Our Stylist Levels – Find Your Perfect Match

At Salon Eighty8, we believe every guest deserves an incredible experience—no matter who’s behind the chair. Our stylist level system is based on level of demand. That means the more in-demand, experienced, or specialized a stylist is, the higher their level.

So how do you choose the right stylist for you? We’ve got you covered:

Associates Stylist

These are our licensed training stylists working side-by-side with our senior team.
Best for: Guests who are flexible, love supporting new talent, and want great hair at a lower price point.

Level 1–2 Stylists

Up-and-coming pros with 1+ years of experience behind the chair. They’re passionate, detail-oriented, and excited to grow.
Best for: Guests who want a stylist that’s trendy, attentive, and ready to shine.

Level 3–5 Stylists (Senior Stylists & Specialists)

These artists are highly experienced, with 5+ years behind the chair and advanced training in specialty services like balayage, hair extensions, and color transformations.
Best for: Guests who want elevated results, custom techniques, or are ready for a full transformation.

Not sure who to book with?

We’ve got a stylist for every vibe. Scroll down to check out our team profiles, see their work, and pick the perfect match for your hair journey.

Our Team

Meet the Founder.

Cynthia is a powerhouse in the beauty industry — a nationally recognized hair color educator, mentor, and salon owner who’s turned passion into purpose.

She launched her journey in October 2019 with a private suite in the South Loop under the name Chicago Color Studio. But it didn’t take long before her vision outgrew the space. By September 2020, she expanded into a four-chair salon, rebranded as Salon Eighty8, and transformed her boutique business into a luxury, high-touch experience — one that remains fiercely inclusive, approachable, and anything but intimidating.

Her professional resume speaks volumes. Cynthia has:

  • Competed in Wella’s TrendVision hair shows, showcasing cutting-edge artistry and innovation.

  • Worked on set for editorial and commercial hair projects.

  • Been published in the bridal magazine Our Love in Color, recognized for her elegant and transformative styling work.

  • Served as a national hair color educator for two international brands: Oligo Professionnel and Design.Me — leading classes across the country and inspiring the next generation of colorists.

She also mentors and educates for salons nationwide, and coaches independent stylists and suite renters on how to run their businesses professionally and profitably — helping beauty entrepreneurs build sustainable, branded careers behind the chair.

At the heart of it all, Cynthia’s mission is to blend high-end hair services with a laid-back, unfiltered vibe. She created Salon Eighty8 to be a safe, elevated space where beauty is personal, creativity is celebrated, and luxury comes without pretension.

Beyond the chair, Cynthia leads with heart. Her community work includes Wigs4Kids programs and donation drivesfor women’s and children’s shelters, proving that beauty and service go hand in hand.

And yes — she’s still a millennial at heart. A little quirky, a lot creative, and always on the move, Cynthia finds joy in thrifting bold art, snuggling with her pets, and rewatching her forever favorites, The Craft and Clueless. (Because a little 90s magic never goes out of style.)

Whether you're stepping into Salon Eighty8 as a guest, team member, or collaborator — you’re entering a space built on vision, passion, and serious industry cred.