I've been going to see Jason, owner and stylist of Muse, for nearly eight years. He has always done a wonderful job with my hair, and provides those extra touches (such as scalp massages and beverages) that make going to the salon a treat as opposed to something you have to do. The space (formerly the original Cha Cha) is brighter and sleeker than the former hodge-podge of colors, and more improvements are on the way. Return business speaks louder than anything, though, especially when it comes to something as personal as hair (be honest - a bad haircut has ruined your day/week/month at least once). I've been going for years and years, and everyone that I can think of that I've recommended see Jason has kept him - several people I know make sure to schedule an appointment when coming back to Madison for a visit if they no longer live here. read more

Hair type: thin, straight, silky and dense which makes it lay flat with no body if not cut right. The struggle is real to find a stylist that you can trust. I spent 5 years after moving to Madison searching for a stylist that didn't butcher my hair or make it look like a cheap cut with no texture and shaping. A male co-worker told me about Jason and that I should go try him out because he was "really good"...he was so good and people loved his styling that quite a few people from our company started going to him because they loved his work! Well that was back in 2007 and only one other person has touched my hair since in that time. Throughout the years we have done many transformations including a bob cut, medium length with layers, long length with layers, highlights, red hair, balaylage and now the most recent purple underneath with blonde highlights on top. In all the years I have gone to Jason, I have always gotten comments on how much people love my hair. Jason is able to create a lot of texture and depth of color. He is a great listener and he's able to look at pictures to see what you like and consult you on what he can do for you based on your face shape & care routine so that your hair works for you. Jason in an extremely kind person and easy to talk to. His main goal is to give you great looking hair that works for you. Really there is no need to search any further...Jason is it in Madison. read more

Kristina has been cutting my hair for a few years now, so choosing her to style my wedding hair was a no-brainer. We practiced my "do" previously, so that we were both on the same page come wedding morning - she even offered up a few unique ideas (bridal headband). The end result turned out better than I could have even imagined! She came to our hotel, styled my bridesmaids' hair and then worked with the natural texture of my wavy/curly hair to style it to my liking. Highly recommended - professional, prompt and personable. read more

Muse Independent Styling - Bridal updo by Kristina - Hair Salons Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I rarely write reviews but Jason was so great he is worthy of 5 stars. I went to Jason for a cut and highlights. I failed to mention to Jason + Muse staff that I have very long, thick, dense hair...and a lot of it. Jason spent so much time, energy and effort on my mop, I think he put 100 foils in my head. He kindly moved around his schedule so he could spend 4 hours (no joke) on my hair. The color is flawless and the cut is one of the best and most flattering I have ever received. To put it simply, Jason is for anyone young, modern, and open to change. He's truly a creative, has such a great eye, and he's fun company! I highly recommend him and his uber nice staff. read more

For a good ten years I got cookie-cutter haircuts at places like Supercuts. I always loathed the clippers-to-the-head approach and shelling out cash for 15 minutes of careless barbarous barbering, but I didn't have the time (or inclination) to seek a true professional. That changed a couple years ago when I found Cortney cutting men's hair (at a different establishment). From the first cut I knew I'd found someone with a special talent - not only for cutting hair but also for making you feel comfortable in places where your average guy might not usually find himself. The cut is always stellar with Cortney. The truth is that I rarely know what I want my hair to look like. I provide not very helpful suggestions and somehow Cortney turns them into a style and cut that blow me away. I've followed Cortney to various other shops and ultimately to MUSE because she is just. that. good. Dudes, if you're tired of the chop shops like Supercuts or just looking to upgrade your style, come to MUSE and ask for Cortney. Maybe you'll thank me for the recommendation. Maybe you'll jump onto Yelp and write a review, too. Update: Since February 2015, Cortney is no longer working at MUSE. She has started her own business, Bluejay Barbering, out near Greenway Station. Find her on Facebook. read more

I'm also a fan of Jason's cut. I like being able to completely trust his talent - I usually only have a very vague and general idea about how I want my cut, but somehow Jason can transform my blab-blab into the hair style that looks great and easy to maintain. That's a pro job. I just recommended Muse to my friend, and she was very satisfied with the service and the result. Yeay. read more

