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Alchemy Hair Studios & Spas
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas
1047 Lincoln AveSan Jose, CA 95125
(408) 293-3494
Voted #1 Hair Salon in San Jose!
FREE color touch-up with Brazilian Blowout! $10 off Haircut ~ $10 off Facial ~ $10 Mani & Pedi More Specials at http://alchemyhairstud...
Announced 3 days ago- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Sponsored Result
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67 reviews for Alchemy Hair Studios & Spas
My usual hair pace charges $15 for a bang trim...so I searched around and Veronica B highly recommends this place so I was willing to give it a try, and at $10 for the trim it was much more of an attractive price.
Note: there is two locations that I know of...it happens all the time that customers show up to one and their apt is at the other. It's about a 10-12 min walk between each.
I got set up with Cory...and this is my favorite bang trim ever in 3 years! She really listened to what I wanted. I told her "I always envy other people's sweep rather than my own." She decided to grow some pieces out, didn't comb them forward or wet them to cut...a first for me. As I have been working with them, I love them! I called to tell her and she seemed gracious and thankful, just like me!
I've already left a review for Jen at Alchemy II where I went, but wanted to give extra kudos to Sher, the owner of both Alchemy salons. Thanks to someone's mistake, I had a terrible hair crisis--had been transformed from a pale blonde with highlights, to a disgustingly pasty dark brunette with chunky white streaks--on Saturday, July 4th: a national holiday when every salon, and I mean EVERY salon, was closed. I was leaving messages everywhere, on the verge of tears and trying to resign myself to looking and feeling like crap not only for the neighborhood party we were hosting but also my birthday a couple days later.
Sher called me back within a half hour, asking what had happened and seeing if one of the stylists she had working that day could help. I went to see Jen a couple hours later and after that, nearly cried from gratitude. A client in need is a client indeed; I'll give them 5 stars and, more importantly, my repeat business!
Whoo! I love my hair and bangs. My cousin was the one that referred me. I've been wanting a haircut for almost a year now and it's been almost 2 years since I had my last haircut. Before going to Lauren, I went to James at Loft A2 Beauty Service and he does great work but I didn't want to show up again after almost 2 years.
Anyway, parking is on the street. People are actually nice and stop to let you cross the street, the cross walk in front of the salon! I was super surprised about that.
You see lots of products when you enter. Then I was led to upstairs section where there is a waiting room too for friends or whoever is with you. Very spacious. I had a hard time talking with her when she was washing my hair because I love it when people play with my hair and massage my head. haha! I just wanted to just take in the massage and just relax.
Lauren is a sweetie. She pays attention to what I wanted and what I should do. She also added input like saying I could take my bangs a little shorter and I'm so glad I did because I loved them when she finished them. It's funny though because when she was done, she said, my hair looks like a wig and I had to agree but it's like an expensive wig that was perfectly made for me.
My total was $50 no including tip. Bangs trim are complimentary, which is awesome because that right there is a money saver!
I am so happy I was referred to Katie Keller and Alchemy Salon. They are centrally located and host the most relaxing and visually stimulating ambiance. They are very customer service focused and appear to always find creative ways to stay cutting edge and deliver excellent products and services. The vibe is awesome, relaxing, warm, and great music to boot. IMHO a good hairstylist is someone that listens, is open to their clients, yet possesses an intuitive ability to offer suggestions that can work with your particular hair type, face, style, etc...and I'm so grateful because Katie has these gifts and more. My first cut with her I was overjoyed and on top of that it grew out amazingly. She is the best at cutting bangs. I never thought in my adult life I would be able to sport bangs and that they would grow out so beautifully. My second and most recent visit included color. I wanted to warm up my color for fall. She makes cutting hair and coloring seem effortless while all the while she is executing a masterpiece. I love to see her work and I enjoy conversing with her; it is a win-win. I've gotten so many compliments on my cut and color and strongly recommend her. Great service, prices, location, ambiance, quality...I could go on forever. 2 thumbs up. Much love!
Got my hair cut by Sherry because of the fabulous reviews on yelp. She did a great job and listened to my wants and needs and met them. She talked me through the hair cut like I was getting my vision checked: step by step and thorough....
