Maxine Salon ★9.9

Maxine Salon — a Gold Coast institution with Sassoon roots

Founded in 1986 by Maxine Kroll — who trained at Vidal Sassoon from 1976 and rose to Senior U.S. Manager before opening her own doors — Maxine is one of Chicago’s most decorated hair destinations. Nearly four decades on, it still runs owner-operated from a white townhouse steps off the Magnificent Mile, on the philosophy of “excellence without arrogance.”

Services

A hair-focused salon built around cut and color: women’s and men’s cutting, single and double process, ammonia-free INOA color, partial and full balayage and ombré, highlights, and men’s HOMME color. Smoothing runs deep — Keratin Complex therapy, Keratin Express, Japanese thermal reconditioning — alongside blowdries, updos and bridal styling.

Technology & brands

Maxine is a Chicago Flagship L’Oréal Professionnel Haircolour Center, a headline colour credential, and works with Oribe, Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel and Shu Uemura. The house is known for signature techniques created in-salon and recognised nationally — the BaliCut, BaliColor and the Disconnected Fringe.

Team & masters

Founder Maxine Kroll still leads a large departmentalised team of stylists and colourists, many with the salon for decades. Continuous international education keeps the bench sharp; the room reads as a career destination for its craftspeople as much as a salon for its clients.

The Space

A contemporary multi-floor townhouse in a signature white-on-white aesthetic, with cracked-glass and corrugated-steel accents and a dedicated colour bar. It carries itself as a calm luxury retreat rather than a busy high-street salon.

Who it’s for

Upscale Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile clients — professionals, brides and colour devotees who want premium cut, colour and smoothing, often returning across generations. Men are served too, from cuts to HOMME color.

Questions and answers

Can I book online? Yes, appointments can be booked online and by phone.

What is the salon best known for? Precision cutting and colour, with a flagship L’Oréal colour designation and in-house signature techniques.

Do you do smoothing and keratin? Yes — Keratin Complex, Keratin Express and Japanese thermal reconditioning.

Is it good for a wedding? Yes, special-occasion and bridal styling are part of the menu.

Do you offer a gift certificate? Yes, gift certificates are available toward services.

Opening hours