I was wanting my hair to be cut a bit and textured. Bridget was friendly and gave me feedback on what she thought might work with the thickness of my hair. She spent so much time trimming, texturizing and showing me ways I can style it now that I can do more than a ponytail. I will definitely be back. Meanwhile, I am loving that I can comfortably wear my hair down and have received so many positive comments. Thank you so much, Bridget. You are truly a creative artist. Kim Croteau Darby read more

Pleasant Experience and wonderful staff You can tell the staff care about each other when they are willing to assist when other's hands are full. My stylist (Alyssa) has been my favorite hair stylist for close to a year now. I met her at Sport Clips, and when she transitioned out; I had to follow. The Salon was a bit intimidating at first; only because I'm use to the machine of get in get out; but was pleasantly surprised when Alyssa gave me the time I was hoping for. She paid a lot of attention to detail and worked through some kinks in my hair, done by a hair dresser at Sport Clips a month prior. The pricing is about the same as your chain hair-cuttery but the service is a bit better. The only down side to Modern Wave is it's quite(!) Almost to quiet. I feel like they could turn up 'today's hits' radio station. This would allow the hair dressers to interact with their clients a bit better; with personality :D p.s. Everyone loves my cut; and so do I. I'll definitely be returning; as long as Alyssa is there :D read more

Modern Wave HeadSpa, Salon + Spa - Modern Wave Logo - Hair Salons Near Me - Cary, Illinois

Bridget is the BEST!!! Best color, best haircut, best waxing. Highly recommend it. read more

After over a year of not getting my hair cut, I decided it was time to do so, I had Isabella as my hair dresser and she did so wonderful! From start to finish she made me feel so welcome and took the time to listen to what I wanted. My hair has never looked better and she has a true talent for what she does! Highly recommend, thank you! read more

I have been going to Modern Wave exclusively for 5+ years and have never had a bad experience. Bree always does a stellar job. She's knowledge, skilled, notices changes in my hair over time and always delivers what I ask for. I see people complaining about fading color but certain colors on certain hair require a responsibility on the client to properly care for it when you get home. I do a vibrant red on my natural dishwater colored hair and it's incredibly long lasting because I do my part, too. I strongly recommend this place regularly! read more

This salon did a great job with my daughters and friends hair for her first homecoming. The makeup on the other hand was a hot mess! They had absolutely no idea what was going on! It looked horrendous. They showed their stylists what they wanted but ended up looking like they had just fought in a boxing match with noticeably large black eyes. Their face makeup was splotchy and didn't match their actual skin tone. Also, the stylists had a strange method of preparing the powder products; they would scrape the pressed powder into loose powder which would result in a lot of fallout. They came home and only had 30 minuets to redo everything! This was a payed service and definitely not worth any of my money. Nice job on the hair though, it was beautiful! read more

See all

My stylist was great. She spent time going over things with me. However, a few days later, my color has faded so bad already that everyone questions me when I say I got highlights. I paid way too much money for my highlights to fade. I have never had issues with my highlights fading so bad so fast. When I went it, there was still evidence of my last highlighting more than a year and a half ago. I'm so disappointed. read more

While this may not be the worst cut I've ever received, it's close. Not because of technique, but because the stylist didn't listen to any of my requests and then kept asking me for specific cutting instructions -- but after too much had already been taken off. My requests: 1) keep the same style, just trim and reshape (was a wedged bob with textured ends, NO layers -- now a straight bob with layers in the back) 2) no more than 2 inches off the front (more than 4 inches were taken off) 3) it must be left long enough for me to pull up/back comfortably for running and working out (thanks to all of the unwanted layers in the back, that won't work for another 3 weeks or so) 4) add a LONG side sweep bang (it is now very choppy and at least 1/2" too short) Every error in my cut was blamed on cowlicks. Odd considering they have never been an issue before with any other stylist. Nor have they been an issue for me -- and I am possibly the most uncoordinated person when it comes to drying/styling my own hair. Luckily -- it's only hair, it will grow back, and it doesn't look completely horrendous. However, I will look elsewhere to take care of my next cut. read more

