I did a ton of research before coming here. I read every article I could find on their website, I read every yelp review, read citysearch, and then called twice and talked to the receptionists. I'm a grad student for a reason. I obsessively research. I put out multiple yelp threads on a good colorist for red hair, read some reviews, and then thought about it. Finally, I decided Maxine's looked like it would be ok. They have a legit website, it's downtown, it's a loreal flagship salon (although my last experience with a loreal flagship salon was in bangkok and my boyfriend's head looked alarmingly like a penis when he left). Anyways. I came over to Maxine to see Tina, purposefully making the first appointment of the day on a weekday so I knew she would not be very busy and could really listen to what I want. I made my old colorist tell me in writing what to tell the my new colorist and I showed her a picture of ideal red, which I already had and just needed to be maintained. So she was like "oh this is totally easy, not even hard". she was right. BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T DO MY HAIR. I'm sorry, I need to set my bitterness aside. So, she put color on my roots, then 30 minutes later an assistant, possibly not old enough to vote, rinsed my hair. I asked her to do my brows, and she did, and then Tina told her to go mix the color and apply it. This was when I became agitated and filled with apprehension. I did not see the colorist, Tina, again. It was like 9 am; there was no way she was so backed up she couldn't even DO HER JOB. I'm totally cool with assistants helping, but mixing and applying color doesn't exactly leave much for the colorist to do. But then, worse, she didn't even stop by to check the color before the assistant rinsed, and I only saw her when I accidentally bumped into Tina on the way out. So that is rather unprofessional. Added with using a permanent color on my already lightened hair causing total dryness, overall dullness, and charging me for "long and thick" hair without mentioning it, I decided supercuts might have done better. The most depressing part was my alarmingly frequent compliments I often get from strangers about my hair just ceased. So it wasn't just me who thought my hair was lifeless. And it faded really blonde. I'm still upset about this. It gets two stars for the location, it wasn't dreadfully expensive, and I feel bad for the assistants doing all the work. I'm feeling charitable right now. I flew back to LA to go back to my old stylist. read more

Love it here- everyone is so friendly! Always cut my hair with Evan and color with Lauren... wouldn't have it any other way! They are rockstars and always make me feel the most beautiful! Thank you guys! read more

I should have done this earlier. Love Robert for color and Cheryl for cuts and Keratin. Both are experts in their specialities. On the reviews that complain about the prices of the services at this salon... everything in that part of the city is expensive. If the neighborhood is taken into account the prices are not shocking. Keratin pricing is only a little more than what I paid when I lived in a significantly less expensive part of the country. I actually think the keratin pricing is about the norm at a standard Chicago salon. read more

I went back here after being out of the city for two years and had highlights with this guy who was "the hottest highlights guy in the city" and let's just say, my highlights were horrible! I looked like I had streaks in my hair that were unnatural and completely woven wrong (with the foiling). I should've known that the highlights were gonna suck since a previous client came in in the middle of my session and asked him to take a look at her hair because she was unhappy with the results. This place was good 10 years ago and now it's just horrible. A lot of good stylists have left for multiple reasons, and it shows read more

