Madison Reed

I had used Madison Reed color for many years and really loved it. I ordered 2 applications for each shipment. Recently, however, instead of sending 2 separate applications, they began sending 2 tubes of color and only one of the developer, which I was supposed to split for each application. One of the reasons I loved their color was the ease of preparing and applying with consistent color every time. I could never get the measurement of developer correct and my color with either be too dark or too light. After trying to use the new kits several times, I called and asked for the two bottles again and was told that they no longer did that. So I have unsubscribed and will go to a competitor. Too bad.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

My hair fell out in clumps after using their Sardinia red hair color. My thick beautiful hair is now thin and brittle. I lost about 30% of my hair. I can't believe they tout their products as all-natural and this happens. Not only did my hair fall out in spots but my scalp is still tingling and sore. I'm going to have to see a dermatologist about it. I pray it's nothing more serious. Please be warned about this company. They know this is happening and aren't doing anything about it.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I've been dying my hair for about five years and only have a few grays. Drugstore dye works well for me but leaves my hair pretty dry so I got suckered by all the ads online.

I never imagined it could go so horribly wrong. My hair is light brown and I dye it a dark golden/strawberry blonde. I took their quiz and based in the picture thought it would be a tad darker than usual but worth it if it was kinder to my hair.

Well, I ended up looking like a teenage goth with a bad dye job. It turned out burgundy. It was MUCH darker than advertised and not a shade found in nature. I was so upset I contacted the company, which is unusual for me.

I will say the customer service is amazing. They sent me a primer and new color within days. I gave it a try and it's now one shade lighter but still an odd color and nowhere on the blonde spectrum. I'd say my hair is two shades darker than my natural light brown with an extremely strange henna-like hue.

They refunded my payment, which was good of them, but I'm still left with ridiculous hair. I'm going to wait a month and go to a salon to have it fixed.

Basically, though they repaid my money, I'll still be out a salon visit.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I use Madison Reed in between my colorings at the salon to cover grey roots. What I love about Madison Reed is that it is ammonia-free and comes with everything you need. You can buy the shampoo and conditioner separately which are sulfate-free and good products. The packaging is awesome. I have been using ammonia-free color for at least ten years and although the price point is good, I have to go back to using drugstore ammonia-free color. I have left the Madison Reed color on for as long and longer than the instructions say and at first, the color is great. A week later, the color has faded from the root grow-out area. Ten days later, it is fully showing. The color just doesn't stick. I contacted their customer support about this and they said I wasn't leaving it on long enough. But no matter how much longer I leave it on (an hour and 15 minutes!), it doesn't cover grey. I am super disappointed because I love everything else about it. But I am canceling my subscription.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Madison Reed is too weak to effectively cover grays and way overpriced. Sally has Color Brilliance by Ion for $5.99 per application. It's PPD free and just like this product for a fraction of the price. You simply mix a tube of the color Brilliance it 1:1 with a 20-volume developer and apply for 30-45 minutes. Beautiful and inexpensive!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

The hair color arrives in fancy packaging with two pairs of gloves, barrier cream, shampoo, and conditioner. I have medium golden brown hair and lots of grey roots. The grey coverage was not better than store-bought brands. I developed a scalp rash and around my face. My scalp is red and itchy all the time. I tried canceling my subscription, but the buttons are greyed out (disabled) on the website. The company marketing is very clever.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I used this product on a Sunday evening and it did not cover up any of my grays. Five hours later I had extreme dizziness and nausea. This dizziness has lasted four days and counting. I will never use the product again.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I wish I could give this company a better review. They are so kind and professional. However, this product did a HORRIBLE job covering (not covering) my very gray hair. Secondly, it severely damaged my hair. I used the color primer and the 3.5N. The box was beautiful and the pre-measured product was so easy to use. I was so hopeful about having a good experience and they promised complete coverage, moisture, and shine. My hair was dull and dry and brittle afterward, on top of horribly matched color.

When I called to share my experience the rep was extremely nice. She suggested a darker color and offered to send a free kit to re-do my hair. She stated it would be safe to recolor the roots immediately upon arrival. Well, I accepted the replacement but never used it. Something in my gut said it was not safe to re-color with permanent color so quickly. I am so glad I listened because my hair has not stopped shedding to this day (it has been a month now). It is very slowly recovering back its normal moisture level but seems like I have many months to go. I know I am going to have to eventually cut this damaged hair away.

I usually use a 3N Demi by Argan One-n-Only. It is inexpensive and does a FABULOUS job and gives me 110% gray coverage with shine and minimal temporary loss of moisture. I regret experimenting with this permanent color. It is NOT good for natural Black Hair (I am 4b/c type). They will tell you it is but don't believe the hype. For natural hair that you want to grow out, always use a demi and always go the same color or slightly darker. For me, this hard lesson will cost me 18 months of hair growth. Sigh...

Nice try Madison Reed, but please do not advertise your product to Black Naturals - this is not for us!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I've been dying my hair since high school (20+ years) and was hoping for a real solution to my uneven color and gray roots but instead ended up with results exactly like the brands sold at drugstores and low-end beauty supply stores. I have medium dark brown hair with a moderate amount of gray and even after leaving on roots the extra ten minutes, the gray hair is still noticeable and now has a reddish hue. My scalp also has never burned so much compared to other products I've used. Definitely not worth the extra money and it turns out it really IS too good to be true.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I have been dying my hair for about 20 years and have very stubborn grays. After hearing about Madison Reed I decided to give it a try. I’m sadly disappointed! I have naturally black hair and my gray hairs ended up red at my roots, my husband literally laughed at me when we went out into the sun.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I simply do not have the money to get my hair done at a salon. I have been using store bought hair dyes for the last few years with ok results. My grays are very stubborn and wouldn’t color so I’d end up plucking. I just did my second hair kit and love it! Complete gray coverage. My hair is soft. I can justify the extra expense when my hair looks like this.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend