Phyllis at the Madison

It was like she traveled back in time....\r This is the first time I have every reviewed any business. However, I suprized my wife, a full-time mother of 3 very active children, with a random get-a-way day at the Spa.\r She came home and that afternoon after receiving, a massage and new hair style that was done by the actual owner. It was like she traveled back in time. She was so relaxed and looked as great as the day we got married. On a side note she was also very thankful and simply rejuvenated in every aspect. If any men are out there reading this, the price is fairly comparable to other chain salons but the end result was definitely worth it at the end of the day. more

I normally do not post reviews, but I am so upset that I need to. Do not go to Phyllis at the Madison unless you have a serious amount of money to spend and want a haircut that you could get at supercuts. I went to get my hair colored, which I don't normally do - she recommended highlights - fine by me, I figure it can't be more than $70-$100 (mind you they don't publish prices online, nice touch). \r \r I wanted my hair to be lighter with the summer coming up. I left the salon 3 hours later with hair darker than when I started (pretty much looks exactly the same), a hair cut that was done in about 7 minutes flat, has zero style and wasn't what I asked for whatsoever -all for the bargain price of $225! I am from Boston and have had my haircut in upscale salons on Newbury street for a fraction of that price. If I had gotten the hair color and hair cut of a lifetime, maybe I would feel better about cutting off my arm to pay for it. Instead, I look the same, if not worse, than I did when I walked in and I'm a 1/4 of a grand in the hole for it. \r \r I hope this review helps someone else - definitely go elsewhere to have your hair done. more

Phyllis didn't listen to what I wanted. Very disappointed that I now have to find someone to fix what she messed up. more

Absoultly the Worst spa experience I have ever had. My service was so poor I would up leaving my ""Afternoon Affair"" without even finishing all the treatments. There are so many good spas in the Cincinnati area. Please don't waste your money. more

I have been seeing Phyllis for sometime. She is top notch. I just had a keratin treatment for my hair. Her prices are more reasonable than most salons. She includes product and a blow dry three days later to see how it turned out. Everyone at this salon is professional, and courteous. I can't give it enough accolades. Pros: Everything, price, value, customer service Cons: nothing more

Everyone that was amazing is gone..where did they all go. Bad customer service and the nail services are over priced and the facials are terrible!!! more

I've been going to Phyllis for over 10 years now...and for me, the commute is just under an hour. It's always worth the trip. I have never had a bad cut. My stylist is Rebecca and she's probably the best in the city. Rachel is my colorist, she used to be the best-kept secret in Cincinnati, but now the Cat's Out of the Bag as they say and I can't get in as often as needed. Both professionals are amazing, I'm a 50-something middle-aged woman and I'm always complimented on my hair...my hair cut is a classic cut that fits my face shape, age, and hair type. My highlights blend my gray and look beautifully natural. Rachel is truly an artist! Many of the stylists have been there since I started going...only recently have I noticed staff changes. The manicures and pedicures are the best around and worth every penny. I was a little disappointed in my last massage, but that's the only negative experience I've ever had at this salon. You can't beat the service, everyone has always treated me royally. I will follow Rachel and Rebecca as long as they will put up with me! Pros: Rachel and Rebecca, their talents rank a 10. The salon is very accessible.Classy setting. Cons: Should consider updating skin care services, including massages. more

My hair and nail visit left me with bad feel, like Si Chi, that of a low, decaying energy that may exist here, the energy that feels lifeless and dying; it can lead to illness and depression for those who are exposed to it for a certain amount of time. Many employees come and go. No balance, good energy leaves, good people they leave. Be careful.\r \r You have choices, make them with wisdom, as you read reviews they feel like they were self derived, like self promoted and biased.\r \r Find balance and positive find Chi.\r Pros: I say no. Cons: Aura, energy, Si Chi more

I've been going to the same place for years to get a manicure and they've always just been okay, so I decided to go to Phyllis at the Madison for a change. I had a friend refer me to a girl that she has been going to who dose a wonderful job on her nails, so I thought I'd give her a try. The salon was smaller than I expected, but the lady who greeted me was very nice and I didn't wait but a minute until I was greeted by Katie. Katie was wonderful to talk to, very through, and did an amazing job on my nails! It's been almost two weeks and My nails still look great. I'd recommend Katie to anyone in search of a great manicure.\r Pros: friendly staff Cons: small, overpowering air freshners in bathrooms more

I have been going to Phyllis for almost 4 years now and am exceedingly pleased with every visit. I always get my nails done by the beautiful Heather but not only is she pretty she is also smart and so her schedule has has been cut back a bit since she is in nursing school. Even though she is not always around when I need a quick fix, I am able to have my nails done by a talented and amiable staff member. Heather is so good in fact that when I sit down at another tech's table they say, ""Heather did your nails, didn't she? She has a signature style that I am so envious of. Its just perfect!"" Even her fellow tech's admire her work! Pros: Everyone is highly skilled. I would recomend any of the techs to anyone. Cons: The temperature is eithr hot or cold, hardly ever comfortable. The front desk seemes unattached and uncaring. The back door is distracting, opening and closing all the time. more

I would say the main reason I went her was the excellent service and attention from Tracy, however she has left and the way I see it I have no reason to go back. Does anyone know where Tracy went? Phyllis lost THE JEWEL.\r Experience counts and believe you me you sure think that is what you are paying for. \r If you want services from Beauty School newbies then go here, looks like for some reason Phyllis at the Madison is unable to keep GOOD help......\r Pros: I live in Hyde Park so location is convenient to me. Cons: Majority of the staff is recent Beauty School grads, lack of warmth or customer appreciation. more