I made my usual appointment with Allison. (After my last review, I was surprised that they even let me near the place) Unfortunately I was suffering from about three weeks of hair neglect and looked like a cross between a Big Foot and Animal from the Muppets. After receiving a well-deserved reprimand from Allison, she reminded me of the importance proper hair maintenance. It wasn't long before I was handed an adult beverage, felt a warm gentile breeze and the sun on my face. The next thing I knew someone was whispering my name. Eric......Eric....... You fell asleep in the bowl again! I wiped the drool from my mouth (hate it when that happens) and then received yet another amazing haircut. This time I believe the haircut was actually too good! Every woman I see calls me Eric Grey and wants to bring me to a red room? I have no idea what the heck that even means but know that I would never go anyplace else for a haircut. read more

Dani is absolutely amazing! I loved being able to sit in her chair and have the confidence and trust that I am going to walk out of that salon with hair that looks more beautiful than when I walked in. Dani goes above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable, relaxed and enjoying your entire salon experience! read more

I took my son here for a haircut after trying several other locations in Cary. He has super straight hair, and I am looking for someone who will give him a punk/emo look. (He's 13) Apparently, no one in the NW 'burbs knows that definition, because the poor kid keeps ending up with the same Justin Bieber or Moe from the 3 Stooges look. (Disclaimer - we both hate Justin Bieber) He had Tarah, and I'm pretty pleased with how she cut his hair. She got pretty darn close to what we were looking for. We'll try her again and I'll offer some suggestions and then we'll see if she's a keeper. Salon inside is really cute - very updated, modern decor. The wash stations have chairs with a footrest that recline. The nail salon has its own room enclosed in glass, so you can't smell the fumes from the polish. The spa area in the back is pretty small, but offers everything that Mario does. It's very well-decorated and unexpected for a strip mall in Cary. FYI - the google directions are wrong! This is located in a strip mall on the West side of Cary-Algonquin Road next off of Industrial Drive. read more

I have naturally thick, curly hair, and always straighten it. I was looking to get a keratin treatment and some highlights, and since I've never had anything done to my hair, was looking for a nice place that could fit me in before I left for vacation. I decided to try this place out and absolutely loved it! Karen was absolutely amazing and had great customer service!! The place was so nice and modern, and I love how they use Aveda products! My hair is so soft and smooth and Karen was able to do the highlights exactly how I wanted! I will definitely be returning, and highly recommend!! read more

Modern Wave HeadSpa, Salon + Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Cary, Illinois

See all

Been going to the salon for 2 years but don't think I would go back. Each time I have had my hair done it's something with my cut or color. The person doesn't know how to cut and style hair cuz had to go home and style my hair. Had to fix where she didn't cut my hair straight. read more

Very good service. I get excellent cuts there, and I am always told how nice I look after a haircut. My daughters also go there, and like the results. They also offer other services. The decor is really nice, and the comforts like hot towels, massage chairs make it feel as good as it looks. The price is quite competitive, too. read more

Holy frijoles, my hair was a wreck when I walked in! Thank you Charlie for the EXACT style I was looking for and for trimming the weeds!

Ugh. Horrible experience. DO NOT GO HERE - cut your own hair, if you must. The chair-side manners here are awful - the woman who checked me out would not look at me, not once, the entire time, and the woman who cut my hair called my mother obnoxious and would not stop talking. The woman who was supposed to cut my hair, Elle, was running behind, and the woman who checked me in (who never even introduced herself to me) insisted on doing my cut. Only, she took me ten minutes before my appointment, so I didn't have time to finish selecting a photo from the magazine I brought. She cut bangs into my hair that I asked her NOT to do. Did I mention that she called my mother obnoxious? And when her appointment showed up, she rushed through the rest of my cut . No one blowdryed my hair, so I walked out with not only a butcher job but a wet butcher job. My head looked so bad that when the woman who was supposed to do my hair saw me at the restaurant next door a few minutes later having lunch, she offered to recut my hair. Um, what about asking if I like it first, or showing some professional courtesy for your coworker there, Elle? No thank you. I was humiliated, and would have felt even more humiliated to walk in, sit in the chair next to the woman who butchered my hair while her coworker recut it. Horrible, horrible experience and even worse customer service. I will not be returning. Terrible from start to finish. read more

Had been a regular client for years ... Until I got the worst highlights of my life. My stylist over processed my hair . My hair was like straw ... Breaking.. Ruined. The owner Dana did nothing but give me the big doe eyed apology standing by her staff- as to acknowledge no error was done. She recommended a keratin treatment-but of corse this would be at full price mind you. I got plenty of sympathy looks from the staff , but genuine course of action was needed. I payed to to much for bad highlights - never reimbursed. I tryed to salvage my hair all summer by trimming and babying it - but ended up cutting my middle of my back length hair to almost as pixie like cut. This was a painful experience & unfortunately the owner lacks Real customer service - mistakes do happen but by ignoring / or not acknowledging it just isn't right read more