The shampoo lady was very attentive and brought me two different things to drink.
I walked out of there looking at least 5 years younger.
A friend of mine highly recommended I come here for a haircut with Lauren. After checking out the reviews, I went ahead and decided I'd give Lauren and Alchemy a shot. I'm happy with the results. I hadn't gotten a haircut since June and was waiting for my hair to grow out a lil since my previous stylist had messed up my bangs. I walked in feeling kinda crappy since I had a lot of split ends and walked out feeling super happy with smooth, shiny-healthy looking hair. Lauren was very nice and down to earth. It's hard finding a good stylist who isn't cocky. The other people in the salon were friendly as well. I'll be coming back here again the next time I need a haircut.
What I also liked about this salon is that they have an incentive for their clients. A new client gets $10 off their first haircut. When you refer a friend, you get credit towards your next haircut (I forget how much, I think it was $10 off). Be sure to have whoever you refer fill out the referral card with your full name. You can find the referral card on Alchemy's website under their specials along with the new client card. They even have a summer promotion going on. I got my eyebrows waxed for free! Great deal. They sure know how to keep their clients happy. Good business. :)
In the words of Billy Idol: With a rebel yell she cried "more, more, more"
I have always battled my natural curls. Gels, irons, creams, heat defenders, anything in the name of beauty. You would think that by observing my behavior smoke vaporizing from my head and all, CURL was the newest villain in Stan Lee's arsenal of comic stories.
Background:
I have had the same haircut for the past 15+ years of my life. I have stuck by the same stylist for 12 of those 15 years. After some tragic haircuts (some people really don't know how to handle curly hair) I found a stylist that didn't give me the Christmas tree effect. Like clockwork, it was the same style, 2 inches off, every 3 months. It was safe haircut 24/7 with this woman. Little did I know there was a bigger world.
Present:
Enter Lauren at Alchemy.
***IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE KNOW THAT LAUREN ROCKS!***
I saw the light. After reading DD's review, I did what any other superhero would do, and headed to see the wizard. The joint was classy, and the parking was limited. A little nervous, I sat in the torture chair. Layers, thinning wha wha WHAT???
The shear sound of those words is enough to make a curly straight.
I closed my eyes (actually left one open) and let her snip away. So, so happy I was.
End Product: AMAZING. It took a while to get used to layers, and I was never hip to this notion of curly+layer=less volume.
Let me put it to you this way. 2 hot curlies come here: Jeannette Z and Daniele D, and now with Flor D, that makes 3.
Violet...you must go and see her now...no I mean right now! She is really that good! I have gone to many a hairstylist in my day sticking with a handful for a few years, a few months with others but I am here to stay with Violet.
She highlights my hair perfectly, it's always better than I ever hope for and the cuts are second to none!
The additional bonus she is so very nice, friendly and professional! I would recommend her highly to anyone!
Ok I have to give my two cents!! I have fallen in love with Myla at Alchemy!!! She has taken me from shoulder length to a VERY short pixy and I have NEVER felt more beautiful!!!! If you are looking for a stylist who will really listen to you and bring out your total inner babe-Myla is your girl!!!!!!
Great color!! Great cut!!!
Ah Alchemy... where do I even begin? Let's start with life before Alchemy.
My hair is like an attention-craved child, unruly and unmanageable at times- but desperate for a bit of love and affection so it can settle down and behave. I've had my fair share of ridiculous haircuts. I started to think that my curls were a curse- especially when hairdressers would try to cover up their poor cuts by scrunching up my curls instead of running the flat iron through them.
Then, I was recommended Alchemy/Sher by a friend. I had put on my usual cap of skepticism before going to in to the salon, but the charming atmosphere quickly eased my nerves. Everyone working at that salon exudes warmth and creativity and are ready to give you their attention.
Sher is, without a doubt, the best hairstylist I have ever had--even better than the times I have gone to LA and booked insanely expensive appointments at famous boutique salons. Shere has the ability to create art from your hair, perfectly understanding how the structure of your facial features should be complimented and balanced by the cut and color. I walked out of the salon feeling a renewed sense of self- my personality was finally and truly being reflected in all facets of my appearance.
