THORPS haircuts & color

THORPS has a wonderful atmosphere and inviting service. Francis cut my hair and did a phenomenal job. She was very knowledgable about curly hair and created a very positive experience. Thank you!

To start with, I have very curly hair and NEVER like my hair whenever I get it cut. Until now! Frances cut and styled my hair and honestly, my hair has never looked so good. She really took the time to really listen to my hair concerns and even helped me with styling tips. The environment inside is busy and sorta dizzying, but when you sit with your stylist, it’s all about you and everything else just fades away. I am so happy I went to THORPS, and I am actually excited to go back and get my hair cut and colored by Frances again (seriously, I have never said that about any haircut, ever)! Thank you Frances!

Kenna is the best. I won’t go to anyone else now. She makes cutting hair seem so effortless and natural. I’m always left with a versatile haircut that looks good styled or not styled. If you have short hair or are thinking of going from long to short then Kenna is your girl. She even stayed past closing one night to finish up my haircut because I changed my mind halfway through. She books up fast but I wouldn’t risk going to anyone else so plan ahead and make your appointment!

This is honestly THE WORST cut I’ve ever had. My hair is an uneven mess. The «framing» was a hack job. I walked out a frizzy mess, you can guarantee no one can do a blow out here. I would go back for a correction, but there’s no way they are touching my hair again.

Thorps has been my go-​to salon for the past three years. I’m very low maintenance as far as hairstyling goes, and I’ve found that Frances is a stylist that doesn’t push products and respects clients like myself who are a «wash and go» type. I enjoy Frances as my primary stylist, though she can be booked out for weeks. Depending on my level of planning, I’ve gotten standard haircuts from other stylists who are equally talented.
I love the online scheduling feature! My only complaint is in communication from the front desk staff to clients. I had a bang trim scheduled, showed up on time, and checked in. Front desk staff asked me to have a seat. I waited patiently for 20 – 25 minutes before asking the front desk staff what was going on. Apparently a haircut was mis-​booked, and needed more time that was allotted. No problem, I can understand that — just don’t make me wait unnecessarily when I could have re-​booked upon arriving or at least been better prepared to wait. I was willing to brush it off as a one time mishap, and haven’t experienced any scheduling or communication issues since that point.
Thorps is definitely the best option for high-​quality stylists at a range of pricing options!

I will start by saying that the colorists and stylists here do great work. I came in last summer to get a nice purple balayage-​style look and I LOVED it! Jesc really understood my vision and made it come alive!
That being said, I’m docking stars because of my experience with the scheduling staff. I got a phone call about a week before my scheduled appointment because there was some confusion about what sort of treatment I wanted for my color and it took nearly a week’s worth of phone calls to get it straightened out. The scheduler was incredibly cordial and friendly, but didn’t seem to understand what sort of adjustments she needed to make and would ask if she could get back to me later. When she didn’t, I called back to see if an update had been made, but alas, no changes. This happened 2 – 3 times. We finally got things sorted out, but that’s still time spent that I won’t get back.
Additionally, BE ADVISED that they take the 10 minute late rule VERY seriously. I got the call from the scheduler as I was parking my car and was told there was no longer enough time for my appointment and it would need to be rescheduled. However, the appointment I booked included a 10 minute color consult so I asked if I could just forego that and just get my scheduled haircut since, mathematically, that makes up for the time they lost. Nope. I understand the purpose of the rule and I respect them for wanting to stick to their promises to other customers, but this seemed a bit unreasonable since I was literally outside the salon at the time.
Again, fantastic work, but –1 star for each sub-​par scheduling experience as my opinion of thorps as a business is now soured.

I cheated on my hairdresser of 8+ years due to recently moving right down the block from Thorps. I went to Quinley from a friend’s recommendation and not only did she give me the exact cut I asked for, but she really took the time to perfect it. Though I love my former hair stylist, I think Thorps is now my go-​to place. Highly recommend!

