Rex Jimieson, Color Educator and Colorist

Rex Jimieson, Colorist, Maxine Salon Chicago

Rex Jimieson has been coloring hair since 1993, long enough to understand that the most powerful color choices are rarely the loudest. As the in-salon color educational director at Maxine Salon, he works quietly at the intersection of discipline and instinct, blending technical precision with a cultivated, personal point of view. His work is refined, intentional, and never performs for attention.

Rex’s relationship with color began early, late nights experimenting in his mom’s kitchen, guided by curiosity, music, and a willingness to trust instinct over rules. That early rebellion evolved into a deep respect for craft. Today, he is sought out for his mastery of balayage, foil highlighting, corrective color, and single and double process work, as well as for a skill that cannot be taught, knowing exactly when to do less. His education spans the globe, with advanced training from Vidal Sassoon, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Toni & Guy, and includes time on the L’Oréal Professionnel Technical Team.

At the core of Rex’s work is color truth. He does not chase trends or dramatic reinvention. If you were a blonde child, he knows how to bring that luminosity back, softly and believably. The references are timeless rather than trendy, the ease of Gisele, the undone warmth of Drew Barrymore. The result is hair that feels lived in, confident, and entirely your own.

As lead educator for the color assistants at Maxine, Rex shapes the next generation of colorists, emphasizing restraint, intuition, and respect for individuality. His work has been recognized by Allure Magazine, where he was featured in the September 2014 Directory, a quiet acknowledgment of both technical excellence and aesthetic authority.

In October 2019, his foil highlighting concept “Tweed” was featured in Vogue, Allure Glamour, Pop Sugar, Good Morning America, and more.  

Outside the salon, Rex draws inspiration from art, fashion, photography, music, and cultural spaces where creativity and refinement coexist without announcement. His influences favor those who evolve gracefully, who understand that true style speaks softly and lasts.

Rex’s philosophy is simple and exacting. Great color should feel inevitable. It should elevate without distraction, refine without erasing, and leave you looking unmistakably like yourself, only more luminous, more confident, and completely at ease

Where did you grow up? Madison, Wisconsin

What neighborhood do you live in? Andersonville 

What do you do in your free time? Knitting, crafting, antiques and thrifting, fitness, mindfulness and healthy living.

Favorite thing to do on a free Sunday? A musuem or a Ravinia show.  

Who is your style icon? Vivienne Westwood. 

What movie character is most like you? Veronica Sawyer in Heathers

Who is your celebrity crush? Luke Macfarlane

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5.0 Stars

Rex is great!

Rex is great! I originally came in to have my hair lightened after a wild hair history.. and he would not allow me to do so, so that I would not damage my hair... had a treatment instead. Extremely knowledgeable about his craft. Afterwards, Ramona cut my hair.. my ends had a beautiful , blunt feel to them.. and lays very beautiful. They recommended some amazing products as well.

Yelp Posted on 03/31/2017 by Carly A.

5.0 Stars

Rex Jimieson is THE best colorist for blondes in Chicago

I have been going to Maxine for about two years now and must say that Rex Jimieson at Maxine Salon in Chicago has got to be THE best colorist for blondes in Chicago, and certainly the best colorist I've ever been to in any of the major cities I've lived in. He gives a thorough consultation, takes a real detailed and somewhat scientific interest in your hair, and I have never seen a stylist pay such close attention to the timing of the color! He stays right on top of the process, no distractions, no wondering where Rex went! I had been trying to get rid of (or avoid) a golden-toned, or copper brassy blonde, and no "blonde specialist" stylists at even the best salons could ever seem to get me where I wanted, until I started working with Rex. It wasn't instantaneous, but with patience and precision, he's gotten me to the cool blonde I've always been seeking. I live overseas and sometimes my stylist there takes me back a step, but he doesn't scold or shame when I return to be fixed. We just go back to getting to a pretty pale blonde. Thanks!

