About Madison Reed

I have a Pinterest board full of hair inspiration. The common theme? Dimensional color.

There’s something so appealing about the look, as if the clouds disperse during golden hour, creating soft, sun-kissed highlights in only the most flattering angles. It’s what the nearly 95 million American women who color their hair every year crave. When I was introduced to Madison Reed, I knew this was possible with an easy-to-use at-home kit.

Madison Reed offers a selection of luxurious, dimensional colors made with ingredients you can feel good about. The kits are free of harsh chemicals[1], and the health of your hair is a top priority.

I’ve learned that I can have my dream look in less than an hour.

Madison Reed is made in Italy and is unique with its 8-free permanent hair color[1] that contains none of the following: Ammonia, Parabens, Resorcinol, PPD, Phthalates, Gluten, SLS or Titanium Dioxide.

I love that Madison Reed’s ingredients are pure, including natural substances like keratin[2], argan oil[3] and ginseng root extract[4], which your hair will love too.

I’m also totally blown away by the fact that the company has 20 salons in the US, including two Madison Reed locations in NYC. To me, that means home color comes from a professional environment.

The coolest part is that a visit to the Madison Reed Color Bar is the hairdressing experience you’re used to, only reinvented. It’s faster, more efficient and less expensive than a regular visit to the hairdresser.

So what can you expect in this Madison Reed hair report? I’ll give you an in-depth look at the brand, its ingredients, how to use the products, their features, what customers think of them and why they’re different from any other at-home hair coloring kit out there. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our goal is to help you make better, more informed purchasing decisions.

Our team spends many hours on research, consultations with medical experts, peer reviews, customer feedback and product analysis to provide you with the information you need.

Pros and Cons

Benefits:

• High-quality ingredients: Madison Reed’s hair colors are made with high-quality, nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil and ginseng root extract, which may be gentler on hair than other brands.
• Customizable Color: Madison Reed offers a range of customizable hair colors, including root touch-up kits and color-refreshing glosses that allow everyone to match their hair color to their individual preferences.
• Home delivery: Madison Reed’s products can be delivered directly to your home, making it easy to get professional hair color without having to visit a salon.

Cons:

• Limited color palette: While Madison Reed offers a range of customizable color options, the range of shades is not as extensive as other brands, which can limit options for people looking for a specific hair color.
• Cost: Madison Reed’s hair color products are more expensive than some other at-home hair color brands, which can make them less accessible to those on a budget.
• Expertise required: While Madison Reed’s products are designed for at-home use, they still require a certain level of skill and knowledge to apply properly, which can be challenging for some individuals.

Ingredients

Here are some examples of the high-quality ingredients used in Madison Reed hair color and care products:

Keratin

Plant-based keratin occurs naturally in hair and is a key ingredient in Madison Reed’s hair colors, helping to strengthen and smooth hair strands. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that keratin can help strengthen and improve the appearance of hair, especially damaged or chemically treated hair.

Argan oil

Extracted from the nuts of the argan tree, argan oil is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. Madison Reed uses this ingredient in its hair color and care products to moisturize and strengthen hair. A 2022 study found that argan oil can protect hair from oxidative damage.

Ginseng root extract

Derived from the roots of the ginseng plant, this extract is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Madison Reed uses ginseng root extract in its hair coloring products to protect them from damage. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that ginseng root extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect hair follicles.

Baobab seed oil

Baobab seed oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids and is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree. Madison Reed uses this ingredient in its hair care products to moisturize and strengthen hair. A 2017 study found that baobab seed oil can improve the moisture content and elasticity of hair, as well as reduce frizz and improve manageability.

Meadowfoam oil

Extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant, meadowfoam oil is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. Madison Reed uses this ingredient in its hair care products to smooth and strengthen hair. A 2021 study found that meadowfoam oil can firm and strengthen the skin on the head.

How to Use

Application instructions for Madison Reed hair color and care products may vary slightly depending on the product, but here are some general guidelines:

• Hair Color: Before using Madison Reed hair color, it’s important to do a patch test to detect any allergic reactions. The company offers detailed instructions on how to do this on its website. Once you are ready to color your hair, mix the color with the developer and apply it to dry, unwashed hair. Follow the instructions on how long you want the color to stay on your hair before rinsing it out and applying the included color protection shampoo and conditioner.
• Shampoo and conditioner: Madison Reed’s shampoo and conditioner products can be used like any other hair care product. Wet your hair thoroughly, apply the shampoo to your scalp, work it into your hair and then rinse it out. Then use the conditioner, concentrating on the ends of your hair, and rinse out.
• Root Touch Up: The Madison Reed Root Touch Up product is designed to cover gray hair or regrowing roots between hair colorings. Apply the product to dry hair and use the brush provided to distribute it.
• Always read the specific application instructions that come with each product to ensure you use it correctly.