I have been going to Modern Wave for many years now. Kristy has been cutting my hair since she was 19 (she now has a 3 kids and one is a teenager). From the moment you walk in the door and are warmly greeted, and asked if you would like something to drink (non alcoholic :), to the warm towel they put under your neck as they wash your hair while you are laying back in a massage chair, to the great haircuts, to them checking you out and wishing you a great night, it is all perfect! I love this place. read more

The quality was below average. My feet aren't all that smooth, my toenails weren't shaped well and there is polish on my cuticles. They did however give a great foot and hand massage. All of the stylists are responsible for hair, nails, and facial waxing, and they all seemed over worked. It would probably benefit them to focus on one area. Very nice people but the quality could definitely be better! read more

I just moved to the area and chose Modern Wave Salon based on reviews and am very glad that I did. Brie did an amazing job with my color and trim. She was very knowledgeable about all of the products without being pushy in any way trying to get me to buy them (although I did get some because of how great my hair felt and looked) She was so friendly and interesting that I actually will look forward to going back in a few weeks for a touch-up. read more

I have been coming to Modern Wave for a few years now, I think they do a great job with cuts and highlights. The last time I went in a stylist talked me into doing balayage instead of highlights which was about $30-40 more than I usually pay but I agreed to try it. When I was done I thought it looked okay. After 2 weeks I decided I did not love the style, it just looked like outgrown hair, essentially the same as the day I cam in to get my hair done. I decided I wanted my roots highlighted so I called Modern Wave to get it corrected. They told me I was 3 days past the 2 week window so I could not get it fixed for free. I explained that I was never made aware of this rule and only wanted a root touch up, they told me there is no exceptions and I would have to pay. Due to the low quality hair treatment and customer service I will never be coming back to this salon. It is unfortunate that you lost a customer instead of bending a rule by a few days. read more

Thank you, Karen! I absolutely love my hair!! I showed her a picture of a cut just touching above shoulder length, with loose beach-y curls and she cut my hair perfectly and talked me through exactly how to recreate it at home without making me buy a ton of product. I'll definitely be back! read more

I have had my hair colored here 3 times and 2 of those times I have been very disappointed. I had a very poor experience at modern wave last week when I explained I wanted a balayage. During the FOUR HOURS I was passed around from stylist to stylist when my main girl had another appointment so I sat in the chair with half blow dried hair waiting for her to finish cutting someone else's hair before she finished my hair. I left very disappointed but after being there for so long and after my stylist already went back and tried to fix part of it, I thought maybe I just needed to style it how I do it and it would look better. Unfortunately, when I styled it how I do it, it was very clear that it did not look any better. I called and explained how I had made the two hour trip to get my hair done at modern wave I was not able to make a trip back another two hours for them to redo it before leaving the next week for vacation and that I would like at least a partial refund so I could get it redone closer to home. They were incredibly unaccommodating even knowing that I live two hours away saying the only way they can help is if I come in. I explained how I could send pictures to show that it was definitely not up to any standard that they would approve of. They refused to do anything about it aside from offering a "partial credit" to my account for "next time". I will definitely not be returning. Definitely not worth the $200 (before tip). Incredibly disappointed. read more

Modern Wave HeadSpa, Salon + Spa - The blonde is so harshly different to my natural color and does not blend into my natural color at all. - Hair Salons Near Me - Cary, Illinois

Sarah is the best! I have very stubborn gray, and the color she has done for me, twice now, is absolutely beautiful. Also, BEST CUT EVER. I couldn't be happier. read more

I love Modern Wave Salon and I'm not sure why there are any complaints posted! I've been coming here for the past eight years and travel all the way from Chicago, IL (50+ miles) for their services. If I have an event scheduled in the city, I still drive all the way out to Cary to have my hair done. They are that good! Every time I come to the salon I am seriously impressed with the stylists' skills and hard work. The ladies here are lovely and I've always enjoyed my experience. Sarah has completely transformed the texture of my hair with keratin treatments and the use of Aveda products --- I honestly had barbarian hair to begin with. Sarah is simply the best stylist I've ever encountered and every time I try some new cut or color it becomes my new favorite. I always receive compliments on my hair and random people stop me and ask where I go. read more