Yelp Posted on 06/14/2016 by Becca K.

5.0 Stars

Rex and Shelly are Phenomenal

When I came to Maxine, my hair was fried from an at-home straight perm that I bought online (big mistake don't do it - ever). It was so damaged that I couldn't even run my fingers through my hair because it was fried and constantly tangling. I did my research on many Chicago Salons and decided to go with Maxine. They specialize in making your hair healthy and shiny - two things I desperately needed. I heard Rex was talented at coloring severely damaged hair so I made an appointment with him. He listened, gave his recommendations and then I also consulted with Shelly, my new stylist. We all discussed the different steps I could take to get my hair back to a healthy place again. They gave me several options and I felt confident about the course I needed to take based on their consultation. I went with a Keratin treatment, a cut and a color with a permanent, gentle color product. I cannot say enough about the salon. Rex and Shelly are phenomenal. True professionals. This isn't a hobby or a just a job for them. This is their passion and their career. They take what they do very seriously - in a good way. They want you to have the healthiest hair possible combined with the look you love. Is Maxine expensive? Yes and no. I learned a hard lesson after using that straight perm - you get what you pay for. At Maxine, you get what you pay for - a look you love, healthy hair, and a staff who cares deeply about your experience. Worth every penny.

Yelp Posted on 11/16/2015 by Happy Y.

5.0 Stars

I had a terrific experience at Maxine's

I had a terrific experience at Maxine's last week that I want to share. I live in Florida in a smaller town without a lot of experienced colorists for my blonde highlights. I have chin length fine hair, and alot of it. I was going to Chicago on a business trip and researched the internet for a sophisticated salon. I found Maxine Salon thru online recommendations. I booked two appointments to coincide with my business trip. Rex gave me terrific pastel blond foil highlights and Adrienne did a very nice medium length, layered bob cut. Both of them were very professional and supportive of my "hair" needs, even though I was obviously an out of towner. The front desk staff was also super very courteous when I came in straight from the airport with my bulky suitcases! I recommend this salon highly. I took a chance based on internet research and it worked out well. I'm writing this review to encourage others take the same leap of faith I did. Fortunately its not a long plane ride to Chicago, so I'll be back!

Yelp Posted on 03/30/2015 by Susan B.

5.0 Stars

You know your coveted group of people who take care of you

I have been coming here for over seven years and the the colorists and stylists are part of my "money team"! You know your coveted group of people who take care of you . Rex and Evan are my go to team! But anyone I have worked with is great. Love the front desk staff too! Now if I could only find a great facialist for my money team I'd have the holy grail.

Yelp Posted on 01/21/2015 by Mike C.

5.0 Stars

Love love love my new salon!

Love love love my new salon! I have gone 2 times for balayage with Rex and 1 time for cut with Sanda. Basically I have a very mild ombre with face framing for sun kissed look. I'm naturally a dirty blonde and have transitioned from getting highlights to be more low maintenance and to get that natural look while growing out (say good bye to root line :) The blonde he pulls thru my hair for the "sun kiss" is such a pure beautiful blonde (if your blonde you know what I mean) I'm impressed. And he really listens to what you want. I hate getting my haircut because I like to keep it long but my ends really needed it. I asked for her to keep it long but some how give it style and give me some side bangs. Was nervous about he bangs because I really just wanted a sweep across and not a chunk. She nailed it! a little expensive but since you actually have to go less often since they do such a nice job and you don't have to get corrections. I feel its not that bad.

Yelp Posted on 08/26/2014 by Hannah K.

4.0 Stars

Rex does a great job.

I have been going to Rex for awhile now for my color. He does my base and balyage (sp) and does a great job. The salon is fine, a little stuffy, but overall they do a great job there. I just think the salon has been around so long in the Goldcoast and has catered to the "affluent" older generation that they probably haven't focused on the younger professionals. All in all, they do a great job.

Yelp Posted on 02/08/2014 by Faye G.