Robert Bennett
A veteran of 23 years at Maxine, colorist Robert Bennett excels at structured, disciplined color placement for soft, natural highlights. "I love beautiful color whether it's highlights or lowlights," he says. "It's important to maintain the integrity of the hair, in terms of respecting the base color and overall health." As Robert executes his polished, sophisticated look, he labors over the details-even going so far as tinting clients' brows to complement their hair color. Robert has studied at The L'Oreal Professionnel Color Academy in New York City and with Toni & Guy in Paris, France. He has also trained extensively with Perma of Paris and led their color education seminars. He developed the Tiered Color and Smudging techniques for Maxine. Robert has been featured in Fitness, Lucky and in the "Getting Gorgeous City by City" chapter of Charla Krupp's How Not to Look Old. He has participated in countless TV makeovers, such as Ambush Makeover and the makeover segments on WGN and Fox.
5.0 Stars
Cannot imagine going anywhere else!
Just like many others, I've been going to Maxine since 2003 and cannot imagine going anywhere else! I've been seeing Robert for color and have never left there without loving the work he's done. After reading the stylists' biographies online, I chose to schedule with a newer stylist to the team who came over from another Gold Coast salong. Josie was AMAZING!!! I brought pictures from the way my previous stylist there was cutting my hair. She looked at them, cut some, looked again, etc. I cannot remember the last time I left the salon and LOVED LOVED LOVED the cut as much as the colorRobert did!! Not only is Josie fun and hip, she's amazing, has a ton of experience, has fabulous ink and is very personable! Josie is absolutely my go-to girl now! She also mentioned that if I needed a touch-up on my sideswept bangs, to please stop in at any time and she'll do her best to slide me in for the quick fix. Sure, Maxine is not a cheap salon by any means, but this just proves you DO get what you pay for. Spend a little extra and I can guarantee you won't head home and try to "fix" something your stylist did or worse, convince yourself that it'll be better in a few days. Honest.
Posted on 6/20/2010 by Denise P.
5.0 Stars
Robert is AMAZING
Robert is AMAZING and I am entirely happy with the service I received at Maxine's! Robert fixed my hair and ended my six months of 'hair' misery. Let me start by saying that about six months ago I had long hair down to the small of my back. I decided to go back to my natural hair color (ash blonde/brown) and a high end salon here in Chicago over processed it and fried a lot of my hair off. Since the prior salon made my hair too blonde, I went elsewhere to have my hair dyed an ash blonde/brown. The second place accidentally dyed my hair black and mismatched my roots. After going to two places I was pretty miserable and as a young professional woman, these drastic results were unacceptable - the black was most shocking at work. Going back to my Maxine's experience, two months ago I saw Robert and asked to have my hair lightened. He was very honest with me (thank goodness) and told me my hair was too damaged to lighten at the time, and that doing so would most likely cause damage (meaning more of my hair would have to be cut off). I asked him what my options were and he gave me three: (1) lighten it that day and have most of my hair cut, (2) darken the roots to match the rest, or (3) wait six weeks to lighten it and condition it heavily with a hair mask in the meantime. I put my trust in Robert and chose option 3. On the big day Robert lightly bleached my hair twice and added red to it. He did all of this with virtually no damage. My hair color looked amazing and I still had my length! Almost instantaneously I felt 100% better about my appearance, and that's thanks to Robert. I also wanted to mention two of the guys that work at the front desk, Carlos and Richard, they were great! And I especially want to thank Carlos for recommending Robert to me. I feel that the prices, although a little high, are reasonable for what you get - remember you do get what you pay for. Overall I highly recommend Maxine's to everyone.
Posted on 2/16/2010 by Cristene M.
4.0 Stars
I've been a Client here for over 7 years..wow!
I've been a Client here for over 7 years...wow! My go to girl is Qiana. She has the skill, style, patience and so much more. Although prices are a bit steep for a wash and blowdry ($80), the level of service is superb. The two best stylists for easily handling naturally curly hair are Qiana and Michelle. Both of these ladies are superb at styling, cutting, keratin treatments, special occasion up-dos and fixing bad jobs by stylists form other salons. And should you need another type of service, you're in great hands: Waxing see Jamie Nails see Kerri Make-up see Michelle..yes, she kicks butt at that too...just look at her makeup on herself! Stunning! Color see Robert Holding down the front desk are Ricky, Carlos and Tracy...some of the funniest, most personable people you'll ever meet. Treat them right and you're sure to get that last minute appointment when you need it. Above all, Maxine's carries the best product line-up your hair will ever experience - Shu Uemura and Kerastase. Trust me, you'll never want drug store again, especially if you have naturally curly hair. Four stars because of the steep prices and a la carte charging..in this economy everyone needs a deal..at least every now and then.
Posted on 2/1/2010 by SID F.
5.0 Stars
Wonderful colorist and hairstylist‎
Robert Benett is the best colorist. He is a true master of his profession. I go every 8 weeks and my hair is healthy and stays shiny. I receive many compliments. Malese does a fantastic haircut with the perfect grow out. I trust her completely with my hair. Excellent.
Posted on 7/8/2009 by Acacia
5.0 Stars
EXAMPLE OF A HAIR MAGICIAN: Bob Gartlan!
DEFINITION OF MAGICIAN: One whose formidable skill or art seems to be magical. EXAMPLE OF A HAIR MAGICIAN: Bob Gartlan! He really does have the ability to make you look like a movie star. Just let him do his thing and bask in the results. With all of the compliments you'll receive, you'll be addicted to Bob's cuts. I promise! It took me 6 long years in Chicago before I finally found my hair magician. Thanks BOB! Recently I switched colorists. I am with Robert now. Bob has the ultimate confidence in him and that is what I was looking for after being disappointed with my previous experience. I have worked with Robert only once so far and I was impressed. I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for me. If you are looking for HAIR MAGIC, check out Bob and Robert at Maxine.
Posted on 1/4/2009 by MELEK L.
5.0 Stars
great highlights
I went to this salon for the first time to get my hair hilighted by robert. I left with my hair looking brighter and much more natural. Although the prices are high their is no pressre to add on more services or products. Beautiful salon, robert is highly recommended. * Pros: colorist, service, valet parking
Posted on 6/2/2006 by blondiej88
5.0 Stars
Robert and Amy rock
I have been going to Maxine for my entire life. My mother started with Maxine about 20 years ago and we have followed her to over 3 locations. While it took me awhile to find my perfect stylist I am very very happy now. Robert is very good for my color, though if you're looking for something shocking you'd be better visiting a salon on Belmont. They aim for more natural looking color though I have gotten him to do pink streaks before. Amy is the best stylist I have ever had. I'll never forget my first time with her, I decided to cut my long hair very short. She was thrilled at the idea and it turned out amazing. She has a great personality and we always have a great time. The haircuts she gives me are always complimented by my friends, coworkers and even people on the street.
Posted on 4/3/2005 by kittychicago