I feel a little guilty giving a low review after the awesome (corrective) customer service I received, but alas, this is a place for honesty. I walked out of this place with more damaged hair than I've ever had before, and I've been coloring my hair on and off for 7-8 years. It was a huge disappointment. After my lovely hairdresser left Chicago and a friend of mine had a pretty good experience here, I booked an appointment with Jasen, who did the first (and simple) step of my new color, but informed me that he didn't have time to do the second step. I was a bit peeved but figured they knew what they were doing. He set me up with Leslie, who did some serious lightening (which I thought we'd agreed would be minor) and I ended up with a bad, non blended, bleached look. I knew right off the bat that this wasn't what I wanted, but I discovered the real trouble once I got home, ran my fingers through my hair, and looked more closely in the mirror. It was full of sharp L-shaped, curlicued, fried ends (my hair is quite straight naturally), and a few pieces broke off in my hands. I've never had hair like this, and I'm sure it was because the stylist went too light on already colored hair. Maybe it was an honest misunderstanding, but she seemed rushed and it was obvious my hair was already lightened. I'd expect a hairdresser to tell me if what I was asking for was going to be damaging (especially at a place like this). Also, one of my faults has never been in telling people what I want... Between the colorists, washers, and dryers, I saw six different people. My shirt also fell under the wrath of the dye somehow. Not a good day. Anyway, I came in the next day to have it blended/deep conditioned. Although I again made the appointment with Jasen, he didn't touch my hair, and instead told a hair washer which glaze to put on me. I guess this is how the salon is run. The glaze was ok and definitely improved my current look, but the new 'do was still not what I wanted. The only reason I give the salon two stars instead of one is because of the terrific manager, Tracey. She checked in one me at least three times throughout the appointment, set me up for a free haircut with Evan, who was great, and gave me a hair masque on my way out to help with the dryness. Unfortunately I'd have to cut off 5-6 inches to get to the main damage in my shorter layers, so I still have a bunch of damaged sections. I appreciated Tracey going out of her way to help me, but of course wouldn't have needed any of that had my hair turned out as I wanted. read more

I miss Jaime. I seriously miss this chick that can wax me, flip my legs in abstract positions while talking sushi spots in Wicker Park. Since I'm 2,000 miles from home right now and I'm desperate, I popped into a place that had 4 stars on yelp. That extra star really does mean the world. I'm contemplating hopping on a plane just to get my hoo ha ha treated. Or if I was a self made millionaire, I'd hop HER on a plane to get me taken care of. My coif was butchered twice while I was away from home, my hairs down there are not fairing too well and all because nothing compares to Maxine. Oh well, unless summer then. read more

This is a truly lovely salon. I followed Nicole from Sassoon. If your debating trying this salon I would debate no further. You will not be disappointed Nicole is the best. They use only the best products to keep your hair healthy and happy. I also had a blow out with Tim and he was a delight to talk to. The vibe of this salon is like no other. Classy hip and relaxed. I had an awesome time and look forward to my next visit. read more

Went back to Evan at Maxine recently on a quick trip to Chicago and my experience was just as positive. He's easy-going, a good-listener in regard to what you are looking for and what problems you may be experiencing with your hair, and a skilled stylist. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a great cut. read more

the environment of the salon is fine, but the chair for hair washing is very uncomfortable. the hair dresser cannot even sense that the water was too cold for the customer and the chair was just very very very very uncomfortable to sit even for five minutes. Yes, I have definitely experienced better services in other salons. and I have long hair, it only took the hair dresser less than 40 mins to do my hair. at one point, she even asked me to stand up and cut my hair in the standing position...are you kidding? .................I guess this is the salon style....haha not going back for sure. read more

Girls, if you want hair like you see on tv or in the magazines, then you should make an appointment for a cut with BOB. Whether I've wanted to go for a shorter shoulder length cut or long layers that I can wear straight or with waves, he always delivers the cuts perfectly. I promise, you won't be disappointed! read more

John Blue. What more can I say? I walked in terrified of color after several bad highlight jobs over a decade ago. John quickly eased my fears and did the most amazing, subtle caramel balayage on my naturally dark hair. I cannot thank him enough for the amazing job that he did. He is the nicest, most humble person and the BEST colorist ever!!!! I will never get colored anywhere else. Thank you so much! read more

Becca is an absolute doll....consistently awesome cuts for my curly hair. It's rare that I find someone who cuts my very thick, very unruly hair in a cut that works both straight AND curly....while the price is a little steep, Becca's cuts always last me at least 8 weeks and I've pushed them to 12 when my travel schedule didn't allow me to get back for a cut. read more

