Muse Independent Styling

Madison, United States

4.7

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
By Appointment Only

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 608-556-4508
Website:
www.museindependent.tumblr.com
Address:
520 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53703
Capitol
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miPark at University
0.3 miPark at State
0.3 miIntercity Buses
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Good for Kids
No
By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Madison) 3:30 PM Sunday, May 25, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

History

Established in 2011.

Muse Independent Styling, created by stylist and owner Jason Heussner, reopened on the corner of University and Gilman in May 2012. Muse’s mission is to use our passion, education, and creativity to create consistently approachable hair styles.

The salon (find us under the green awning in Gilman Plaza) represents our personal aesthetics, rooted in mid-​century modern design. Our love for style resonates from our classic IBM schoolhouse clock to our card catalog color-​holding case (salvaged from UW-Madison’s Memorial Library), our 1960s office building location to our selection of beverages crafted by local baristas and mixologists.

In addition to building timeless hair, Muse supports creative design and craft in all its forms. We are honored to showcase local artists’ work in our shop, and we regularly host receptions and service industry nights. To learn about our current artist in residence, events, and promotions, please visit our Facebook page.

Meet the Business Owner

Jason H.

Business Owner

As primarily a women’s hairdresser, owner and head stylist Jason emphasizes feminine cuts and colors informed by current trends and classic design. His strengths range from long and curly to short and textured hair. Rather than relying on standard techniques, Jason analyzes the client’s hair texture, face shape, personal style, and daily styling routine to produce a sustainable and suitable cut and color.

Over the last eleven years, Jason has honed his craft in Bumble and bumble classes including advanced cutting techniques, product development, and salon ownership. Jason is proud to support continuing in-​house and external education for himself and his stylists.

In past lives, Jason worked as a sculptor and sheet metalist. In his spare time, Jason can be found sipping espresso at Johnson Public House, reading Dwell, and caring for his daughter.

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«Best craft cocktails and mixologists in town.»

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,

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,

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Jason H. says,

«Our regular joint for morning espresso shots and granola with berries. Also our favorite baristas.»

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20 reviews of Muse Independent Styling

