Scheduled a last minute cut I was overdue. Eli is newer and did my cut and color. I had some discolored hair from a temp dye that I tried during Covid. They did a great job color matching. There were interesting stories the whole time and they paid close attention to their work. It's a very casual inclusive vibe that makes sense for the neighborhood. It was a bit of a longer service but they forewarned me due to them being newer. Give them a try and help build their clientele! read more

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Edward is an artist with my hair! Teddy is a magician with her hands on my face, shoulders and head. Everyone should experience the ALCHEMIA! Kathleen Callahan regular customer read more

I was able to schedule an appointment pretty last minute to have my hair styled for a wedding and could not be happier with the result! My hair is known to hate holding a curl, but Janessa was able to get it to stay for not only the wedding but for the whole next day as well! Will definitely be coming back anytime I need my hair styled. Not to mention the salon is clean and cute! The only downside is parking can be limited as it's pretty much street parking only. read more

Alchemia Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this salon. I've been getting my haircut there since 2019. And as of today, I got my first facial done with, Teddy. Highly recommended going to see Teddy. I dozed off, I was so relaxed and my skin feels amazing. It had been feeling tight, irritated and looked dull. read more

I'm in love w/ my hair!!! Janessa came, she saw, she conquered. I asked for "highlights", showed her reference pics which turned out to be pics from a balayage. She went ahead and balayaged my hair and it came out so well. I was super shocked to see the difference in color because I have natural dark brown hair, plus the lightening is a little strange in the salon at night time; but I fell in love with it the next day. It was however still a little too bright for me and I went back to get it slightly toned down closer to the roots. Janessa was super flexible and so was Xander. Bring your family and friends here!! This place is the best read more

About a year ago, I went to a salon to get my hair straightened and the woman did an awful job. A good portion of my hair broke off and it has taken a year to get a decent amount of hair growth. Just before COVID happened, I made an appointment with Ken to get a semblance of a long angled bob cut. Even with all of the damage, he worked some miracle and gave me one of the best bobs I've had. He also didn't push me on buying products (I absolutely LOATHE salons that try to sell me their overpriced products), but was very informative when I asked him questions and as a result, I DID end up buying a product. I just went back yesterday and not only did he give me a great cut, but I also want to commend Alchemia for taking appropriate measures to keep customers safe during this ongoing pandemic. Lots of people seem to think that if we just ignore the fact that COVID19 is a thing, that it won't be, but that's not the case and I was happy that Alchemia is taking it very seriously. PLUS, Ken (and the other man who I believe is an owner but I don't know his name) are sweethearts and make you feel safe and welcomed as soon as you walk in! :) read more

Ahh, I've had tremendous experiences with Sy, Xander, and Edward! To Sy for being epic and bringing me back with your trust to treat me and my hair well! To Xander for making me feel comfortable and giving me a new look and to Edward for staying super late tonight, after hours, to "make sure I feel perfect on my wedding day." How sweet!! I feel like a respected client and these folks are super passionate, experienced, and proud of their art! I can't wait for what the second year brings! Thank you for taking care of me! read more

I went for a cut and color. It was great both the color and cut. The salon had a nice vibe to it. Not intimidating at all, very approachable. read more

LOVEEEEE this salon, quite literally obsessed with the work they do. Xander is great for color and does amazing work with blonde hair. He's also just an amazing human being and makes you feel very comfortable. I don't think I can go see anyone else. Prices are great for Chicago and super reasonable and getting an appointment is easy. Definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a new salon. read more

Best haircut ever. Hands down! Edward was a total badass on my hair, and now I feel fantastic. Definitely if you are like me, and you are looking for a good salon that isn't crap, arrogant, or rude - then I saved you a search. Go here. It's the absolute best. You are welcome. Plus baby yoda says so as well. read more

I love this salon and travel far to go there. It is worth the drive! I asked for fiery red and got exactly that! I have been going to Edward for over 10 years and always receive compliments on my hair everywhere I go! read more

Alchemia Salon - New Red hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Liz is AMAZING! Super nice and I loved her energy! She did wonders when I went in for a cut yesterday, there's more life in my hair than I've ever seen before! Plus I love the atmosphere! If you're looking for a nice place to get your hair cut I would totes recommend here! Excited to come back in the future! :D read more