Was referred to Maxine's by my sister, who also recommended Bob. I have had many blow outs in my life, but the ones Bob gave me are at the top of the list. My hair is thick and often unruly. Bob managed to make my tresses look better than ever, keeping them tamed, full, polished and pretty. The price of a blow-out is higher than that of many of the neighboring blow-out bars, but shelling out a little more at Maxine's is well worth it to me. read more

Jonathan came highly recommended by a friend of mine who suggested Maxine's to me after my former hairdresser passed away. Let me just say that the entire experience from start to finish was superb. The first time with a new hairdresser is usually stressful and you tend to sit on pins & needles, but none of that happened with Jonathan. He was insightful, understanding, and patient when we discussed where my hair had been and in what direction we would be going with it. The shampoo was relaxing and he really took his time. You had the confidence that he really knows what he is doing from start to finish. He asks the right questions, and went over every inch of my head as he familiarized himself with head shape and hair growth patterns. Afterward, I felt like a new woman when I looked in the mirror. I walked out of there feeling great, sporting red carpet hair. And, as much as I liked my late stylist, I have to say that Jonathan is perfection. I've had my hair cut by the crème de crème of hairdressers in Chicago, gone to all of the top salons since the early 80's, but I have to honestly say Jonathan and Maxine's get their props from me. A non-intimidating atmosphere, a well run business and stylists that leave you looking better than when you came in: the whole purpose of finding a great salon is feeling comfortable with your stylist. Let me just say that I will be going back to Jonathan, and I would highly recommend Maxine's to any of my friends. Getting to relax with a glass of wine (which they offer at a small addtl price) made my whole afternoon. I'd put the experience right up there with one indulgent afternoon. Everyone needs to be pampered, and this is the place. read more

The SMARTEST hair stylists and colorists in Chicago, period. My color from Lauren and cut from Anna were both PHENOMENAL. Ramona cut my fiancés hair and he thought the extra cost was so worth it - these people are hair geniuses and it's just an amazing place. Go here, you won't be disappointed. read more

This place is great. My mother and both of my sisters have gone here for over two years. We all get our hair cut by Rivkah (http://www.maxinesalon.com/staff/lyles.asp), who is fantastic - I've never had a better haircut, but it's my sisters and mom who really look dramatically different and feel great with their cool new looks. My mom gets her coloring done by Stacy, and she's been very happy with Stacy's work (plus she's "such a doll," as my mother says). The colorists and stylists at Maxine can do anything, but the vibe is very classically chic - I haven't seen many clients leaving with mohawks or garish colors. read more

Shelly is AMAZING! Fantastic stylist. Love her! Highly recommend her to anyone that lives in Chicago. She cuts and styles with precision to provide the best results, consistently. Maxine has an awesome staff that always creates a great experience. read more

I really wanted to like this place. After getting my highlights done I had to sit downstairs at some cheap tables next to the elevator while I waiting to get my hair cut. I sat there for 20 minutes in a hair smock with a wet towel. No one even came to update me or offer a glass of water. I then got my hair cut with one of the highest level/most expensive stylists but could not have been any more disappointed. I left with shapeless hair. I think I resembled Jesus Christ. I have no idea why people like this place. It is like a factory. There are so many better salons. If you are looking for an upscale salon this is NOT your place read more

The only reason I can't give Maxine a 5 is because it is pricey. I guess it's not their fault - it's the neighborhood - I just wish I weren't so addicted to Bob. Not only does he always give me a great haircut (and is mindful of the fact that I'm not coming back every 6 weeks or buying $100 worth of product), but I have a HUGE crush on him. read more

This place is incredible. I get my haircut with Bob, and he's fantastic. It's such a joy to get a haircut! The colorists are so talented as well...I have had Jasen color my hair and he's dynamite. The salon is beautiful inside and always busy...so you know they are doing something right. It is more expensive than most salons, even in the downtown area, but you get what you pay for, and it is very much worth it! read more

