History of The Hair Performers

Over five decades ago, John Amico Haircare built a very celebrated hair salon franchise known as Hair Performers, 

with a spin-off chain known as We Care Hair. 

With more than 400 salons nationwide, he pioneered the concept of fashion-forward styling and full-service offerings. 

John Amico has always embraced beauty education, and in 1965 he opened his first school in Burbank, Illinois, and later opened a location 

at Ford City Shopping Center. He still operates cosmetology schools in Oak Forest and Niles, Illinois.

In 1972, John opened The Hair Performers, a concept in hair styling that would take the country by storm.

The salon had no hooded dryers and only hand-held blow dryers. 

John was in Europe in 1967 and saw the Sassoon movement and wanted to get rid of rollers, making the haircut 

the center point of the client’s visit. 

His first employees were the graduating cosmetology students from his beauty school. 

He taught them the fine art of haircutting and styling. 

Styling was easy for John who had won numerous international competitions for his unique approach.

He recognized that haircutting was the future. He simply changed from big shears and razoring to small 4.5″ shears. 

Then, as cosmetology students graduated in 1972, he trained a core group to start what was to become 

the first large national chain of upscale haircutting and full-service salons. 

It was innovative... It was dynamic... It was revolutionary. 

Over time, we decided to focus on our roots:  product development and cosmetology schools.

In 2013, we brought back our The Hair Performers brand, re-facing it for the 21st century. 

The result is our flagship location in Hickory Hills.

Moving into 2024, we cherish the past while looking to the future 

and we hope you’ll take the time to experience the John Amico difference at The Hair Performers.