Absolutely love Madeline. She always has the perfect vision for your hair, afterall, what you want may not actually look good based on your face shape and everything else. SO her knowledge of what will work best for you is infused with your goals for the hairstyle. Love the phyto products and absolutely love the fact that I'm the only one there getting my hair done. I'm always skeptical trying out new salons because I have curly mixed girl hair. However, now I am convinced Madeline can work with any kind of hair. She was even nice enough to help me find a new salon when I move to CHicago this summer. I'll miss her dearly! read more

{Note: Remember to also check the "Non Recommended Yelp Reviews" below all of these reviews as they also include more feedback on services} Friday was my first hair appointment with Madeline and today is Monday. I usually try to give my hair jobs a few days before writing reviews to see if its not just the professional styling :-) HAIR CUT: This was mostly a touch-up to make sure my hair looked healthy. She did make some adjustments in thickness in one area which I 100% agreed on. The most remarkable aspect of this was that Madeline had me stand for some of the cutting to really make sure she was cutting it to my face, posture and movement. The cut looks incredibly natural and effortless. BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS: My first time with Balayage and it looks stunning. I have been coloring my hair since I was 13 and this was the longest I had my natural hair grown out (about four months worth) since I was 13. The balayage job she did and placement of the highlights makes my hair look incredibly "California Surfer Girl" and low maintenance. I know that I will not need to rush back to the salon after 5 weeks because of how balayage works and that each week as it grows out more it will continue to look stunning. SALON ATMOSPHERE: Madeline's salon is a one-person salon with its own waiting room downstairs, the salon chair and wash room up half a level, and another lounge room and bathroom up another half level. It was incredibly relaxing to be the only customer and pretty much own the place while you are there. She explained to me how people come and bring their kids and how I could even bring my dog if I wanted to. SCHEDULING: Scheduling is super EASY. It is by appointment only but because she is a one-person salon she can completely accommodate people by either driving to them on site, having people show up at 7:30am or doing later night appointments. For me I was pretty standard and she had availability within the next three days which is great for someone like me who does things more last-minute. SERVICE: Madeline did everything to make sure my hair fit my lifestyle (which she knows because she bumps into me all the time straight out of bed as I walk my dog by her salon). I had mentioned I was undecided about two color options and also whether I wanted to cut my hair or not. She sent me TEXT MESSAGES with pictures of things I might want to consider prior to the appointment. During the appointment, I had several beverage options and of course plenty of magazines to look at. She did something else that I had never seen before as well which was make me stand up and actually cut some of my hair while standing. I found this incredibly reassuring ... and it paid off! OVERALL IMPRESSION OF CUT AND COLOR: I love it and even more.... I still love it with bed-head when I walk my dog in the morning!! The color makes me feel like a celebrity and the cut just looks so natural and effortless on me that it I *still* feel like a celebrity rolling out of bed! After washing it the first couple times, I can definitely say she gave me the perfect cut to compliment my "low-maintenance" needs - it just falls into place perfectly every time. I will definitely be going back to Madeline Wade and can't believe I didn't see her earlier!!! read more

Madeline Wade - Balayage Color - looks natural and smooth - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I completely agree with Angela G.'s review, below: "Madeline--who exhibited a forceful, defensive, and prickly personality at various points throughout my visit--will likely bulldoze over your requests (as she did mine) push forward with her vision, and essentially ignore your concerns, possibly leaving you with a poor haircut that could have been avoided had she actually listened." This was exactly what happened to me. She completely shut me down and rushed me when I explained my hair texture, tried to show her pictures, explain the kind of haircut I wanted. I was aggressive and persisted in taking time before she took scissors to my hair, but assured me she knew what she was doing and proceeded to give me the worst haircut I've ever had (though, I have admittedly been lucky in the hair department). SHE DID NOT LISTEN. I actually didn't immediately know what an awful haircut it was... I really wanted to like it, and trust her. It took a couple days for me to realize that no matter how I styled it, my hair looked really bad. Thus, I wore it up A LOT. It would've been a great haircut for someone with thin hair looking for volume. I am not one of those people. Instead, she razored my hair and gave me tons of uneven, choppy layers, making it completely unruly, frizzy, and unmanageable. Also, anytime I tried to wear my hair straight (I have semi-wavy hair), the haircut gave me a mushroom look (very, very thick on top, very very thin on the bottom - not a good look). I felt like this haircut ruined my years of hard work growing out my long hair. I also put in a lot of time and effort to keep my hair looking healthy and the haircut took away that "shiny, healthy" look I had going for me pre-haircut and replaced it with frizz. This all could have been avoided if she took the time to listen, was customer oriented and not in such a rush. read more

