Paisley Hair Design in Madison, WI

I saw Allie for color and a trim this last week. She is a super cool and lovely person and I basically enjoyed my time there. I kinda liked what she did but am not sure I will go back for several reasons. OK, first what I liked: nice atmosphere. Allie, as I said is super nice and basically makes you feel comfortable. My hair looked pretty good, not completely what I asked for but the color was a good caramel for my roots and that was partly what we discussed. What I did not like: The overall sheen was not brighter-although I specifically said brighter not darker. The caramel highlight combo mix left me looking darker overall. But that is not really a problem because I could share that with her if I went back and I am sure she would respond well. What I really did not like is how she blow dried and hot ironed my hair. To properly hot iron a person with frizzy hair, you must go more slowly down the shafts. She went quiclkly, and that will not straighten anything out. Before hot ironing, when you blow dry, you must be slower and use a downward trajectory, so the hair doesn't stick straight out from a head. I left looking like Donna Summer in 1974, with BIG hair. I would hope she had a sense of how I do my hair because I came in with beachy waves and more controlled hair in order to for her to see how I do my hair. Granted frizzy hair is no easy but many pro have known right away what to do. I had to work right after, so I ran home and had to restyle with a hot iron in the 15 minutes before work. I would have loved to have left the salon looking better, usually that's the case-I can usually even go for 2-3 days after most salon hairstyles feeling great. One last thing, I wanted 1/2 to 1 inch cut off, I think she took off closer to 2 inches. My hair is curly that when left curly, it looks a lot shorter, and to be fair to Allie, I really need three inches off, but because I was going to a special occasion the next week, I specifically asked for less trimmed off. Ok, these next things I am mentioning are really nit picking but worth mentioning. I also would have liked being asked if I wanted something to read while I waited for my color to take effect etc. I would have liked being asked-since this is an Aveda salon, for some nice Aveda tea, I was looking forward to that. Most salons offer something to drink. These last things are little but they are things one looks forward to because you should feel a little pampered at a salon-life is hard and when you spend $250 on a service it is nice to feel relaxed and a little pampered as well as leaving feeling looking really great. I was so self conscious about the Donna Summer look, that I put my hair in a band on the walk home. By the way being asked if you want a hand mirror so you can see the back of your hair is also a nice thing - that also didn't happen. However even with all of this, Allie is super good at what she does, and is a nice person, so with a few tweaks, I would not be adverse to going back to her in the future. Perhaps I should have asked "do you have magazines?", "Can you go slower with the iron so my hair is more in control and turn for a beach wave?" but I was a little in shock as one sometimes one is in these situations.

This place is great! Karla does an excellent job every time I come for color or cuts. My son will not go anyplace but here. Not only do they do a great service, they have outstanding customer service. I will never go anyplace else.

I booked my first visit to this salon after reading very positive reviews online. I went in for a haircut and balayage. I showed a picture and brought in physical hair extensions in the red shade I wanted. I was never told my desired color was not possible. The resulting job left my hair looking similarly close as when I walked in (another shade of brown). I immediately stated to the dresser that the result was far from what I had requested. The owner (Karla) made a comment about how at least they're not having me walk out with horrible hair. That was completely off-putting since I never expect to leave the salon looking horrible nor do I ever spend my money with that outcome as a goal. Karla offered to have me come back in so they could tone it. I would rather take my money to a place that can get close to what I want the first time around, and if not, not being defensive about their own wrong doing. Total service cost before tip was $255, which is a ludicrous amount to charge if you didn't deliver. No discounts were offered which is very upsetting and tells me this business is lacking integrity. There needs to be transparency - If a hair stylist doesn't possess the knowledge or skills to achieve clients desired color, that needs to be stated from the start. I would rather know that up front so that other possible arrangements can be made and if that is not possible then I can go elsewhere. Going to this salon was such a waste of time, money and energy. I have included 4 pictures with my review (reference of desired color, the extensions I brought in to salon, my hair before service, my hair a week after service). I believe this will show more truth to anything beyond my words.

I got a haircut with Janna today, and it was absolutely wonderful! The products she used in my hair smelled fantastic, and she gave me exactly the cut I was hoping for. She was super sweet to talk to. I've always had positive experiences here, but this one was so great I just had to leave a review! I came in with a few pictures, and she took the time to full up a few pictures of her own so that we could really nail down the perfect cut. I'm super happy with it, and can't recommend this salon enough.

Love this place! Megan is awesome! She's like the holy grail of stylists. She listens to you, but applies her expertise to help you come up with the best style for you. She takes into account your hair type, how much maintenance, etc. She also has the lightest touch. It's like watching a butterfly. No tugging or pulling...in fact, she has such a light touch, I'm barely aware that she is cutting my hair. I also find this salon a comfortable place to be, easy to get to and park. It's just a great experience all the way around. So happy to have found Paisely and Megan!