After my less than stellar experience with Union Hair Parlor, I decided to give THORPS the good old college try.
I would have given them ⁴⁄₅ stars and will likely change the review after my next appointment, but after a small booking issue I was slightly annoyed. But the staff and my experience at THORPS rectified that and I will be going back for sure!
Best advice when it comes to booking, just call!
So I go in with this grow out, fade out mess that was left over from my experience at UHP. I explained to Jesc who is GREAT, AMAZING about my experience there and what was horrible about it and what I was looking to get out of my experience at THORPS.
She was great! I was offered beverages and asked if I need anything at all several times. She and I went over the root touch up and the hair cut that I was looking for. We settled on a mix of colors and she knew exactly what she was talking about because the color came out amazing. The cut was equally fantastic as well. My hair has movement and body and it was just as «short» as I wanted it to be. Even though we just did a root touch up, Jesc made sure to blend the color in with the existing and you cant even tell! It really does look amazing and I am so happy with the work that she did.
Let’s address the hipster issues that have been brought up. Y’all know that the Willy Street area is trendy, hippy, and that whole vibe. I expected the salon to be a little stuffy but it really isn’t. (I tend to HATE people who just want to toss their hipster ness in your face). Give Thorps a shot. After all the other clients and the reception aren’t the ones cutting your hair!

I tried Thorps for the 1^st time recently, when my stylist/​colorist of many years abruptly quit her salon and i needed to see someone within a week. I was set up to see Leah, a new employee. It made me nervous, seeing someone new, as I’d been alternating between highlights and lowlights, combined with keeping my roots dark. I explained the end-​goal to Leah and I have to say she ROCKED it. My first reaction was that there were more highlights than i expected (I maybe didn’t explain quite right), making me look blonder than i intended but after the surprise wore off, I really liked the end result. Everything is blended beautifully! I would highly recommend Leah for color!

I enjoy getting my haircut at Thorps. The atmosphere is pretty hipster/​trendy – but you also see a lot of non-​hipster clientele as well and no one is really out of place.
I’m not very picky about my stylist and usually am only getting a trim so it doesn’t make a huge difference to me. I really like how when you book online you can see the experience and price for each stylist and then choose who you want to see. I find their prices to be very reasonable, you can get a good haircut including shampoo and style for about $ 30.
They offer water, soda, and PBR while you get your haircut which is a nice touch.

I had been super excited to make an appointment at Thorps for the longest time but just hadn’t gotten around to it. I booked my appointment online and was surprised at how quickly I was able to get in!
I had a color consultation with Quinley and she was so super nice! Plus, I love the general vibe when you walk in the door. Can’t wait for my appointment next Monday!
I’m sure I will have more lovely details to add to my review after my appointment.

I went to THORPS after a google search of Madison hair salons and mostly chose it based on the fact that I like going to places where you can choose your stylist based on experience/​price and they had what I felt was reasonable prices for the services I needed.
I was getting a women’s haircut and standard all over color and chose a stylist that was in the lower price range but had been working there for a long enough time that I felt comfortable. She also had curly hair in her picture on the website which usually makes me feel better about getting my own curly/​unruly hair cut.
The atmosphere of THORPS is overall friendly and funky. It seems like a gathering place for hipstery people who want funky haircuts which doesn’t exactly describe me, but I still felt comfortable there. My overall experience was… interesting. My stylist was not very chatty and only asked me about three questions during my 2 hours there. This was new for me as I am used to hair stylists being pros at small talk and getting me to tell them my life story while they transform my hair. While I kind of liked this because I wasn’t emotionally exhausted and talked out after getting my haircut, I realized that it also means that she had zero context for the kind of life I live and how that might influence the haircut I needed. I decided that it was actually kind of important to me that my stylist understand how I do my hair and what kind of maintenance I give it.
So on to the hair cut and color. I have my favorite stylist ever in Indiana that I went to for 5 years in college and understands me on practically a spiritual level. It’s tough to get compared to her, I understand. But I most recently went to my Indiana stylist and got an awesome angled bob that worked perfectly with my curly hair. I asked my THORPS stylist to essentially keep the style, but shorten it up because it had grown out. I wanted to keep the length in the front and angle it back from there with framing the hair around my face so I can scrunch and go in the morning. What I ended up with was an overall bob that has no distinguishable angle and feels a bit like a soccer mom cut. It does have good layers in it, so it’s not the worst haircut in the world, but ultimately it’s not what I wanted and asked for.
Now THORPS does have the policy that you can come back within the next few days to get anything trimmed or fixed if you realized that it’s not working, but let’s be honest. Who actually does this??? I have a busy life and it’s hard enough scheduling a haircut in the first place. Plus, if I don’t like something that you have done the first time, I don’t really trust you to fix it the way I want the second. And even though she asked me at the end if I liked it, after spending 2+ hours there after work and not having eaten dinner yet, I’m not about to ask her to spend another 30 minutes changing something.
Overall: I didn’t like my stylist and I won’t be going back to her. It wasn’t terrible but 3 weeks later, I’m not happy with my haircut. Other people seem to have had good experiences with other stylists though so I don’t want to discredit the entire salon. I’m still trying to decide if I should give someone else at THORPS a try or if the 4.5 hour drive to Indiana is worth it for my hair stylist soulmate.