Had a wonderful experience at Madeline Wade, which is a small appointment only stylist studio. I won a free "Total Look Package," from an event I went to which included a hair cut, color, styling, and makeup. The studio is hidden in a quaint little spot in Georgetown and from the moment I walked in I knew it was going to be a good time since it was just me, Madeline and her dog (the sweetest boxer) the whole time. I absolutely love my hair cut and the style she gave me to go out with friends that evening was so fun (I usually just flat iron my hair, but this style was full of body and movement.) She uses airbrushing for the makeup application which gives a great natural finish. Overall it was a great experience and to me something that would be much needed if I have another special event. I definitely will consider going back to have my hair cut though! *Now if only Madeline would pass along her secret lasagna recipe we talked about :o) read more

I used to have flawless hair. For years, women would stop me on the street and ask who had done my cut and color. It was a glorious time, one which came to an abrupt end when my hair Guru up and went home to his native France. Since then, I've had pretty good hair. 8/10 hair, I'd say. But not the getting-stopped-on-the-street hair to which I had become so accustomed. Following the stylist abandonment, I'd become a hair harlot, jumping from salon to salon, from chair to chair. I've had scores of hands in my hair, massaging and chopping, tinting and toning. And it's been fine. This week (after consulting Yelp and searching the web for other reviews of her salon), I took advantage of a Daily Candy deal and purchased a Phyto Steam Treatment, Cut and Style with Madeleine Wade. Considering her cuts alone typically run about $100 and change, $65 for the whole kit and kaboodle was quite the swell deal. Madeline has a one-chair salon, which I loved. Madeline allowed for me to bring my beloved pup, which was a treat for both dog and Mommy. Madeline took her time in ensuring that my cut was flawless. And it was - flawless. She tweaked the photo I had brought, giving me something within the same vein but taking it one step further, seeing to it that my eyes popped and my cheekbones stood at attention. I was thrilled with the result. Beyond thrilled. Still, regardless of my assertions of its perfection, Madeline noted that she would make any adjustments to the style if I wasn't completely enamored with it. An unlikely prospect, that. I'll most definitely be back. Thanks to Ms. Wade, I think my hair harlot days may be behind me. read more

Madeline is amazing. I won't repeat what the other reviewers have said (they are all correct, by the way), but I'll offer my two cents: I have a pretty oily scalp and it's always been somewhat of a problem. Before visiting Madeline I conceded to just washing my hair every morning, especially if I had somewhere to go that evening. Now, I as I understand, it's not too great to be washing your hair daily, not to mention, time consuming. Madeline recommended a Phyto shampoo that I've been using for the last six months, in addition to giving me a lovely hair cut. Problem solved! I've been back to see her recently and picked up another bottle of the stuff. Another great hair cut! She is indeed a perfectionist; a rare find, if you will. Thanks Madeline! read more

After years of philandering between stylists, I am ready to commit. Two days into my haircut and I have friends pleading with me to keep this look going because it looks that good. "Model hair" and "OmiGOD it looks good" are frequent, unsolicited comments. I mean, friends are seriously excited about this. Madeline Wade, thank you SO much. Now you, dear reader. Hope on the phone and schedule an appointment. Get the phyto steam treatment and get ready for a nice, fashionable fun time. She even has this totally cute little walk way/stairs up to her salon that makes you feel like she's back in a secret garden, and that YOU have the inside skinny on something fabulous. Which in the end, is true. So worth it! Now, stop reading this, and pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. You can thank me later, if you have time between all the compliments headed your way. read more

