I was happy with my hair, don't get me wrong, but it was her behavior throughout the service that I wasn't entirely fond of. For one, I was going to initially back out because the quote was a little out of my price range but she didn't get back to me until the day before to let me know there's a giant cancellation fee. Then when I showed up to the appointment she was 30 minutes late. I didn't get any explanation, I was just kind of scolded by her for being too uptight about time? And not understanding how she operates things? As a first time client how would I know that? Then throughout the entire service she started talking badly about other clients, some being her regulars, and I felt uncomfortable because some of that information seemed personal. At the end she charged me for more than what I was quoted. Again, she did well with my hair but I'm sure I can find better service and prices with the same result somewhere else. read more

I had an amazing experience with Brandi and her team at Alchemy Salon. My godsister found them online and they were able to assist ALL of my bridesmaids (I had 7 plus me, so this was a large party) and helped us immensely on my wedding day. I have never had my makeup professionally done, and Brandi made me feel like a princess (my jaw literally dropped when I saw myself!!!) and my hairstylist not only created a beautiful half up half down style, but also helped me choose a stunning hairpiece from the bridal shop next door. My bridesmaids looked beautiful and everything was done in an immensely timely manner. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience here, especially how kind and accommodating Brandi was over the phone since I live out of state. I am so thankful that I got to work with the staff here and I think their price point was fair for what I wanted, especially in Monterey/Carmel where hair and makeup can reach over $1000 for weddings. Thank you Brandi!! read more

See all

I did a makeup and hair trial here for my wedding. The makeup was done by the store owner Brandi. The final makeup did not look good I am sorry to say - and the process and experience to get there was harsh. Brandi did not take well to feedback and was defensive. As a makeup artist, she only brought a single eyeshadow palette. She did not strike me as a professional makeup artist and seems more comfortable doing hair - which is fine, but I would have wanted to know that going into it instead of wasting money on a trial. I also got my hair done by a stylist there named Ari. She was suggested to me by another salon. She did a great job on my hair and I did end up putting a deposit down for services for my wedding. However, her behavior towards me and mom in the following months leading up to the wedding was unprofessional at best and abusive at worst. I don't know what I did to piss her off so much, but she berated both me and my mother over text for being "too particular." Over a 4-month span I sent her 3 reference photos and texted her maybe 5 times in total. 3 weeks out from my wedding I had to find alternative hair services because of her attitude. I would have been sabotaging myself on my wedding day by working with her... I thought about not writing a review and moving on - but I don't want someone else to have a similar experience, especially on their wedding day read more

Although the salon, itself, is beautiful and is in an awesome location, I had a very unprofessional experience here. The stylist was very rough with my hair. She also made some rude remarks to me throughout the service. In addition, she charged me significantly more for the service than she had quoted. She did not style my hair in the way that I had requested. Overall, I would not recommend this salon. read more

If you want a $120 hair cut you found the right place. Was quoted $65 on the phone and ended up paying 140 with tip for just a hair cut

If your in Monterey for a wedding, special event, or just want to look a little glamorous this is the spot! The owner Brandi is amazing! She did make up and her gal Ruby did the hair. I made the appointment about 2 months back and ended up canceling the trial after sending Brandi some pics and assured me that she can do the style/makeup. The makeup Brandi used on me was light and didn't feel greasy or heavy on most importantly is stayed throughout the night. The two who styled me were so friendly and made the time fun! They take there time with each client keeping the focus directly on you! The atmosphere, environment and feel of salon is classy, trendy, clean and professional! I had some nerves for my wedding and felt amazing and confident walking out! read more

I'm a hairstylist myself however I was having my wedding in Monterey and wanted my hair, and makeup done. Along with myself, I also made appointments for my son (he has long hair on top and I wanted it braided in cornrows) and an updo for my niece (flower girl). Brandi did my makeup, her assistant Rubi did our hair. My sons hair was not in cornrows, they were in small French braids. I even double checked my text message conversation and I in fact asked for cornrows. There's a big difference. I didn't say anything, I let it go, wasn't a big deal. For my hair, I asked for a loose, flowy updo. It ended up being a tight bun. I asked her to make it more loose, I even had to ask her to tease it for some body on top. Once she tried to fix it, I realized it wasn't going to be what I asked for. So instead of wasting more time in the salon, I needed to save that time for me to fix it at my hotel. My nieces hair was supposed to be a loose pinned up, updo, she ended up with a bun as well. My makeup was ok, I ended up fixing some of it at the hotel also. By the time it was all done, I paid my bill, got out of there and took my hair completely down back at the hotel and did it myself. Luckily for me I was able to fix it, however not everyone would be able to do that. I would not recommend going here for a wedding. I'll attach pictures of what I asked for, and what I got. Also, a picture of my hair AFTER I did it myself. read more

