Reviews of Cinema Hair Studio (Hairdressing)

Allison Klintworth

Bobbi did an amazing job for me today! I was looking for a cut that would boost my confidence as I've had a rather stressful month. She did that and so much more! Bobbi listened to me talk her ear off and was also very engaging and sincere. I highly recommend this place and already scheduled another appointment for my brother's wedding coming up! Thank you so much!

Shelly Reynolds

Jessica was great! She listened to me and my hair turned out beautifully! Reception staff filled the parking meter for me so I wouldn't get a ticket.

Franziska Haydanek

I love going to Cinema Hair. Nicole is my stylist and she's done great work. She has colored and cut my hair, and has given me a pedicure. Everyone who works there is very friendly. I even have my friends going there now - everyone loves it.

Patricia PK Hammel

Olive has been cutting my hair for a long time (also coloring), and always does a great job. I have had people comment that they liked my haircut weeks after she cut it. NEVER a bad haircut. My "kids" have gone there too and were very satisfied with cuts and color (and daughter tried about every color there is), and the stylists helped fix a messed up color she got elsewhere so it looked fabulous. Highly recommend this place!

Daniel Howe

Did my wife's hair and makeup for our wedding. My wife''s sister and mom had the same as well, and the entire group was beautiful. Great relaxing experience for all of them thank you very much!

Moses Altsech

This review is not based on the service provided by the staff at Cinema, but rather the appalling attitude and of the owner, Olive. Recently the owner mailed a letter to my mother saying that it had "come to her attention numerous times that my mother had been berating the staff," stating that she would not tolerate the behavior, and if it happened again my mother would be asked to leave. So here's what prompted this letter (which skipped the polite "Dear___" salutation--because being polite doesn't matter when you're about to point fingers at your customers). My mother had an appointment at Cinema--which has been known to cancel clients' appointments even when they're running a little late (read other reviews, especially on Yelp). She was on time, but the stylist wasn't. The receptionist went back a couple of times to check on the stylist, who appeared to have taken in another client late or out of turn, because my mother had another appointment after this that she didn't want to be late at. The stylist eventually came, but my mother was certain to be late for her next appointment, so she complained about the lack of punctuality, asking the staff to convey the problem to the owner. The staff apologized for the delay, promised to pass on the complaint, and neither my mother nor the staff were unpleasant; there was no yelling or lack of civility on either side. You can imagine my mother's utter shock upon receiving the letter. She is a lady in her 70s; the type who even smiles and says good morning to strangers on the street. It's not that she didn't berate anyone there; it's that she's incapable of berating anyone, anywhere. I have never heard her swear (ever), she is respectful even when she is upset, and apologizes to the homeless when she has no change. So where's the disconnect? First, Olive wasn't there--and didn't bother to contact my mother to see why she complained. But she didn't need to: Her response to another negative review on Google speaks for itself; it's a long passive-aggressive treatise that unmistakably puts the blame on the customer. Other reviews on Yelp suggest that this owner takes customers' criticism personally and is offended by it. Someone who runs service business and doesn't understand that when it comes to unsatisfied customers it's more important to make it right than to prove them wrong, shouldn't run a service business at all. She claims to be standing up for her staff (her staff is very nice and does good work) but even that doesn't hold water: If it had come to her attention that her staff had been berated "numerous times" by someone, it makes no sense that she would have never said anything about it before to see what the problem is. Her letter shows she'd rather put others in their place instead of putting herself in their place. Maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but I can't help it: I've published research on customer service, lectured on it at the University and done training seminars on the topic for decades. I know what bothers customers, how to prevent it, and what the right way to deal with it by an owner is. You see, research shows that the number one reason why customers leave is not high prices or poor products and services; it's dissatisfaction with the attitude of an owner, manager or employee. Olive won't need to threaten to make my 70yo mother leave, because she has too much dignity to set foot there again. But every cloud has a silver lining; this just provided me with a new case study for my fall classes, so at least my students will learn about what not to do. And although Cinema's location is its greatest asset, a quick google search will show you just how many other 5-star-reviewed hair salons exist around Capitol square. Punish owners who treat customers that way and take your business elsewhere.

Mahima Chawla

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.

Mike Kangelos

I've tried a lot of salons, and this is my favorite. Bright and cheerful, welcoming staff and Aveda products. Parking can be a challenge, but most of the time I find a meter right in front of the salon or around the corner on W. Main St. I have Olive as a stylist, because she does a great job with cutting and coloring my hair. I always get compliments afterwards. But there are multiple talented stylists here. Can't recommend Cinema enough!

Sara Chell

Bobby has been cutting and coloring my hair for 12+ years and she does a fantastic job. Her attention to detail is spot on and her ability to really listen and understand what you want has been unmatched by anyone I have ever encountered. Everyone at the salon is friendly and professional. It has a clean, cozy and relaxing atmosphere that will leave you feeling recharged when you leave after whatever service you might have while there. I will continue to have all of my cosmetic services done at Cinema and will recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent experience.