Madison Reed Hair Color Chart

Colors, colors… how to choose? I’m used to blonde, but Madison Reed offers 4 different color levels, each with a handful of shades.

The Madison Reed hair color chart offers a selection of more than 50 shades to help you find a near-perfect color. From rich, dimensional blacks, browns and reds to blonde shades, there’s an impressive selection of tones for every color group.

Without the help of an expert, I find it a little daunting to choose my own color. Do I want Capri blonde or Pisa blonde? I imagine myself on the phone to my friends to ask for advice. Luckily, Madison Reed offers a color quiz to help you find the perfect color.

Prefer to go it alone? You can check out the color comparison charts or talk to the online chatbot, Madi, to find the shade that flatters you the most.

To let the chatbot find your color, just send a selfie, and voilà – it comes back with the perfect shade! I have my camera ready with excitement.

If you want to save yourself the selfie, I’ve included the Madison Reed color chart right at the bottom of this Madison Reed hair review. Take a peek:

Madison Reed Color Therapy Review

Highlights and styling can totally ruin your hair. Believe me, I’m no stranger to frizz and split ends. But what if I could find a color that nourishes?

Madison Reed’s Color Therapy is a restorative treatment that tones and enhances color while providing intense hydration.

With argan oil, keratin and ginseng, you have a choice of 4 color options to find a shade you love.

What I love: The more you use this hair mask, the more color is applied…. but generally the product is used 2-3 times a week in place of conditioner.

After shampooing, distribute the product through your hair and wait 5 minutes to rinse out. Get a 4 oz bottle for $20.

What Customers Say: “Made a huge difference since my roots were so gray.”

Madison Reed Men’s Hair Color Review

Over the years, I’ve learned something about men’s hair color, and that is that it kind of looks like shoe polish. Men’s hair color should look natural, and that’s exactly the mission of Madison Reed with her Men’s Hair Color line.

The colors create a very natural look that also conceals grays in the hair and beard. The product is uncomplicated – for men who don’t want to worry too much about their hair. I know some who might bite.

The color gel is applied to dry hair, followed by the color activator, which can be left on for 10 minutes before washing. Founder and CEO Amy Errett calls it “the world’s best men’s hair color you’ve never seen (it’s really that discreet).”

The line is available in 5 different shades that blend seamlessly with almost any color. Each 20 ml color costs $20 and lasts for two applications.

What customers say: “Was relatively easy to apply – I did it myself. The color was exactly as advertised and the hair felt hydrated and healthy afterwards.”

Alternatives

If you want to have a look around before committing to a brand, check out the range of the following brands:

• Splat Hair Dye: Expressive and bold temporary hair colors sold in many major stores.
• Good Dye Young: Hayley Williams’ brand of semi-permanent hair color. All her products are vegan and cruelty-free.
• Prose: Bespoke hair care products tailored to the needs of each buyer. Their catalog includes shampoos, conditioners and hair oils.

Madison Reed Hair Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

In my research for this Madison Reed hair test, I definitely discovered that the brand has a loyal customer base that swears by their products – whether they do it themselves at home or visit a color bar.

I’ll break it down with some reviews I have from madison-reed.com (as of May 2023):

• Medium Neutral Blonde Hair Color: 4/5 stars out of 390+ reviews
• Root Touch Up Ombra: 3.8/5 stars out of more than 800 reviews
• Root Reboot Livorno: 3.5/5 stars from more than 80 customer reviews
• LightWorks Sorrento Highlighting Kit: 3.2/5 stars out of more than 300 reviews
• Toning Glaze Ardenza: 3/5 stars from more than 15 customer reviews

When I looked at the testimonials for the Medium Neutral Blonde hair color, I found one comment that read:

“I was thrilled with the result of my color at home. A work colleague referred me to this company and I really don’t think I’ll be going to the salon for my color – I feel like the color matches perfectly and looks exactly like the photos!”

Many people feel the same way, but to back up these comments, I thought it would be useful to leave the brand’s website and head to Ulta.

When I looked at the Radiant Hair Color Kit, I saw an overall rating of 4.1/5 stars from over 44,000 buyers (as of May 2023). Ok, wow, people love this kit.

So what did they think? Here’s a review from Madison Reed that sums it up nicely:

“I have been using this product for about three years. I love it! I love the color (Milano Brown), the coverage and the barely there smell. Also, the kit contains everything you need. You don’t need to buy anything apart from the kit. I have recommended it to many friends and they still use Madison Reed.”

The barely noticeable odor could have to do with the natural and non-toxic ingredients in Madison Reed hair color, but whatever it is, that fact alone earns the brand some brownie points.

Of course, not all feedback is positive. The most common complaint? The colors are darker than they appear. Some users also mention color bleeding, but none of these issues were common enough to cause concern.

