I started seeing Chelsea at Studio Z around 2 years ago and it was about that time that I had decided to save a few pennies and head to one of those salon schools around the Madison area to have a deep conditioning treatment done on my hair. I had been coloring my hair blonde for some time and needless to say a deep conditioning treatment every now and again was helpful. I have always gone to high quality salons to have my hair cut or colored, but at this time I really thought that there was no way to screw up a deep conditioning treatment; just shampoo, deep condition, rinse and you're done, right?? Boy, oh boy was I wrong. After the student rinsed out my conditioner, I was left with an interesting shade of purple in my hair. I left the school absolutely shocked and almost in tears and the first thing I could think of was to call the stylist a good friend of mine had recommended, Chelsea, for advice. When I called Studio Z and explained my situation to Chelsea, she did so much more than give me advice, she told me to come right in. I drove to the salon staring at my purple hair in my review the entire time. I walked into the salon and Chelsea sat me down and explained that she was booked solid for the afternoon but that she was going to spend every spare moment working on my hair, and that's exactly what she did. After multiple treatments and a few hours, I was a blonde again! She even took the time to give me instructions and wonderful advice on how to take care of my hair at home, all the while she was giving her full attention and skills to her regularly scheduled clients (I know, because I sat in that salon all day and watched her!). I have been a regular client of hers ever since and she has ALWAYS made me very, very happy. She is fun, professional, and knows her stuff. I always feel very confident in her chair whether I'm trying something new and edgy, or sticking with my "usual". I never quite knew how to thank her, or Studio Z for that matter for allowing her to take time and work with me that day, so hopefully this does the trick! I would highly recommend Studio Z and Chelsea to anyone looking for a high quality, professional, and satisfying experience. read more

I have enjoyed most of the array of spa services Studio Z offers for the past 20 years or more. In my experience, Karen and her premiere staff of professionals never provides less then excellent results. From the warm reception upon arrival where Tim, Colette and Britney ensure the best service available, to Karen herself who takes personal interest in every facet of her business. For example, if ever I have had a scheduling conflict, every consideration is taken to ensure I am able to get in within a reasonably short time. The spa services are second to none, with the highest quality of expertise provided for each, and I have first hand experience with most of them. Paula has provided many of my manicures and pedicures and I have never been disappointed, in fact, I ask for her when making an appt for these services, due to how much I enjoy them. But whether it is from her or anyone else, I have never experience any discomfort whatsoever while receiving any of the spa's services. Karen has been styling my hair all these years, and when she moved away for a couple of years (many years ago) I never found any stylist to compare with her ability and intuition. She is the BEST in every aspect. I would be lost without her. I consistently receive compliments regarding my hair color and cut, and happily recommend Studio Z, Karen, Paula, and the rest of the staff. I feel I am a pretty tough customer, as a manager in another service industry I do understand the value of absolutely satisfying the customer. Every person I know personally that has been to Studio Z for one service or another has nothing but praise for their experience, as well. Again, if this whole review does not make it clear, I highly recommend any of the services they provide. I noticed my previous review was removed so wanted to re-enter it, since I honestly feel so strongly, and wanted to offer my opinion in direct rebuttal to the other reviews I read. read more

I enthusiastically recommend this salon. I have been coming to Studio Z for a couple of years and cannot see myself going anywhere else, as they offer tons of services and the staff is both professional and fun. The space itself is incredibly clean, spacious, and charming. Each time I go there, I am greeted happily by one of the staff and offered tea, coffee, or soda. The front part of the salon, flanking the reception desk, boasts a large selection of hair products (among them Aveda and Moroccan Oil, as well as some lesser-known but well chosen products), skin care, make up, and a very cute couple of racks of clothing and jewelry. Upon entering the main salon space, the nail stations are to your right; I have gotten both manicures and pedicures there, all wonderful. The largest space, to the left, is devoted to hair. On my last visit, Travis, one of the stylists, was incredibly responsive to what I wanted and listened patiently to my requests. I have very curly hair, and a lot of it, and have had trouble in the past finding a stylist that is receptive and trusts that I know my hair better than they do. He took his time in both trimming and darkening my hair as I sipped on delicious tea and read Vogue, and I was very happy with the result. They also offer facials, massages, and tanning. All of the stylists there seem really on top of it; I have seen wedding parties there as well as complicated bleach/color jobs done well. I have a brunette friend who likes her hair a bright red, bronzy color, and was not quite satisfied with the result she got from a female stylist. She called and explained, and the stylist redid it the next week without complaint. All-in-all, a super clean, lovely decorated salon, with remarkable customer service. read more

