Listen, I'm incredibly picky when it comes to salons. I've tried probably a dozen salons in the years I've lived in Madison, most of them Aveda. Unlike a lot of places here, you don't feel like you have to be dressed to the nines or covered in tattoos to get a good cut. And unlike most places, you don't have to be there all fricking day. 45 minutes-an hour for consultation, scalp massage, brow waxing, cut & dry and you're on your way. I've now been to Cinema twice and will go back again. I've seen Aimee both times. She's friendly, she listens, she's efficient, and she gives a great haircut and does an excellent job with brow waxing too. $65 + tip for a cut & brows is a little steep for Madison prices but it's worth it. I like that you can book online, that the greeters are friendly and not snooty like in so many places and offer tea or water, that I haven't had to wait for my scheduled appointment (that drives me CRAZY), and, get this: they have freshly popped bags of popcorn for you. read more

I've gotten my hair cut by Jessica 2 times now. She is absolutely amazing. So easy to talk to, experienced with curly hair, and knew how to do exactly what I asked for (wolf cut) read more

What a great studio! I was offered beverages right when I walked in and all of the staff members were very pleasant. Madeleine gave me a gorgeous hair cut, asked questions before and during the cut to make sure I was getting what I wanted, which I really really appreciated. Madeleine is great with layers - she gave me very well-blended curtain bangs, the perfect length, and of course the layers in the back. I got a lovely scalp massage before the haircut and the hair wash was very relaxing and all of their products smell wonderful. She was very personable and I felt very comfortable at the studio :) This will definitely be my new hair place! read more

Horrible customer service. The desk clerk was rude and passive. I do not recommend for upper class clients.

Took my credit card info on the phone when I made an appointment. Very unsafe and sus, but I was trusting and understand that no-show fees of $10-15 are reasonable. Charged me $70 for missing an appointment, despite calling multiple times and talking to several different people. I had not mentioned any services I wanted except 'perhaps talking to someone about color' Then claimed I could use that credit the next time I made an appointment. When I called to reschedule the appointment, they claimed that I was supposed to do it before a random date, and refused to give me any options or even speak courteously. Terrible experience, would not recommend trusting them with your card info. read more

I am still going to Cinema on a regular basis and still seeing Nicole. I love that I am able to sit down and just say "fix it" and she always makes me look fantastic! Everyone is so nice and laid back and I always feel like they listen and give me exactly what I wanted - even if I wasn't sure what I wanted when I walked in. Nicole also did my hair and makeup for my wedding in 2012 and it was beautiful! Everyone in my wedding party looked great and we were very impressed with the service we received. They even let us stop back for a free touch up after pictures as it was a very windy day. I am so happy to have found a salon and a stylist I can trust and who all provide amazing and consistent service. read more

I really like this salon and Bobby does a great job on my thick hair. But be sure to bring a mask, I was charged $3 for a disposable mask yesterday! I always keep a mask in my bag but for whatever reason it was missing when I got to my appointment. $1...understandable, $3? give me a break! A box of 50 masks costs about $15 or .30 each. To charge your customers $3 is absurd! Again, great salon, my complaint is about being charged $3 for a mask. At least tell your customers about your new policy in the reminder texts that you send out Pre-appointment. read more

The salon was comfortable, clean, and friendly. Nikki gave me a great haircut and style. Two thumbs up!

I do not live in Madison, but was looking to get my hair done for a special event while in town. I just needed an appointment near my hotel that fit my schedule and Cinema Hair Studio was able to accommodate me (and they were so helpful on the phone! great customer service!). Nikki was my stylist and she was WONDERFUL. Extremely thoughtful and diligent in her work. I walked out of there with a great haircut and lovely styling. Aveda products - mmmmm. If I lived in town, Nikki at Cinema Studios would definitely have my regular business. read more

