez oversees scissors-wielding students...
Call 312-863-7681 to book."
   

Makeover Story
 
Featured in 2004
   

Ambush Makeover
 
Featured in 2004

Lucky Magazine
 
February 2004

Roque Salon works wonders.

InStyle Magazine
 
"At Chicago's Roque salon you can get a free blowout any night of the week. Sound too got to be true? Not if you're willing to have your hair blown out by an apprentice. Call your salon to see if it offers training-night discounts. IN the meantime here are our favourites that do."
   

Chicago Social
 
"Introducing a new innovative hair salon specializing in precision and contemporary styles, as well as expert coloring."
  

voted #1 salon in Chicago by CitySearch.com 

CITY SEARCH CHICAGO
  
"9/10
The Vidal Sassoon-trained staff makes its own mark on style.

Owner Melinda Rodriguez transformed a long-neglected decrepit space into a design "do." There's not much going on from the outside, but step in and find yourself in a comfortably modern interior with light wood floors, a fireplace and a lively aquarium. Steel vases display fresh flowers and provide flashes of color amid the mostly black and white color scheme. Relax with a cup of coffee or iced tea on the white suede couch before ascending a few steps for your services, including a sleep-inducing shampoo (despite slightly uncomfy sinks).

The young, often tattooed staff members, wisely stick to their particular expertise. Rodriguez excels at styles, instinctively knowing what works best for your hair and face and quickly snipping for a successful cut. If you're getting dolled up for a special occasion, schedule an updo along with manicure and pedicure. "
—Elisa Kronish

ChicagoBeauty.com

"Just steps off Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago's best-kept secrets, Roque Salon. Owner Melinda Rodriguez heads up a creative team of stylists and colorists with impressive credentials and talent to spare. Roque Salon also offers up Spa quality manicures, pedicures and facials.

Roque is one of those rare Chicago gems where hip urban style meets genuine hospitality. The decor is posh and impressive. Yet while the bar in the waiting area just screams A-list party you'll find yourself warmly greeted and catered to by one of the friendliest staffs we've come across.

Whether you are in need of major hair help or just an update to your 'do, Roque has a creative team that won't disappoint. Melinda coiffed Chicago's creme de la creme for over 10 years at Vidal Sassoon before striking out on her own. Girls with curls won't want to miss out on an appointment with master stylist Rene. Roque also has a large male clientele who don't hesitate to lay down $80 for a top quality cut.

After your appointment head over to Yu Me, located at one East Delaware. Yu Me carries exclusive lines such as Sundari (super model Christy Turlington's skincare line), Terax, and more. Our advice, make a day of it. A little pampering, a little shopping - it doesn't get any better than this."