See all

Thank you Ms. Brandy! You have a rare gift. Alchemy hair Salon at the Plaza sings modern international hair and you have the Divine inspiration. I walked into your store feeling the weight of my fears in the grape seed oil I had been using as a hair moisturizer. Not only were you kind, but you genuinely framed my hair in a way that enhanced the beautiful East Indian ethnicity I am proud of. Best wishes! Jenna read more

Alchemy Salon - International women's haircut at Alchemy hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Monterey, California

Last week, my family and I emailed Brandi inquiring about an appointment. I also took the time to email (at least 10 email exchanges and phone calls) to show what the styles we each wanted as well as head shots of how we currently look. She said she would be ready to go at 6pm for each of us a few days later. We get there at 6pm and here are the reasons why I would not recommend this salon: 1. She forgot the hair requests we had made and had me open my email to show her the photos again of what we wanted. She wasted time by not being ready. 2. Even after showing her the images of what we wanted, she had each of us sit in her chair re-explaining what was written in an email for her 4 days in advance. 3. I had told her my natural hair is curly and she said she could do the job but when I sat in her chair she made outrageous facial expressions at my hair and criticized my requests to cut it in layers. I had told her that is what I had wanted and typically style my own hair either straight, or blow dry and usually have this haircut. She literally said "no." 4. She changed my request from cut and color to a hair treatment that straightens my hair and looked at my hair in disgust. 5. When we booked the appointment, we agreed to go because she said she does evening hours and will work on all 3 of us from 6pm to midnight. I work from home and typically 7am-midnight and said we can make the time to go with this time frame. She then tells us that she can work on my my hair and likely my husband's hair but my daughter and husband will need to come back for more treatment. 6. We had asked for a quote over the phone and emails, based on our headshots, information provided and pictures of what we wanted and she said we will know day of and to bring cash or venmo. Well we brought cash in a reasonable amount. She races through the products, treatment, fees and services quickly and then asks us if we got all that. When we say no we need to calculate it she laughs and grabs her phone adding everything to $1,200 for cut and color. We go outside to discuss for 2 minutes and inform her that at the this time and because it was an hour into the appointment we are just going to get our daughter's hair colored (not cut just colored). She said $250 and we agreed as our daughter was looking forward to that day. Keep in mind she had initially quoted us at $250 for cut and color but we said we will do the color only and she still wanted $250. 7. Throughout the session Brandi made rude comments to me calling me "clueless" about hairstyling and kept bragging about her skills and products. She said that I didn't know about hair and that is her job but she didn't even realize that I cut my daughter's hair and she said it was perfect so she wasn't going to cut it. A word of advice to an owner trying to get business: Do not insult the people paying you. You are doing a service and you get paid to do it. 8. Throughout the coloring, she kept saying I would benefit from the hair treatment for my frizzy hair to point where I was annoyed because I respectfully declined the service and she wouldn't let it go. When she teased my daughter's hair for the coloring technique she even said her hair looks like mine. Some tourists came in while she was still coloring my daughter's hair and asked if she could do men's haircuts. Rather than pull them to the side she takes their information right next to us and then when they ask if she is free the next day she said with aggression, "No, wait you know what I was saving that spot for these guys [points to us] for a second appointment but they won't be using the time anyways so sure let's get you booked." I couldn't help but roll my eyes because even if you go in and take the time to hear her out on her fees and services, and decide whether or not to use her services, she will not take it well. 9. It took her 6 hours+ to only color my daughter's hair and then she charged me extra for her time and product. I don't think she uses her time wisely because if it took 6 hours to only color hair, I don't know why she thought she could cut and color all 3 of our hair to begin with. If you want to get charged extra for her time wasting and to get insulted, go for it. If you are a working professional and want to spend your money wisely, do your homework and choose someone else who is confident in their work and can give an exact price and then stick to it. read more

Had healthy hair walking in, I just need a cut and color. Now I look like slim shady and Draco Malfoy and my hair is so dry I can't do anything with it. II never wanted to be bleached Brandi did whatever she wanted. Now I have chemical burns and scarring from those burns, I had to get an attorney the burns are so bad. read more