I just received my first cut and balayage color from Madeline today, and I can't say enough good things about her professionalism and the full hair treatment! She is currently going through a studio transition and is unable to host clients in a salon space, so she came to my home out in VA at no extra cost. The whole time she made the best of the small space we had to work with and walked me through each step, which was so appreciated as I told her I hadn't had a hair cut in a long time. I came out with probably the best and most versatile cut I've ever had! I'm so excited to try it out in different styles and to play with my part in new ways. My color was definitely a drastic change for me as I have naturally very dark brown hair, but once the shock of a lighter look blew over, I'm very happy with my highlights. They look great right now, but I'm so excited for them to grow out a little to give me those natural looking sun-kissed sections. Finally, I am normally not one to purchase expensive cuts (and have never professionally colored my hair!) so this was a bit of a risk for me. I purchased a coupon through Gilt for the cut and she further proceeded to give me a fantastic price for the highlight treatment, while not even charging me for the high-end shampoo. I can't thank her enough for her services and for the great hair advice I received! read more

I absolutely LOVE every experience I've had with the lovely Madeline Wade. 1) Her work is incredible. I have dirty blonde hair that I never highlighted because I never trusted anyone to give me celeb-status hair - until Madeline. I was referred by a friend and I was extremely nervous but she gave me EXACTLY what I was looking for - very natural, very blonde hair and a great cut that still kept my locks long aka perfection. People still think my color is natural thanks to Madeline! I will never go anywhere else. 2) The experience is extremely personal. I love that I can sit down relax, with some magazines, an ipad, a perrier, and her ADORABLE pup, Harley. 3) SHE is awesome, hilarious, and HONEST. For anyone that is thinking twice - trust me, I am very protective over my hair but I wouldn't put them in anyone else's hands! #TeamMadeline read more

Madeline Wade is a true professional who really knows how to cut hair AND listen to your needs and requests! I had won a free haircut at a raffle and LOVED the cut she gave me. She spent considerable amount of time on my hair and did not rush me or give me the impression she was not giving it her all, even though it was free. I so liked the haircut and Madeline that I went back to pay for my next cut and plan to use her as my regular stylist. I highly recommend Madeline Wade if you want a fabulous cut that will be easy to maintain and look great for a long time! read more

I spent years in DC trying to find someone who knew what they were doing (even if I didn't know exactly what to ask for) and that I could get along with personally. I was thrilled with the results when I came to Madeline last summer. Despite moving to California in September, Madeline is still my stylist - I flew across the country for yesterday's appointment and my hair looks wonderful as usual! I do a cut and now balayage with Madeline and I get the best feedback even after I am long overdue for a visit (her coloring technique lasts SO much longer than anything else I have ever done). The experience is great too. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes, her one-woman shop has a great atmosphere, and it is really personal (adorable dog; she lets me use her iPad and we online shop while she does my hair; I was at her place when she got a copy of the Washingtonian featuring her salon and we poured through it together; etc). Highly recommended! read more

Always an amazing, personalized cut. Now I have also done a few blowouts. Couldn't be happier with the results ! Madeleine makes the entire experience from start to finish enjoyable, btwn the entertaining conversations, the iPad 'toy' for her clients to play with, her fresh roses, sparkling water (and in NYE, champagne)! She uses only the best products, provides great services, and its always fun! read more

Madeline Wade - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I started going to Madeline 18 months ago. I instantly liked the private, cozy, tucked away salon in Georgetown. I initially booked with her after buying a Daily Candy cut/steam treatment deal. The treatment was awesome and I was thrilled with my hair cut. It is such a good cut (jaw-length) that grows out so well that I need to visit less often! I get compliments on it all the time, even 6-8 weeks after a cut. In fact, I went two weeks ago for a cut and she told me my hair didn't need it (it did look good, but it has been 6 wks so I thought it was time) so I decided to wait for a few more weeks. I also have her color my hair now and it comes out great. I have brown hair with red undertones and often coloring turns orangy/brassy after a few weeks. Not with Madelyn. She also recommended a shampoo as another reviewer mentioned and I am washing my hair less often which so it is now really healthy (and the color lasts longer). I also don't need product--the cut blows out perfectly. Personally, I really enjoy Madelyn's company too. We find lots of things to talk about. She's very down to earth which works for me! read more

