VODA Magazine

Tuesday August 13, 2012

Summer Style Secrets from Maxine Salon

By Emily Belden

In the Gold Coast of Chicago, there lies one of the most respected, reputable salons in the entire city: Maxine. Opening its doors more than 25 years ago, the tri-level salon is home to many of the most photographed fashionistas and celebs such as Kristen Cavallari. Their stylists’ work has been featured in Allure, Vogue, InStyle, and several other beauty and style magazines.

Last week, I sat down in the chair for a haircut and a round-up of the five most popular summer styles, as predicted by seasoned (and heavily tattooed) Maxine stylist, Cliff Freeman. Here’s what he’s saying will be hot, hot, hot:

Long Bobs: “I hate to call it this, but ‘The Lob’ is making a huge comeback,” said Freeman. For ladies with long hair, trimming up to a blunt Lob is a palatable style change vs. a major chop or simply adding unnoticeable longer layers. Who are some stars that have made it famous already? Ciara, Kerry Washington, and Nicole Richie all rock a mean Lob, just to name a few.
(Really) Short Hair: “We have a lot of people asking for ‘The Anne Hathaway’” said Freeman, who mentioned that really short, androgynous cuts are all the rage right now and are a stylish transition for ladies who currently rock a traditional (short) bob. While I doubt I could ever pull it off, major props to the chicks who plan on making this their summer look.

Braids vs. Updo’s: Summer brides are moving away from asking for traditional updo’s held in place with gallons of hairspray and are requesting creative, complicated, beautiful braiding instead. For any special occasion, summer cocktail party, or gala, fishtail braids are one of the most popular styles and “are a great way to add texture to the hair,” said Freeman.

The Death of Beachy Hair: “Women are sort of moving away from that mess-and-go beach style of summer hair,” said Freeman, who has seen an influx in ladies asking for looks that require more styling. While it may mean longer prep time after a shower, the days of spritzing with hair spray and letting your locks air dry are phasing out this season – and stylists couldn’t be happier.

Big blow outs – Retro looks: Brigitte Bardot may have hit her prime in the 1950s and 60s, but her signature look is making a comeback in a big way this summer. “Big, voluminous blow-outs are another alternative to the traditional up-do,” said Freeman, who can work a round-brush like it’s no one’s business, giving his clients that big, sexy, coveted retro hair. Toss a center part into the mix and you are straight back to the 60s.

Maxine is located at 712 N Rush Street in the heart of the Gold Coast. They are a full service hair cut and color salon and use Kerastase products. www.maxinesalon.com (312) 751-1511