Not only was the cut good in the salon, it was good until my next appointment- it grew out phenomenally. The cut she gave me was versatile for my variation of sometimes-curly-sometimes-straight-hair days.
I have now had 3 haircuts from Sher, each and every time I am in love with everything about the style and color. I am thrilled with every detail of the salon from the personable staff, to the incredible decor, and finally to the fantastic work of art my hair now is.
Lauren is amazing, Lauren has been doing my hair now for years, and there really isnt anyone else for me. im always trying to change and fresh'n up! lauren always listens to me and give great ideas, advise and helps me pick the right product. (expy) since i go from a Aline cut that always had some crazy color in it teal ( im a sharks fan) purple.. red... orange.. green the colors go on and on. Now im asking for a natural brown with extentions, she does it all.
loven my hair
Rachele
Janessa has done it again! My grown out highlights needed to be toned down so Janessa applied an all over luscious mahogany brown color which turned out exactly as I asked for!
I also loved my cut, which didn't take too much off the length and she took her time blow drying and straight ironing my really thick and wavy hair. I'll be back for graduation. Thanks Janessa!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/24/2008
Calling all thick, curly, wavy haired girls! If you've ever feared getting a trendy hair cut or… Read more »
I'm not gonna lie: I paid a whole shit load of money for a haircut and dye. $160 before tip and I left a generous ass tip.
Okay so my dilemna was I don't have a hairstylist and I can never find one I like. No one ever listens to me about what I want to my hair.
My hairstylist was marlyss and she's the first to fully listen and understand what I'm trying to say. I had highlights before and was trying to cover them once and for all. Wanted side swept bangs and just a quick trim everywhere to get rid of the splitends.
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE my hair and my stylist is super cute and all but I don't think I can afford to keep this up. The most I've ever paid for a simple dye is $60 and $125 for highlights and $30 for a haircut. But we'll see, I'm still getting used to the three figure price shock!
I have had a similar long hairstyle for MANY years. My mother forbade me to cut my hair short growing up so when I was in my early 20's I rebelled and got the Rachel haircut. That is when I discovered WHY I shouldn't have short hair...EEK! =\ After many years of growing it out I tend to have the same long, layered hairdo that is safe and easy. My last haircut 3 months ago was really good at Loft A2 Beauty Service with James but it was a little pricey and located on the opposite side of town from where I reside.
Cut to a few weeks ago. My coworker came into work with an AMAZING haircut. She told me she went to see Lauren at Alchemy. Her hair was drastically different and she was just glowing! She kept telling me to go see her the next time I needed a haircut. She said that Lauren has curly hair like me and would be able to do great things. Since my hair has been slowly growing into a twisty mullet I decided to give her a call. She was able to fit me in a few days later = last night.
I was shocked when I arrived. I went here once many years ago and it was a small little shop. This time around I discovered it is in the same location...but has expanded next door and upwards. They are 3 times the size they were. It's very cute, modern and welcoming. The kind lady at the front desk led me up a flight of stairs into a comfortable waiting area.
Lauren is adorable...a beautiful person inside and out. She made me feel at ease and I really felt ready for a change. From seeing the work she's done on my coworker I gave her full range to do whatever she wanted. We talked it over...all of the issues I have, my fears, the shape of my face, etc. We chatted and laughed while she did her magic. After she was done I was in shock. It's not "short" but it is much shorter than I would normally let someone cut it. For a second it was an uneasy feeling that turned into complete adoration.
I spruced it up this morning and I have NEVER received as many compliments on a haircut as I did today. Everyone was gaga over it...even the macho men who don't have much to say about anything other than themselves and sports or technology. LOL I loved the experience and outcome so much that I'm actually going back to see her within the next week...but I'm not telling you why. It's a SURPRISE!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. After moving to the burbs after 4 years of living in the city, I was at a loss as to what hair salon to go to. I tried a few, had a few terrible haircuts before finding Alchemy. The salon is awesome and makes you feel right at home. Mary listens to what you have to say, let's you know if it's a good idea and then cuts it EXACTLY like you want it, perhaps even better than you could have ever imagined.