Let me start by saying overall Phyllis at the Madison does a great job. I was just a little set back by the Hot Rocks Massage. First off, it was a 90 minute massage. So I get there and meet the young lady that was going to give me the treatment. She takes me in the back and I get ready and am laying down and she puts the rocks on my back, fine. Then she leaves and is gone for 20 minutes. When she returns I ask if this is going to be 90 minutes, she says that the 90 minute ""massage"" includes me laying there with rocks on my back. She then begins the massage which felt like a bunny walking on my back, I ask her to massage a little harder and she advises that I didnt pay for a Deep Tissue Massage...ok fair enough. She goes on to tell me that she is going to work at another spa because she has no repeat business at Phyllis', I told her that didnt surprise me. I told her that if she is going to give massages she has to massage people. \r So I guess im saying get more information on the ""Hot Rocks"" massage if that is the route you are going to take. Pros: Nice atmosphere, very nice choices in services. Cons: Hot Rocks Massage wasnt that great. more

I would highly recommend the European Facial. Katie did an excellent job, I would recommend her. more

I have been to numerous colorists in the city and finally I found Rachel! 4 of my friends have also started going to her. It took her a couple of times to get the color back to normal and not washed out to an orange color but finally, it looks incredible. She understands hair type, color and texture and works miracles! If you have been frustrated by your hair color in the past, you need Rachel!! Pros: Easy access, great color, fun atmosphere Cons: Rachel is booked, don't expect last minute appointments call ahead more

I had to write on here because I read a few awful reviews about my colorist, Rachel, that I have been going to for about 7 years now. I cannot believe for one second that she could mess up anyones hair. She is awesome at corrective coloring! That's how I became hooked in the first place! I agree with the other reviewer who said that she is a perfectionist. She does an amazing job on my highlights. I get a lot of compliments on my hair, thanks to her. It had to be like some disgruntled ex employee who would write a bad review because she is the best there is. I know because I have been to just about every salon, going to the ""best"" of their colorists, & was never satisfied. Yes, I might pay a little more but it is worth every penny. It is the only true high class service salon in Cincy! more

My boyfriend got me an ""Afternoon Affair"" for Valentine's Day. Wow! This turned into more of an all-day affair. I thought he was taking me. Instead a limo picked me up! I got a cut, highlights, facial, manicure, pedicure, and full-body massage. I was there from 10-4 and it included a light lunch. I'm very picky about my curly hair and they cut it just right. The job on the highlights was very organic. You couldn't tell it wasn't natural sunlight. With all the pampering, the staff made me feel special. My boyfriend scored a lot of points with this one. Pros: great staff, unbelievable experience more

Last month I got a fantasic massage from a knockout blonde. Then she talked me into a pedicure. I didn't think men got those, but another guy walked in and got one right next to me. I'm in every other week now for both. (I'm working my way through all the masseuses and pedicurists.) \r \r Fun people and a very professional environment. Never a dull moment at that place. And a woman I went out on a date with told me I have great looking feet. Never knew women paid attention to that. Pros: Everyone on the staff is great. I've tried most of them now. Cons: Salon is a little small, but fine once you get used to it. more

This salon has always been on the edge of what's happening in hair. Phyllis never disappoints. I feel confident with every stylist I have been to there. They've done some amazing things for me on short notice, when it really mattered. The atmosphere is always upbeat. Check out their shelves for the little extras. Phyllis personally picks unique accessories that I've found nowhere else in town. Pros: Consistently Good Work, Easy Parking Cons: None I've Found. more

My husband paid approximately $670.00 for myself and our daughter to have an Afternoon Affair, which included lunch. We ate at a tiny cramped table in the back room with frequent interruptions and it was a box lunch (only hot tea and water were offered for beverages). Someone had called off that day so our services were worked in as it best fit their schedule. My daughter didn't get her foot parafine as it was not on the ticket? The music was not working properly so the ambience during my facial and massage was less than desirable (which is a significant portion of what you are paying for). Overall, the experience was less than satisfying. The ladies that provided the services were great at what they do so this is no reflection on them. But an afternoon affair, at the cost of $340 per person, should include a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. We expected a wonderful relaxing day but instead received really good service from good people in a horrible environment. I will never go to this salon again. Pros: The ladies I had services from were very friendly and good at what they do. Cons: The atmosphere is cramped and uncomfortable. A few of the ladies that were doing hair had horrible hair color. Not all of course. But a few were really bad. more

Phyllis at the Madison is the absolute WORST!!!\r \r I had my hair totally ruined by the colorist Rachel, who has absolutely NO idea what she is doing. She turned my hair an odd looking redish orange that in no way looked like a normal hair color. \r \r I started crying after seeing what a total disaster she had made of my hair and several other stylists came running over to try to diagnose the problem. I had to sit through several other chemical procedures they did to try to fix the color and it left my formerly healthy hair brittle and weak. They then turned my color a very fake looking light brown with orange in it. It looked absolutely hideous and totally fake.\r \r I had to call around town and locate another hair colorist who did corrective color and a deep conditioning treatment on me and fixed the mess that Rachel at ""Phyllis at the Madison"" made. \r \r Needless to say, this cost me a lot of extra money to pay to have my hair fixed after Phyllis at the Madison ruined it and they wouldn't even return my money, and on top of that, insisted that it looked fine. They are out of touch with reality and their employees clearly aren't trained. The lady who fixed my hair told me she had worked on quite a few others who'd had their hair color ruined by this same girl, Rachel.\r \r more