Alan Koa Salon & Spa

Having just moved from California I was nervous to find a new hairstylist/salon.this place blew me away. from the front desk being so accommodating and kind to the amazing Anna!!! Best color and haircut I’ve gotten in a long time.

I had my make-​up done by Ashley for my son’s wedding. It was just beautiful and lasted the entire day! She did a phenomenal job without making me look fake. Several people commented that I was glowing. I know part of it had to do with me being MOTG, but truthfully my skin looked dewey when Ashley was done. I cannot say enough about how she made me look and feel that day. She was a pleasure to work with, friendly but professional. Wish I could have her do my make-​up every day! Thanks, Ashley for making me feel beautiful.

I spent 6 glorious hours here and I really enjoyed myself!
My husband treated me to an all day mama-​to-​be spa day and boy, did I need it.
First, I got my hair cut. Now, lemme tell you, I am so picky about my hair. This is mostly due to the fact that I haven’t had a good cut for YEARS. The lady who worked on my hair was friendly and talkative and professional. I chopped off around 4 – 5 inches and I can not tell you how happy I am with it! I can’t remember the last time I was happy… or excited about my hair. I now have a cut that is manageable, but sexy. So, now, I have sexy, mama-​to-​be hair!
Next, I had a prenatal massage. The guy who worked on me was very thorough and got all my kinks out. I wanted to cry when it was over. The only thing I would have changed is the amount of talking that was done. He talked more than I preferred which kept me from really being able to drift away. He was super nice though.
After that, I had a spa pedicure with the foot paraffin treatment. Omg, I have never had that before and now, I don’t think I could ever NOT get one! It was theost relaxing part of my day.
From there, I moved on to my manicure in which I hot shellac for the first time. Once again, I will never not get it. Its been a week and the polish looks like it was put on 3 hours ago! As for the manicure itself, I’ve had better. There are a few nails where she missed the sides of my nails and my cuticles could have been groomed better. So, I’d probably skip on the manicure next time I’m here.
All in all, this was a great experience. The prices were… okay. however, had I got this done in my hometow, Chicago, I would have easily paid double. So, I’m happy. I will be returning to get my hair done from now on.

Go to Rebecca for a facial NOW! I honestly got the most amazing facial of my life at this spa. The atmosphere is relaxing and very clean, and they use Dermalogica (which I purchased and my skin has never felt better). Jennifer took the time to ask many questions about my skin and what I wanted to achieve, which I really appreciated. Her technique is spot on and my skin never hurt or burned, which has been my typical experience with facials.
You’ve just got to try this girl, she is a GEM!

I’ve gone here a few times for waxes and they’ve always been very thorough and far less painful than other waxing experiences I’ve had. This would be my go-​to place, if not for their prices. The wax I get is advertised at $ 55 and up. I assumed mine would be $ 55 or $ 60. When I walked up to the desk to pay afterwards, my total was $ 75, before tip. I may have let myself go a bit but this seemed a bit high. It would have been nice to receive a little warning from the esthetician. «Hey, I had to use extra wax to get everything so this one will cost you a bit more,» would have sufficed. After tip, this service ended up costing near $ 100. Seems a bit high for 15 minutes of their time.

I went to the salon to get an updo for a wedding and Hailey was awesome! I showed up late with wet hair and she was super efficient. She was able to work with my short hair (barely shoulder length) to give me a beautiful updo. I received compliments all night.

One of the worst shellac manicures I’ve had. Everyone should know that they need to specifically set an appointment with a shellac manicurist before coming — I attempted to make a walk-​in appointment and had to come back later that evening. They also have a very limited color selection and refuse to do any sort of design besides French, which you also have to call ahead for. The manicure itself took a long time and had noticeable groves/​bubbles in it. For $ 45, I expected a lot more than what I received and will not be returning to Alan Koa. Instead I will be taking my business elsewhere where I can get better quality for much cheaper.

I went for my birthday and lovedddd my gift to myself! I booked a 45 minute massage and then they tacked on a hair style for me, which was a really nice gesture.
The massage is the most important part, though. Jamie was my amazing masseuse. She really pinpointed my problem areas and seemed to know actual ways to help them. It almost felt like an appointment with a physical therapist instead of a relaxing massage. I’d like to come in every two weeks, but the price is hindering … thus the 4 stars instead of 5 for now. I am going to aim for every month to help with my aches, though. Jamie was just so good to me!
Amy styled my hair and she was sweet. She gave me soft curls. I loved them!

