John Blue is an amazing colorist! I moved back to the Chicago area from NY and am so happy I was able to locate him here at Maxine because I used to go to him at Trio. He has great ideas and chooses the perfect color blends for your skin type. Aaron David is a top stylist there that just cut my husband's hair and he's very happy with the results. I'm looking forward to booking an appt with him to work on my long tresses. =)

Posted on 10/22/2011 by Dana S.

I used to frequent Trio Salon in River North until I discovered that the best hair stylists, including my own hair colorist had moved to Maxine. John Blue has got to be the best hair colorist I ever met. I was worried that I would not be able to find someone who could give me a more natural looking color, but still create enough change at the same time. Blue utilizes the technique called "balayage," which is used to make a create a more natural looking hair color. At first, I did not see any difference, but after a few washes, it looked fantastic, and now I am addicted. On a side note, not only does Blue do hair, but he is also a local rap star on YouTube. How many people can say their hair colorist is also a rapper? For days when I need a blow dry for a party, Reese is another transplant from Trio Salon. Whatever style you are looking for, he is your guy. Not only is he extremely talented, but he is such a nice guy. Although I go to the salon for the talent, the drink menu including wine and champagne doesn't hurt either. What better way to pass the time than by sipping on a refreshing cocktail? Note: Booze is not free, but is offered as an extra. I recently moved out of the area, but I know I will still make the trip to this salon for Blue and Reese (and some wine).

Posted on 09/16/2011 by Jennifer B.

Blue and Aaron are hands down the best colorist and stylist in Chicago. I've been a loyal follower for over 5 years and am very excited about their new home at Maxine! The salon is chic and everyone is very friendly. Blue is always ahead of the curve when it comes to coloring and I always take his suggestions and am never disappointed. He is beyond amazing and has such an incredible personality - I always look forward to my visits with him! Aaron is incredibly talented as well. He always gives the best haircuts and provides me with great suggestions for maintaining and styling my hair after I leave the salon. He also provides me with excellent recommendations to update my hair style and I have never been disappointed. Blue and Aaron are truly amazing!

Posted on 06/30/2011 by Katie B.

Maxine Salon makes getting my hair done a really enjoyable experience. It's spacious and stylish but comfortable, with all the amenities you could need, and the people are welcoming and friendly. I moved over to Maxine with my colorist Blue and stylist Reese when they switched salons. They are wonderful -- talented, professional, and fun -- and they make my hair look great. They seem especially skilled with super-thick hair like mine, which can be difficult, and with people like me who want to look good but natural, rather than overly styled or colored. I would have followed them anywhere! But I'm glad they chose such a great salon to set up shop. I highly recommend Blue and Reese and Maxine Salon.

Posted on 06/28/2011 by Janet S.

If you want amazing color - see Blu. I used to work at a salon and have learned quite a bit about hair, but Blu takes his time, listens and then diagnosis your hair color, face etc. You walk out with perfection and it STAYS that way. Don't go anywhere else, don't waste your time. I have tried a ton of places around Chicago. It is telling when he gets multiple recommedations from OUTSIDE his salon. Amazing!!!!! In regards to cuts, go to Reese. Artist at work with the precision, detail and cut he gives. You feel incredibly relaxed. His work is solid and he takes the time to get to know you and cuts accordingly. Trust me on this one.

Posted on 05/20/2011 by Ema A.

These guys really know how to make a girl feel as beautiful as they can make her look! I have never been so happy with my hair until Reese began cutting it. He knows how to layer longer hair without chopping it to shreds and it's never been easier for me to do at home. Blue does my color, and I can't even tell you how natural and healthy my hair looks, a difficult feat for someone with long, blonde-highlighted hair. I will never see anyone else again, because these guys just "get" it.