I've lived in Madison for a over a year now, so I figured it was time to find my go-to, solid kick-ass stylist with a cool and convenient space--Muse fits the bill perfectly! Formerly the downtown Cha Cha location, Muse was recently opened by stylist and owner Jason Heussner. Jason effortlessly performed nothing short of a miracle last night in saving my hair from certain winter death. Now it's sassy, layered, and on the road to repair with the help of the Bumble and Bumble product I picked up on my way out. The space is an industrial-chic, work-in-progress, and it's clear that Jason and crew have been working tirelessly to transform it (notice the gorgeous new shelves that Jason designed himself!) They're even planning to host art shows there in the near future. I recommend scheduling a late afternoon/early evening appointment, and then taking your new swanky 'do next door to the Underground Kitchen for a cocktail or two. That's what I did, where I was promptly approached by a very friendly guy (who I promptly informed that I was married). Nonetheless, I'd say the haircut is doing its job quite nicely so far :) Thanks, Muse! read more

I am incredibly picky when it comes to finding a stylist, and when I find one I like I stick with them for as long as humanly possible. I was lucky enough to find Jason shortly after moving to Madison and haven't looked back. I know little to nothing about what would look good on me and almost always put the decision-making about my cuts in the stylist's hand. Jason has done an amazing job every time, and I've really come to trust him. My last two cuts have been especially good- I went short for the first time in a while and was a little apprehensive about it, but his cuts were fantastic and have grown out really well. Yay for amazing stylists! read more

Pricey but really good haircuts. They also sell some nice products. I would recommend it once if you've been getting sports cuts your whole life. Your haircut could look much nicer for a higher price. read more

I'm a guy and have always had a hard time finding a go-to place to get my haircut. I've had it cut at Muse a total of four times now, and I've really enjoyed the results every single time. I recommend going to Cortney if you're a guy. She's super nice and always knows how to make it look the way I ask. The only problem I've had is that it's really hard to contact them via phone. On several occasions I've called four to six times over the course of several hours, and I'll still be sent to voicemail. I end up getting in touch eventually, but it's just a pain. I'd suggest that they get a system online for scheduling appointments. Always call much ahead of time. I often only can get appointments for 2-3 weeks out. Overall great place. read more

I went in for my first haircut in several months and thought I'd treat myself to some highlighting. I saw all the fabulous reviews and thought that despite looking a little pricey, I'd go try this place- I've lived in the area a while and I just want a place Ican depend on! I wanted a little natural blonde highlighting on my simple, light brown hair and a hairstyle I could wear down without much maintenance. Easy, right? But... Pros: Great scalp massage, relaxed atmosphere. When I left I felt okay about the cut and color, and figured I'd get used to the change over a few days. Cons: It took nearly FOUR HOURS. FOUR. HOURS. In the middle of a weekday. Once the foils were on, I was trapped like that for AN HOUR AND A HALF. I budgeted for an hour and a half total, two tops- I'm glad I don't have a job where I'd be fired if I came in that late. It cost $150. not unreasonable it if were an awesome haircut, but quite a chunk of change for "meh" My coworkers commented that it looked like a $5 haircut. For reference I work somewhere where we wear jeans, sneakers, and a ponytail. My boyfriend said it looked like a kindergartener went at my head with safety scissors. Normally he might notice it after a day or two, but this time he thought I'd try to cut it myself. The color has changed from a lighter brown/blonde color to ORANGE. The layers are awful. They are lopsided around my face and I'm finding myself pulling it back into a ponytail constantly so I can avoid having to look at it. Jason kept commenting on how thick my hair was. Not how I usually hear it, in a complementary way, but as though I should apologize for making it so much work for him. Talking about how he's going to need to shovel up my hair off the floor after honestly made me feel really bad about myself. I tried to joke back about it while it was happening, but it was hurtful to feel like a shaggy dog going in and end up looking like one coming out. Needless to say, I won't be going back. If you are thicker-skinned and thinner- scapled, have 4 hours to give from your day, have money to burn through, and like the kind of style I described, you might be interested in going. I, however, am looking to find somewhere else that can fix what was done there. read more

Jason offers men's haircuts that are considerably nicer than your standard $25 barber cut. Yes, they cost more, but the quality of what you get is significantly better. I'm also someone who like to change it up every now and then, and Jason has learned my hair well enough that he can help me pick a new look that will actually work. If you're bored with a barber cut, try a haircut at muse. read more