Let me start off by saying I've been holding off on writing this review since 12/21/2017 and rating them 1 star is beyond generous, I mean more generous than giving a starving person food. I specially went to this salon and booked an appointment with Olive (the owner) because I saw someone with a style I liked and they told me who they went to...looking back on it, I should've asked if this person was blind because maybe they couldn't see the horrific chop shop job Olive does to hair. I went in for a 3:00pm appointment on 12/20/17, I was very simple in that I didn't want my part touched, just the sides faded and the top slightly trimmed. As I would try to re-direct her since she went all Edward Scissorhands on me, she would get irritated and sigh heavily and roll her eyes so I just wanted it to be over and get out of there. She made a comment about the back of my hair not laying down because I have a cowlick (which I've had all my 28 years on earth and it's never been a problem for other hairstylists....this is a loose term I use for Olive) and that she would have to trim a bit more (come to find out later that that "little bit more" was actually a giant chunk of hair scooped out of the back of my head...literally there is a pothole on my head). She didn't want to give me a mirror at the end (guessing she didn't want me to see the bald spot) and charged me $55. My sister is in a similar industry and I know how hard she works and that tips aren't easy to come by sometimes so because I'm a good person and generous, I sadly tipped her 20% on top of her over-charged service that was beyond piss poor. I was genuinely so upset that I called the next day to speak with Olive. Olive was extremely irritated to speak with me and I flat out told her "this is the worst haircut I've ever had" and her response was to laugh! She scoffed and laughed and said she refused to believe that it was the worst haircut I'd ever had since she had been cutting hair for 40 years. I told her how incredibly rude it was to laugh and dismiss me and that it still was in fact the worst haircut I had ever had, the part was uneven and crooked, the tip of my hair flipped over like the whale's fin in Free Willy and the giant pothole in the back of my head made me feel so embarrassed that I was grateful for it being hat-wearing season. I told her that I understand the industry because of my sister but she would always make right by the customer if she ever ruined a service. Olive decided it would be a good business practice to laugh again, in response I asked for my $55 and 20% to be fully refunded, which yes she did right before she said "fine, you can come in and the front desk will take care of it" and then hung up on me, but the smug nasty attitude that my entire experience came with left the worst taste in my mouth, I'm sure that there are people who think Olive is amazing but guess what, she used Helen Keller's sight to cut my hair, I'm still growing it out a month later and I honestly hope she closes her doors soon so people will get to keep their entire head of hair. I would rather pay people to walk away then to let them endure the rude, nasty, smug, unskilled, untalented, arrogance of Olive. That's all I can say about that. read more

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So, funny I just read the previous review. I am in the same boat, i.e. I have been known to drive from Chicago to Madison to see Nicole. I have been unable to replace her... ;-( Her cuts and colors are consistently good. She is great and was recently promoted to manager... kudos, she deserves it! read more

I never thought I'd be one of those girls who has "a" stylist, but after Jessica got her hands on my hair, she's mine. They moved into their new location on the Square about a year ago, I believe, and the new atmosphere is great--inside and out--with a perfect view of the Capitol. Upon arrival they take your coat and offer you a beverage with a smile. The smell of the Aveda products is so soothing I could fall asleep during the shampoo. They also provide the choice of one additional complimentary service: neck and shoulder massage, aromatherapy, makeup touch-up, etc. Complimentary bang trim in between cuts! Jess's prices have gone up since I first started going to her (I now pay about $110 for cut and partial highlights, not including tip), but it's well worth it. I always walk out feeling like a million bucks. Different levels of stylists have different prices, so it's likely that you could get your beauty fix for less with a junior stylist. read more

Since writing my previous review, the owner wrote and apologized to me, and gave me a store credit for the service. I had to appreciate that

Very nice experience once I got there (parking not convenient). Amy did a lovely job on my color. Nice relaxing time in spa area while I processed. Was so happy I found my hair person in Madison, as I recently relocated. Next appt, I was told she no longer works there. read more