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Madison, WI
Needed a haircut and couldn’t get an appointment at my usual salon, so came here based on all the great reviews. I was pretty skeptical upon walking into this place, because it’s pretty lo-​fi looking inside (not industrial chic, just kind of cheap and unfinished) and the building is depressing.
I saw Kristina because I have naturally curly hair and she was recommended. It felt a little difficult for me to communicate with her what I wanted, but she ended up doing a great job. I’d forgotten how much I love the cuts from Bumble trained stylists and Kristina definitely knows what she is doing. I left there with my hair looking and feeling great — natural, not sopping wet though she could have dried it a bit more (though some places refuse to dry curly hair at all), and not loaded up with product. Also no hard sell. Very pleased. The only reason for taking off 1 star is the atmosphere — please remodel the place, folks! The setting definitely does not match the quality of haircut.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
When I first came to Madison, I was an Aveda salon junkie. However, I read a lot of great reviews about Muse so I decided to try it out. Jason, the salon owner, is extremely personable and always remembers me (even though I see him only once every 6 months!) Jason does both a wet and dry cut and that makes ALL the difference. I don’t even have to blow dry my hair for it to perfectly shape my face! While the price may seem expensive to the average budgeting consumer, I firmly believe that it is well worth it because of the quality of service. I recommend this salon to all of my college friends!
Place rating: 5
Urbana, IL
Pricey but really good haircuts. They also sell some nice products.
I would recommend it once if you’ve been getting sports cuts your whole life. Your haircut could look much nicer for a higher price.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I have been in search of a hair place since moving yo WI from Chicago and while in Madison realized I was overdue for a trim, found this place via Unilocal and they fit me in last minute. Tierney did a great job and I will be back.
Place rating: 4
Park City, UT
Came in for a conference at UW and was in desperate need of a haircut. Managed to get in at short notice. Given all the reviews, I was really surprised to show up and find nobody in the place. Not complaining though, since I got in with Courtney. She’s a hair magician and quickly figured out something that would work for me.
As for the four star rating: I think they could do some work to improve the locale. It’s kind of depressing and institutional. It doesn’t match the rates they charge.
Even so, I’m slightly shocked that this is listed as a $$$ place. Men’s haircut for $ 35 (2014.07) which is pretty middling rate. If they could kick up up the feel of the place a bit, fill it with more customers and stylists, this would be top notch place. I’m not sure the space will accommodate it. But at the end of the day, that’s all secondary to a stellar cut.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
Courtney is best barber in Madison… no, THE WORLD. Good conversations, great styles and a total pro. She styles my 13 and 19 year old boys’ hair as well. I recommend her to my guy co-​workers and they too agree: COURTNEY IS THE BEST!
Place rating: 5
Verona, WI
For a good ten years I got cookie-​cutter haircuts at places like Supercuts. I always loathed the clippers-​to-​the-​head approach and shelling out cash for 15 minutes of careless barbarous barbering, but I didn’t have the time (or inclination) to seek a true professional.
That changed a couple years ago when I found Cortney cutting men’s hair (at a different establishment). From the first cut I knew I’d found someone with a special talent — not only for cutting hair but also for making you feel comfortable in places where your average guy might not usually find himself. The cut is always stellar with Cortney. The truth is that I rarely know what I want my hair to look like. I provide not very helpful suggestions and somehow Cortney turns them into a style and cut that blow me away. I’ve followed Cortney to various other shops and ultimately to MUSE because she is just. that. good.
Dudes, if you’re tired of the chop shops like Supercuts or just looking to upgrade your style, come to MUSE and ask for Cortney. Maybe you’ll thank me for the recommendation. Maybe you’ll jump onto Unilocal and write a review, too.
Update: Since February 2015, Cortney is no longer working at MUSE. She has started her own business, Bluejay Barbering, out near Greenway Station. Find her on Facebook.
Place rating: 5
Minneapolis, MN
I rarely write reviews but Jason was so great he is worthy of 5 stars.
I went to Jason for a cut and highlights. I failed to mention to Jason + Muse staff that I have very long, thick, dense hair… and a lot of it. Jason spent so much time, energy and effort on my mop, I think he put 100 foils in my head. He kindly moved around his schedule so he could spend 4 hours (no joke) on my hair. The color is flawless and the cut is one of the best and most flattering I have ever received.
To put it simply, Jason is for anyone young, modern, and open to change. He’s truly a creative, has such a great eye, and he’s fun company! I highly recommend him and his über nice staff.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
Jason took one look at my hair and refered me to Kristina who gives me a cut that works well straightened or with my naturally curly hair. When I want to look like a new person I go to Kristina for a cut and straightening, something that’s not easy for me to do at home. I love the change. Previously I’ve had my hair cut at Aniu, and I have to say I like the way Kristina cuts my hair better.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
Kristina has been cutting my hair for a few years now, so choosing her to style my wedding hair was a no-​brainer. We practiced my «do» previously, so that we were both on the same page come wedding morning — she even offered up a few unique ideas (bridal headband). The end result turned out better than I could have even imagined! She came to our hotel, styled my bridesmaids’ hair and then worked with the natural texture of my wavy/​curly hair to style it to my liking. Highly recommended — professional, prompt and personable.
Place rating: 5
Eugene, OR
After struggling to find a good salon when I was living in Minneapolis (and never succeeding), it was a welcome change to find such an amazing salon on my first try here in Madison. Jason is simply fantastic! As many others have said, he just knows what to do with your hair. He knows what works for you and he listens to what you want. He’s also really easy to talk to, and I say that as someone who is generally a super-​awkward human being. I also love that they carry Bumble and Bumble products at this salon. All in all, I am super happy with my haircut (as a point of reference, I have wavy/​curly hair) and super happy with this salon!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I’ve gone to Jason since I moved to Madison almost 5 years ago. I even have moved to Milwaukee temporarily, and I still come back just for his haircuts. Here’s why:
Whatever I have him do with my hair, it looks good, and I get tons of compliments from people I don’t even know.
He is good at identifying problem areas with your hair (e.g. cowlicks) and knows exactly how to cut them to fix them.
He works really well with my hair — long, slightly wavy. AND he works really well with my needs: I don’t like to style my hair or even dry it after I shower. He cuts my hair to accommodate my casual approach to hair-​care.
I can give Jason a lot of direction, or very little («do whatever you feel like… just let me know first», or «what are the cool kids doing these days») and he always makes it look good.
And, he knows all the cool kids’ haircuts.
Good relaxed conversation in the meantime.
Worth every penny.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
I have been seeing Jason for 7 years! I have been stopped on the streets from Madison to Union Square in NYC and asked who cuts my hair. I’ve been asked my make-​up artists, hair dressers, friends, and strangers.
Recently, after a year of growing my hair out, I was shopping at Hilldale for an upcoming trip, and in a last-​minute, horrible decision, said to myself «hm, Great Clips… how bad could they mess up a simple trim?» Famous last words as far as my hair was concerned. Jason saved me and didn’t even chastise me! He is the best best best.
When I can wake up in the morning and do nothing to my hair and people still compliment it? Good cut. When I can not wash it for days on end and people still compliment it? Good cut. When I can have the same 6 bottles of bumble and bumble products that I’ve never used up because my hair just looks that good on its own? Awesome cut!
This cut I have right now? Awesome. And my trip to NV was just that much better because of it! I will never stray again. Go to Muse! You will not be disappointed. Jason is talented. As one make-​up artist once told me «Well he’s clearly doing what he should be doing,» as in, he is working a very honed talent (and I am reaping the benefits)!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Jason gave me a great haircut. I went in and asked for a few things, and he gave me everything I asked for. It looks great and I can style it at home
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
Jason is absolutely fantastic! He gave me a great cut and showed me how to make my hair look way thicker than it actually is (I have really fine hair). The scalp massage was pretty baller, too. Would definitely recommend going here if you’re looking for a great stylist. :D
Place rating: 2
Edison, NJ
Let me begin by saying that I am visiting Madison from NY and got stuck here because of Hurricane Sandy. I have been working out at the hotel and my hair, which is long, curly and tends to frizz, Is in need of attention. I tend to wear it straight but I have had really good blowout where it wasn’t pin straight yet looked healthy, shiny and didn’t frizz, so I realize this is possible. Ok, I needed to preface my review with all that background.
I walk in this morning and explain my need for a wash and blowout. They were nice. They said they were booked today (Halloween) and he even offered to have my hair done by his assistant. So far so good. I was even excited because they use Bumble and Bumble. Great. Then I asked if they flat iron hair. Because the salons on the East coast generally know that hair like mine will frizz seconds after a blowout unless they seal the cuticle with good product and a hot iron. They said they don’t have one. He said the one he had broke. What?! They are booked solid today and the only hot iron they had is broken??? Well, I ran from there because that tells me one of two things. The lesser evil a) they just didn’t want to deal with my special hair care needs on a busy day… fine. or worse, b) they really don’t have except the one, recently broken, hot iron. Which means if you have curly or frizzy hair, they are probably not used to dealing with your kind of hair. So this review is for anyone with this sort of hair that might be considering them. It may be unfair of me but I wouldn’t trust it.
Gonna try another Madison salon and will review them later.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
I am incredibly picky when it comes to finding a stylist, and when I find one I like I stick with them for as long as humanly possible. I was lucky enough to find Jason shortly after moving to Madison and haven’t looked back. I know little to nothing about what would look good on me and almost always put the decision-​making about my cuts in the stylist’s hand. Jason has done an amazing job every time, and I’ve really come to trust him.
My last two cuts have been especially good– I went short for the first time in a while and was a little apprehensive about it, but his cuts were fantastic and have grown out really well.
Yay for amazing stylists!
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
I’m also a fan of Jason’s cut. I like being able to completely trust his talent — I usually only have a very vague and general idea about how I want my cut, but somehow Jason can transform my blab-​blab into the hair style that looks great and easy to maintain. That’s a pro job.
I just recommended Muse to my friend, and she was very satisfied with the service and the result. Yeay.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
I’ve been going to see Jason, owner and stylist of Muse, for nearly eight years. He has always done a wonderful job with my hair, and provides those extra touches (such as scalp massages and beverages) that make going to the salon a treat as opposed to something you have to do.
The space (formerly the original Cha Cha) is brighter and sleeker than the former hodge-​podge of colors, and more improvements are on the way.
Return business speaks louder than anything, though, especially when it comes to something as personal as hair (be honest — a bad haircut has ruined your day/​week/​month at least once). I’ve been going for years and years, and everyone that I can think of that I’ve recommended see Jason has kept him — several people I know make sure to schedule an appointment when coming back to Madison for a visit if they no longer live here.
Place rating: 5
Thousand Oaks, CA
I’ve lived in Madison for a over a year now, so I figured it was time to find my go-​to, solid kick-​ass stylist with a cool and convenient space – Muse fits the bill perfectly! Formerly the downtown Cha Cha location, Muse was recently opened by stylist and owner Jason Heussner. Jason effortlessly performed nothing short of a miracle last night in saving my hair from certain winter death. Now it’s sassy, layered, and on the road to repair with the help of the Bumble and Bumble product I picked up on my way out.
The space is an industrial-​chic, work-​in-​progress, and it’s clear that Jason and crew have been working tirelessly to transform it (notice the gorgeous new shelves that Jason designed himself!) They’re even planning to host art shows there in the near future. I recommend scheduling a late afternoon/​early evening appointment, and then taking your new swanky ‘do next door to the Underground Kitchen for a cocktail or two. That’s what I did, where I was promptly approached by a very friendly guy (who I promptly informed that I was married). Nonetheless, I’d say the haircut is doing its job quite nicely so far :) Thanks, Muse!