5 Stars for their awesome service.
Jennifer of Alchemy II is a fabulous stylist and I couldn't be more pleased with my decision (based on very helpful Yelp reviews) to go here. She is friendly, very knowledgeable, professional and will give you an honest assessment if you ask her opinion about your hair. Every time I leave there my hair looks and feels fabulous!
She'll also do her best to accommodate you and work out a schedule that's convenient, rather than just the other way around, something I despise in other stylists who tend to be whiny prima donnas and act like they are doing you a favor, then do nothing but complain and bitch on Yelp about their clients and how they "hate you" -- think Bobby from Vain A Salon. I avoided that place like the plague when looking for a new stylist since moving here a few months ago because I want nothing whatsoever to do with someone whose reaction to success is to respond with incredible arrogance, not to mention hostility. That's genuinely sad, and just plain bad karma. I do not need to be around all that negativity.
Now back to what really matters: Alchemy and Jennifer. The atmosphere is really cool, with a heavy emphasis on a very natural and eastern influence with warm tones, Buddha statues here and there and a nice Asian note to the decor throughout. It successfully pulls off giving one a sense of stimulation and relaxation at the same time, not at all an easy thing to accomplish. Plus I love that I can sip on a cup of hot Jasmine tea while Jennifer is working her magic.
If you want talented stylists, excellent service and a great atmosphere I highly recommend Alchemy II.
There was a mother's day special on a facial and pedicure combo. I got that and it was quite reasonable. The pedicure was really good and the facial was the best i have ever done. I was so relaxed that i might have taken a couple of naps. My skin felt so alive after that and so soft. :)
I go to Ronnie.. I love her. She does a great job and every time I leave there I'm happy. When I first went to Ronnie I was looking for a hair dresser and someone I could stick with. I would go to someone and leave thinking.. next! It sucks considering the prices we pay for our hair.
When I found Ronnie I liked her right away and when I left I loved my hair. I have found a hair dresser now and am very happy!
When I was a kid (yes, this is going to be one of those reviews) I was convinced that I could look like the cool girls in school. I knew I could never truly sport the blonde hair, but I was determined to have straight locks and bangs.
So my mom took me to a salon and allowed the stylist to persuade us both that brushing the front part of my hair forward and chopping it to 3" would grant me the bangs I had been desperately craving.
I walked away with 1" forehead of frizzy curly ques and I looked like a poodle.
I did eventually get the straight hair after spending 3 hours on the floor with an iron.
Fast forward to today and I have finally found a stylist that is a true expert with curly hair. I walked in, explained what I wanted, and Janessa delivered perfect results. I wanted to keep the length- Janessa cut just the right amount. I wanted to add in some highlights- Janessa picked 2 perfect tones to compliment my base color.
For the first time ever, I have met a stylist that finishes off my new do with more than a dime sized amount of gel. This girl understands that us curlies need a ton of product!
Cute salon, exceptionally friendly staff, and yelpers were right: Janessa is a top-notch stylist.
Extra bonus points to Janessa for calling me to let me know she was running late. I understand schedules are crazy and I do appreciate the courtesy call. I got 15 extra minutes to go home & change instead of stare at old magazines in the lobby.
It's not very often I treat myself to a good hair cut or dye. I'd much rather get a facial or pedicure and besides, I have three good friends who've just recently earned their cosmetology licenses, and while my hair has been somewhat of a guinea pig, I get cuts and dyes for little or no cost when I need 'em with ease. This past weekend I decided it was a good time for a change and time to step up my do' and repair the the mess that my beloved recent grads left behind.
Megan LaCore is a friend of a friend, and she is truly amazing at what she does -- why else would I drive all the way from Daly City to San Jose to get my hair done? She helped me take the plunge from my dull brown natural hues with some seriously uneven blonde highlights to a bright, bold but natural looking dirty blonde head of hair. She's done an outstanding job on my friends hair, which you can find pictures of on her website (http://www.theartofmeg...) and I have complete trust in what she does. Color is truly her forte and she suggestively sold me a certain dye scheme that works with my warm skin tone; she knows what she's doing. I got an amazing cut with soft layers, too.
