Our Anniversary + Launch
Forty-six years, what an amazing feat!
It’s remarkable for anything to last that long, especially in our industry of changing fashions and lifestyles. We are so proud and thankful to say we’ve been doing this since June 7th, 1980!
We’ve been able to accomplish this by taking care of people, delivering consistently and being willing to try new things. You may have noticed this year we started to introduce a new brand in the last few months, Comb Together.
When my parents, Richard and Debi, started The Hair Loft in the Gold Coast neighborhood as a single location salon, that location was our identity. The name continued as we moved in 2008 and when we added a second location in 2015. Now, in 2026, with multiple locations that have different offerings, a professional training program and as we explore interesting ideas, we felt the desire to create something new.
Inspired by some of Chicago’s amazing restaurant groups, we began to imagine what does a salon hospitality group looklike? A salon company that builds great teams and provides exceptional service, and has not just different locations, but unique experiences. Looking to the future, we want to bring new concepts into our salons and perhaps even grow to additional locations. We felt a Salon Hospitality Group sounded amazing.
Similar to a restaurant group that offers different dining experiences or cuisines, we believe that we too, can make salon experiences that are tailored to different styles and needs. With our current locations, we have The Hair Loft in River North which is our take on a classic salon offering Hair, Nails, and Massage whereas withlove collective in West Loop offers an experience of a salon, a boutique, a bar, and pop-up events. Then we have concepts like Hey, Man which is our men's salon and shopping experience or Sidekick which is our professional salon education that live within our existing locations.
Comb Together groups all of our locations and concepts together, so you know that our Rewards, App, Gift Cards, and soon Memberships work across all of our experiences and offerings.
I remember as a teenager walking to Water Tower Place from our original Hair Loft location on Pearson for dinner at what was Food Life, which was a family favorite of ours. On the way, my Dad was explaining how smart Lettuce Entertain You was with their restaurant systems, creativity, and partnerships. We only talked briefly about what that would look like in the salon world but it always stuck in my head.
Before we began to roll it out, he and I talked about this concept and he liked it, but encouraged me that it was my company now and I needed to decide for myself. It’s bittersweet in my first year as President to be able to make this introduction without him, because I know he would be proud of the work and the care we’ve put into it.
So as a thank you and a celebration, we’re officially launching Comb Together Group and celebrating all that’s come before. All month long in June there will be Gift Card Events, Extra Referral Rewards, Double Points, and Treatment Specials. Plus some other fun giveaways and treats.
Since our beginning, it’s always been about more than hair. It’s been about the people and the experiences we create. This all started with a group of friends that wanted to work together to create stylish hairstyles in a fun environment. Comb Together is the recognition of bringing great people together and remembering that for us, it all started with hair started. We can’t thank you enough for being part of who are and we’re excited for what we’re creating in the future!
Ben
Comb Together President
The Hair Loft + withlove collective