After my sister informed me that I HAD to get my roots done, being on vacation I had no idea where to go I just knew I wanted to be downtown. I called Alan Koa and to my surprise they got me in on the same day due to a cancelation, score! I needed a root touch up for my blond hair. I got an appointment with Jody. I was quoted $ 75 on the phone which is on the higher end but was told she was a level 5 stylist. She was very sweet. I got exactly what I wanted and the head massage while getting my hair washed was a huge 5 stars! The place is really beautiful too with the natural light from the windows. I was surprised when I went to check out that my total was $ 90.00. I have never paid this much for a root touch up and it is not like I had a lot of out growth since I just had my hair done 4 weeks ago but I will give it 4 stars because she did my color great but be prepared to spend $$$$$

GREAT SPA!
The staff are warm and professional. The place is really beautiful and clean.
Autumn (hair stylist) was amazing — she really took the time to understand what kind of cut would be good for me and did an amazing job — I am so happy with this style!
Lulu (facial) was also incredible — she did a great and was really nice and I was happy with the products they used — very high quality stuff.
The only reason I gave it four stars was the manicure… it was ok, but not great.
I will definitely come back here the next time I’m in town.

DANIELLE. DANIELLE. DANIELLE.
Sorry, I’m not stalking Danielle (at least that’s not the subject of this inquiry), but I have to get my point across.
DANIELLE!
I am super particular, in all aspects of my life, but also with my hair. I have been through many a boyfriend, many an employer, and many a hairdresser. I now stay quite a bit out of town but will wait the 3 months to get my hair colored (yes, we all know that’s painful) just to be able to have Danielle do it when I’m back in town.
I have been beyond satisfied with her skills with both cuts and color, but especially color. She can do everything — super fine blonde highlights, crazy ombres, Heidi Klum bangs — you name it. Worth both the wait and price.
DANIELLE!

I am one of the many stranded thanks to Hurricane Sandy. After a week of waiting for a flight out, I realized I better go get my hair one because even if we get a flight out, it will be days before we have electricity back home. After attempting another Madison salon and deciding they weren’t going to do, I made an appointment at Alan Koa with Ashley.
Right away I could tell Ashley understood my frizz prone dry hair. She put a Kerastase treatment in it, blew it dry and used the hot iron where necessary (my hair kinks near the scalp, especially in the back). My hair looked AMAZING when she was done! I left super happy and would highly recommend the salon, and Ashley, to anyone! If I can post pic, I will. Haven’t figured out how yet.

The new Alan Koa is fantastic, decorated beautifully and instantly makes me feel calmer and more relaxed when I walk in.
They offer you tea or cucumber water while you are waiting.
Thomas cuts and colors my hair, and its a treat each time I go. He does such a professional job, I trust him 100% with my hair.
Parking used to be difficult at Cameo, but now you can park on the 5^th level of the Dayton St Parking Ramp, and the door leads straight into the salon! It’s great!

Booked a massage here because it was close to the hotel. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by any means with the service in my massage room (that’s why I gave it a 3 instead of a 2). Although, the front desk and «quiet room» service was a little awkward.
It seemed that the people helping out up front had difficulties «taking care» of their clients. I was placed in the «quiet room» to wait for my spa service. As I waited, two different front desk girls continually came through the door to fill up water pitchers, make tea, and replenish glasses. This room was definitely not a quiet room.
Typically, when at the spa, you put your robe on immediately before entering the quiet room. When asked if I could change into my robe (after I was in the quiet room for 20 + minutes), I was told that I could but that I could also do it when I get into the massage room. It seemed like my question was off-​the-​wall and I might have confused the person I was asking the question to.
The overall massage was very good and made up for the sophomoric front desk workers. After the hour was up, I felt so good that I didn’t even pay attention to the help during the check-​out process. I went back to the hotel happy.

Cameo Spa was my go to choice when I was in school at UW. It was a huge treat after final exams to book a decadent nail service or even a massage… I loved the Aveda spa and use it to this day as how I compare all other spa experiences.
The services are what set Cameo apart. With luxurious pedicures, massages and more you are coming here for the experience. I came to Madison to celebrate a bridal shower with a group of friends and we were able to bring our own snacks and champagne and setup in their cozy waiting area. Comfortable seating, soothing music and a faux fireplace set the scene. It was a bit awkward sharing the area with other clients coming in but I’m not sure what an alternative would be.
I LOVED my reflexology service. Lying on a massage table and having someone concentrate solely on your feet is heaven. I would certainly go back for this service alone.
Why not 5 stars? The front desk staff seemed disorganized. When people checked in and checked out they had long lines and one of the girls in the group was kept waiting at the front for a good 15 minutes when she could have been in the waiting area with our group of friends. I don’t think this would keep me from going back here but it is definitely something to be aware of when you’re visiting… just plan a little extra time on both ends.