My first visit to Studio Z was in May of this year. I went there in need of a haircut. My hope was to find a stylist as I had been searching for one for a couple of years after my long time stylist left the business. Anyway I was booked with Kevin. When I arrived I was greeted by the receptionist and was asked if I would like something to drink. After decling, I waited for Kevin. My wait was not long. Kevin greeted me with a smile and took me back to his station. Kevin asked what I was looking for in a cut and then offered me options. Kevin was easy to talk with and honestly during my haircut I felt that I had known him for years and knew that I had found my new stylist. I loved the whole expierence and may I say that I absolutely love Kevin, he is fabulous. Because of the realtionship I have built with Kevin and the amazing work he does, I recommended him to my Mom. My Mom has been growing her hair for 10 years after losing it to breast cancer. I had been encouraging her to get a hair cut more stylish and sassy. When she agreed, I knew Kevin was the only one I would trust to cut it. Well, her hair turned out so good that people compliment her constantly. She is so happy with the cut that she is scheduled to go back at the end of July. Any one reading this looking for a new stylist go to Studio Z and ask for Kevin. I highley recommend him and I promise you that you will not regret it. read more

I've been going to Studio Z for about a year now, and have never had a problem, until yesterday. I moved to Madison 2 years ago, and was in major need of a high quality studio that would meet my needs. I was assigned to a stylist (I'll keep her nameless), and never experimented with anyone else. I was pleased with the way she cut and styled my hair. She brought new ideas to my attention, and we always engaged in nice conversation. This last time that I went in, I sat down and immediately this person started engaging in inappropriate conversation about the current political campaign. I'm normally fine with such conversation, but without getting into too much detail, she started ripping my employer, and how I need to start looking for a new job because we were going out of business. I try to avoid confrontation of any kind, so I just politely nodded and didn't continue the conversation. As the day goes by, it angers me more and more that her unprofessionalism went without any sort of consequence. I enjoyed Studio Z alot. The atmosphere was great, and they had much to offer, but no matter how much I liked getting my hair done there, I refuse to go back because of previous treatment. Plus, the last time that she did my hair, she put highlights in and they turned out crappy as all crap. It looks like salt and pepper and I completely hate it. Never again. read more

My all-time favorite salon in Madison. Wow. The staff was very welcoming and very professional. The interior of the salon is not only clean, it's gorgeous! Todd was amazing. I was changing my hair color from red with lighter highlights to deep red. He really listened to me and took the time to understand my non-salon speak! I felt totally comfortable in his hands. My hair ended up looking SO rich, brilliant, and still had a variation of color. I had been nervous, because I get wary making changes, but doing something different was absolutely the right choice. This was seriously the best hair color I've ever gotten. Studio Z uses high quality color, and Todd explained everything he was doing (from mixing, to the conditioning treatment, etc.). The color also lasted a very long time - at other places I've tried, the red gets tired and faded, but this red really stuck. Karen, the owner, came over the check in and consulted briefly about the color. She is very professional and knowledgeable (and she has a gorgeous shade of red I want to get next time - maybe as the weather warms up!). I've also gotten my nails done here, as well as the spa pedicure. Very relaxing, great massage segment. The gel manicure lasted three weeks. read more

I've been going to Studio Z for about 6 years now for both hair and nails. It all started when I had a nail appointment the day before I left on vacation and it was canceled. I called Studio Z frantic! The girls at the front desk were wonderful!! They called Lisa D at home and explained the situation, Lisa agreed to come in on her day off to make sure I had the perfect nails for vacation. Since then, I have developed quite the reputation for "Always having such beautiful, if sometimes a lil crazy nails". Lisa is the best! I also started booking my hair appointments with Chelsea N. Chelsea is fantastic!! The first time I saw her my hair was a mess!! It was dry and brittle and completely fried. I gave her full permission to use her creativity and surprise me. She asked me some questions about how I felt about this color or that and got a feel for what my likes and dislikes were and Viola! I had the perfect hair color that matched both my skin tone and personality!! I have been a loyal customer ever since. My hair is healthy and shinning! Thank you to everyone at Studio Z for making it so easy to be pampered! read more

I have been a customer of Studio Z for 15 plus years and the following story is why. I called Studio Z and explained that I had been in the hospital for many days, upon getting home I was still unable to take care of my hair, eyebrows and nails due to my injuries. Karen hussled me in between appointments. At one point, three stylists were all working together on me due to the challenges of my brace and being unable to sit for any length of time. Karen also provided a great solution for my hair. My hair is very long, it was getting tangled in my brace and I was unable to keep it pulled up well due to my injuries. They came up with a lovely braid that was maintenance free for many days and also looked really pretty. Thank you ladies for the beauty triage and support. Love my Studio Z. This kind of service is truly personal and caring. read more