The salon is eclectic yet calming and service is personalized. Parking was easy and the receptionist was attentive and nice when she checked me in. You can clearly see the stark split of five star and one star reviews and that should tell you most people have an outstanding experience here. Five stars for impeccable service, vegan products and a professional staff.
Mary has been my hair stylist for over a year now, and may I say I have not found a more wonderful person to do my hair. (Her sister is pretty awesome as well, her name is Nancy and runs The Alexandria in San Jose. I've yelped on them before.) Mary listens to me and always gives me fresh fun insight. I must say that my hair has never looked better. I really must take pictures of it to post and do justice.
I am now of the firm belief that hair care is as important as going to the dentist, and with this new mantra I routinely have my hair at least trimmed once every 5-7 weeks. And it is worth it. The mounds of compliments I get from my hair I totally owe to Mary. She helps me look 'tres chic'.
I wanted something new done to my hair therefore I actually went on Yelp to find a new hair stylist. I usually go to Lilly's Salon in Cupertino. I came across Alchemy and many people raved about Ambar. I booked the appointment, had my hair done and loved it.
She's very nice, listens to your needs, and provided many options of what style would work well with you. It's a little bit pricey, but well worth it. I paid $75.00.
Ok, update. Went back to Alchemy to have Marissa cut/style my hair.
Girl is a genius. Seriously.
I recently cut my hair short for locks of love, but after this review Marissa did my hair and it was an amazing experience. Lovely massage, she was so sweet, my hair was FABULOUS! And yeah.
I need a style soon, and there is NO DOUBT where I'll be going ;)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/25/2008
This is my first Yelp review, so let me just say, my experience HAD to be amazing to get me to… Read more »
I've had a few hair stylist but nothing compares to my current one. Her name is Lauren Caballero and she is awesome. I live in Discovery Bay, which is over an hour away from Alchemy and I honestly drive out to see Lauren whenever I need to get my hair done. It's always perfect and exactly the way I want it. There had been a few times where I was so busy that I had to cheat on her and go to a stylist out here... and I ended up not happy with the outcome... both times. I recommend this salon to anyone and everyone, not only because I love Lauren to death but seriously... all the girls there are amazing!!! :)
I traveled all the way from DC to get my hair done by Sher!
Actually, I've been seeing Sher for over two years before I moved back east this past summer. And while I got a couple of trims in DC, I waited to get my color done because I like how Sher makes my hair look so much better. I don't know what I will do when I can't come back anymore to see her.
Also, my husband still goes to see Sher every few weeks, and is happy with her too. He has very thick hair that is hard to control, and Sher always takes care of him too.
I've been to both locations, and they are relaxing, and the decor is amazing. They have all kinds of products to buy, but are never pushy about selling them. The staff are all friendly and make you feel welcome.
This is the first time I have followed a stylist after they have left my "usual place", but Marissa is sooooo worth it!
The space is amazing, so much nicer and more spacious then my last salon, the staff was incredibly sweet and the products were yummy.
But my favorite part.....Miss Marissa.
She was worth the extra drive to Willow Glen. She made my blonde blonder, the cut better, got me tea, showed me new products that smell like cupcakes, cause she knows that's how I roll. Did I mention I am laughing my ass of the whole time!
She also recommended this facial that they do there that sounds amazing, I am sure I will be back before my next hair appt!
This is part one of a two part updated review. This review is for the customer service I received, following my previous post. I will post an additional review for hair services after my visit, tomorrow.
Immediately after seeing the review on my negative previous experience, Sherry, the owner of Alchemy sent me an email. She was extremely understanding and truly empathetic about what had happened with one of her stylists. As it turns out, this stylist is no longer employed with Alchemy. Sherry offered to re-cut my hair, and do a complementary deep treatment as well. I will be going in tomorrow, and I'm sure will have more glowing remarks about my renewed Alchemy experience. Sherry has made every effort to do whatever she can to make my poor experience in her salon right. Customer service like that is difficult to come by. I was extremely impressed with her professionalism, kindness and depth of character. These personal traits that Sherry possesses, have been echoed in every other employee I have spoken to as well. I have had to reschedule my appointment a few times due to illness, and every time I speak to the scheduling coordinators, they are very friendly, understanding, patient, and professional.