Posted on 05/03/11 by Ladyluck77

Blue is the best, bar none! I've been a devoted fan of Blue's for years, and just recently followed him to his new home, Maxine's. As most wizards wave wands, Blue's magic comes from his color brush! Blue has taken me from golden copper, to chestnut brown to my newly favorite deep copper auburn. He's laced me with baliaged highlights and has created natural dimension without hard lines or severe faux-looking streaks. I've seen so many colorists before this, and nobody seemed to get it right--until Blue. I've recently had my best friend see him as well, and she's never had so many compliments on her shiny, baby-blonde hair. People are constantly asking us who and where we get our hair done, and we love it! The salon is gorgeous and and I am totally impressed by the level of service from the front desk staff. Not only do they have my favorite Kerastase products, but they also serve champagne and wine while you process. If you want a stellar experience, see Blue for color at Maxine's!

Posted on 05/03/2011 by Shannon H.

Saturday was my first appointment at Blue and Reese's new salon. The experience is top notch, very calming and chic. The service from beginning to end was just lovely. I've been seeing Blue and Reese for nearly 5 years and I can't say enough about them. Blue is an amazing colorist, one of the best in Chi-town bar none. He's taken my hair from blonde to red and done both beautifully. I wouldn't trust my color to anyone else. Reese is the best at cutting hair. He always keeps me looking current and sexy, what more can I ask. Reese has also done an amazing job on my husbands hair. I swear that Reese took 10yrs off of his appearance with a new contemporary cut.

Posted on 05/02/2011 by Laura D.

Reese and Blue are new to Maxine after moving from Trio, where I have been seeing them for the past 4 years. I would shout from the rooftops how amazing they are. I moved to Hong Kong from Chicago 8 months ago and still wait to have my hair done with them when I come back rather than find someone new in HK. Every time I get my hair done with Reese and Blue I get daily compliments on how good my hair looks. Many friends now go to them and they are extremely pleased by making the switch. Reese cuts and Blue colors - they are a dynamic duo for your hair! Maxine is luxurious as well, great service, great decor and they serve cocktails...what more could a girl ask for?

Posted on 05/02/2011 by Eileen C.

I love Blue. Love him, love him, love him. He has been my colorist for years. Maxine's is very lucky to have him. He listens, provides honest feedback and collaborates on what will work best for you. From traditional single color to highlights to balayage - he does it all. In addition to being exceptionally talented, he is also a lot of fun. The people at Maxine's were very nice. Overall it is a great experience.

Posted on 05/01/2011 by tricia c.

I followed my amazing colorist, (John) Blue, to Maxine just recently and was pleased to find some of my other stylist faves, Reese and Aaron, there as well. Blue's been my colorist for the past 6 years and has taken me from spur of the moment home-died brown to red to (my natural) blonde to my current (and possibly best) strawberry blonde, via all manner of processing - single process, gloss, foils, balayage. My color always looks great - compliments from strangers great - and the one time we changed color products and something bad happened he fit me in same day to fix it. He's extremely talented and understands my hair and more importantly understands how important my hair is to me. He's able to do things like "the same as before but with the red four washes less than last time". Plus, he's incredibly personal. I always enjoy catching up whilst my hair gets glam. Aaron does amazing things with hair, too, although I've only personally experienced blow-outs. But I've had plenty of time to observe - he's got serious skills. As for the salon, I had no trouble transitioning and Maxine, the owner, personally introduced herself to me and thanked me for following my beloved colorist. Price-wise, Blue's right where he was at before, but I can't speak to the other service charges. I'm looking forward to getting to know the place and the other staff. And to enjoying a cocktail; next time I'll book my appointment accordingly!

Posted on 04/25/2011 by Heather K.

see Blue for color & Reese for my cut and would 1000% recommend both of them to absolutely anyone. They are truly outstanding each separately, yet also as a duo! Every time I go into the salon with hair that I have abused into a bedraggled mess, their genius allows me to leave with color that's glowing & natural, and a cut that works to accentuate my features while adding volume and movement. Trust me - go to Maxine & see Blue for color & Reese for cut; you won't be disappointed!

Posted on 04/21/2011 by Rebecca M.

I love Blue! He is an awesome colorist, he is new to Maxines, coming from Trio where he has colored my hair for the past 5 years. Blue is very good at listening to what you want, he will also offer suggestions. I am a redhead and I will admit, I have never had better hair color since going to Blue. Blue is also now doing the highlighting method called "Balayage" on my hair and I love it.

Posted on 04/16/2011 by Audrey L.