A Little About Me

Likes: Video games - Vinyl Records - Cats - Criterion Collection

Specialties: Textured Shags/Mullets/Bangs - Fantasy Color - Icy Platinum - Air Dried Haircuts - Rich Red + Copper - Curly Haircuts

Aesthetic: Queer - Alt - Woodland Fairy - 60s Bardot/Godard Girl

  • Amy Graef

    Owner, Stylist + Colorist
    She/Her

    I believe beauty lives within radical self acceptance and radical self expression, I’m here to destroy beauty standards and heal hair trauma.

    Book now →

  • I’m Amy, owner of ModPod, located in studio 111 at The Salon House. My passion lies in using my hands to create something new.

    My career started after dropping out of art school in Chicago. I came back to my home in Urbana and enrolled in Concept College of Cosmetology, where I was awarded “Most Promising Graduate”

    I see “beauty” differently, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. At ModPod you define your own beauty. I believe the key to an amazing style is finding the look that makes you feel your most authentic self.

    While I love all the variety the hair industry has to offer, I specialize predominantly in dream-like vivid hair color, bringing curls back to life, and creating cool “queer haircuts” full of texture and personality.

    I am a big nerd for continuing education, taking as many classes as I can to hone my craft. My curiosity and pursuit of knowledge make me a forward-thinking and rule bending stylist that is able to deliver a fresh perspective to your look.

    When I’m not behind the chair you can find me picking up new tunes at See You CD & Vinyl, obsessing over Chicago’s drag scene, and making candles for my other small business, Kitchen Cauldron Candles.

    I believe we all have responsibility in caring for each other and the earth, that is why all brands I carry are vegan and 100% cruelty free. If it sounds like we’d be a good fit, book online now!

Testimonials

  • “Absolutely fantastic stylist—a true artist in the way she approaches hair. She creates a beautiful blonde in my hair and helped me to dip my toes into vivid color as well. She is also a great caretaker of her customers, with a nurturing presence that invites but never pressures you to share, and will tailor her energy level to the customer in front of her. She always has drinks and snacks on hand and encourages mask-wearing to promote safety and comfort. I would highly recommend her to anyone, especially if you’re looking for a consent-oriented, diversity-affirming stylist!"

    Molly

  • "Amy is an absolute gem with insane talent! Not only has she given me the best mullet I’ve ever had, she taught me how to effortlessly style it, gave great product recommendations, and adjusted the haircut to fit my needs. She also touched up my split-dye hair (half grey half black) and did a phenomenal job! My hair is vibrant and she gave me tips on how to keep it vibrant for longer. Everytime I leave ModPod, I feel like the best version of myself! When you’re in Amy’s chair, you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. No matter if you’re a hair dye alumni or are wanting to try something new for the first time, Amy is here for you every step of the way!"

    Tara

  • “Amy was friendly and easygoing. She created a great environment to get my hair done. I didn’t have a set vision when I booked and could only explain a few things I wanted from the final product. Amy took what I was looking for and ran with it. She gave my hair exactly what it needed to achieve a style I didn’t even know was possible for me. She even took her time to make sure I knew how to style it for day to day wear at the end of the appointment. I can’t recommend Amy enough."

    Stephanie