Maximus Salon: Beautifying Merokeans and Celebrities Alike for Four Decades

Merrick's Maximus Spa and Salon has been setting the pace for high style and beauty for 40 years.

Maximus' founder and owner Richard Calcasola was just 27 when he opened the trendsetting salon in 1970.  At the time, Calcasola recalls, Merrick was a young waterfront community with lots of new development going on. 

"When we opened, we hoped it would be a successful, cool and different salon that served the community," Calcasola says.  "We wanted to be where things were going versus where things were at."

Forty years ago this meant going against the norm and becoming perhaps the first 'hair cutting shop,' on Long Island.

"We stopped 'roller-setting' hair, stopped 'back-combing,' we removed all the hair dryers," which Calcasola says was very innovative at the time.

Today at Maximus, Calcasola says that the same enthusiasm and passion for innovation continues as it did back in 1970. 

"We have a strong commitment to the craft," he says.  "We're dedicated to education and we work to continuously improve all services that reach our client."

To stay on top of the "cutting-edge" of the industry, Calcasola says he and his team work hard to stay on the pulse of the beauty and fashion world. 

"We travel all over Europe to bring back ideas and more to validate our direction," he says.  "We've been doing this since the beginning."  

As the North American creative director for worldwide Intercoiffure Mondial, one of the most prestigious positions in the USA/Canada beauty industry, Calcasola is part of a worldwide creative team, charged with shaping the perception of beauty for professionals and consumers.

"We set the tone and set the direction for other professionals around the country," he says.

This commitment to education directly benefits Maximus' customers.

"We like to think our clients have a fashion savvy of their own and we try to provide the styling tips and directions that fit their lifestyle," Calcasola says. We're very proud that we have a very strong cross section of clientele."

Maximus clients are men and women who range in age from teens and up. In addition to the flagship location in Merrick, Maximus serves customers in its sister salon in Westbury.

Maximus' unique style and atmosphere has been known to attract many celebrities. Recently Ashanti was sighted at the Westbury salon and Jenni (JWoww) Farley, a star on MTV's Jersey Shore, received a new look at Maximus Merrick.

Whether you're a star or stay-at-home mom, Calcasola believes that everyone is entitled to star beauty treatment.

"In spite of the gloom and doom we see on TV and read in daily papers, try to have some fun," he says.  "Make your salon visit fun and realize you are entitled to that.  A new look can certainly give you a nice pick up without having to spend a gazillion on a new wardrobe."