First time there to get eye brows waxed and I was above impressed. Paid a little more then what ive paid other places, but it was so worth it. I cant remember the lady I saws name, but she was very nice. The room was so peaceful and relaxing, I just was overall really satisfied with the services. read more

Have had wax put in my hair during an eyebrow appointment, burned by wax on my face, and had completely uneven eyebrows that took 6 months to grow back (terrible customer service in all these instances) they've had some excellent aestheticians but the turn over is so high you don't know if you're getting a great professional experience or a distracted newbie getting wax all over you. I've stopped going there completely as it's not worth the risk many other more consistent salons to go to. read more

Modern Wave is a hidden gem to the northwest suburbs. I moved to the Cary Grove area from the city and was hesitant to try salons in the burbs and had continued to go to overpriced salons downtown when I had moved here. My husband, who is very particular about his hair, had been going to modern wave. After the last time I was fed up with mediocre service at a very pricey salon downtown, he suggested I finally try Modern Wave. Happy I made the move, I used to have wella color in my hair, but prefer Aveda color and Aveda product much more now. I usually see Karen for hair, and she does a fantastic job with cut and color. In fact, after I had experienced some bad balayage jobs downtown with "expert colorists" I will say Karen blows these Chicago salons out of the water! Every time Karen has colored and cut my hair I always receive compliments and just feel awesome afterwards! For the quality of service and care, I will say they are very reasonably priced. I have also had my eye brows waxed here by Jaime and she always does an excellent job. Happy to have a great salon in Cary, and recommend this salon to anyone who wants to feel fabulous after a day at the salon! read more

I love this place. They do a good job, as a whole, though some stylists are certainly more experienced and talented than others, but they've always given me a good haircut and I don't have easy hair to cut - curly. They have always been nice to me - I really can't imagine the situation that an earlier poster put up. I've brought my daughter as well and they were exceptionally good with her. And, it always smells good and their prices are great. read more

I have been getting massages for many years and today I had one of the best massages I've ever had from Katie! She was very nice and professional. She let me sit in their steam room first with aromatherapy (which at most places there is an upcharge for). One of the most relaxing massages I've had and one of the first masseuses I've had to actually focus on my problem areas. If you're getting any other services at this salon be sure to go see her! I've also had my pedicure done here I believe from Allison and she did a great job! All the girls at this salon have very good attitudes and are very professional I am glad to find a spot all in one for the ultimate pampering! read more

This has to be the most unprofessional salon I've ever been to. First of all when I walked in there was a girl sitting at the front desk texting which was pretty shocking to me. Most places have a policy about phones. Turns out that it was the managers daughter, then she got up and walked over to one of the stylists and started bothering her while she was trying to cut someones hair. My appointment was for a color, cut, and style. When I talked to the stylist I warned her that my hair is very fine and gets easy breakage from color. So we agreed to leave the color on for a half hour to be safe. Well after she finished the color she went to the employee back room and didn't come out for an hour. The color was left on for too long and ended up frying my hair to the point where I didn't even need a hair cut because about an inch of it broke off during the shampooing. This is the last time I will ever go to an Aveda salon in my life. read more

This was the worst haircut I have ever received. I walked out with my hair feeling not smooth at all! Whatever products the lady used in my hair made my hair feel dirty and I couldn't run my fingers through it. Even she commented that my hair wasn't smooth! It was terrible. Went home to wash my hair to get the gritty feeling out. After I showered and blow dried my hair (completely redoing what I just paid this lady to do), my hair was back to its normal silky self. Just moved to the area and thought I would try it. But for a $40 hair cut, I am never going back. One of the best parts of getting a hair cut is the way your hair feels when you leave the salon. Not this place. read more

Normally, I love modern wave. I go every time when I get my haircut and it normally ends up great. However there is one stylists who always seems to mess it up. No matter what, I will always tell my hair stylist "I know my hair is very damaged and I know it is uneven in the back. Just ignore it." And most workers completely understand. But this one never does. Today, I wanted a simple trim... maybe an inch off. She agreed. When she was looking at my hair, she started insulting my hair and my choices. She kept going on and on about how uneven and damaged my hair is and how I should get a better straightener and spend more time caring for my hair. Ignoring her comments, I noticed that she cut well over an inch off. She noticed my annoyance but continued to say "see not too short right?" I responded "well it's certainly not an inch". I asked her to French braid my hair after it was cut and she said "we're gonna to Dutch". These arguments might seem meaningless but when I'm paying 40$ for my hair to be cut, I expect it to be how I want. read more