For most, Madison Reed’s color is just right, even earning the brand a solid B rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Overall, I have found many satisfied people who appreciate the handcrafted shades, fair price and ease of application. For the price and time savings alone, I would definitely give these products a try.

Are Madison Reed Hair Color Treatments Worth It?

Is Madison Reed a good hair color? After doing my research for this Madison Reed hair test, I feel that this brand is a good choice if you don’t want to go to a salon.

The brand is affordable, contains less toxic ingredients, and is definitely higher quality than anything you would buy at a drugstore.

So if you’re looking for a subtle change or refresh to your hair, Madison Reed is a great choice. Just take the time to read the instructions when applying the color at home.

As with any hair color, things can go wrong, but if you remain patient and follow the instructions, this is an excellent and affordable option.

How to Choose the Best Madison Reed Product

Here are some tips to help you choose the best Madison Reed hair products:

• Consider your hair type: different hair types have different needs when it comes to hair care. For example, if you have curly hair, you should look for products designed specifically for curly hair, while if you have fine hair, you may want to look for products that won’t weigh your hair down. Madison Reed offers products for different hair types. So be sure to choose products that are suitable for your hair type.
• Determine your goals for your hair: do you want to color your hair, or are you more concerned with maintaining the health and shine of your hair? Madison Reed offers a range of hair care products, from hair color to shampoo and conditioner to styling products. Think about what your goals are with your hair and choose products that will help you achieve them.
• Read reviews: One of the best ways to find out if a hair product is right for you is to read reviews from other customers who have used it. Read reviews on the Madison Reed website and at other online retailers to see what other customers are saying about the products you are considering.

• Seek advice from a professional: If you’re not sure which products to choose, seek advice from a professional stylist. Many salons offer consultations where you can get personalized recommendations for hair care products that are best suited for your hair type and goals.
• Take advantage of free samples: Madison Reed offers free samples for many of its hair care products. Take advantage of these offers to try products before you commit to buying the full size. This way, you can determine if a product is right for your hair type and goals without having to spend money upfront on a full-size product.

Madison Reed Promotions & Discounts

I went looking for deals on this Madison Reed hair review and found a few ongoing promotions.

The first thing that caught my eye? I was able to get a free consultation to find my dream formula. After that, my eyes were drawn to the $15 credit I could receive by referring a friend (they also receive $15).

Clicking on the special offers tab revealed to me that there is currently a special offer on the Root Touch Up. When you purchase 2 or more products, you get 15-25% off.

The brand also posts free tutorials and videos online, and I found out that shipping is free on your first order if you sign up for their mailing list.

Where To Buy Madison Reed Hair Color

Madison Reed hair color can be purchased through the Madison-Reed.com website. Can you buy Madison Reed in stores, you ask? I did a little research and found that a limited number of products are available in Ulta stores. You can also purchase select products through the Madison Reed Amazon page.

FAQ

How long does Madison Reed hair color last?
That depends on what type you use. Permanent hair color stays on the hair until it grows and exposes the roots, although it can fade over time.

I learned that the glosses and hair masks are semi-permanent, which means they just fade over time. This means they usually last 6-8 washes of hair.

Madison Reed shipping conditions
Madison Reed only ships within the US and to select US territories, including Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Orders placed before 12 noon on a weekday will be shipped the same day – anything placed after 12 noon will be shipped the next day.

After your order is shipped via FedEx or USPS, you will receive a tracking number. Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days, starting from the day the order is shipped (business days are Monday through Friday and do not include weekends and holidays).

Madison Reed Return Policy
Any unopened product can be returned within 6 months of purchase. Very friendly, Madison Reed. No need to contact customer service, just write “Return to Sender” on your package and drop it off at the post office. Super easy.

For opened products that are no longer in their original packaging, customers can repackage the product and return it along with a note with your order number. As soon as a parcel is received, the refund will be made.

Contact Madison Reed
If you have any questions that I have not answered in this review of Madison Reed, you can reach the team through the following contact options:

Phone: 1(866) 817- 0814

Live chat on Madison-Reed.com

References
1 He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H.L. and Zeng, W. (2022). Ingredients of hair dyes and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyes. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), pp.901-915. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427.

2 Tinoco, A., Gonçalves, J., Silva, C., Loureiro, A., Gomes, A.C., Cavaco-Paulo, A. and Ribeiro, A. (2018). Keratin-based particles to protect and restore hair properties. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, [online] 40(4), pp.408-419. doi:10.1111/ics.12483.

3 Sharifi, N., Hamedeyazdan, S., Shokri, J. and Monajjemzadeh, F. (2022). Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair prior to exposure to oxidative damage: attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. doi:10.1111/jocd.14885.

4.Choi, B. (2018). Hair-Growth Potential of Ginseng and Its Major Metabolites: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(9), p.2703. doi:10.3390/ijms19092703.