If you have not treated your hair to this Uptown Gem, you AND your hair are missing out. My hair leaves feeling SO grateful each and every time. Lets bullet point this place..... -Stylist: Any one of the stylist here can flip the f**k out of this rats nest mess, I bring them each time. I always get a great cut! I have never seen, not one, toe up head walk out of this place. -Cleanliness: Salons tend to get kinda nast after they have been around a while, NOT THIS ONE! Just like there is never one hair out of place on my head after leaving, there is nothing out of place here. The salon is always spick and span. Even the work stations are kept clean and orderly. -Availability: They always help get me in, in a timely manner. If I call last minute because I am a total D Bag, they (knowing I am a quick cut) always offer to squeeze me in. -Products: The products they carry are fresh, clean, and I always feel salon fresh after getting ready in the morning. Each member of the team knows exactly what each product does too, VERY helpful! -Know thy Shit: This place is ALWAYS staying on top of the hottest trends, and how to execute them properly! I also want to grow my nest out like 90's Brad Pitt. They know thy shit, and know how to keep my hair lookin good, keeping me happy, until my hair reaches that length. Bottom line, you MUST check this place out! read more

Ken is a magician! I went here to get my hair fixed after another salon had messed it up. I told Ken I had decided to dye my hair for the first time but when I saw how badly the other place had messed it up I regretted my decision. He assured me he could fix my hair and get the balayage I had originally asked for. He did not lie. He was very attentive and meticulous through the entire process. I love the end result. I will definitely be going back in the future! read more

Alchemia Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this salon! The stylists are really nice and they do a great job. Also, I like that they charge based on the length of your hair, instead of your gender. read more

Had been putting off cutting my hair since I moved to Chicago almost a year ago because I was nervous about going to a new place, but I'm so glad I found this gem of a salon! They were able to get me in within 24 hours and then accommodated my request to come 15 minutes early due to another appointment ending early. Jeremy was super easy to talk to and did a wonderful job with my haircut. Also, very affordable student haircuts at $25! read more

I love this salon. Ken has been coloring and cutting my hair for over a year now and he is the best. He cares so much about what he does and it makes me feel great. My color has never been better. I have to add that he also cuts my husband and my two boys who are 5 and 7 and their hair looks awesome. To top it off- if you are a teacher they offer 20% off all services in September! read more

Alchemia Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sy did a really great job with cutting my hair and gave me exactly what i showed her in the photo :) she's amazing and a great personality! Definitely book her for your cuts . read more

I cannot say enough how happy I am with this salon and the way my hair turned out today! I just moved to uptown from the suburbs so I was looking for a salon close by and that wasn't ridiculously overpriced. After reading a million reviews on yelp, I decided to give Alchemia a try. First of all, they got me in on a Saturday, 30 minutes after I called, what?! From the second I walked in, I felt welcome, even after arriving late from traffic due to an accident, they were so nice! Kevin took my coat and offered me a drink while Edward introduced himself and brought me to his chair. Edward listened to exactly what I wanted (super mega blonde) and took the time to tell me all about the products they use and what he was actually doing to my hair. I always get nervous because artists tend to not make my hair blonde enough, but Edward totally understood what I wanted. Edward was quick but careful and I could tell he was passionate about what he does and extremely knowledgeable. After he dried me he even recommend a great trim for my hair and left me feeling beautiful! I am so excited to return and get my hair done here again. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great style! read more

Lockdown hair report: I have not had the urge to cut my hair, at all. With short hair that grows really fast, I was certain I would have Ken scolding me for wielding scissors the next time I was in his chair. However, my cut from almost 3 months ago has held on beautifully... evidence of Ken's skill. If you're searching for a new place, you can't go wrong with any of the stylists. read more

I stumbled on Alchemia through Yelp in December, 2020 and the person who answered the phone Ken. Poor Ken, I've been going to him to him ever since for everything. For haircuts, blowout, and highlights. Everyone there is super friendly, at least to me. Ken I appreciate him because he's stuck with me as is Alchemia. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new hairstyle, haircut, or color. I recommend it highly. Judith Wolfson read more

