Phyllis At The Madison

03/06/2008 Posted by fresh14

I cannot believe this place has been in business so long. The receptionists are so rude. Absolutely the most uncaring group of women I've ever come across at a spa. They look at you like you have five heads that are all having a bad hair day. Phyllis...she's a real treat. I overheard her talking about an employee in a very negative tone. So unprofessional. She seems very superficial and definitely has her favorites. I've been there a few times because I loved my nails and the girl who cut my hair, but alas those service providers are gone. There's a man there, who I think must be Phyllis's husband. Not nice. Eye contact would be helpful. And just because I'm not a 60 y.o. Hyde Park socialite doesn't mean I like to be treated like a second rate citizen. You can hang my coat up too while you're at it. The place is too small in the spa area. I could hear the garbage man emptying the dumpster, sirens wailing outside, the girls talking in the salon, the pedicure chair through the wall and someone sneezing. The massage therapist said that it must've been someone in the back office. How can you hear that stuff through all those walls? Terrible. The second massage I had was in a bigger room. The other rooms are so small the therapist had to move the table to get around the facial steamer and chair. I won't be going back. I've told everyone not to go there or get anyone a gift certificate. It's the worst! And those afternoon affair lunches...they come from Bonbonerie, even though they put a sticker on there as if they made it. Just the worst place. Don't waste your money. I agree...the nice reviews must've been written by the very people they're complimenting.

Pros: ...can't think of any.

Cons: too small, too loud, too rude, too expensive

02/22/2008 Posted by debcol

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.

01/17/2008 Posted by a_fengshui_master

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. You have choices, make them with wisdom, as you read reviews they feel like they were self derived, like self promoted and biased. Find balance and positive find Chi.

Pros: I say no.

Cons: Aura, energy, Si Chi

12/04/2007 Posted by 00rfm

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.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: small, overpowering air freshners in bathrooms

11/29/2007 Posted by louben

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.

11/13/2007 Posted by vitru

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. Experience counts and believe you me you sure think that is what you are paying for. 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......

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.

10/08/2007 Posted by kmks1

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. 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.

04/10/2007 Posted by lweb285

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

03/23/2007 Posted by sapphire2613

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!

03/07/2007 Posted by anweber

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