These sparkling experiences lead me to believe that what occurred with my previous poor experience was not the standard at Alchemy, and simply just a "bad egg". It is unfortunate when an employee does not properly represent an establishment, giving it a bad name. I have shared these frustrations myself, as a business owner and manager.
More to come after tomorrow.......
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/21/2009
I hate having to write bad reviews about nice people. I wasn't going to write one at all, but 8… Read more »
Ambar is the best...she's been my "go to girl" for years now...She never fails to amaze me and I always leave her chair feeling like a million bucks! She's super fun to chop it up with too..great personality is always a plus when you're getting your hair did...
Love this girl!
I have never had my hair professionally done, except for cuts, and wanted something new. I have always wanted to go blonde, but was too cheap to pay for it and was too scared to do it at home. Finally my friend recommended Janessa from Alchemy II. I went and saw her, clutching a picture of Carrie Underwood, determined to get that really blonde look (my hair is naturally light brown, but it was a dark red/brown when I went to Janessa). Since my hair is regally fine, and I'm a swimmer, Janessa recommended we do a gradual lightening so that my hair didn't get super damaged. She chopped off my mid-back length hair and gave me some blonde highlights. Everyone was asking who did my hair!
I have a recurring appointment with Janessa, who got me to the blonde that I wanted all while keeping my hair super healthy. She is a very sweet, knowledgeable woman who made me feel very welcome and comfortable. All of the women there are incredibly nice and the studio is set up so beautifully! Go see Janessa!
If you want a talented Hair Artist......Look no more people!!!!
AMBAR is sooo Fabulous, I have been seeing Ambar for 8 years and my hair cut & color is amazing everytime....She listens to what I want, she always is up to date with hairstyles, she is just PERFECTION!!!
I've been going to BERTA PEREZ!!! for a long time now, and even though I moved to LA a few years ago, I can't go to anyone else! She's worth the flight everytime! She's sooo sooo sweet and I am always 100% satisfied with my hair every single time she cuts it!
My photo is actually of my new hair that I was so scared to do for the longest time, and she did it perfectly!
Sher over at Alchemy Hair Studios & Spas has done it again! Sher recently discovered a treatment process called the Brazillian Blowout and OMG is it amazing!
I have frizzy hair that no matter how much I flat iron it or straighten it with a paddle brush-I could never get that smooth look-but now I can! The Brazillian Blowout works for gals with curls, waves or frizz, or anyone with color-damaged hair -- it actually works best on them; you see the most amazing difference, it's so shiny-no it's VERY shiny! My fiance can't stop touching my hair! Another plus-it takes less time to blow dry your hair after you get the treatment done! If you want to feel like you've got a new head of hair-head over to Alchemy in Willow Glen.
Alchemy is offering the treatment for ~$250, which is less than most of the salons in the bay area are charging-even better-if you book with Sher on Tuesday or Wednesday she'll give you another $100 off! It's definitely worth the money! Thanks Sher-YOU ROCK!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/16/2009
On behalf of the newest member of the Alchemy Family-my 9 year old daughter!
There is no place better… Read more »
I was looking for a new salon and decided to use yelp to help me out, and I am so glad I did. I called Brooke and within a couple days I had an appointment to see her for a haircut. I walked in equipped with an idea and one picture that gave a rough idea of what I had in my head and she really rolled with it and gave me an amazing cut and used the best products to make my hair super soft and shiny.
She is also very easy going and comfortable to talk to, which in my mind is a must have when you are looking for a new stylist. I mean you are going to be spending at least an hour every 6-8 weeks with this person, more like 2-3 hours if you are getting color, so that leaves a long time for awkward silences if the person doing the trimming makes you feel uncomfortable.