As soon as I posted an unhappy customer review, I was contacted by the manager of Maxine, Tracey, who seemed very concerned about my happiness with my hair cut/do. She scheduled me with Rivkah right away and made sure I was taken care of. I got to Maxine and Rivkah came and got me promptly. I liked her a lot and she really listened to what I had to say about ma hurr. She was so sweet and really seemed interested in what look I wanted to achieve. After the cut and blow dry, my hair looked great! She did a fabulous job and was super easy to talk to. I will definitely be going back to her. I can't wait! Thanks Rivkah and Tracey for hooking me up with an awesome cut! read more

I moved to Chicago this past summer. I am EXTREMELY picky about my hair. The first time I went to Maxine I had a decent cut...nothing amazing. However, when I asked my colorist a rec. for a stylist she suggested Sanda. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sanda. I recently went short and she did an amazing job. I have never had so many compliments on my hair before. As a struggling teacher the cut is expensive....but well worth the money. I still need to find a good colorist...everytime I get my haircolored it turns out more red than I want....I just want a natural brown. For my stylist Sanda...I give her 5 stars!!! read more

This was the most expensive haircut I've ever gotten, but it was well worth the money. I've come a long way when it comes to haircuts. I grew up having my mom cut my hair, because she was too cheap to take me to a hair salon. She cut hair like a butcher cuts meat. Blunt and scary cuts. Then, as I grew up, I started going to beauty schools and academies for more professional yet cheap haircuts. Dissatisfied with the remnant of my last haircut at an academy, I decided to shell out the moolah for a better haircut. Enter Maxine. Their website is very thorough and packed with helpful information. They have 4 platforms of artists; each platform has a different price range and different stylists. I decided to make an appointment with Evan, because his staff profile says that he is good with long hair that frames the face. The place is really nice and fancy-looking. Evan was really nice and is AMAZING at cutting hair! I got a beautiful haircut better than I could have ever imagined. I love it so much. It has layers, volume, and frames my face. I left with soft, shiny hair. I will definitely ask for him again the next time I'm here. :) Thank you Evan for such a great hairstyle! The receptionist was nice too. I walked out of the salon, went to another store, and then suddenly realized that I forgot to pay! I hurried back to explain the situation but Carlos was really nice and understanding. read more

This place is very pricey. Don't go if you're not willing to pay. But if you are willing to pay, you will get your money's worth here. It is a wonderfully peaceful place and the staff is very skilled and courteous. If you like to take care of yourself and aren't concerned about the cost, then visit Maxine. read more

Colorist Stacie and stylist Shelley are both excellent. I walked in unhappy with my blah hair and left thrilled. Stacie recommend balayage instead of regular highlights and I'm really happy with the partial balayage she did. Shelley gave me a great, flattering cut with movement and really took her time to make sure she didn't cut off more length than I was comfortable with. Important to know this is a busy salon, but it doesn't have too-loud music or so much bustling around you that you feel annoyed. Also - not cheap. But if you're happy with the results it's completely worth the slightly higher prices than what you'd pay in another downtown salon. Also, it's so great they have valet. It's in a location where you can definitely take the El or bus and walk, but if you need to drive it's such a great help to have valet. read more

I am a top fashion stylist who works around the country and is based in Chicago and I personally bring my clients in to see PATRICIA for haircuts, styling and blowouts and to ROBERT for color. I would not trust anyone else in Chicago to work on hair. PATRICIA understands a woman's face and hair and always executes a cut and style perfectly. She is also ultra-professional, listens well and is a wonderful person! ROBERT is the most unassuming, low-key colorist that I have ever met. Don't let that fool you though - he knows his color! He knows what color works with skin tones, and he will tell you if something is actually feasible. He, too, is a consummate proffesional and a really nice guy. I would not trust anyone else with my client's hair. read more

Receptionists were welcoming as usual. Amy is awesome, she is sweet and pay are thin to what customer says and also holds a good conversation with her customer read more

