Genre Hair Studio

Joseph is first-rate. He has an eye for the best cut for a person given hair type, texture, face shape, profession, age, etc. He always does a great job with my hair cut, color, and style. His newly updated space is fresh and funky. more

I get so many compliments on my hair. Joe is very talented and spends time getting just the cut just right. more

There's a reason I've been a client of this stylist for 12+ years: his is a first class hair salon in every way. Joe always provides an excellent cut & color at a reasonable price, is very personable and professional, and his shop is charming. As other reviewers have stated, I'm frequently complimented on my hair in the days following each visit. Joe definitely "knows his stuff," and I've come to value and trust both his skills and opinions when thinking about "changing things up" with color or the style of my cut. In my experience, Joe goes out of his way to accommodate his clients and is flexible where his schedule permits while also being extremely reliable; in more than a dozen years of monthly service, he's asked that I reschedule just once (due to illness), well in advance of our appointment. Some reviewers have expressed concern about the size and cleanliness of the shop, but I disagree. The shop may seem small compared to your typical mall salon (with its crowded waiting area and long row of chairs, not to mention the attendant noise and bustle), but it is just the right size for the kind of tasteful, personal experience Joe provides. The shop is stylishly well appointed and the atmosphere relaxing while not without its idiosyncratic charms; I love the snow dome collection! Ruth writes of an overflowing "garbage can" but there is simply a wastebasket tucked beneath the sink, and I've never felt the space was unclean or messy. In fact, I would recommend a visit to www.genrehairstudio.com, which features photos that truly reflect the quality and character of the shop. In short, there is nothing generic about Genre Hair Studio, and it is highly recommended. more

Joe is excellent with style. I am constantly bored with my hair, and he seems to be able to reinvent me enough that he has done my hair for over a decade. I always receive compliments as he seems to be able to make me look great over the years and thru 2 pregnancies. He just has an ability to style and color in a way that looks fresh but not age inappropriate. I am unsure about the comments about messiness as he always has fresh flowers, and I have never seen hair on the floor except if I have walked in while he is finishing another client. more

Nice guy with years of experience. Knows hair. Badly needs a cleaning service as the floor is covered with snips of hair from previous clients, garbage can overflows and all surfaces are dingy looking. A fresh coat of paint and maid service would hugely improve the look and feel of the space and that would enhance the experience. Owner is competent but messy. more

I wonder what Yul is actually talking about. I've had Joe cut my hair for the past 3 years and I agree, he does know men's styles. I've received numerous compliments on my cuts, and they've changed over the years. Perhaps we've attended a different salon, since his sounds so unfamiliar jf more

Karen H. says: I tried several hair salons when I moved to Madison but until I found Genre Hair Studio I was unable to get a cut and color that I liked. The owner, Joseph Bonardi, is a very talented professional. He takes the time to understand the look that you are trying to achieve and you get that look because he is a gifted stylist. Every time I get a cut and color at Genre Hair Studio, I can look forward to compliments about how great my hair looks. Joseph keeps up with all the latest styles so if you decide you want to try something new he always has great suggestions. I really enjoy his salon. It is very comfortable and the music is very relaxing. I cannot imagine what the reviewer yul s is talking about when she describes the salon as being small. I have more room at Genre’s than I have ever had at other salons where you are cramped up close to the next stylist. If you want a great cut with great color, do yourself a favor and try Genre Hair Studio. You will not be disappointed. more

I agree with Elisabeth M., I have been getting my hair cut at Genre for 7 years and have had several people comment on how good my haircuts are. I'm not sure what reviewer "yul s." meant by a "tiny sink," the sink is the same size as all hair sinks are in salons, and because Joe schedules appointments with time to spare, you always have the space to yourself and are never rushed, even when the appointment before you starts late. One other thing I like: some days I feel like chatting and we have a great time talking, and some days I need to catch up on reading for work or I just feel tired or quiet, and it's perfectly comfortable either way. I have recommended Genre many times and I'm puzzled by the review from "yul s." Oh and one more thing: Joe doesn't sell products, so you're never in that awkward position of feeling obligated to buy something, but he's happy to recommend products for you to buy elsewhere. more

I think the previous reviewer was confusing exclusive with small. Genre Hair Studio is a stylish place with a station that is much roomier than most salons, as well as a waiting area with two comfy chairs and a table bearing lots of magazines. You get private, exclusive, extensive attention, due to the fact that the owner, Joseph Bonardi, is the only stylist. Luckily for Joseph's clients, he is a gifted and experienced stylist, who keeps up with new hair trends, styles, techniques and products. Hair appointments are never rushed. You don't have to share your haircare moments with a row of other clients and stylists (I don't know about you, but I never feel that attractive with the highlight cap on my head). Joseph will listen to what you want, and do exactly what you ask for, or he will be happy to give you some really good suggestions and tips. One of my favorite appointments was when I quit telling Joseph what to do and told him to do whatever he wanted with my hair. Resulted in a cool new look. Also, this isn't the main criterion, but Joseph is an enjoyable guy to talk to. more

Genre Hair Studio is basically a a small (I mean one-client occupancy kind of small) studio complete with a tiny sink and a messy corner. Joseph is a good hairstylist, as in, he tries to listen, but he is only OK in my book. He is pretty good with men's hair though... At $40, he is a tad pricier than the local rate.. more