Chicago Balayage & Luxury Hair Extensions

Allen Wiggs – Top Chicago Hair Stylist with 17+ Years of Expertise

Allen's journey began at Lemars Beauty College, leading to a flourishing career that spans over 17 years. His passion for continuous learning has taken him across the U.S., mastering advanced techniques in hair extensions, balayage, and color correction. Allen combines his extensive experience with a commitment to client satisfaction.​

For a decade in Omaha, Nebraska, he owned and operated his own private beauty salon while also serving as a regional educator for Aqua Hair Extensions. This period was a pivotal chapter in his career, marked by creative innovation, professional development, and even a memorable stint at Omaha Fashion Week that further fueled my passion for the industry.

A man with tattoos on his arm and neck styles a woman's long black hair with a comb against a green background.

Now, this year, he’s embracing a new chapter by joining the team at Thomas West Salon in downtown Chicago. Specializing in hair extensions and balayage, he’s excited to bring his expertise to the vibrant Chicago community, ensuring that every client experiences the most cutting-edge techniques and personalized service.

Discover the latest in expert hair extensions and balayage—explore Allen's insights and styling tips on the Shear Truth, his hair journal!

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Interior of a cosmetics store named Thomas West with display shelves of beauty products, modern lighting, and seating benches at the entrance. It has a very welcoming and open feel.

Visit Allen at Thomas West Salon

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, St 204
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.670.2270

Located on the second floor of the Merchandise Mart in the River North area, easily accessible from the Brown and Purple lines.

Back view of a woman with long, wavy, shiny hair that transitions from dark brown at the roots to caramel blonde at the ends, wearing a black top with white floral patterns.
Blonde woman with long wavy hair sitting in a salon chair, facing a mirror, with salon products in the background.
Person with long wavy hair sitting on a chair, wearing a light gray shirt, smiling slightly.
Before and after hair transformation showing long, straight blonde hair on the left and styled, wavy blonde hair on the right in a salon setting.
Woman with long wavy brown hair seated in a salon chair, surrounded by hair styling products and a sink.
Woman with an elegant updo hairstyle adorned with a pearl hair accessory, showcasing blonde hair in a styled bun.
Before and after hair transformation showcasing straight to curly and highlighted hairstyle
Blonde hair in loose waves at a salon
Side-by-side comparison of a woman's hair makeover in a salon, showing before and after images. On the left, she has short, straight blond hair. On the right, she has long, wavy blond hair extensions, showcasing a transformation.
Collage showing before and after hair transformation. Left: Wavy, ombre hairstyle with brown roots transitioning to copper. Right: Two images of straight, untreated hair before styling. Background features Aveda and Salon logos.
Hair transformation showing before and after photos, with the left image depicting long, unstyled hair and the right image showing styled, highlighted curls in a salon setting.
Woman with blonde wavy hair in a salon, wearing a striped shirt, smiling. Salon V background.
Before and after hair transformation showing straight brown hair changing to wavy red hair.
Before and after hair coloring transformation. Left side shows light brown hair, right side shows vibrant purple hair.
Before and after hair transformation showing straight, dry hair on the left and styled, wavy blonde hair on the right.
Before and after hair transformation showing long, straight, brown hair on the left and styled, wavy, balayage hair on the right.
Side-by-side comparison of long wavy blonde hair with highlights
Long wavy hair with pink and lavender highlights
Before and after hair transformation showing long, straight brown hair on the left, and styled wavy hair with subtle highlights on the right.
Back view of a person with long, wavy brown hair wearing a light blue shirt and a face mask.
Before and after hair transformation, featuring long straight blonde hair on the left and shoulder-length curled vibrant red hair on the right.
Woman with long wavy blonde hair and a tattoo on her arm wearing a white tank top in a blurred indoor setting.
Woman with wavy, light brown hair, wearing a black top, looking down.
Before and after hair transformation with blonde extensions and curls in a salon setting.
Before and after hair transformation showing straight black hair on left and styled wavy hair with highlights on right.
Person with long wavy brown hair sitting in a salon chair, surrounded by hair care products and a black sink, facing away from the camera.
Back view of a person with long, wavy blonde hair in a salon setting.
Woman with long, wavy blonde hair seated in a salon chair.
Before and after hair transformation showing a woman with short blonde hair in a salon cape on the left, and long, curls and wavy blonde hair on the right.
Woman with elegant updo hairstyle adorned with a pearl hair clip, soft curls cascading, in a salon setting.

A quick guide to finding the right service.

Hair Services 101

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Balayage

Experience the art of balayage, a French freehand coloring technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. Ideal for hair below the shoulders, this method offers a soft transition without noticeable regrowth lines.​

Learn more about getting a balayage and why it might be perfect for your style: Balayage in Chicago: The Ultimate Hair Color Trend That Never Goes Out of Style

Thinking about balayage but not sure what to expect? Learn more about the process, maintenance, and why it’s the go-to color technique. Get the details here.

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Custom Hair Extensions

Explore various hair extension options, including hand tied, bonded, micro-link, and tape-in extensions. Allen provides personalized consultations to determine the best choice for your hair type and desired look.​

Need help deciding on which extensions are best for you? Learn more here: The Ultimate Guide to Hair Extensions: Which One is Right for You?

Curious about the extension process? Get the full breakdown on installation, maintenance, and what to expect. Read the ultimate guide here.

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Color Services

Go all-in on brightness with a full foil. This classic highlighting technique uses foils throughout the entire head to create bold, even dimension from root to tip. Ideal if you’re looking for maximum lift, contrast, or a dramatic refresh.

A softer take on lightening, partial highlights focus on the crown, sides, and face frame—adding just the right amount of brightness where it counts. Perfect for sun-kissed dimension with less commitment than a full foil.

Blend it like a pro. A shadow root adds depth at the base, melting your natural color into your highlights for a seamless, lived-in look. Great for softening grow-out and adding that effortless edge to blonde or balayage styles.

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Precision Haircuts & Styling

A great haircut is the foundation of effortless style. Allen Wiggs specializes in precision cutting techniques that enhance natural movement, flatter your features, and grow out beautifully between visits. From classic bobs to modern layers and everything in between, each cut is designed to reflect your personality while staying versatile for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Effortless Beauty, Lasting Results

From custom color to seamless extensions, Allen brings over 17 years of experience to every appointment. Each service is tailored to your hair type, lifestyle, and vision—so you leave feeling like your best self.

Or Call to book at 312.670.2270

What Clients are saying

Before and after hair transformation with blonde highlights, showing straight hair on the left and styled wavy hair on the right.

“I've loved everything Allen has ever done to my hair! From the very first appointment, he was so easy to talk to and knew how to help achieve what I wanted! I highly recommend his services!.”

Megan O.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Woman with long, wavy blonde hair looking down, wearing a black top.

“Allen is definitely a hair artist. He gives precision cuts that flatter your face shape and color that matches your skin tone. These are only a few reasons that I am one of his groupies!”

Linda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Woman with long, wavy blonde hair, wearing a white top, looking down in a bright indoor setting.

“Allen is awesome! He's personable and friendly. I love what he has done to my hair and I can't wait to go back to him in the future!”

Liz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See more reviews here

hair scissors with the shear truth behind

Hair Tips, Trends & Expert Advice from Allen Wiggs

Want to keep your balayage fresh or find the best extensions for your hair type? I’ve put together expert tips, color trends, and styling advice—straight from the salon chair.

Get insider tips on maintaining your color, protecting your extensions, and staying ahead of the latest hair trends.

Read the Blog

“I think that the most important thing a woman can have next to talent, of course, is her hairdresser.”
— Joan Crawford