Went there a few times to one particular stylist because there aren't a lot of options out here, but had to find a new salon. The owner is the most unethical money hungry person. When I booked, I booked for a particular service and they decided to add on a service with out my consent! Two of them worked on my hair and there was no communication. So basically they charged for something I didn't book or want. The stylist threw a couple curls in on damp hair and fried it, looked horrible. Then she dared to call it a hair style and charge me full price when I didn't book or want it in the first place. She was supposed to rough dry it because of how cold it was. At the end I was over charged almost double to what I usually pay there. Brought this up to the manager/ owner said she would refund / credit my account but when I wanted to use the credit nothing was noted. Again lack of communication and horrible customer service. The hairstylists there are very catty and unprofessional. The prices go up but the skills are lacking. There is a lack of communication between the team and they blame the clients for it! I never asked for the service a hair style. I was a few minutes late but she massed up my hair in one area and had to fix it why it took longer and still didn't come out how I wanted and what I had asked for. read more

Went back to this salon and was underwhelmed by the outcome. Again, I spent over 200 without tip and received a cut and color. I asked that they replicate my current cut. Questioned the the cut as we were going along. Made her re-cut and shorten the top, shorten the length and make sure there were layers. She assured me that the cut was the same as what I came in with. Got home and washed my hair....the cut is nothing like what I asked for. She spent less than 5 seconds looking at my haircut before we started so apparently had no idea what she replicating. I have since taken a scissors to my own hair and managed to correct the cut and get it to the point where I can deal with it until I go to a different salon for my next appointment. This is not the first time that a stylist at this location has messed up my cut. It seems they know 5 hairstyle, and I hope you like them, because no matter what you tell them your getting one of them. read more

I've been to three different stylists here, and all three times left with the same frumpy, shapeless haircut, no matter what I asked for or what picture I showed them. read more

I have always gotten exactly what I wanted here. I get my hair done here regularly and had my wedding hair and make up done by Modern Wave for my entire bridal party. read more

I went in on 6/20/2014 for a no chip manicure and regular pedicure. My pedicure was the worst I've ever received. Normally, the technician works on my cutlcles and callus'. She used a foot file for my foot, but never even touched my toes where the callus' are really bad. She used a cuticle remover, pushed the cuticles back and scraped some off. That was about it. The foot massage was minimal at that. As for my no chip manicure. It was like a child was applying my color on my nails. I did have a smudge on one of my thumb nails that was not noticed until I got home. Returned and she had no clue how it happened. Every other place I have gone to, there is lotion applied at the end. I got nothing!!! I paid the exact same price as other salons for a no chip with little done. I will return to my previous salon that offers way more for the same price and a better manicure. On a good note, the salon was very clean and the room they used was glass enclosed for privacy. I paid $70.00 for my services and they were not worth my hard earned money. read more

I've had my hair done here for weddings and it OK. I decided to get a french tip manicure and it was a total disaster. The manicurist/stylist kept smudging the lines and wouldn't clean up the polish she left all over my fingertips. She was very nice mind you, but she struggled through the entire manicure (spilling polish, changing the color, etc). I kept wondering if she was going to do a final look and clean-up the mistakes and bare spots on my fingernails where she didn't smooth out the polish, but she didn't. I didn't say anything because if she didn't know as much as to make sure the WHITE polish was cleaned off my fingertips, why would I want so sit there and have her redo the entire manicure? read more

safe to say, i'll never go there again. shame on me for not learning from my first experience. allison more or less made me hate my hair color on two separate occasions. first time, i had a giant tiger stripe/streak at the middle of my forehead, on my hairline. this last time, i wanted to go slightly darker... it was like asking for brown and you get jet black. i wanted to make sure i had dimension as well, not just a "bush" or color with my hair texture. she insisted that with all-over-color my previous highlights would "peak" through. yeah, that was a lie. she just was lazy and satisfied with slopping color all over my head, and not having to add foils. i absolutely hate my hair, and don't even recognize myself when i look in the mirror (even though i try to avoid them). i refuse to go back there and have her fix her mistake, because i know she'll just mess it up again. she is unprofessional and needs to get a lesson or two on how to really do color. read more