I was referred by two friends and they told me that Maxine's was great for their service and cuts. I don't mind paying for a good haircut, and I got an even better one. My stylist was Elizabeth, a sweet, young stylist, who made me comfortable and was a joy to talk to--are all people in Chicago this friendly? Anyway, I wasn't sure what I wanted when I walked in, and I know that's the most difficult chore for a stylist: "Give me the 'I don't know' but make me look good." I'm in my late 30s, so I hoped for a conservative yet modern look. I needed something that looked good in a suit--and I got a winner. Elizabeth was patient and professional. You can tell she took her time and I would recommend her and this salon whenever I visit Chicago. Unfortunately, I'm always bouncing around, but I felt obligated to share my experience since I received so many compliments on my hair when I returned to the studio. Thanks so much. read more

I first sat in Blue's chair about 3 years ago. About one week prior, I hit up a well-known Chicago salon asking for a "Megan Fox", but instead walking out with a shade of brunette more along the lines of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. Basically, I sat down and said "fix it". Welp, when all was said and done, that was the first time in memory that people, even randoms on the street, complimented my hair. I haven't gone to another colorist since meeting Blue. He'll stick to what I ask for, but if he thinks something might not work (with my hair texture, skin tone, etc.), he will be honest and make a suggestion (that always ends up looking better than what I wanted anyway). I'm pretty sure I would fly to China to get my hair colored, if he moved out that way. read more

Patient,perfecting, and professional. Marshal(colorist) & Cheryl(stylist) collaborated with me on what woukd be best for my African American, long hair. My hair was 7"of natural hair, 6" of perm- which was transitioning out of braids and in need of grey coverage. All i can say is transformative. I have never been this emotional in a good way about my hair. Marshal mixed the magic and taught at the same time. The color looked so good i forgot that i needed to be styled. But then Cheryl took it to the next level and chose all the right product, tools and cut. The cut was so good i didn't need it curled,and the lenght was still there. She briefed me on care and answered my questions. It was sleek, bouncing, -i literally looked younger when i left. It was drastically different without being overtly trendy. Magnificent. read more

Maxine Salon - ThankU Cheryl & Marshal @Maxine - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rex is great! I originally came in to have my hair lightened after a wild hair history.. and he would not allow me to do so, so that I would not damage my hair... had a treatment instead. Extremely knowledgeable about his craft. Afterwards, Ramona cut my hair.. my ends had a beautiful , blunt feel to them.. and lays very beautiful. They recommended some amazing products as well. read more

Went to see Bob for a haircut and Patrick for highlights in August. I waited till now to post my review because I wanted to see how my hair grew out. I've been to dozens of salons in the past where my haircut and color looked great when I first walked of the door just to find out that it grew out awfully a month later. Highlights: This was my first time with Patrick having a new type of procedure done on my hair called balayage (hair painting as an alternative to foil highlights) . Patrick is very skilled and did a great job painting my hair. I had told Patrick that I wanted lighter highlights and that's what he gave me. Well, a few days later, I decided that my hair was too light and went in for a glaze/toner to bring it up a shade. Patrick was so nice about it and was genuinely determined to make sure that I was leaving the salon with the color I wanted. Fast forward: For the past three months after my hair was colored, I've toned it up once in a while to keep the color. I must say that Patrick was correct in that the his method of hairpainting allows your hair to grow up without noticable roots. I didn't have the definite line on the crown of my head demarcating regrowth and highlights. Patrick did such an awesome job! Haircut: I would definitely recommend Bob! He's the absolutely talented with his shears and really gives an outstanding cut. He is very meticulous and truly strives for perfection. If you have long hair and want amazing layers that gives your hair volume and styling flexibility, go to Bob! Fast Foward: My hair did grow out nicely (it's been 10 weeks). Thanks Bob! I highly recommend Maxine. Great salon with excellent talent and service. I just wished it was a bit less expensive. read more