I booked an appointment with SY, and am SO happy I did. I was very honest with her that spending my money on hair coloring and treatments seems frivolous to me, so I would be using box dye to touch up my roots. I also revealed that I do basically everything you shouldn't do to keep ones hair healthy. She accepted and respected this and matched my roots to my previous (and likely future) box dye job . That is proof she has integrity and wants to meet her clients realistic practices of hair care. She did a truly beautiful combination of balayage and ombre after consulting with another hair stylist. Again, that represented integrity to me. The fact that these two stylists were humble enough to seek each others advice and input is encouraging and respectable. I'm very happy with Sy's artistry, friendly demeanor, and lack of ego! I will certainly be seeing her again. read more

Edward, stylist extraordinaire and owner of the salon, is a genius of color. I found him when I approached a girl on the street who had gorgeous, jaw-dropping color - and she handed me his business card, which she always had on her. Because her hair was just that good. Edward has used his impressive experience and impeccable taste to create a salon with all of the good salon qualities and none of the bad. At Alchemia, you'll get exceptional skill, personal service, and gorgeous glamour without any snootiness, drama, or corporate BS. And another thing I love? Inclusion is the name of the game. Each visit starts with a consultation, during which Edward listens carefully and offers thoughtful feedback and suggestions. He takes the time to understand what you want, be it classy, edgy, funky, punky, sleek, chic or a combination thereof, and then he makes it happen. He has taken me from bombshell blonde to pastel pink to shades of sunset and back again, and the results are always professional and polished. Whether your next stop is a party or an interview, Edward will send you off stunning. . Have I mentioned you can't beat the price? For this level of skill in cut, color, and service, you'll never find a better deal. The salon's vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed. The walls are a calming shade of Tiffany Blue, and the sun spills in through sheer ceiling-to-floor drapes that line the large storefront window. The carefully curated playlists are always a treat. You'll get a great mix of upbeat and unexpected tracks from the 50's through today, with a slight emphasis on the 80's. No played out Top 40 hits here! The location on Sheridan is easily accessible and street parking is easy to find. If your timing is right, you can even find free parking on Argyle or Carmen. Alchemia will exceed your expectations, whether you are looking for a last minute cut or an LTR with a top stylist. It's only natural that the salon's motto is "transform ordinary into extraordinary," because extraordinary is what Edward does best. read more

I've gone to Edward since I was 16 years and i am now in my 30s. I love looove his work. And will never go anywhere else until the day he retires. def recommend. read more

This place has to be too good to be true. After doing plenty of research on Yelp, I went here for the first time this week and received a student discount haircut (offered for $25+ Tues through Thurs) and couldn't believe the experience I got for $25. It was comparable to (and also even better than) every other haircut I've received in the city that have cost me upward of $65. Liz was knowledgeable and fun to talk to. She listened to my wishes for my hair and delivered exactly what I was looking for. The facility was easy to find, was very clean, and had great music. I was assisted right when I arrived and was offered a drink and somewhere to hang my coat. Will be back as soon as I need to, and have already recommended Alchemia to at least two friends. You have to check it out! read more

This salon was the strangest hair experience I've ever had. Ken overpromised me when I came in that he could do the hair I wanted that day. The reason I'm giving two stars is because he was very generous with his knowledge of hair color. Yet the experience was a complete mess. Ken's behavior was unhinged. He was messy with the bleach and just plopped my bleached hair around, he even got bleach on my shirt and frantically apologized. He added NO styling products to my hair... he aggressively blow-dried it and then just told I was done. Really? After all that bleach treatment? After other stylists left is when it got really weird. Ken started throwing things-- towels, combs, even a chair. The aggression came out of nowhere. I felt so uncomfortable. All in all, this salon has really cheap prices compared to other in Chicago. The stylists are mostly older, in their 40s-60s. I wouldn't come here again. read more

I recently got a cut and color and I can't stop touching my hair. It feels and looks so healthy. I'm so happy I found this place. Thanks, Sy!! read more

I'm a transplant from D.C. and have been looking for the right salon for a while. Ken was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a more attentive stylist. I would recommend him 100%. I have very fine asian hair and not everyone can cut it well. I have found my go to salon in Chicago!!! Reasonably priced at $55 for cut and style. I'm not going anywhere else. read more

So glad I gave this place a try after walking past it almost daily. Liz was fantastic, and I look forward to making this place my regular go-to for haircuts. read more

Ken is the best. Gives great color and cuts and has a heart of gold. So happy I found him! I've been seeing him for over a year now.

