It’s tempting.

You’re in the aisle, the color looks right, and it feels like an easy way to refresh your hair without the time or cost of a salon visit.

But here’s the reality:

Hair color isn’t a product—it’s a process.

And that process is built on chemistry, color theory, and experience. That’s why most professional stylists—including Allen—don’t recommend box dye.

Not because it’s “bad” in theory, but because it’s unpredictable in practice.

There’s a moment that happens when someone gets longer hair.

Not when they leave the salon—but when they see themselves in a mirror later that day. Or catch it moving in the light. Or throw it over their shoulder without thinking.

There’s something about spring in Chicago.

The patios open. The lakefront fills up. The city shakes off winter—and suddenly, everything feels possible again.

After months of hats, dry air, and survival mode, people aren’t just looking for a haircut. They’re ready for a reset.

And this season, more than anything else, that reset is coming in the form of hair extensions.

Gone are the days of super-long, one-length extensions that scream “added hair.” This fall and winter, the extension trend is all about natural movement, shape, and dimension—not just length.

Not ready for a big hair transformation, but feeling like your summer look is fading out? You're not alone.

Fall is the perfect time to give your hair a refresh, and the good news is—you don’t have to go full copper or commit to a major chop to feel the shift. At Thomas West Salon in Chicago’s River North, Allen Wiggs works with clients to create subtle, seasonal transitions that look intentional, healthy, and totally you.

As the weather cools down and the layers come out, your hair deserves a little seasonal shift too. This fall, the trends are all about texture, movement, and warm, dimensional tones—with styles that feel soft, lived-in, and effortlessly modern.

You’ve got the color. You’ve got the cut. But a few weeks in, things start to shift—your blonde feels a little dull, your brunette’s looking brassy, and your hair just isn’t hitting like it did when you left the salon.

Enter: the gloss and toner—two low-commitment, high-impact services that can refresh your color, boost shine, and keep your hair looking salon-fresh all summer long.

The sun is out, rooftop season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to refresh your look. Whether you're craving something bold or just a subtle seasonal shift, summer is the perfect time to play with color—and this year’s trends are all about lived-in dimension, warmth, and shine.

If you’ve ever dreamed of going all-over blonde in one go—or fixing a patchy, uneven bleach job—you’ve probably heard the term “platinum card.” But what is it, exactly? And how do you know if it’s right for your hair?

At Thomas West Salon in downtown Chicago, Allen Wiggs specializes in color transformations, and platinum card services are one of the most powerful tools in his kit. Here’s what you need to know before booking.

A great hairstylist is more than someone who cuts and colors your hair—they’re a trusted partner in how you show up in the world. Your stylist gets to know your preferences, your lifestyle, even your nervous habits with a curling iron. That relationship matters—and when it’s working, it can feel like magic.

But sometimes, even long-term relationships stop serving us the way they used to. If you’ve been feeling unsure, dissatisfied, or just a little off after salon visits lately, it might be time to explore something new.