I found "my" go to place & stylist! After 3 years at Mario Tricoci's I was so happy to stumble upon Maxine's. 1st off - I was only introduced to Mario Tricoci's b/c family had bought me a GC. I did have a GREAT stylist but she was a bit pricey ($120.) When I called up Maxine's I told them a little about my hair (super curly w/ texture) & they recommended Rivkah. She is FABULOUS. She is not only beautiful & talented but she is so personable. Wonderful convo's during my cut/styles. Plus, almost 1/2 of what I was paying at Tricoci's. I've heard they have great colorists as well! Family now knows to buy me Maxine's GC for holidays/gifts :) read more

Made a call and booked a blow dry and style without having to provide a credit card first. This salon is considered to be really good and the people working there are all very, very nice. I was greeted and treated well. The stylist I had seemed very competent. We had a good talk. The shampoo was great. I showed photos of how I wanted my hair to be done and...honestly, this was the worst blow out I've ever had. Literally, I will be washing more than $50 down the drain today when I have to redo it. How could it be done so wrong??? I've had $35 blow outs that last for five or more days but this one wasn't even right before I went out the door and only got worse in the Chicago wind. Needless to say, I will not be back. They do work hard to make this a nice experience but if I can't even get a great blow out for this money, what does that say about other services? read more

I have been going to Maxine's Salon for more than ten years. Amy is AMAZING, and I will never leave her. Yes, the haircuts are expensive, but she is totally worth it. I tried going to another, less expensive salon once, and hated it. I will never stray from Amy again. I highly recommend her for Japanese straightening or a hair cut. She is also so sweet with a really great sense of style. read more

When my stylist extraordinaire and dear friend of 20 years, Thor Nygren, retired I was lost. He always took such good care of me and my curls! I waited a long time and when I finally tried a different stylist all my worst fears came true. Finding Michelle Dixon was such a blessing, not only is she an exceptional stylist she's a very special human being..so uplifting, kind and caring. She's also a wonderful teacher sharing her expertise so I can make my hair look it's best in between cuts. read more

I got a compliment on my hair today which was interesting given the last time I had my hair cut was three months ago . . . Clearly I should have yelped about my experience much earlier. I have Asian hair (thick!) and I consider it tricky to cut and style and am very particular about who gets their hands on it. I went to Rivkah at Maxine based on a glowing recommendation from a friend. At my first appointment I was a bit nervous since she was new to me. I worried for nothing. She had such an easy and lovely manner about her as she consulted with me about the style and the challenges I had with my hair. Rivkah was so knowledgeable (she knew Asian hair!) and offered some great suggestions to help update my style. What I appreciated the most was that beyond just cutting, she spent the time to teach me some tricks to style and create different looks. Loved it. I told her I wanted something very easy and low-maintenance. And now, though I am long overdue for an appointment, I have a style that still gets compliments - three months later. Now that is a true test of a good haircut and a great stylist! read more

I've followed Diane Mildice & Theresa Tufte from their previous hair salon to Maxine Salon. Diane has been my colorist for years and I can't imagine being without her. I constantly get great feed back from people stating how much they love my hair!!!!! Theresa is by far a great stylist as well! These girls are the best! read more

I finally found a great salon!! My hair is thick, wavy and my ends were very fried from a previous color and cut that I wasn't really happy with. Evan cut my hair. He took the width out and made my hair more manageable then any cut that i have ever had. It's not too short and not to long, just perfect. Josh colored my hair and fixed my too blond highlights. He made my naturally dark brown hair more richer and even added some subtle red! Staff was very friendly and offered my coffee and refills. Very caring. read more

In all my years, I have never had a better colorist than Tracy, she is fabulous, I literally sit in the chair and ask her what she thinks and she works her magic. I trust her and her knowledge of hi lites, low lites, single process, etc..is above and beyond. I am always complimented by my friends and family on my color and have even been stopped by perfect strangers more than once to ask who colors my hair!! I live in Florida and travel quite often to Chicago for business so I am fortunate enough to always have my hair color maintained by Tracy, I would never let anyone but Tracy color my hair and no one has for 8 years!! read more