Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide

Wednesday January 30, 2013

The Owner

Since 1986, the name Maxine has been synonymous with up-to-th-minute hair styling in the Windy City. Owner Maxine ("Max") Kroll is proud of the first-rate reputation her salon has earned through providing clients with the savvy of a well-trained and educated staff, while keeping the mood down-to-earth--even though the team has styled the manes of many celebs (hust, can't spill) and high-level Washington D.C. politicos. Who else is in the mix? Favorite television personality/reality star and model Kendra Wilkinson. "What we pride ourselves on being is approachable," Kroll says. "Our atmosphere and staff, you'll find, are friendly, fun and fabulous." And that we can attest to!
The mane maven makes sure her beauty pros are on top of trends and advances in hair care technology through year-round training at style hubs like New York, Los Angeles and Paris. Is there any attitude here? Not a chance. "When you're delivering at the level we deliver at, a client coming in might forget that we're still on their side. We're always on the client's side," Kroll enthuses.

The Salon

Meticulously clean and white, the decor at the two-story Maxine salon, located in the city's posh Gold Coast, is both sophisticated and cutting edge. "You can see that in elements we chose for the salon: cracked glass, corrugated stainless steel. The surface sounds tough, but it's softened through sophistication," Kroll explains. More? How about purchasing a glass of wine, champagne or beer while you relax reading your favorite magazine? (Sophisticate's, anyone?)
Based on years of experience, stylists are divided into "platforms" to guide clients. "For someone who wants the newest kid on the block, they might reach for platform one," she explains. "For someone who wants the savvy and sophistication of someone who's been here a long time, they might reach for platform three." The salon also serves as teh Chicago Flagship L'Oreal Professionnel Haircolor Center.

The Style Menu

Reach your highest level of hairstyle with a choice of 22 stylists and 11 colorists. Haircuts with a platform one stylist start at $60 and reach $115 with a platform three stylist. Single process coloring starts at $75, partial highlights at $130 and full highlights at $150. A glass of vino: $8.