Great Clips in Madison, WI provides convenient, affordable haircuts for men, women, and kids. The skilled hair stylists and barbers at Great Clips 2860 University Avenue offer a wide range of services, including haircuts, beard trims, bang trims, and shampooing. We’re open evenings and weekends to fit your schedule, and no appointment is needed—walk in anytime or use Online Check-In to save your spot on the waitlist.
With our Clip Notes, we save your haircut details to ensure a consistent and personalized haircut experience, every time, at every Great Clips salon. Whether you're visiting for a quick trim or a fresh new look, we’re here to make your day great. Stop by and experience friendly service right here in Madison, WI!
Customers reported a wide range of haircut quality, with some receiving excellent cuts while others experienced poorly executed styles.
Customer Service Issues
Several reviews highlighted poor customer service, including rude interactions and lack of responsiveness from staff.
Staffing Problems
Many customers noted that the location was often short-staffed, leading to long wait times and rushed services.
Positive Experiences with Specific Stylists
Certain stylists, particularly Bobbi and Heather, received consistent praise for their skills and customer service.
Operational Challenges
Customers expressed frustration with the business's hours and online booking system, often finding the location closed or experiencing long wait times despite check-ins.
SJ
Steve John
Nov 16, 2025
1.0
This location has unfortunately lost the skilled stylists it once had. The male stylist currently working is extremely rough, applying excessive pressure while using the clippers, which not only results in an overly short—nearly bald—cut but also causes discomfort by pressing into the skin. Despite clearly requesting a moderate cut, I ended up with a haircut far shorter than I asked for
BB
Bee
Oct 25, 2025
1.0
Had two haircuts here before that were good, but the last was absolutely TERRIBLE. I don’t know his name, but he didn’t give me anything close to what I wanted, and all of my friends agree that he screwed up my hair. I showed him a photo of what I wanted, told him I needed to have a textured cut because my hair was flat, and he seemed confident that he could do it after he looked at it for 2 seconds. Then, he turned me to the side (I couldn’t see what was happening) and chopped off the top of my head and bangs and left the back almost untouched, minus he shaved a little off the bottom. He could tell I looked skeptical after he turned me to face the mirror, and told me “you don’t need to look so skeptical, you came to get a good hair cut.” I told him “I’m just not used to not having any bangs.” To that, he sighed and said “in the photo you showed me…” then stopped, because I’m assuming he KNEW that it was nothing like the photo, and said “you came in today because you wanted to fix your flat hair, and so if you don’t want it to be flat, you comb it up! If you want it to have bangs, and have it be FLAT, you comb it down! Comb up! Comb down!” This was absolutely unacceptable. He was talking to me in such a passive aggressive way and like I was a 12 year old. He also said “obviously you’ve never had a good haircut before, now relax and let me give you a good hair cut.” I’m disappointed that I didn’t tell him off right there. I don’t know if it’s because I came in last minute at 7 pm when they close at 8 pm, so maybe he was mad he had to stay at work an extra 20 minutes? But I’ve worked in the service industry as a bartender, and sometimes I have to stay at the bar until 2:30 am, much later than I would rather stay. Even so, I smile and do my job, and I do it well. I will never be coming back here after this experience. It was horrendous.
SG
Siddharth Ghantasala
Oct 18, 2025
1.0
I told him half off and he basically made me bald after ranting about false biological facts the whole time. The prokaryote has the cell wall
MM
Mark Miller
Sep 28, 2025
1.0
Very inconsistent quality. I have had 2 decent stylists and 2+ stylists who have given choppy and incorrect cuts. My style is a step above a straight buzz. It is a 2 on the sides, 2 inches on the top, and a hard part for a comb over. This is seemingly too difficult for the majority of stylists here. The cut I received yesterday needed to be corrected by another Great Clips. The cut was extremely short on top (~ finger length), choppy, and the stylist blended my hair after the hard part which made it look like my hair was thinning in that area. I will not be going to this site again. I can only assume that there are serious training issues at this Great Clips.
LN
Lyna Nguyen
Sep 20, 2025
5.0
Bobbi was AWESOME. She is so sweet and funny, and I love my haircut! My hair is wavy/curly and she knew exactly how to handle it. She listened to what I wanted and walked me through exactly what she was doing and why. It was a fun experience and my hair feels amazingly soft. Thanks, Bobbi!
Mens, womens, kids and senior haircuts as well as bang, neck and beard trims. Other haircare services include shampoo, blow dry, or hair styling such as an updo. Select salons offer perm services.
What is Online Check-In?
Save time with Online Check-in! See estimated wait times for salons near you and add yourself to the wait list. Once you check in, you can also sign up for ReadyNext text alerts to receive a text message when your wait time reaches 15 minutes.
What can I do with the Great Clips app?
With the Great Clips app, you can save time with Online Check-in, create an account, set favorite salons to see wait times faster, and receive personalized offers, product promotions, and haircare tips right to your notification inbox.
How does Online Check-In save me time?
Online Check-In saves you time when you add yourself to the waitlist, see your estimated wait time, and sign up for ReadyNext texts to receive a text message when your wait time reaches 15 minutes. This lets you spend less time waiting in a salon.