I found Madeline through a Gilt Groupe voucher for a cut and style, and purchased it so I could test her out so I could decide if I wanted her to do my hair for my wedding. From the minute I sat down with Madeline, I could tell that she was the person I wanted there on my wedding day. She had a vision, a personality that was confident but fun and relaxed, and the "get it done" kind of attitude that told you that if ANYTHING needed fixing on your day, she would fix it herself if necessary. Madeline had a vision for my hair - we made a plan for a color and cut before the wedding, and set up a schedule on my wedding day. I can't even tell you how many complements I got on my color, even weeks later - she uses a balayage technique (think painting on color with a brush) instead of foils to give you sun-kissed highlights that aren't streaky. And my cut was out of this world! Hands down, my favorite haircut ever. The day before the wedding, my mom, maid of honor and I all went in for cuts and styles to look good for the rehearsal dinner and to prep our hair for the next day. As the bride, I got a complementary blowout and felt pampered. The whole experience was a perfect way to spend the day before the wedding, and my mom and MOH got to know Madeline and feel ready for our big day. On the day of the wedding, Madeline came to my apartment with her huge magic kit in tow and was literally an island of calm in a hectic morning! After styling my mom, maid and matrons of honor and me, she even took the time to touch up some of my other girls that needed a few fixes. We looked gorgeous, and felt even more so. One of my girls had a slight panic attack, and without anyone else having any idea that it had even happened, Madeline pulled her aside, calmed her nerves, and assured her that everything was fine. Our airbrush makeup looked flawless and did not budge the whole day. As a gift, Madeline left a stunning Chanel lip stain and gloss with my maid of honor for me, with instructions to make sure I reapply throughout the day and night! I had tested out Madeline for my wedding, but after the experience, I doubt I'll ever go to anyone else. Not just because of her amazing talent, but also because she took so much effort to make my wedding day as perfect as it could be. It was definitely an investment, but worth every single penny! read more

It took me a long time to find the right hair dresser for me when I moved to DC from NYC. Madeline understands exactly how to find the right balance between professional and sexy-looking hair. As a result, I always get compliments on my hair from both men and women. I love that when I go to get my hair cut, it's just me, her, and her dog, Harley. There's no waiting around or apologies from some random assistant about my stylist running late. Nope -- Madeline runs a tight ship and sometimes she will call to tell me she's running early so I should feel free to come when I'm ready. I love that! And I love that I can get my hair cut on a Sunday! Overall, it's a great experience getting your hair done by Madeline. Her methods are a little unconventional, but that's what makes her better than the rest. You'll be hooked after the first time! read more

Just step through a simple purple door hidden in the heart of georgetown for an excellent time at Madeline Wade's private retreat. She really knows her stuff with her masterful french craft and perfectionist design talents. I am very picky about who does my hair as I am a stylist myself. I have been living in the greater DC area for the last year and have been bouncing around the salons in search of someone who has the touch. She nailed my balayage highlights beautifully. Completely sun-kissed with the right fade-into-fall look in mind. Natural fade that wont leave any line of demarkation while it grows out, making the maintenance much easier to keep up with then your typical regular highlights. I just left her vintage loft like studio a couple hours ago and am proud to say I have discovered myself a well hidden gem. read more

Madeline was great. her space is right in georgetown and very welcoming and relaxing. she clearly puts a lot of thought into making the experience a great one for her customers and she's very easy to talk to and takes care of you. i went in to get a steam treatment, cut and style. madeline looked over my hair and scalp, ended up giving me a different, gentler treatment. i brought in a picture of what i wanted for the cut and it turned out lovely- she also gave me great advice on products and styling. i would absolutely recommend her to anyone and Harley (her dog) is an awesome bonus! read more