I think that Studio Z has listened to its customers' comments, as they seem to have made many positive changes to their guest services. The majority of their staff is kind and helpful. (There's only one receptionist who isn't super friendly.) Everything is explained up front in a polite manner, too. I came in this week for a cut/color with Carlina for the first time, and everything exceeded my expectations. The cut feels great, which doesn't happen very often because I have thick hair that is not so easy for all stylists to texturize. I also love the color that she chose for my highlights. Overall, Carlina seems like a very talented designer who provides excellent services to her clients. read more

Studio Z. What a place. I've been going there for nearly 5 years now, seeing Karen on a regular basis. She turned my box-colored, damaged, short hair into a healthy, natural looking mane, that people often stop me and say, you have beautiful hair. Seriously. I've also had massages there and the therapists there are top-notch, thoroughly professional, and most importantly, experts at listening to me, where my aches and pains are, and then instantly relieving them. Also, all the receptionist staff are extremely professional and welcoming. I will go no where else. Studio Z is the best salon in Madison. Hands down. read more

had to write this review because of the shocking treatment i recieved when my daughter and i had a colorists who was too busy flirting with her and wasn't paying attention to the color he was putting on!!! the colorists name was CASEY. when i spoke to the manager she defended him....felt like maybe more to the picture then just her being his manager....the salon came highly recommended.....pity we got the runt of the litter, to the expense of my daughters hair.! buyer beware....if you go for color don't pic the guy who is dating the manager...he's is not professional and unbecoming manners!!! read more

If you're looking for a great massage therapist, you need to make an appointment with Jill --- she's friendly, listens to your needs and does an amazing job of taking the stress away! !! I didn't ask for the stone massage but she did it as an extra and I loved the feel of the hot stones on my upper back and neck area. If you're into talking during your massage, Jill can hold a great conversation. If you want it quiet and just listen to the music and enjoy the experience, that can happen too. I've had 2 massages with Jill and will be back for more. read more

Erica has just rocked my world with her incredible color expertise. My hair was a complete mishmash of color, and I needed help. She listened carefully to what I wanted, and then suggested Belyage, in which the highlights are hand-painted into your hair. The results are stunning!! It looks like I just came back from Aruba. Oh my goodness, she is like the Rembrandt of hair color. Go to her and let her work her magic. I am totally psyched with my hair rocking out like this!! Thank you, Erica!!! read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Studio Z! I have been a client for 20ish years. I am a regular hair, nail and spa client. Lisa is probably the best nail tech in Madison. Lindsay does my hair, I get compliments ALL the time on my cut and color. Collette does an awesome facial and I recommend having a massage with Jim. The spa area is outstanding. Plus they sell Bare Minerals make up! It doesn't get any better than Studio Z, I give them ROCKSTAR status. read more

I don't get my hair cut anywhere else. I never paid more than $10 for a haircut before, so I just told Casey to give me a slick cut. Now, nobody else can recreate what Casey can. There's a reason the guy travels to beauty schools to demonstrate the newest scissors (shears?). Friendly environment and great staff all around the salon. See you in a few weeks Casey! read more

I'm not typically a customer of Studio Z, I normally go elsewhere, but my sister booked her bridesmaids at Studio Z before her wedding. I only had an updo done, but it looked fabulous! All of the bridesmaids and the bride (my sister), looked gorgeous and we all loved our hairstyles! If I didn't already have a salon I loved, I would go here regularly! read more

Absolutely love this Salon! I have been going here regularly for he past year. Friendly staff that knows that they are doing. I have gotten everything from a color & cut to a massage. The prices are standard and the environment is clean and refreshing. Ask for Myranda for facials & waxing & Sami for hair. Studio Z Salon will not disappoint!! read more

I have been going to Studio Z for over 15 years. I love how Karen styles and colors my hair. All of the stylists at Studio Z have extensive training in styling and coloring. A day doesn't go by that someone makes a favorable comment about my hair. I like a sassy hair style and dramatic color. I get it all at Studio Z. read more

I went to StudioZ for a haircut and a massage and their services were great. The front desk people were busy but very helpful. The massage was one of the most relaxing hours I had in a long time. The hair cut was great also, as I love the head massage you receive with the hair wash and cut. I will be back soon. read more