Madison Reed Hair Color Bar Hayes Valley

Kathy — 5/5 (via Google) Mar 10, 2026

I recently visited Madison Reed and had such a warm, smooth experience. I only needed my roots dyed, but what I really appreciated was the thoughtful guidance and feedback about my color choice. The stylist took the time to talk through options and make sure the tone would work well for me. Everything felt organized and seamless from start to finish. By comparison, I’ve been to another location where at times it felt more like an assembly line. This visit was different — attentive, calm, and genuinely customer-focused.

Tanya Bartleson — 4/5 (via Google) Dec 7, 2025

First timer here, and I was a little hesitant after reading the reviews. I went in fully aware this isn't a full service hair salon. The one thing I do wish is that someone explained the self drying area - where things were, where to put dirty towels and drapes, etc. That didn't influence my opinion - I took it as a learning curve. But the colorist was really nice and explained everything to me, worked with my concerns. The shampoo girl was a little impatient with me, but the wash and conditioning were really great, relaxing. Im not disappointed with the results or the process.

Dave and Megan — 5/5 (via Google) Mar 7, 2026

This was my first time at the Madison Reed Hair Color Bar – Hayes Valley. Though I have used Madison Reed (MR) products at home for several years, I made an exception to visit the salon, because it was my birthday, and I wanted perfection. Customer Service and Coloring Skills: I got the perfection that I was hoping for from Evan. She was the “shift lead” and my colorist. When I told her I had been using Ravenna Brown at home, she listened and peeled back my hair with her fingers and pointed out the remnants of different colors applied at home and in past salons. My hair had scattered patches of black, brown, and even reddish shades – and another news, I had nearly 100% grey roots on the top while only 50% grey in the back of my head. Moreover, I had baby grey hairs near the front of the ears, which usually don’t absorb colors well. So, she suggested Parma Black (product ID # 2.5 NNN) instead of Ravenna Brown. Evan parted my hair in the smallest of centimeters and worked both sides and the back of my scalp while carefully applying color. As it turned out, the new color worked much better for me: My hair was radiant, and my greys were covered. Not only was Evan friendly, she also took the time to explain the digit 0.5 and the meaning of the 3 Ns in the color product ID, which had to do with the ability of the color to counteract the (1) resistance of hair to color pigments and (2) the half degree of lightness in the color profile for even blending. As I was waiting the 45 minutes for the color to sink in before shampooing, I saw Evan washing hair and sweeping hair off of the floor in the self-drying section, wherever she was needed. I thought that was impressive for a shift lead and showed the power of teamwork in this place. When it was time for shampooing, I was greeted by Rebecca (I hope I have her name correct. She has long blond-orangey hair. She introduced herself as one of the newest members of the team.) She gave me the most amazing hair (and neck) massage! (No water in my ears!) Rebecca was also very careful to clean the excess color near the border of my hair and face. She also explained that as a newcomer, she was assigned to washing hair to “learn the ropes” (even with background/experience as a colorist elsewhere). This training is a fundamental part of the company’s policies and procedures. As far as head/hair massage goes, Rebecca knew all the right pressure points. Ambience: I must say that the experience was very “spa-like” as you sit in the comfort of your own “chair” (station) with hot tea in hand, while listening to an excellent choice of music (70s-80s). The stations face white wall tiles with a white quartz countertop and grey streaks that covers a long U-shaped bar. Each station has its own phone charging station and shelves for storing personal belongings. The lighting was a combination of natural and strategically placed dim lighting. The whole place was oddly quiet, even with the background humming of hair dryers in the self-hair-drying section, to which I was sitting the closest. For the 45 minutes wait before shampooing, bring or load phone with reading materials. Value: Before the Color Bar experience, I had purchased the MR “Limitless Plus” annual package. It offered one-free root coloring ($90) at any MR Coloring Bar nationwide – to which I took advantage on my birthday. This package also offered 15% off on hair color products, 10% off all services, a small birthday gift, and free shipping. Given the results above, I definitely thought I hit the jackpot. Timeliness and Phone Calls: When I checked in, the place was about three-quarters full. I did have to wait 20 minutes before a colorist came to me. I had put money in the street parking meter for 1.75 hours, and I just hit the mark with 5 minutes to spare. Also, this is a residential area. So, allow for enough time, especially during weekends and holidays.

Christie Meyer — 5/5 (via Google) Feb 9, 2026

First visit to the color bar was great. Colorist Evan was super helpful and the whole experience was easy, efficient and comfortable. Will happily return when my hair needs a touch up!