This review is specifically for my stylist, Bobbi. I haven't been to her at Cinema Hair Studio yet, but used to go to Bobbi for several years when she was at Cameo Day Spa. She is by far the best hair stylist I've had in my 35 years of paying for haircuts (this doesn't include the first few years when my mom would cut my hair ;). Bobbi listens to what I want and also gives good advice on how my hair should be cut/styled given my hair type and face shape. I have never, ever received less than a terrific haircut from her. I have naturally curly, dry hair and have worn it short, long, curly and straight. She has mastered all versions of my hair. I've also had her do highlights and the results were wonderful. I worked in a somewhat conservative atmosphere that required that I not have unusual looking hair. However, I like my hair style to have something bold going on. Bobbi came up with a terrific middle ground in which she used a purplish burgundy color (I'm a brunette) and mostly highlighted the hair underneath my top layers so that you could see the highlights more when I ran my fingers through my hair or when wearing it pulled back. I got so many compliments on those highlights. To top all of that off, Bobbi is just a fun, easy going person that is great to talk to while having my hair done. Unfortunately, I've moved out of Madison and can no longer go to her. But when I'm going to be in town, I make it a point of scheduling my haircuts around my visit so I can go to her. In summary, Bobbi is an amazing hair stylist. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment with her. You won't be sorry. read more

Was late 20min due to a construction around the area and no parking Instead of minimizing the time of shampooing/conditioning or not giving me a blow dry for my hair they cancelled my appointment Very disappointing Never going back again Ether recommending this place The reason I liked this place was the professionalism that lacked this time Hair dresser didn't even care to come out and explain herself Madison is the place with small businesses that show care and for they clients I suggest next time you ask your client that there will be no perfect blow drying or u necessary 20min shampooing and conditioning instead of just cancelling it I hope this will prevent you going to this place There is other places around you can get better service at LOOK AROUND read more

Have had two haircuts by Angela in fall '12. First one was truly the most perfect cut I have ever gotten, exactly what I was imagining and wanted without badgering Angela about it at all. She did give a suggestion, which I kindly denied, but I was flattered by her thought. The second cut was just as great as the first -- what I wanted, which is all that is important. I got 1-2 inches off both times, with some cleaning up to my layers. Also surprised by how much I enjoy using Aveda products. I had never given them a shot, but I love 'em. Especially the volumizing powder stuff -- the best. ANGELA IS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been to one other salon in Madison, I suggest Cinema Hair Studio. read more

I can not say enough good about Cinema Hair Studio, the kind and friendly people who work there, and the magnificence of Bobbi. I have fine, thin, straight hair, and Bobbi leaves me looking stylish and cared for, every time. I have been going to her for years, and she has my back. Always calm, cheerful and thoughtful, she is the ultimate professional and all-around wonderful person. read more

Love the location! I work in the Capitol so it is nice to have a place to go over my lunch break. I found this spa and just love it! Everyone is very friendly and professional. I have had several services done and never a disappointment. read more

Very happy with Cinema so far! I had my first haircut here with Madeleine a few weeks ago, and she totally got what I wanted. Not only did I leave with a simple, easy, pretty cut, I also got a fantastic shoulder and head massage, and some fun conversation. And it was only about $35 with tip! Score. read more

We used Cinema Hair Studio on Sat Sep 17, 2016 for my daughters wedding. Jessica was mine stylist and make-up pro. I felt absolutely beautiful all night. My hair is very straight, fine and short, and never, ever stays in place. Jessica nailed a style I loved, and my hair stayed in place for 3 days a first! I am not a make up wearer, but with each product I felt prettier and prettier. The combination made for a lot of compliments that night. (Plus I usually shun photos, but felt confident in my looks to actually smile!) My daughter had Madeleine as a stylists and make up pro, and she looked absolutely beautiful. I would have cried, but my mascara would have run. For a totally relaxing pre wedding experience, I recommend this salon read more

I had the great good fortune to find Cinema shortly after I moved to Madison from Minneapolis two years ago - and what a stroke of luck for me! I see three different staff members here on a pretty regular basis, and other on staff step in to provide me service on occasion as needed. It's an awesome salon combining high professional standards with friendly service at fair prices. My hair looks great - both the color and the cut, my nails look great from the mani/pedis, and I feel great because I get regular massages. read more

Nicole has been cutting my hair for 3 years. I usually give her a basic idea of what I want and she takes it from there. Always looks good. I have gotten 2 massages from Jennifer. She is AWESOME. Totally worth every penny. Go for the hour and you will feel completely renewed when you leave. She's a pro. read more