I think Kristen C. has nailed it with her comment about focusing too much on the spa atmosphere instead of spa RESULTS. Honestly, I’m rarely in the mood for their «relaxation room,» and yeah, that fake fireplace is obnoxious.
I’ve been there twice, both times for pedicures – the first time was probably about two years ago, but they were surprised that I wasn’t in their system when I stopped by on a whim this past Thursday (I suspect they had my name entered wrong – it happens a lot). Anyway, I was happy to find that they could fit me in on short notice, although they told me 10:15 and it was closer to 10:30 when we actually got started. (It probably helped that it was mid-​morning on a Thursday and that entire side of the Square is now under heavy construction.)
Lorelli did my pedi this time and it was a serviceable job, but it was definitely overpriced at $ 45 for a VERY no frills procedure, although Lorelli was nice. Their pedi chairs are not as good as ones I’ve had elsewhere, and there’s very little calf or foot massage included. They have, at least, significantly improved their polish color selection since I was there two years ago, when they seemed astonished that anyone might WANT orange toenails. They have a decent orange-​red-​pink-​purple selection now, and a very few blues and greens. (The receptionist seemed pretty excited about their new OPI collection, which did have fun bright colors although I could do without the East Asian fetishizing polish color names – I’m not blaming Cameo for that.)
One thing that they mentioned when I was leaving is that they’ll do «free» polish changes in between pedicures if you schedule another one in advance. I’m sure a tip is expected for this service, but it’s still nice to know that I could switch the colors every week or two in between monthly pedis. I might go back again for that, and the convenient location.
Another note: they will give cash back on credit cards, so you don’t need to make sure you have tipping cash before you go (unless you’re getting a «free» polish change, I guess).

I haven’t been overly impressed with Cameo. Overall, I would describe the place as fine, hence the 3 stars.
The pros:
–they offer a variety of price ranges for haircuts
–the facility is nice, especially if you are getting a spa service
–free bang trims if you are a regular customer
–no hard sell on products
–massages were usually average or above
The cons:
–haircuts are more like average or below, whether I pay $ 35 or $ 65
–service is a little pretentious
–closed on Sunday

The first time I went to Cameo was when they were still on Pinkney. I always had great service and loved the vibe of the spa. Very relaxing.
After the moved to their current space, I’ve had 2 not-​so-​great massages. One was a regular massage. Not the best. Furthermore, I listened to banging of doors, etc. in the room next to me! So irritating!
The last massage I had there was a pregnancy massage. It sucked. The woman barely touched me, had me lay at an angle on my back and repeatedly asked if I wanted my feet rubbed. I said no and she did it anyway! She finished the massage before the time was up (I guess that wasn’t totally horrible considering). I’d recommend other places, but don’t go to Cameo!

I am modifying my previous post for one very simple reason — Cameo charges you whatever they wish and Melissa Simon, the Guest Manager, reserves the right to refuse to tell you how much things cost beforehand so they can rip you off to their heart’s content later on. No kidding, a much nicer-​sounding iteration of this is actually their stated policy.
I booked my wedding party there for hair and makeup on my wedding day. The price was quoted at around $ 600 for four women including the bride. When I went in for my trial hairdo I was told it could be literally hundreds more. But nobody would tell me how much more. In fact, by the time I was done emailing with Melissa, as it turns out the BARE MINIMUM of the cost was $ 600. What I was told, in essence, was that Cameo’s prices are based on the whim of the designers. How do they themselves determine the prices of their services? This is a black box, if you’re a customer. Frankly, it’s probably a black box if you’re Melissa Simon, as well. Melissa’s most amazing statement: «If you can get past the issue of cost, I think you could have a good experience with us.» Are you kidding? One does need to plan out a wedding budget in advance.
Come on, Cameo you doofs. Why not change your policy to be like EVERY OTHER SALON IN THE WORLD and just charge by the time something takes, the service in question, and the experience level of the stylist? It causes people NOT TO HATE YOU.
It’s a spa, and it’s supposed to be relaxing, and there’s nothing less relaxing than walking out all ticked off because you just got stuck paying a bill that was much more than you had been led to believe it would be. That goes double on your wedding day. We canceled our wedding block at Cameo and rebooked at a salon willing to give a price range for services, but I look forward to looking at Cameo’s website and seeing some positive changes in the future.

I got into town early and needed a pedicure for my meeting and shoes for tomorrow. The hotel recommended that I try Cameo (which has moved and is at 10 w. Mifflin St phone 608−284−1956). They were able to get me in for their last appointment, beginning at 8:15 pm.
I am so thrilled that they could. I have a new home away from home spa!
I lucked out and had Marina as my technician. Despite it being the end of the day, Marina did not rush me. I had a chance to chill in the quiet room before– great chaise lounges, crackling simulated fire going in the fireplace and relaxing music. Once it was my turn, the good things kept coming! They offer new massage chairs, and Aveda products.
My feet are dancing with joy. I had an outstanding paraffin pedicure– my toes have not looked better in a long time. To top it off, I received coupons for my next visit– 10% off. It was well worth the price (45 $, but I think I got a special deal) and much less than I would have paid at home. I am now working my schedule to make sure I have time to visit when I am back in town in a couple of weeks.
THANKS CAMEO and Marina especially! It was outstanding!