When is Online Check-In available?
Online Check-In becomes available five minutes after the salon opens. We accept Online Check-Ins up to the point where the estimated wait time is as long as the salon will remain open, or 30 minutes before closing time at the latest.
Can I use Online Check-In for all types of services?
Online Check-In can be used for all services except perms and formal updos. Please note that not all salons offer perms. Most salons require an appointment for these services, so please call your local Great Clips salon to inquire.
Can I request a stylist using Online Check-In?
No. For the stylist’s safety, we do not publish their schedules or allow customers to request them using Online Check-In. Great Clips salons use Clip Notes®, which keeps track of any previous haircut you received at a Great Clips salon, so any stylist can give you a great haircut. If you would like to request a particular stylist, be sure to say that when you arrive at the salon and finish your check-in. Note that requesting a stylist may increase your estimated wait time.
If I checked in online, do I need to do anything when I arrive at the salon?
Once you arrive, check in at the receptionist desk to let the stylists know you're there. They will finish checking you in at that time.
Do Great Clips salons sell haircare products?
Yes, Great Clips offers three lines of its exclusively branded haircare and styling products for men, women, and kids, including Solutions by Great Clips®, Tea Tree Solutions by Great Clips®, and GRIT @ Great Clips™. Salons also carry many commercial brands, such as American Crew®, Paul Mitchell®, and Sexy Hair®.
How much does a haircut cost at Great Clips?
Our salons are independently owned and the local salon owner determines prices. More information on pricing can be found on the specific salon’s services webpage. You can also call the salon or walk in anytime.
Does Great Clips color hair?
Great Clips salons do not provide hair coloring services.
Does Great Clips offer perms?
Yes, but not in every salon. If you’re interested in getting a perm, call your specific salon to find out if they offer perms.
Can I make an appointment?
Great Clips is a walk-in haircare salon, so you don’t schedule an appointment in advance. You can simply walk in! Online Check-In can save you time by adding your name to the list before heading to the salon.
Where can I learn about working at a Great Clips salon?
Visit our Careers site at jobs.greatclips.com to find out what’s GREAT about working at Great Clips salons, join our Talent Community, and explore salon jobs. You can also contact a salon directly by phone or in-person.
Where do I find a salon’s location and hours?
Use the salon locator on greatclips.com. Enter your city, state, or postal code to find information on Great Clips salons near you.
How can I get coupons?
The cost of a haircut at Great Clips is a great value at the regular price. However, we do offer discounts from time to time. These discounts may take place at various times for the salons in your area due to them being independently-owned.
When should I arrive at the salon?
After checking-in, you’ll see your Estimated Wait Time. You can sign up for ReadyNext texts to receive a text when your wait reaches 15 minutes, letting you know it’s time to head to the salon. Once you arrive, check in at the receptionist desk.
Does Great Clips offer specialty haircuts?
Yes! Great Clips stylists are trained to create a variety of haircuts, including fades, tapers, and other specialty styles. Whether you're looking for a high fade, low taper, or a classic crew cut, our stylists can tailor your cut to match your preference. Just let your stylist know the look you’re going for, and they’ll take care of the rest!
Are Great Clips salons open on holidays?
Great Clips salons are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in US and Canada. Operating hours for other holidays vary by location. We recommend checking with your local Great Clips salon to confirm their hours before your visit.
What types of haircare services does Great Clips University Station offer?
Great Clips provides haircuts for men, women, and kids, including beard trims, bang trims, shampooing, and selected salons offer perms. Specialty cuts like fades and tapers are also available.
Is an appointment required to get a haircut at Great Clips University Station?
No appointment is necessary. Customers can walk in anytime or use the Online Check-In feature to add themselves to the waitlist and save time.
How does the Online Check-In system work at Great Clips?
Online Check-In lets you see estimated wait times and join the waitlist remotely. You can sign up for ReadyNext texts to get notified 15 minutes before your turn, helping you avoid long waits at the salon.
What are the opening hours for Great Clips University Station?
The salon is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Can I request a specific stylist using Online Check-In at Great Clips?
No, you cannot request a specific stylist through Online Check-In for their safety. However, you can request a stylist in person upon arrival, though this may increase your wait time.
Does Great Clips University Station offer hair coloring services?
No, Great Clips salons do not provide hair coloring services.
What payment methods are accepted at Great Clips University Station?
The salon accepts major credit cards such as MasterCard and VISA.
Are there any nearby places customers can visit before or after their haircut at Great Clips?
Yes, popular nearby places include Dairy Queen for quick snacks, Cozy Nails and Spa for additional beauty services, and Ancora Coffee Roaster for coffee and refreshments.
Is there a gym near Great Clips University Station for fitness enthusiasts?
Yes, MADabolic and Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Trainers are nearby fitness venues where customers can work out before or after their salon visit.
What dining options are close to Great Clips University Station for customers who want to grab a meal?
Customers can try nearby restaurants such as Sa-Bai Thong Thai Cuisine for Asian food, La Brioche Bakery for French bakery items, and Subway for quick sandwiches.