The studio is also very well kept and tidy. If a salon is dirty, it really speaks volumes about the people working there. You can tell these people take pride in their work.
I am definitely going back to see her again and again!
(P.S. go to their website the first time you go to print out a $10 coupon for new customers!)
I followed Ambar to Alchemy via two other salons. I have curly hair and it's so hard to find a good stylist. It took me over two years from my last good stylist to find Ambar, who is fantastic with curly hair. She also takes into account age, life style, and facial structure when consulting on a hair style.
The Alchemy salon has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. They even put out snacks and tea.
I also really like that the owner does little things to give back to the community. I highly recommend this salon.
My friend recommended me to Myla B. a few years ago when I first moved to SJ. I had never had highlights before in my 26 years of existence, so decided to "take the plunge." Myla gave me a really cute short hair cut (we cut off 10 inches for Locks of Love) and some reddish-blonde highlights. I felt like an entirely different person and the cut couldn't have come a more opportune time as I was leaving for a Maui vacay a month later, and it was wonderful to just get out of the pool and shake my hair to dry it.
Having said that, I decided that I am not a highlights type of gal, so I decided to let my highlights grow out and return to my natural jet black hair. During this time period, I returned to my normal "hair stylist" ... my Mom. I'm not a fussy girl when it comes getting my hair cut.
Recently decided that I wanted a change to my hair style, so I rung up Myla again and told her I wanted side bangs and long layers. I couldn't be more happy with the cut and style she gave me. Myla is very warm and easy to talk to and you can tell she really enjoys her job.
I just went to Jennessa on Friday and I officially found my hairstylist. Being a curly girl, it's hard to find people who know what they are doing with your hair. I have been to several places and always was happy for a little bit and then got bored. Most stylists get the deer and headlights look when they see how thick and curly my hair is. Not Jennessa though...
When I first went it she was so nice (actually all the staff was nice). She sat me down and asked me what I wanted and then asked if she could give me some advice on what she thought was best. She then gave me the best shampoo and scalp massage I had ever received. I even told her that. She put this mint conditioner on my scalp and massaged my head for a good 10 mintues. It was great!
My hair cut didn't take too long. Standard timing for my type of hair. She thinned it out but not too much. She even gave me advice on how to style it better and what products she uses in her curly hair as well!
Point being....this chick is fabulous! If you have curly, thick, wavy, coarse hair, she is the one to go to. Trust me, I have been to mars and back searching for a stylist and she is great. My haircut which included styling, shampoo and obviously the cut was only 60 bux. Ya can't beat that in the Bay Area.
Jennessa is really amazing! She has wavy/curly hair like me, so she naturally knows what works best for curly girls. It's been ~7-8 months since I started seeing her and I'm thrilled with my hair style, from the moment I walk out the door till the moment I come back for my next appointment 8-10 weeks later. The cut grows out really well. I've received more compliments on my hair (from strangers, family, and friends) than I ever have in the past. I love the way the Alchemy II location is decorated--very eclectic and gypsy-bohemian. And it's usually not super busy when I stop in, so we can hear each other talk and I can just enjoy an hour or so of pampering. It's two doors down from La Villa and there's a huge parking lot behind the shops, so I never have trouble finding a spot on the street or out back. I highly recommend Jennessa!
Got some yellow hair here. Like a banana. Didn't want yellow hair. Gave them one star because they felt bad and tried to fix it, twice. Second time, they colored my eyebrows to match...not helpful.
I went a while ago and have since forgot the stylists name...she was blonde and around 20 yrs old. I had a simple hair cut will layers, partial highlights and sloppy low-lights. The final bill was $250... plus tip...almost $300. This place is nice in a shabby-zen sort of way but not upscale.
I saw Brooke L. this past Friday for a much needed cut and color. I walked in with my hair looking a mess and I walked out looking like a supa'star. The change wasn't drastic, but it was just enough to bring me out of my rut. Much to my surprise, it even looked cute when I went to style it myself the next day.
Brooke was completely darling, totally personable and I look forward to working with her again in the future.
The salon itself is really cute. I was nervous about parking, but ended up finding a spot right on the street out front.