Let me begin by saying that I am visiting Madison from NY and got stuck here because of Hurricane Sandy. I have been working out at the hotel and my hair, which is long, curly and tends to frizz, Is in need of attention. I tend to wear it straight but I have had really good blowout where it wasn't pin straight yet looked healthy, shiny and didn't frizz, so I realize this is possible. Ok, I needed to preface my review with all that background. I walk in this morning and explain my need for a wash and blowout. They were nice. They said they were booked today (Halloween) and he even offered to have my hair done by his assistant. So far so good. I was even excited because they use Bumble and Bumble. Great. Then I asked if they flat iron hair. Because the salons on the East coast generally know that hair like mine will frizz seconds after a blowout unless they seal the cuticle with good product and a hot iron. They said they don't have one. He said the one he had broke. What?! They are booked solid today and the only hot iron they had is broken??? Well, I ran from there because that tells me one of two things. The lesser evil a) they just didn't want to deal with my special hair care needs on a busy day...fine. or worse, b) they really don't have except the one ,recently broken, hot iron. Which means if you have curly or frizzy hair, they are probably not used to dealing with your kind of hair. So this review is for anyone with this sort of hair that might be considering them. It may be unfair of me but I wouldn't trust it. Gonna try another Madison salon and will review them later. read more

I have been seeing Jason for 7 years! I have been stopped on the streets from Madison to Union Square in NYC and asked who cuts my hair. I've been asked my make-up artists, hair dressers, friends, and strangers. Recently, after a year of growing my hair out, I was shopping at Hilldale for an upcoming trip, and in a last-minute, horrible decision, said to myself "hm, Great Clips... how bad could they mess up a simple trim?" Famous last words as far as my hair was concerned. Jason saved me and didn't even chastise me! He is the best best best. When I can wake up in the morning and do nothing to my hair and people still compliment it? Good cut. When I can not wash it for days on end and people still compliment it? Good cut. When I can have the same 6 bottles of bumble and bumble products that I've never used up because my hair just looks that good on its own? Awesome cut! This cut I have right now? Awesome. And my trip to NV was just that much better because of it! I will never stray again. Go to Muse! You will not be disappointed. Jason is talented. As one make-up artist once told me "Well he's clearly doing what he should be doing," as in, he is working a very honed talent (and I am reaping the benefits)! read more

This place is awesome and I would recommend you ask for Jason. If you are familiar with Paul Melville, Warren Tricomi, or Cutler Salons in NY, you will be happy here. read more

I've never been so happy with a hair cut. Period. I can't believe this is real. He can fix a bad haircut, or just do something amazing with what you have. Seriously, I'm in awe and I'm still not sure if it was all just a dream. read more

Jason gave me a great haircut. I went in and asked for a few things, and he gave me everything I asked for. It looks great and I can style it at home read more

I'm not sure what happened with this place but all the staff are now gone except for the owner. I went in because, hey, the owner should be top notch... but he cut 4 inches off my hair when I only wanted a trim. He seemed to get carried away talking and just kept cutting, even though I asked multiple times if maybe he was taking too much off. Was pretty unhappy about that. I found another salon. read more

When I first came to Madison, I was an Aveda salon junkie. However, I read a lot of great reviews about Muse so I decided to try it out. Jason, the salon owner, is extremely personable and always remembers me (even though I see him only once every 6 months!) Jason does both a wet and dry cut and that makes ALL the difference. I don't even have to blow dry my hair for it to perfectly shape my face! While the price may seem expensive to the average budgeting consumer, I firmly believe that it is well worth it because of the quality of service. I recommend this salon to all of my college friends! read more

Great Hair! And New Phone number & address: 608-556-4508 at 520 University Avenue, Suite 227.

I went to the salon with long tendrils and wanted to donate the hair. Although the salon doesnt personally do hair donations, they were more than helpful in getting the details and providing me the information to do the donation. Also the hair cut I got was FABULOUS... It was edgy and very different from what I had and Jason was super cool. Loved the place and the people.. :) read more

I have been in search of a hair place since moving yo WI from Chicago and while in Madison realized I was overdue for a trim, found this place via yelp and they fit me in last minute. Tierney did a great job and I will be back. read more

I moved here from Boston about 3 months ago. I went to one salon in Madison that turned my hair orange. I have very dark hair and wanted blonde highlights so I was at the salon for almost three hours yesterday. Kristina did not want me to use the dryer to accelerate my lightening time to prevent more hair damage. She's patient and knows what she's doing. She listened and gave me exactly what I wanted and what I was use to. This salon is not for the low maintenance, it's a little on the expensive side for this city but it's worth it. Although I've only been here once, you get the impression you come here for a hair style and not just a simple buzz cut (judging from the men who were there). I've heard two of the hardest things to find when you move is a new dentist and a new hair salon. I have found my new hair salon in Madison! I already booked my next appointment. read more

