328. 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon Offers New Brand of Style & Grooming Services for the Modern Male

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5 mins read

Named after the chemical formula for stainless steel, the brand new 18|8 Men’s Salon downtown is bringing a new level of polish to men’s personal services in Barrington.

As a guy’s place, we expected to find big-screen TVs at every turn playing the day’s news and sports. Instead, the space feels more like a relaxed man cave, complete with a mini bar serving beer and other beverages. The 18|8 experience reflects the quality and fine image that many men want to achieve in today’s world, drawing patrons who place high priority on ease, convenience and the art of first impressions.

Jeff Eggert owns the Barrington salon along with his wife, Cathy. Jeff was working in the corporate world with high-end brands when he began searching for other business opportunities. When they were introduced to the 18|8 vision and the company’s founders, Cathy and Jeff knew the concept was a home run. “The culture and the expertise and the dedication to the brand are all things I am very, very impressed by,” Jeff says. “From what products they use, to developing the look and feel of the salon, their intention was to make a very high quality place for a man to come get salon services.”

Since the first 18|8 salon opened about ten years ago, the business has expanded to over 40 salons in 18 states. Jeff Eggert says the new location in Barrington Village Center is ideal for 18|8 because so many professionals, business leaders and discerning men call Barrington home.

“There really Is nothing like 18|8 in the Chicago suburbs. We scouted many locations but, as soon as we drove into downtown Barrington, we loved the feel of the community. Everyone is just so friendly and positive with so much pride in the community. We just love it here!” And their location in the new Barrington Village Center has proved to be advantageous, with many new clients drawn by the community’s new shopping and dining experience in the long-awaited development downtown.

The name 18|8 alone communicates the salon’s commitment. Derived from the chemical formula of mixing 18% chromium and 8% nickel to create a strong and high-performance stainless steel, 18|8’s mission is to transform men to look their best. “This is precisely what we strive to do for our clients,” Jeff says. “We provide the hair care and grooming services they need to emerge from our doors polished and gleaming, with the confidence to take on the world and perform to their highest potential.”

Featuring semi-private stations with oversized leather salon chairs for privacy from other clients, each station also has its own shampoo bowl, so there is no need to move around. Services the salon offers include haircuts, pedicures, manicures, facials, straight edge shaves, waxing, hair color and gray blending. 18|8 takes appointments by phone or via their convenient online booking system, but walk-ins are welcome as well. They have special pricing for student and children’s cuts are $20.

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Jim Luby, a local Barrington businessman and first-time client at the salon, was impressed.

Jim received the Executive haircut, which features a scalp and neck massage, shampoo, haircut, shave of the neck and hot towel service, which takes about 45 minutes, costing $45.

“You know, it’s comfortable and it’s an experience. It’s not just going in and getting a haircut, it’s really relaxing,” Jim says, “For men who want to get a manicure or a pedicure, it is intimidating to walk into a normal salon with women, but this would be a great place to get it done because of the privacy.”

18|8 also offers a classic haircut for $38, which has all of the same elements of the Executive haircut, minus the scalp and neck massage. This cut takes about 30 minutes.

Jeff Eggert believes strongly in a quality team of employees and was fortunate to find local stylists who reflect this ideal and enjoy working with men.

“I have high expectations. When looking for my stylists, I look for skilled stylists who do high quality work, are team players who like to have fun and like to do men’s hair. We have been fortunate to assemble a great team at 18/8.”

Lead Stylist Tiffany Busch said haircuts are the most requested service at the salon, but pedicures and manicures are also popular. And, the grey blending color treatment has been popular because it makes men look younger in a natural way.

“Men want to take better care of themselves. We have given quite a few pedicures, manicures and facials, so our clients want those services. There have been studies done that men who care about their appearance and are well-groomed actually perform better at work.”

Stephanie Foster, another stylist at the salon, says the most requested haircut right now is the Pompadour – a cut featuring short sides and longer hair on top, reminiscent of the 1920s.

“It’s easier for men to style – they don’t have to mess with the sides. All they have to worry about is the top. We also have a lot of CEO’s and CFO’s who come in and want a classic cut too.”

18|8’s stylists use the American crew-cutting method, which focuses on customizing part lines and creating a square and masculine shape in each client’s haircut.

Every haircut at 18|8 is a custom cut. And Stephanie says their clients are drawn by both the quality and the 18|8 experience. “They don’t have to worry about other clients staring at them. The connection I make with my guests is great. I get to spend time with them and get to know them personally.”

Steve Cook, a frequent client at the salon, has been really happy with his experience there.

“I consider myself an ongoing customer now. Renee, the stylist who does my hair, and I have developed a great relationship and I have never gotten a better haircut. The atmosphere is professional and very friendly.”

Jeff Eggert is thankful to the Barrington community for its support and is looking forward to expanding to other locations in Lake County in the upcoming year.

“Over the past 10 years, a lot has changed in how men care about their image. It has been the case with young professionals and the business world demands it. Anyone who is in front of someone, whether it be a client they are selling to, or someone who does presentations a lot, a first impression means something to people. We are happy at 18|8 to help men create that image.”

A membership is available at 18|8, where a client gets 7 haircuts, 7 clean-ups, 50% off a grooming service, and 15% off products. The cost is $259 and there is no expiration. Gift cards are also available, so with the holidays fast approaching, ladies, consider this as a great gift option for the men in your life!

CLICK HERE for a closer look at 18|8’s selection of professional salon services. From their signature Executive haircuts & straight razor shaves to refreshing nail & skin treatments, 18|8 makes it easy for you to always look your best!

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If you want to see what the 18|8 experience is all about or you’re just looking for a professional salon that can handle your style, schedule an appointment today. You can book your appointment online, contact the salon at 224-633-2188 or just walk in. They are located at the Barrington Village Center in downtown Barrington (120 S. Hough Street) at the intersection of Hough and Main. To learn more about the salon, click here to find them on Facebook or visit their website at EighteenEight.com.

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