I've been a Cinema Hair Client for 20 years. Olive is the consummate professional, gives wonderful haircuts and trains her stylists to be the best in what they do. I currently work with Jessica and she delivers super results. Olive is also a great businesswoman and I have a tremendous amount of respect for how she runs her shop. Bottom line is if you want top quality service, great results and want to support a best in class woman owned business you can't beat Cinema Hair. read more

I'm very indecisive about my hair, but Cinema Hair Studio's stylist Aimee has always given me useful feedback. She always made me look great. To add, the studio itself has a welcoming atmosphere and a clean and modern look. I couldn't have asked for a better stylist and salon in downtown Madison. read more

I am late in writing this review, as it was about a year ago that I got my hair cut at Cinema. My stylist was Shiloh, and though she seemed friendly and nodded along with the requests that I made, I ended up very unhappy with the cut. It was noticeably lopsided (I must have missed it at the salon, maybe because of how she'd styled it, but my roommate could see it as soon as I got home), and the layers were incredibly choppy and not well-blended (the one thing that I stressed as my pet peeve.) To the salon's credit, I did not let them know that I was unhappy and did not give them a chance to fix it, which I probably should have. A few weeks later, I went to another salon not too far away and had a FAR superior experience. While combing through my hair they concurred that the cut was sloppy, and gave me what I had been looking for in the first place. read more

This is a review for Nikki specifically. This girl is A-MAZING. I can't rave enough about her. I've been seeing Nikki since, 2005, in that time, I moved out of Madison and to Chicago but I still drive the two hours to have her cut and color my hair. Yes, she is that amazing. I've been in Chicago for four years and have tried and tried to get others to replace her but it's no use, she is hands down the best. Often times, I don't even think about what I want, I have so much trust in her judgment I just book a cut and color, sit in her chair and let her do whatever she wants. She will work until she gets it right, she listens and really tries to picture what would be best for you. Best of all if you come to her saying I want XYZ she will tell you honestly whether that will look good on you and will offer suggestions or alternatives. She is a perfectionist all around, amazing at her job and really cares about her clients! She comes up with great colors that are both flattering to your skin and eye color and cuts that fit your personality and style. She will even teach you how to style your hair with the products and tools you have at home. I always walk out with a huge smile on my face and a bounce in my step. Hands down, the best! read more

Let me start by saying this rating is solely based on convenience. I actually haven't gotten a haircut there and the people I engaged with were helpful and very nice. I am new to Madison, and have a wedding this weekend that I needed a haircut for. I called and regardless of prices (which are more expensive than Chicago) I booked someone for 7pm the next day. I was required to put down a credit card and had 24 hour cancellation policy. I called the day of the appointment at 3:30 to see if I could come in earlier and was then told the stylist (for a totally acceptable reason) couldn't make it. They tried to accommodate me but I can't do the next day. My problem here is that the cancellation policy does not go both ways. I really need a haircut and now have to scramble to find another cut with a place that has less highly rated reviews. It's just disappointing when people don't practice what they preach. read more

After my bad experience I called and asked for another stylist to fix my bad cut. The owner, Olive, spoke with me and I made an appointment with her for the same day. Not only did she fix my haircut but she validated my concerns and made me feel much better about the whole situation. She addressed all of the problems I had with the previous haircut and made it look amazing. It's not what I wanted in the first place but to does look great. I will be going back and working with Olive to grow my style out to what I wanted in the first place. read more

wow! multiple times I've been disappointed. Aveda salons used to be top notch with great services and an informed staff, unfortunately you will get neither here. feels very cramped too read more

Cinema Hair Studio changed my life. Before I began frequenting this business, women would say to me, "Your hair is pathetic, get a life loser" and now they never say that. Nicole cuts my hair. She has an incredible sense of style and always tells me my hair looks good at the end. Now when I attend social gatherings and various sporting events, people notice me. They'll say, "Hey you seem interesting and your hair smells good" which it does. This is all thanks to Nicole. She will often cut my hair different ways as I show her photographs of celebrities with really expensive looking hair and in the end I always look like them, even if one is Steve Carrell and the other one is Jet Li. It doesn't matter, because Nicole is a wizard of hair styling. I would never go anywhere else and if you go somewhere besides Cinema Hair Studio after reading this glowing review, I bet your hair sucks. Thank you, Nicole. read more