What a treat having Madeline in my life. I heard about her from a neighbor and it took 10 months before I decided to make an appointment. I suffered from the same look for 20 years. She worked with me--I'm quite resistant. Since May there has been an amazing transformation and I give her 100% credit. I love my hair and I'm still in a "growing out process" which is a total pain. A wonderful hide-out for full indulgence, you will be so pleased. I recommend her without any reservation; I am so thankful! read more

After moving back to the D.C. area a few years ago from Los Angeles, I have been desperately searching for a new colorist and stylist. I have tried a half-dozen places and being consistently disappointed, I would often wait for a return visit to L.A. to get my hair done. That's all changed now that I've found Madeline Wade!! SO happy to have found her! read more

I love going to Madeline for several reasons. She is a wonderful stylist and colorist. I have been going to her for a year or so now and my hair has never looked better. I left last week with a sassy new bob which people are stopping me on the street to compliment. But, as importantly I don't have to call 6 weeks in advance to make an appointment which I then have to break because life gets in the way. I can always call Madeline and she will find a time to fit me in that works for MY schedule. I have called and asked if I can stop by on the way to the airport, during my son's basketball game or after I drop the kids off at school before before I go to work and Madeline finds a way to fit me in. Madeline makes my life more manageable (and beautiful) which for a busy working mother is very valuable to me. Tracy Taylor read more

These are all amazing reviews--I wish my experience had been as stellar! My advice, however, to anyone interested in visiting Ms. Wade's one-woman salon is to go for the phyto deep conditioning treatment and blowout, and be crystal clear and extremely firm about your expectations if you decide to book a haircut. Otherwise, Madeline--who exhibited a forceful, defensive, and prickly personality at various points throughout my visit--will likely bulldoze over your requests (as she did mine) push forward with her vision, and essentially ignore your concerns, possibly leaving you with a poor haircut that could have been avoided had she actually listened. In my case, after basically telling me to shut up and let her do her work, Madeline gave me a cut that left my long hair both stringy and choppy, and I left feeling bullied. A later haircut at my beloved Nival Salon confirmed the stringy/choppy factor, as my stylist post-cut discussed his layering technique, noting my hair prior was blocky/choppy, and had longer layers--in his exact words--"that were kind of stringy." BAM. I knew it even as she was doing it! Also, the "tight ship" another reviewer mentioned was nowhere in sight; I waited over 20 minutes for her to finish with another client, and the haircut was rushed. During the conditioning treatment I was left sitting for 10+ minutes alone after the dryer had gone off, as she was downstairs doing something else. Finally, the blowout was average--almost no brush work. Did I walk out of the salon in tears? Not at all. But the cut was average to below average, the service was poor, and frankly I felt like Madeline was a little scary and kind of a loose cannon. read more

I have gone through hair stylist after hair stylist. I would get a good cut, then a so-so haircut and maybe a bad haircut. WOW! Madeline is not only consistent in giving great haircuts but her styling/ blow out is superior to anyone else in DC. She is a pro who honed her skills in Paris and is now a jewel in her salon in Georgetown. I have found her to be professionally adept and a delight as a person.You will not be disappointed if you go to her. read more

I found Madeline Wade through Yelp after moving to DC, and being bitterly disappointed with cuts at two other salons. And I'm glad I did. She cuts and colors my hair and I'm always very happy with the results. I like her approach of thinking what works for you, not just copying what you've always had. She's also a 'real person' - not an identikit salon small talker. I appreciate that a lot as I don't always want to make chit chat - though we do have great conversations too. Her one-person salon is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of some places I've been where you feel you're on a conveyor belt. If you want a good haircut, and are open to new ideas, I would definitely recommend Madeline. read more

I haven't had a great hair cut in a long time...until now. Went out on a limb and tried Madeline after a friend had beautiful highlights done by her. So glad I did! I was a little worried as she cut some short layers in my long hair...but they WORK and my hair looks great! Best haircut I've had in years! the highlights are very nice too and balyage is such a treat after doing foil highlights for so long, takes a fraction of the time! Very happy with my experience! read more