Karen Smith

This is the first time I went into Cinema Hair Studio and I loved it! Nicole cut my hair and she did exactly what I asked. She was very friendly and explained everything she was going to do before she did it. It came out looking great and I will definitely be going back next time I need a haircut!

Kathleen Meiste

Jessica is amazing. My hair stayed up all night and did not move at all during my friends wedding. My husband even commented that he liked it! My make up was gorgeous! I have very sensitive skin and break out from most makeup, but not this time! It lasted all night and my girlfriend's commented that it looked great. I could not be more happy with my experience at this salon. I would come back in a heart beat when I am in Madison.

S.E. Robinson

I always feel like a rock star when I leave this place and then every day until my next cut. Nikki never minds taking the time to give my curly hair a blowout at the end of my cut. It's an indulgence but worth it.

Jennifer M. Davis

I find it hard to trust new stylists, but when I moved to Madison, I was so happy to find Nicole. She is fantastic!

Patty O

I've been a client of Olive's at Cinema Hair Studio for a while now, and I trust her with my cranky hair completely. She gave me my first highlights (fantastic!), taught me how to control frizz and how to style for myself (I'm hair-impaired). She gave me an overhaul this week--a completely new style that I absolutely adore. Olive lets you take baby steps or take the plunge, and either way you're in excellent hands. I love my new look. The salon itself is warm, the vibe is fun and the stylists are great. I'd recommend Cinema Hair Studio (and I do) to anyone.

Ginger Murray

Shiloh did a great job with my facial: best ever! She explained what she was using and the reason for the selection. It was like a mini vacation! I also received the invati hair treatment, to hopefully rduce the har thinning/loss that occurs with aging. Then Olive, as always, did a great job giving my hair back the fun bounce and trimming it around my face to better accent my features. I purchased the cleanser and new "be curly" hair spray, which I am enjoying, received a free sample of two different moisturizers, and a free sample of the invati shampoo/conditioner (from the pure privilege couponI received). I left feeling revived and ready to tackle the rest of my day at work! Thanks ladiess, I am looking forward to going back for the madison spa month specials!

10baney

Samantha is amazing! She did such a good job cutting and styling my hair and they all go above and beyond to make sure their customers are taken care of.

Kristin House

Awesome salon in a cool building. Loved my nail tech Nicole, will be back the next time I visit Madison!

Cindy ODonnell

Cinema Hair Salon delivers a 5 star experience every time! The staff who greet you when you enter offer tea and water. The stylists are so experienced and friendly that you feel right at home. I have been completely satisfied with my haircuts and highly recommend them without any reservations!

Sarah Gebert

I decided to go here because it is close to my apartment and I am so glad I did. Jessica did a great job on my hair! She was super friendly and very compassionate to the health problems I have that affect hair growth. She offered me samples and a gift bag for my first visit she took her time and the price was very reasonable! I highly recommend this salon! Thank you Jessica I love my hair cut!

Kellie Miller

Outstanding Madison salon- Very attentive and polite staff who know what they are doing! Great Aveda products only My master stylist is Olive- I have been a client for over 20 years- I love my cut and color every time! Olive is very talented and a class act! I recommend a visit - you will return

kim bacik

My daughter has had her hair cut and colored at Cinema and has been pleased with the results. In fact, so pleased, that we drove all the way from our home town of Milwaukee on multiple occasions. The owner has done a very nice job of creating a visually inviting and warm space. Her employees are friendly and professional; the front desk receptionist, Zoe, was the first to greet us and made us feel welcome as soon as we walked in.

Deb Raupp

Great cut by Nicole! Thanks for quickly, easily and skillfully fixing the mistake by another stylist (from Hybrid Hair-- don't go there-- overpriced and under-skilled). Nicole is a great listener and professional stylist. It took her 40 minutes to fix a poor cut. She skillfully added layers just where they need to be to have a stylish, professional cut.

Tegan

New to Madison, I've been trying to find someone that I can trust my image to and that is now Aimee. She did an amazing job with my cut/color. She is hilarious and you can tell her years of expertise with Aveda is something she values. We have a lot in common and I can trust her with making sure I look like me and not a clown:) Thank you Aimee!

Kaylee Olson

Jessica did an awesome job adding layers to my hair. They also gave me some free samples that I'm excited to try. Great place and you get your money's worth!

Robert McKinney

Best stylists in Madison!

Emily Garton

The first time I came here was a couple of years ago because it was close to my then apartment. Since then I have moved even states away and have come back to this salon to have my hair cut, but especially for the massage therapist, Jennifer. She knows just how to make each session specific to your needs and I recommend her to all who say they need work done, or to just get away for a moment.

Jessica Hall

Booked a last minute same day appointment and got great Aveda treatment and exactly the cut I wanted from Madeline for a great price.