Booked a haircut with Sadie through their online booking system, which was easy to use. Showed up on time, was not offered any beverages. Sadie was professional, but not very chatty. Wash, dry, cut all happened in about 40 minutes. Haircut turned out fine, but it was a really simple cut (long bob). I really like the products Thorps carries (Davines), but did not get a very welcoming overall vibe. Maybe I’m not cool enough? Bikers do receive a 10% off discount with their Bike Benefits sticker. Haircut prices are reasonable ($ 25-​$ 30) but also depend on how much experience your stylist has. If you’re looking to spend less money, take a gamble on their intern (s).

I am so happy I found this place! Just moved to Madison and my short hair was getting to mushroom status since I kept putting off a haircut. I was nervous about finding a new place. I stopped a chick with a cute short hairdo at Fête de Marquette and she said, «Go to Thorps», so here I am and it’s AWESOME. I booked an appt with anyone available and landed Hattie — so glad I did! I really enjoyed my time with her. She listened when I blabbed without any real direction as to what I wanted and made it happen. She is really knowledgable about her profession and the products they use, which are amazing and smell so yum that I can’t wait to run out of the stuff I currently use. She offered me a drink before we started and I was really wanting that PBR, but settled for some caffeinated soda bc I was hungover as ballz. This place has a super relaxed atmosphere, and a young, energetic vibe, but I can’t ever see someone not «fitting in» or feeling like it’s too hipster. I did not get that impression, but look at the neighborhood you’re in…
I’m sure all the stylist are great, but I went in thinking I wanted to grow my hair out bc I look a little ridic and Hattie changed my mind! Love my cut and short hair again.

My girlfriend and I have had nothing but great haircuts here (my girlfriend especially loves Quinley) BUT I’m pretty mad at their customer service. My girlfriend scheduled an appointment with Quinley and when she went in she was told her appointment was next week. OK mistakes happen, I figured she might have messed up scheduling it somehow and shrugged it off. Fast forward to the week after, my girlfriend comes in again and the girl at the front desk tells her she doesn’t have an appointment at all. What I find really irritating about this is the fact that the same girl had specifically told her last week that that’s when her appointment was. Instead of trying to squeeze her in the same day the girl at the desk asks my girlfriend if she’d like to come back in tomorrow. Seriously? Thorps is kind of far from our apartment so of course she said no to coming in for the 3^rd time in two weeks.
We called to complain and I’m pretty sure the person who answered the phone was the same girl who made the scheduling mistake because they blamed the mistake on the computer (which is doubtful) and while they apologized, they made no effort to right the situation. I’m sad to say this but I think I’m done coming here until they make a meaningful effort to right what undoubtedly was a screw up by their front desk.

This is my go to hair spot in Madison. i refuse to go anywhere else to get my haircut. I usually go to Jesc for my color (partial highlights) and she does a great job! I naturally have really dark brown hair (basically black), and she’s gives me the perfect blonde/​brown blend!
I also recently made a last minute appointment to cut my hair short with Josh. Let me start off by saying I’ve had LONG, super straight hair since 2011. Josh cut off about 6 inches, and it looks AMAZING! He added the right amount of layering to give my hair some volume. I got tons of compliments from my friends, and I definitely inspired a few to chop their hair off as well!

Duh– going to Thorps is a no-​brainer. While on occasion it can be annoying that I’m unable to get in at the drop of dime, it’s for good reason, so keep in mind that you’ll want to re-​book following your appointment.
I no longer make the mistake of going elsewhere as I prefer the ice cold beer, friendly faces & competency offered at Thorps… so, I decided to update my review as I noticed a couple that were not so great.
1) If another salon jacked your hair, you cannot expect an impossible & magical outcome as corrections are a process (this I know as I am guilty!)
2) Pay attention to pricing. Meaning a $ 25 haircut & a $ 50 haircut are a reflection of experience. If you expect a $ 50 haircut then pay for one.
3) I have short hair & not everyone is great at cutting it… So do yourself a favor & ask a receptionist which stylist specializes in your type of hair, especially if you’re difficult to please… I certainly am– so own it & do your homework.
I suspect if these steps are followed, hair happiness will be the result. Thorps is a locally owned shop with a nice neighborhood feel… won’t go anywhere else and I’m picky!

