MAX The Salon

I had given up on Charles Penzone but MAX salon has brought me back as a customer! It’s much smaller and more personable than the Sawmill location. Gwen did a fab job on my hair and added some super cute curls for my Saturday night out. Thanks Gwen! I’ll be back to see ya when I visit Columbus again :)

This a little salon is located right in the short north. I am a loyal Charles Penzone customer at the sawmill location, but the drive is brutal. I decided to try Max salon, but missed my estheticians. The meter parking situation is kind of inconvenient.

This salon knows what they are doing.
Tucked right in the middle of the Short North (across the street from The Pearl) sits one of the best hair salon I’ve ever been to. The staff there is accommodating, kind, and love what they do. I recommend Kiki or Todd. Kiki has a great and bubbly personality, and it helps she’s amazing at what she does. Todd is as equally amazing, and gives one of the best shampoo’s I’ve ever had haha. You won’t be disappointed!

Love MAX the Salon! I see Todd and he’s fantastic. Always a good conversation and since his hair is so great (ok, I’ve never seen more perfect hair), I definitely trust him with making mine fabulous as well :) I’ve had my brows done here before too. They were absolutely perfect. I was starting to feel self conscious when she kept going in with the scissors after she already removed a bunch of brow with wax. Very meticulous and worth the $ 20. Minus one star for no parking and wait times.

I was staying down the street at Le Meridian and wanted my hair done for the wedding for which we were in town. I made an appointment for a wash and blow dry. Only 15 minutes before my appointment I realized I was not going to be on time so I called and they were very accommodating, moving my appointment to the time by which I said I would be there.
The salon has a great vibe when you walk in. My hairdresser, Andy, was waiting for me when I arrived. He was really friendly and did an excellent job on my hair. The wash and blow dry cost $ 30, which is a great price coming from Miami. They told me that depending on my hair dresser it could even have cost just $ 25! The price is right and the place is great, so I would definitely return if I’m ever back in Columbus.

Carly did an excellent job! I got a pedicure and gel manicure and it was perfect. Great color selection and she was very attentive to my needs and tastes. The facial wasn’t long enough! I opted for the express facial and it was excellent– I should’ve picked a longer one. I’ve had other facials where my skin is irritated and on the verge of a breakout afterwards but the products they used were much more gentle– but the still very effective.
Also, I forgot the gift card I was planning on paying with and the receptionist was able to bring up the purchase record. She was super helpful!

I came into the MAX salon in the Short North yesterday. I expressed to Andy (my stylist) that I wanted a fresh start with my hair and I even showed him a picture. My hair was pretty close to my waist and I told him I wanted him to chop it off! He went above and beyond what I ever expected! I have never felt more beautiful! Thank you thank you thank YOU ANDY!

Got in for a haircut and color with Todd at Max the Salon in the Short North. What an awesome, awesome experience. It has been a while since I’ve had the time to get in for an appointment and I’ll admit the parking is frustrating, for the time being. But it was more than worth a little parking hassle. Leave a few minutes early to find a good space or use the valet. Todd was professional, and had great suggestions for a great summer cut and color, I’m picky with my blonde and he got it just right. The cut was phenomenal as well, updated and still easy to work with during the humid Ohio summers. I left feeling on top of the world and gorgeous. Sets the standard for salon experiences anywhere else I might find myself. But to be truthful, I’d just wait and go to Todd.

Went in for an eyebrow and upper lip waxing, Jade was awesome and she’s great at waxing… I will be going back! Staff is friendly and nice! Receptionist took my coat and offered me a hot cup of coffee!

It was a steamy Spring afternoon. I had been running errands like a manwoman. Sweating up a storm. In very private and uncomfortable places. My hair was a hot mess and a half. And I was going out in just 2 short hours, with more errands yet to run. I mean, hello, First World Problems!
Fortunately, Max the Salon had an opening for a blowout with Tony within 15 minutes of my panicked call. Sign. Me. Up.
Unfortunately, my elation was short-​lived. Upon arriving, I was informed that Tony was running «just a few minutes behind.» Fine. No biggie.
However, a few minutes = 16 minutes in Max the Salon time.
WTH?! Can’t they already witness my frenzied, frizzy state? Did I not impress upon them the importance of moving with a sense of urgency today? Le sigh.
Eventually, Tony came to fetch me and I have to say, he eased my anxiety almost immediately. He was very friendly, receptive to what I wanted and my current concerns with my cut. Whilst shampooing me, he gave me a scalp massage that can only be described as heavenly (save for the riotous Furby story he shared with me during the ‘poo). Overall, I was very happy with the way my hair looked and felt when I left. Tony could have worked just a bit faster, but I accept responsibility for that, as I didn’t reiterate my time crunch when I sat down in his chair.
As I don’t have a regular stylist, and since Tony and I hit it off, I’d definitely come back… when I am not pressed for time.

3.5 stars
I ended up at MAX The Salon because it’s a short walk from the Crowne Plaza (where I was staying). I liked that I could book my appointment online, and I was able to get a same day appointment. I had the petite pedicure (30 mins) which seemed a bit pricey ($ 35) for a basic pedicure compared to ones I’ve had in Los Angeles. But everything was very clean, and Jade was friendly and did a good job. They didn’t have dryers though, so I sat around for 30 minutes after my appointment waiting for my nails to dry (my wimpy Southern California cold tolerance made it unimaginable for me to wear flip flops or sandals out of the salon on a cold mid-​November day). I most likely won’t be back as I don’t live in Columbus.

