Jasen James
Jasen James has been a colorist for 20 years. He is known for creative color and for his balayage (hair painting) technique. He is such a fan of balayage that he helped initiate it for the salon and was co-featured in the Chicago edition of Daily Candy for the "Bali-Curl" technique, which brings balayage to curly hair. He has been featured in Allure for his work with highlights and the magazine has named him "Best Colorist." Jasen was also included in the "Getting Gorgeous City by City" chapter of Charla Krupp's How Not to Look Old and in Real Simple’s “Hair Color 101.” "Your hair is one of your best investments," he says. "That's why you should seek out the color style that fits you, and no one else." Jasen is also trained to administer the Keratin Smoothing Treatment. In his down time he loves to experiment with new color techniques in Maxine's "lab," which produced the Core Color, Beach Balayage, Panel Color and Piece & Quiet techniques for the salon. He has studied at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles, the L'Oreal Professionnel Color Academy in New York City and with Franco Carletto in Rome, Italy.
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4.0 Stars
I got lucky and found Maxine right after moving to Chicago
I got lucky and found Maxine right after moving to Chicago. I was terrified of trying a new colorist after some past horror stories, but Yelp led me right to Jasen and his incredible highlighting talents. He is a total sweetheart and does a fantastic job lightening me to just the right shade of blonde. I've gotten compliments on my hair color all over the place! The price is reasonable - getting regular highlights is EXPENSIVE, but this place is no more expensive than my past hair salons. The bad news is that I tried Maxine for a cut, twice. I'm too lazy to run around town using multiple salons, and I was so happy with my color that I figured it made sense. Well, the first time I got a trim and was charged $120 for the 10 minute cut. Considering I used to pay $55 to an awesome stylist, I think this is outrageous. Unfortunately, I didn't learn my lesson and went back a second time for a more substantial cut. I again paid $120 for a cut that ended up much shorter than I'd requested. I almost cried. Needless to say, I'm on the hunt for a new place for my next cut, but I could never give up my every-six-weeks visits to Jasen!
Posted on 7/10/2009 by Melissa A.
5.0 Stars
I came here to write an awesome review
I just had my second cut with Patricia, and color by Jasen today. I came here to write an awesome review. Patricia has helped me find services that really help me go for what I'm looking to do with my style, and her cuts with the color is driving everything else - she sooo rocks! I may live so close it would be silly for me to go to anyone else at this point, but the folks here are just incredible and incredibly fun. Highly recommended. Can't recommend Patricia or Jasen high enough. Think five stars with an extra plus.
Posted on 11/4/2008 by Disa J.
5.0 Stars
Wonderful gentle smiles greeting you at the door
I have been to previous salons in the past and have never experienced anything like this. Wonderful gentle smiles greeting you at the door (RICK). Jasen is excellent, He listens and analyses your hair and tells you what would best compliement you, He listened to me as I pour my heart and soul out and was very compassionate. I recommend him to everyone, He's great with coloring ethnic hair as well(im AA). After that I went upstairs to visit the very talented and drop dead gorgeous Quiana. She is very maticulous at what she does and holds conversations which have you feeling like you have known her for years. She took my lifeless thin hair and had me walk out with my co workers asking me if I have weave in my hair. I would most def be back in 2 weeks. Jasen I wish we could color our hair every 2 weeks as well because you gave me killer highlights, unfortunately I have to wait a couple of months before I get them retouched. Yes, they are expensive but you pay for what you get so stop saying you have to take out loans, its not like you were forced to go there. If you want top notch service you better believe you have to pay $$$$ and it was worth every cent of my money. If you should find yourself at Maxines tell them Christina S. Recommended you. Excellent job Quiana & Jasen.
Posted on 9/30/2008 by Christina S.
5.0 Stars
This place is incredible.
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!
Posted on 4/8/2008 by Jennifer H.
5.0 Stars
In a word, this salon is excellent.
In a word, this salon is excellent. I have been going for about six months and love every single person I've met there. Jason does awesome blonde highlights. Once when I needed to get in last minute, they set me up with Sara who was also amazing. The service is impeccable and the location is great. You won't be dissapointed.
Posted on 4/1/2008 by Laura K.
5.0 Stars
Would never consider anywhere else!
I have been going here for at least 10 years. I go to Elizabeth for cut and Jasen for color. They are both amazing at what they do and so much fun to be around. Jasen is great whether you want to take risks and go for an edgy hip dye job or keep it natural looking and blend well. He does not over process your hair either, which has always been a concern of mine, especially since I swim and have chlorine build up in my hair. Elizabeth is amazing with her shears! She too can give you an edgy hair cut with the newest of techniques, cut it conservatively, or combine the two. She knows the products well, so don't be shy to ask what products to go home with and how to use them. I love to see her and gossip, she is so much fun!! The shop was remodeled last year, it's hip and fun. The music is great, they actually have worked over time to collect everyones' music and import it to mix different genres, giving a little bit of everything with in reason to please everyone. The products are amazing as I was addressing before. They are a Loreal color flagship, they carry Kerastase and Shu Umera products. I am also a huge fan of their skin care line True. It is expensive, I mean considerably expensive, so I tend to go quarterly. But, I consider it worth every dime. Great shop, would never consider anywhere else!
Posted on 1/28/2008 by Meredith D.
5.0 Stars
My Favorite Salon
I love Maxine! From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and at ease. This is not a snooty gold coast salon by any means! Everything I've had done...incredible haircuts from Amy, golden blonde highlights with Jasen, a deep tissue massage with Lynne, has been a positive experience. They're so nice here and everyone seems to be the best at what they do. And I've checked out a lot of salons. I go here for everything now, including facials, waxing and manicures. Kari even helped my peeling nails grow out! * Pros: spa on separate floor, knowledgeable staff, evening hours
Posted on 11/23/2005 by salonaddict
5.0 Stars
Never Disappointed
Every time I enter Maxines I get excited. Why because I know I will leave looking better than I did the time before. Becca is an absolute doll always surprising me. I use to be the person with the magazines saying I love that or how about this. Now I sit in her chair and say whatever you think will be fine. Color is also a no brainer with Jasen, he stops for a minute asks a couple questions asks if I have any ideas on what I would like to see and takes it from there. I never had such a relaxing experience at a salon. Well worth the money and well worth the time. Check out is also a breeze. The receptionist are always polite and always there to help if you need it. Dont let me forget Cristina fabulous at waxing and facials a pure delight. * Pros: valet parking, service, atmosphere * Cons: closed on mondays
Posted on 10/14/2005 by fussy