5 stars for Josh, who gave my fine, unbodied hair the most stunning ‘do it’s ever had! I had bangs when I was younger and had been hesitant to rock them ever since because of how flat my hair can be. But I talked to him about what I wanted to do, and he knew exactly how to execute. I couldn’t be more happy with how my cut turned out, especially for the price!
Thorps is the place to go if you want to do something new with your hair. I have a friend who likes to experiment in that realm and she recommended I go here. I would recommend it to anyone! And ask for Josh if you have fine hair like me.
My only complaint is that the hair washing stations are pretty uncomfortable, but that’s not enough to keep me away. I will be back.

Frances, you are a doll! Thank YOU for reading my mind and working your magic.
The place has changed since I was last here. I walked in and was so confused because I swore I’d been here before but… it didn’t look the same.
The check-​in desk is in the center, which made me realize that the place had a more open concept than before. It used to be separate with the barbers on one end of the place, but this was a great new look.
Aside from the fact that it’s like 0.2 seconds from my house, I’ve always gotten really great service here and have enjoyed the results of my spontaneous hair-​changing decisions. This is a first for me, y’all!

My comb over is gone! Thank you Claire!
I’m still haunted by my childhood hair cuts. You know, the bowl cuts. the rattail. all of that emotionally scaring good stuff. So I’m generally a little choosy when it comes to where I get my hair done. With a little research I read great things about Claire’s way with men’s locks, so I booked an appointment hoping for the best.
And I got the best.
Although I didn’t exactly get a huge change, Claire definitely helped my ‘do that looked straight out of 1975 by working some sort of miracle with those clippers of hers. While cutting my hair, she carried a nice conversation with me. The awkward small talk about just how darn cold it is outside never happened. I felt very comfortable here.

I’ve just recently started appointments at Thorps. I have difficult hair to style as a man, due to growth direction combined with desired length.
Thorps nailed it first time, I chalked it up to luck but after the second cut it was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Molly, you are fantastic.

Alyssa not only did a great job on my hair, but had wonderful suggestions for me. She took care of my haircut and my beard.
I immediately scheduled another appointment with her in three weeks.

Great service, great vibe, love the place! And what a reasonable price! Only $ 20 – 25 for a ladies haircut.
No need to look further, Frances is the one. She love thick long hair (like mine), and spends like half an hour to blow dry my hair and make sure it looks nice and long. Also, she’s great with layering and giving suggestions for your hair.
Thank you Frances, it has always been a wonderful pleasure to have a haircut with you! I always feel so refreshed after visiting you!

Recommended by a fellow Unilocaler, I have been to Thorps twice within two months. My first stylist was Quinley, who has received raving reviews on Unilocal.She is nice and friendly, during the shampooing she gave me a nice massage and explained which products she used and the purpose of them. Those products left my hair smelling so good!
I brought pictures of the style that I wished to have. I wanted to go from long hair to short hair, so it was quite a big change. I thought my desired length looked pretty obvious in my pictures, they were both clearly way above shoulder length, but for some reason she decided to go with something longer. I thought with the layers they would appear shorter but nope…
Having spent the money I decided to wait a little while before returning again. This time I made the appt with Kenna, who specializes in short hair and edgy cuts, exactly what I wanted. I decided to talk through my hair cut this time, telling her what I wanted at the beginning and also as she goes along.
I love Kenna, she would check in with me to make sure the length is ok, the layers are ok etc. She was also very cool about it when I told her to make adjustments at the end. My resulting short hair with bangs came with nice layers and face framing style. Kenna did a superb job!
I have come to realize that for me, talking through my hair cut is a good way to go. Most asians have a similar set of preferences for hair cut which can be different to what the stylists are used to. But the terminologies are the same regardless of where you originate, so as long as you let them know what you want, they do an awesome job =) The only little thing which I took for granted is that they don’t make your hair ‘thinner’ by default, so I will have to let them know that at my next visit, especially now that summer is approaching.
Also, even though all the stylists at Thorps are professional, they have their specialized areas. If it’s your first time making your appointment, let them know what type of hair your have (curly, short etc) and ask them to pair you up with the best match stylist. Once you have someone you like, you can make regular appointments via the internet online. Great system!

Lou.
You got me.
You got me good.
So good, with your classic barbering technique, that I’m even considering coming in sooner than every four weeks. Crazy, I know, but as you get to know my hair I’m digging where things are going. It’s a happy relationship we’ve created been man and razor. (And locks.) And four weeks seems too long to let you hack at it. The remodel brightens this space up and makes it feel like a hair emporium where creativity oozes from stylists hands. I’m a fan.