I have never been any good at committing to a hairdresser but this place may have me changing my mind, at least for the time being! I was getting fed up with my hair and remembered I still had a Charles Penzone gift card. Not feeling like making the treck to the Grand Salons in suburbia, I opted to try MAX the Salon in the Short North.
My hair can be a little difficult to work with for some stylists, so I decided to see a «director» (the ranking and pricing system is: stylist, designer, director, senior director). I saw Todd and he was awesome! He was very personable and I am quite happy with my cut. My hair is curly and he was the first person to cut it dry in its natural state. He actually knew what he was doing and it really made a difference.
I will definitely be back… I just need to remind myself to splurge and get my hair cut more than twice a year!

My favorite in the Penzone family of Salons! This place is great. I’m somewhat of a salon hopper, but even since I’ve left the city for the ‘burbs I still come here to get mah hair did. I see Vivian and she’s great! I always come in with pictures and never want anything life-​altering done but I always leave extremely satisfied. Vivian does a great job of interpreting my pictures in to a style that works with my face shape. I always thought I had a round shaped face, but she told me that actually it was heart shaped which I found incredibly enlightening and helpful. I’ve also had my eyebrows done by Jade and she’s great as well. I’ve never had trouble parking (plenty of meters around the salon and there is a nearby lot as well). I really like the products that they use but appreciate that they don’t try overly hard to sell you on it. Very laid back but upbeat atmosphere. Great place!

I have avoided getting a Brazilian wax in Columbus since I moved here almost two years ago, because let’s be real, that’s some personal business, and I was attached to my girl back home. But, alas, with vacation looming, it was time.
I sought out Jade at the suggestion of another Unilocal reviewer, and I am SO glad I did. She was super quick — the whole thing lasted maybe 10 to 15 minutes tops — and very professional. Is it comfortable and painless? OF COURSE NOT, as hair is being ripped off your lady parts, but again, Jade does everything so fast that you barely have time to register the pain, and she does try to make you feel at ease without engaging in inane chatter.
I found the salon pretty comfortable too. The styling floor seemed laid back, and the receptionist was pleasant. Parking isn’t great, but it’s the Short North, so that’s expected. I’ll return to try more services.

Ok so i’m a guy who doesn’t really need a complicated haircut. my hair is pretty short, thick and straight.
I’ve been to this salon twice, because of reviews here. The first time i went there i said that don’t cut it too short because my cheeks are round and big, and if you cut it short, especially the sides, i will look so much fatter. However the stylist doesn’t seem to hear what i’m saying and cut it by her way. My hair ended up going so short, as short as 1 cm on the sides, that .4 inches (i actually used a marker because i was really pissed).
The second time around, i tried booking the appointment with another stylist. I SPECIFICALLY said that i did not want to see the stylist that had previously cut my hair. after arriving at the salon, guess who shows up? as you can imagine she cut my hair super short again. and i will definitely not going to go back there.
I suggest going next door to Jacob Neal, they are so much better.

I’ll say upfront that I have not gotten a haircut at Max the salon yet… so to speak.
So I just moved here a couple of months ago and I was a little disappointed to find so few places that do Brazilian bikini waxes in a city of this size. What is a lady to do with her Downtown in this neck of the woods?
I know that getting a Brazilian is not everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s fine. But I get it done semi regularly and it’s important to find an esthetician who knows her way around a bikini area. Thank goodness I found Jade P. at Max.
She was professional, talented, fast, and easygoing. Obviously, having wax spread on your junk and hair ripped out is not the comfiest thing in the world, but Jade makes it as easy as it can be.
I plan on going back when its time for a haircut– but for now, I couldn’t be more satisfied with this place.

I walked in wanting a little change without something crazy different. The atmosphere is modern and welcoming and the stylist was pleasant without being too intrusive/​chatty (which I like). She blow-​dryed (blew-​dry?) and styled my hair for no charge, and I walked out feeling HOT!
Although I’ll admit I’ve only been there once, I have only needed to go once this year! Four months post-​haircut and it’s still looking fabulous. Need I say more?!

Max the Salon in the Short North offers a hip, artsy, and more youthful environment then its sibling Salons in the Charles Penzone family. If you are trying to find a salon that is not a refuge for tired soccer moms this is the place. The staff is friendly and talented.
You can either walk-​in or call for an appointment. You have a choice between stylists (lower in price) and designers (a bit higher). I went to Andy, a stylist, and he gave me great cut and style, He also gave a great scalp massage during the shampoo!
When you leave you not only look great, but you feel relaxed and you still have money left to go to lunch. :)

After living in Columbus for six months it was time for a haircut. I asked a few friends and took their advice to check out the charles penzone monopoly.
After a not so great haircut from the dublin salon which felt like a sanctuary for soccer moms i tried the hipper short north spot.
You can choose from stylists or designers depending on how much you want to spend on a cut. I chose a stylist and I have been seeing the same one for the last year and a half. This place has a cool vibe and makes you feel welcome without being bugged for your entire life story when you just want to walk out looking hot.
I do everytime!

This review is for the Max Salon on High Street & German Village. The German Village salon is located on 3^rd Avenue in a quaint and charming building. There is plenty of parking space as they have a lot adjacent to the salon. Seriously, you just feel cool because these hair artists are covered in tattoos and ear piercings! I PROMISE you’ll leave there feeling FABULOUS and want to sport a tattoo. I always chicken out on going to the nearest tattoo salon but at least my hair is looking like no other… apart from the typical «ohio» haircut (that being the spiky in the back look and the slant bob) Plus, I’m usually educated while in the chair about something cultural… music, movies, arts, books and leave feeling inspired. Try it. Don’t be afraid of different.