After struggling to find a good salon when I was living in Minneapolis (and never succeeding), it was a welcome change to find such an amazing salon on my first try here in Madison. Jason is simply fantastic! As many others have said, he just knows what to do with your hair. He knows what works for you and he listens to what you want. He's also really easy to talk to, and I say that as someone who is generally a super-awkward human being. I also love that they carry Bumble and Bumble products at this salon. All in all, I am super happy with my haircut (as a point of reference, I have wavy/curly hair) and super happy with this salon! read more

Disastrous. I booked an appointment 3 or 4 weeks ago with Jason, but when I came for the appointment, I was told the booking was only an opportunity to have an appointment. I lost 45 minutes, parking $, and was not given any reasonable accommodation to reschedule in the next two weeks. The person who schedules appointments had made a mistake and called the wrong client the day before, and cancelled the appointment without letting me know. This was unprofessional. I have never had such an experience in the many years I've gone to different hair salons in many cities. read more

Just had my haircut an hour ago and already two strangers have complimented the cut. Jason's work is the best in town. He really understands how to make wavy, unruly hair look fabulous. Plus, the scalp massage, complimentary coffee and hip setting makes one feel they are getting the star treatment. read more

My hair is next to impossible to cut, and one wrong move will completely destroy my curls and make them poofy. I've always been hesitant to try a new salon because half of the time the stylist makes it seem like I have 80's hair. After reading all the positive Yelp reviews for Muse and Jason, I decided to give it a try, and now I'm never going anywhere else. He completely transformed my hair and I've gotten nothing but rave reviews about it since I got it cut. I went in with long, limp hair with a load of split ends and came out with the best haircut of my life. I'm recommending this place to everyone I know. read more

I first found Jason by asking someone who's hair looked wonderful where she got it cut. That was 2.5 years ago and since then, I have consistently been pleased with the way my hair looks and grows out. So much so that I recommended my boyfriend and mother to try him out, and they are now regulars. Check out his newly renovated space at 520 University Ave. read more

Jason is a terrific stylist and an awesome guy. He's rebuilt his shop at 520 University Ave near UW Madison following a major fire in his former building downtown. Treat yourself to a tremendous cut as well as Bumble and Bumble products. He's been cutting my hair for more than 4 years. read more

anyone (well, almost, but we won't go there) can make you look good walking out of the salon. or you can easily find a place to get a cut that looks great for a week or two. but when you find someone that makes you look great that day, a week later, a month later, whatever-- that's a treasure. i have a really full head of impossibly wavy, thin hair and a lot of frizz. my only 3 criteria are that i be wash 'n' wear, that it grows out well, and of course, that it be cute. Jason has never let me down. i've been going to him for at least 6 years and counting. read more

I went to Cortney for a few weeks before moving from Madison to Chicago and she's the absolute best. Definitely a caring barber who thinks highly of her client's and does a great cut. She's happy, warm, funny, a great conversationalist. I had my best experience at a barber with Cortney. If you're gay in Madison you got to go to her! I will miss her a ton. read more

During my last appointment with Jason, we realized he has been cutting my hair for seven years. When I first moved to Madison in 2006, I set up several consultations with stylists. While some were judgmental about how my hair was currently cut (not helpful), Jason made me feel comfortable and asked me what I liked and didn't like about my current cut. I made an appointment with him right away and have not looked back. I trust him so much with my hair that he is still my go-to guy even after moving to another country. Yes, he is that good. read more

Beware! I read all the raving reviews about the wonderful haircuts so I gave MUSE a try. It was the worst haircut I have had in a long time. I couldn't wait to get a new haircut and I am very happy with the one I got from HAIR on Monroe Street recently. I really wanted to love this place but I can't. Sorry. read more

I followed Kristina from her prior salon. Really like her haircuts and easy-going nature. I definitely recommend her to guys looking for a nice cut. She helped me change over to a new look that I like a lot. Even let me bring my bike inside when I forgot my bike lock! Not that Muse wants to be a bike parking lot but very friendly! read more

I moved here having lived in Nashville and Dallas. Jason is one of the best stylists I've EVER worked with! He takes the time to get to know you and your style and makes good recommendations. The prices are lower than average - not sure what people in WI are used to paying for a fabulous hair cut :) Will definitely go back! read more

Good haircuts, terrible service. Doesn't answer the phones, or call back when I left a message. I had to personally go in to make an appointment. Then one time he said he would call me about making a quick appointment, but never did. I don't recommend coming if you want someone dependable. read more

Just very disappointed with the cut. I asked to remove about 4 inches including some of the split ends from my layers. She cut into the hair creating tons of split ends. Not happy and not worth the $50 read more