Rex

Rex 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 museum 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