Five stars for Edward! I have very short wavy hair w/an androgynous style and he did a great job listening to what I wanted and iterating on both the cut and color until it was perfect. He struck a great balance of listening but also offering guidance and recommendations of what would look best in his expert opinion, which I definitely appreciated. read more

Second time into the salon and I am so so pleased with my haircut and color. Sy is a hair wizard and so pleasant to chat with. She knew exactly what I wanted and worked with me to ensure everything turned out perfectly. The place is clean and bright and all of the staff are so welcoming and accommodating. Best salon I've been to in years. Also STUDENTS, 25$ cuts Tuesday-Thursday. and not just cheap great clips quality. I'm talking full blown high end salon quality cut. Love it. read more

After not having a hair cut in months and not really knowing what I wanted, Edward was able to help and gave me exactly what I pictured in my head. I am so happy with the way my hair looks! read more

If i could give this place negative stars, i would. Edward was so rude. I've never been treated so poorly by anyone before in my life. So unprofessional, wouldn't listen to what I wanted, didn't even look at the pic i provided as a guide. read more

Went to this salon for the first time this week and got a lob by Ken! He was very friendly (I'm terrible at small talk) and worked fast. Lobs may not be the most difficult cut, but the quick cut also speaks to Ken's experience! Will definitely be back for my next cut and eventually color! read more

Elizabeth was wonderful! I came in looking for something creative and different. With a photo, we worked together to discuss what I would like. Super friendly, the music was great, and I loved my haircut! Will be coming back for sure. read more

Edward has been my stylist for over ten years, and it's because he is supremely talented at his craft, his ART. He's also a really cool, genuine, and sweet person. "Alchemy" is defined as "the process of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary." He has named his salon perfectly. Great space, great vibe, check it out! read more

I have had the same stylist for the last 7 years, but decided to try something new since my usual stylist is an hour drive away. This was my first time at Alchemia Art of Hair, and gave it a chance because it is only about 2 blocks away from my condo. My stylist was Ken, and he did an amazing job. He listened very well to what I wanted. My hair was extremely damaged from over dyeing.He cut my hair exactly how I wanted, and it looks so much healthier now. I was a little worried about cutting so many inches off my hair, but he made it look very stylish and chic.I have a lot of hair and its also very thick. But I was in and out in about 90 minutes. I am used to being in a salon for about 3 hours each time, so I really appreciated the fact that it did not take half of my day. I will be returning in about a month for color. Very satisfied customer here. read more

I have never been to Alchemia, I choose this salon and the stylist (Ken) solely based on online reviews and I was actually excited about my hair cut and color. Unfortunately it was a disappointment for some part of it. The color treatment was good for the most part, I actually like the brand of color that was used as it looks pretty natural, there was a couple of strand that was not covered properly. Once my hair was blow dried my hair was super sticky because the product was not washed off completely. Ken was very apologetic and i completely understand that stuff happens. The WORST part was when he rewashed my hair he rushed SO much with the blow dry that it was Actually painful and he seen flustered while blow drying. He couldn't even set my hair properly. It cost me $150, which absolutely was not worth the service. Most disappointing part was they didn't even have the courtesy to offer me a discount for my inconvenience. I feel like I could have gone to hair cuttery and gotten the same treatment for less than half the price. read more

As a male who has been on a 3-year journey aspiring for long beautiful locks that are not too feminine and not, well gross, naturally it is difficult to find a salon, and especially a specific hairdresser, that can understand my goals and deliver. For over a year now, Edward has been my Godsend and I could not be more appreciative of his service, personality, and genius. He has only ever done exactly what I have asked of him, and if on the off chance I am ever not 100% satisfied (which only would occur because I didn't really know what I wanted), he figures out what I'm really going for and teaches me what I actually want. In addition to his transforming coloring ability and precise trims, he has also had appointments for me to teach me to style my own hair (at no charge) so that I can leave my apartment feeling as confident as I do leaving his salon. He also treats my money as an investment and allows free "clean up" visits for the annoying curls by my sideburns and the nape of my neck that incessantly plague me. Furthermore, setting up appointments with Edward is far easier than I'd imagine. I think the longest I've ever had to wait for him to have availability may be 3-4 days. He is delightful to chat with, he is a fantastic styling and product guru, and someone who cares deeply about the goals of his customers. If/when I move from Uptown, I don't think I could bring myself to find another salon or stylist. I apologize for the length of this review, but it is the only way I could properly give back to this wonderful establishment. read more