Chicago is the sixth city of my career and, believe me, the scariest thing about relocation is finding the new hair colorist. But, blonde highlights should be pretty de rigeur these days, right? Wrong. My hair catastrophes could fill two more posts. Alas, I discovered Jason and he truly is an artist with blonde--plus an entertaining and sweet soul, as well. Only to be matched by the precise hair cuts and masterful blowouts of Hans. I feel like JLo when he's done! And, Maxine has even stopped by for some owner-love. Bliss. I would be there every week if not for the prices. A little steep for the working girl...exhale, exhale, it's only every six weeks. The only reason for a 4- and not 5- star. Premium salon in every regard.

Posted on 01/22/2012 by Sharon T.

I had my first haircut and style on Saturday with Hans at Maxine. Hans was very attentive, friendly and focused on providing me with a haircut that I would love. I have long hair that was getting a bit heavy and Hans trimmed it and cut in some nice layers to add shape and volume. I'm a happy client and will certainly return!

Posted on 08/08/2011 by lisa s.

I'm extremely picky about my hair, so I feel like I've tried half the salons in Chicago trying to find the best one. I was almost always unhappy with the result of my cuts and blow-outs... and then I came across Hans at Maxine's. He is AMAZING. I have never had another stylist as consistently excellent as Hans. I've had maybe 20 blowouts from him and a dozen haircuts -- each one has been perfect. An added bonus is the fact that he's someone you actually want to spend time with because he's fun and interesting. I have very thick hair and he's the only stylist I know who makes it bouncy and slightly wavy and gorgeous. Most stylists get really lazy with thick hair or else have no idea how to handle it -- they just take a flat-iron and make my hair stick straight (thanks, but I can just flat-iron my hair myself). Hans really takes his time to get it exactly right... the kind of blow-out that's impossible for me to replicate myself... and therefore, worth the money! Can't recommend Hans enough. The salon itself is pretty great-- I believe the owner's husband is an architect and designed the space. Le Corbusier leather sofas and chairs... clean, white, modern interior. Friendly front desk staff, and valets who can run out to get a taxi for you in the rain (essential!).

Posted on 07/22/2011 by Annie W.

I was in a bind and needed to get a haircut on short notice, and found Maxine's here on Yelp. I am so thrilled I did!! Since January I have been going to Hans and I could not be happier. He makes you feel like every single strand of hair on your head is tremendously important and intelligently decides on how to make your hair work best for you. I chemically straightened my hair for nearly 6 years, because the stylists I have seen in the past, weren't able to work with my naturally curly/wavey hair. All that changed after seeing Hans. He has completely revived my hairstyle, making me look the best I have in almost a decade. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for Maxine's and especially Hans. Anyone looking for a great haircut and superior service need not to look any further!

Posted on 05/24/2011 by John R.

I have been going to the same salon for almost five years and truly love it...but I had a groupon for Maxine and tried it out. From the warm welcome to the cupcake while I was waiting in foils, this salon experience far surpassed any others. And that doesn't even touch on the hair! It's always a little difficult letting a new crew do your hair but I could not have been more pleased with the color from Tracy and the brilliant cut by Hans. The way he styled my hair changed my life that day. ha! Seriously though, it is worth a try. I will be returning.

Posted on 05/01/2011 by Ginger Z.

after visiting hans for a haircut, i left maxine and within an hour i was stopped by two strangers in the street who needed to know where i had done my hair. this never happens. being from LA, i've been to my fair share of great stylists but hans gave me the shiniest, most luxurious blowdry. it lasted a few days too. since moving to chicago, i have seen about a dozen stylists and never felt compelled to return to any of them, until now. hans is perceptive and versatile. he understands what looks good and i can't wait to go back again!

Posted on 4/20/2011 by Claudia P.

Great place, super friendly staff. I have been going there since I moved to Chicago - after living in France for 10 years - and I would not change. Diana is really THE color expert, she is just amazing! She lightened my hair several tones, without damaging it and making it look natural, shiny and with depth. After spending a few hours with Diana and Hans - the king of blowdryng - my hair looks so amazing that people have stopped me in the street to ask who does my hair.

Posted on 04/17/2011 by Liana L.

the thing is - if you care about the most wonderful blow dry & the nicest shampoo, i would advise you to see hans. hans. really - just hans.

Posted on 4/14/2011 by Lara E.

After hitting up seemingly almost every hair salon on the North Side (the likes of Salon Siren, Sine Qua Non, Salon 1800, Mario Tricoci (I can go on and on)) I was still on my quest to find my perfect hair stylist. Maxine Salon to the rescue! I had somehow overlooked their reviews on Yelp, since they are not in my hood. However, they ARE close to work. The fact that if I mentioned Yelp I'd get a fat 25% off my first haircut, I figured it was definitely worth a try. The prospect of finally finding a place where I wouldn't be rolling the dice for my haircut & have it conveniently located by work was exciting. I called and was able to make a hair appointment on the same week at the time I requested. They asked me what kind of hair I had and what I was looking for and recommended Hans. Easy enough! I was already impressed that they matched my needs with an appropriate stylist. They even sent me an email confirmation a couple of days before. So far, so good. I had not had a haircut in over a year and my hair looked a hot mess - damage from flat ironing, really long in front, you get the picture. Don't be put off by the fact it's in the Gold Coast on Rush - they are really laid back and friendly. I was greeted by the friendly staff up front where they showed me to the coat room, offered me something to drink, helped me with my robe and sent me off to Hans. If you are looking for a laidback stylist, who will listen to what you want and hook you up with a really fresh, updated look, Hans is your guy. Apparently he is a recent New York transplant and still stays in touch with the NY scene working Fashion Week and even does some teaching on the side. Despite knowing his accolades, I could tell right away that he knew what he was doing. Hans took the time to evaluate the condition of my hair, listen to what look I was going for, and gave me a few suggestions on how he could go about achieving my look before going scissor happy. As he was styling my hair, he even took the time to give me some great tips on how I could style my hair at home so I wouldn't have to deal with that feeling we've all experienced where you can't replicate "salon styled" hair after the first wash at home. He also mentioned that if I needed a touch up on my bangs, I could come in and it's complimentary! All in all, I left with a lighter head of hair and a great, updated look and not too much damage to the bank account. One thing to note is that you can't tip on your credit card, so make sure you bring some cash with you for that (they told me this when I made my appointment so I was prepared). I left extremely happy and I am afraid to say this but... I think I have finally found my go-to stylist!

Posted on 09/09/2010 by Venessa R.