I first went to Madeline nearly 10 years ago, and was thrilled when she opened up her own salon! Not only is the space very welcoming (it's like you walk through a secret door with a garden space before you even enter the one-person salon), but she consistently does a beautiful job with my hair. The cuts are fantastic: she cuts beautiful layers into my fine hair, and they grow out well. Madeline finds the right balance between your preferences and her opinion. We recently tried a longer layer look, but when she saw what it looked like when I don't blow dry (which is often!), she cut in a lot more layers so that the cut can flatter even with my low-maintenance approach. It's a look similar to a style from when my hair was shorter but adapted to the longer length I currently have, and incorporates elements from pictures I showed her. I love it. There's a reason I've been such a long-standing client! read more

I found Madeline's salon after seeing an article in the Georgetown Dish - loved the picture of her and Harley (her dog) who sometimes goes to work with her - I am a big dog lover. I have been to several big and small salons in Gtown over the last 10 years - her small one-on-one studio is what appealed to me - I am not a fan of the hustle and bustle scene of big salons. I also love that she takes appointments on Sundays. This is soooo convenient since my Saturdays are always filled with errands and it is tough for me to get to a salon during the week. It has been awhile since my last cut since I wanted to let my hair grow long - she gave it a great cut/trim. She was very respectful about my wanting to grow it long so she gave me a trim with some great shaping that really made a difference and looked much better. I shampoo every day and when she encouraged me to not shampoo my hair the next day - I was extremely skeptical!! She explained that the phyto shampoo and style product would not make me have to wash everyday - again, I left not believing it because hairstylists have been trying to get me to not shampoo everyday for the last 25 years - it has never worked for me since I have fine, straight hair - but I tried to have an open mind. I was stunned the next day to wake up and see that I did not need to shampoo my hair. She was spot on about the products she used which enabled me to not have to wash my hair - I was truly surprised and pleased. I am very happy with my cut and experience at Madeline's salon and look forward to going back. The only slight dissappointment that I had was that Harley was at Doggie Day Camp on the day that I went - hopefully I will meet Harley next time. read more

I am a total fan of Madeline Wade! I recently purchased a voucher for a package containing a deep conditioning treatment, cut, PLUS three separate blowouts from RueLaLa.com. My experience was fantastic! As noted above, by another reviewer, I love that it is just you and Madeline, the one-on-one treatment cannot be beat. I got a fabulous haircut and did not have to suffer through the standard forced conversation/gossip of other stylists or the chatter of other customers. It was incredibly laid-back and relaxing. Her amazing retro chair is so comfortable! Madeline definitely knows what she is doing and what is going to look good on you. The only reason I gave her four stars instead of five is because I have had some difficulty recreating the style at home. This of course could be do to my own ineptitude at styling! I have my second appointment at the end of the month and I will definitely have to pay more attention while she is working. I may come back and adjust my review. read more

Working with Madeline is not just "going to the hairdresser." She is a true artist and a talent who knows her craft well. I just had my fifth visit with her and, once again, could not be more thrilled with the outcome. I had been convinced my whole life that my hair was too fine and thin to be long. I always envied those women with thick long hair. Now that I'm with Madeline-I'm a girl with long hair. I had just never found anyone who could cut my hair correctly so I could grow long. I get compliments all the time now "hey, your hair looks great long" or "hey, your hair looks great." But enough about me. More about Madeline. She is the "total package." It's beyond just hair. It's the whole look and style. You gotta love a woman who knows how to pull her self together that guarantees regular backstage invites after rock concerts. Why? Because she knows. Trust her. Lastly, let's not forget her dog Harley. Madeline and I are kindred dog spirits and having Harley her loving boxer in the studio while she is working makes my experience all the better. If you don't like dogs, no problem. Harley goes into another room. But my recommendation is--don't miss out on Harley time. Ok, one more lastly. She is fast and efficient. And her cutting technique allows you to go longer periods without a haircut. I can go almost 10 weeks between cuts! We are all busy people in this town. We all have things to do and places to be. Madeline=no muss, no fuss, no waiting and no taking hours for the color to set while she has already started another customer. Do you pay more for all this than other Georgetown salons? Not really. But why bother with these places when you can have so much more. read more