See all

I have very long and thick hair and came in for a blow dry & style. I explained to Brandy that I was in town for a work event and was hoping to make it last for a few days. She did a double wash, a round brush blow dry and used a curling iron to style. The result was beautiful and lasted a full 3 days! I got compliments from colleagues all week :) Thanks for a great experience! read more

So happy with the cut Brandi gave me! I have very curly hair and was looking for a precision cut. She didn't miss a beat when she saw my curls and gave me the cut I was looking for! Looking forward to my next appointment! read more

My daughters stylist Angie was excellent!!! She put so much love and care into the awesome haircut! My daughter was so relaxed with her scalp massage!! Covid protocol was on point! 5 star service from beginning to end. My 8 year old was on top of the world when we left the salon! Swinging her hair all day!!! I love seeing my girl so happy with her new look. Angie really took the time to listen to her needs. Thank you for treating my baby with such kindness!! Now it's my turn! read more

After months of bleaching my hair in quarantine, I was lucky to find Brandi at Alchemy Salon. My hair was very brassy and dry from my bleaching treatments. Brandi recommended that I have a keratin treatment along with correcting my color. I am so glad she recommended this treatment and it has made my hair healthier and smoother than I have ever had. My color also turned out amazing. See the before and after pictures attached below. Brandi is the best hair stylist I have ever had. Would highly recommend! I will definitely be coming back on a regular basis! read more

Alchemy Salon - AFTER - Hair Salons Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

I chose this salon at random to fix my self-quarantine cuts and was happy I did. I inquired about price on their official website and within minutes, the Owner, Brandi, got back to me. Brandi and her assistant Ruby were so nice and very efficient! I got a shampoo, cut, and curled hair for $95 and it looks amazing! She did exactly what I wanted and more. I will visit this salon exclusively for as long as I live in Monterey. Highly recommend! read more

Was looking for a quick place to have my eyebrows waxed and found Alchemy salon right across the street from our hotel at Monterey Plaza , Brandi was very accommodating and friendly and was able to get me in within the hour . read more

Charged my FRIENDS debit card $250 for having to RESCHEDULE an appointment.. And I let her know HOURS in advance about the miscommunication and she didnt tell me she was charging my friends card until after my appt was due.... Had she told me about this obscene "fee" i would have driven to her from Fairfield right then..... Once she told me that theres a "no show fee" i immediately told her that is not my debit card AND HE DOESNT AUTHORIZE HER TO USE HIS CARD..... and what does she do. Still takes his card and charges 250$ for DOING NOTHING.... i keep telling her that they are tight for money because they arent working due to COVID.... And i asked her to have a heart and give them their money back and i will pay her myself.... She isnt responding ... STAY AWAY FROM HER! BRANDY WILL RIP U OFF.... Thank you brandy for believing its okay to take that rediculous "fee" for doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! read more

Brandi is amazing! She has 16 years of experience styling hair and it shows! I showed her a few pictures of what I was looking for and she did better for my coloring/hair type than any of them! She's super sweet and fun, listens to what you want, and brings it to life! The salon is clean and beautiful and relaxing. Can't wait for my next cut and color w Brandi, highly recommend! read more

Alchemy Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Monterey, California

Got two girls in for same day bridal hair/makeup! SO clean and professional! Really enjoyed our services and the salon. Very clean, very helpful, and the girls know their stuff! read more

Alchemy Salon - Lobby - Hair Salons Near Me - Monterey, California

Check out the pictures! Ok now that I have your attention you have to check out this hidden gem salon ! I've been looking for months for place to color my hair .. not just any color but basically platinum which it's hard to do especially when I had red hair before . A lot of place would take a glance at my hair and said nope sorry can't it's impossible which I kinda knew it was going to be a challenge but a flat no ? I was getting discouraged until Brandi reached out to and actually talked to me and was straight forward with me she even ask me to come in for a consult no promises just to analyze my hair to truly know what can be done . She went over steps , process ,how committed I would be to help my hair get to platinum. In the end I knew I couldn't keep up with the "up keeps " so I went for different red . The overall experience and environment was amazing . All the girls were super friendly , my hair was brought back to life ! Thank you thank you so much ! I can't wait to see you guys again . read more

See all

Cut all my hair off and badly. Hack job. She had done such a great job twice before so I should let this go but I can't go out of the house. It will take at least 2 months before I feel like I can go out in public. I can't even look at myself . So depressed read more

I ended up going somewhere else to have the color corrected. It was awful. I had green, red, orange. I paid 300 dollars for this the first time at Alchemy and then having to go somewhere else and pay another 150 to have it fixed. read more

Like many, I've been on a real journey with my hair. Especially after two boys and all of the changes, my hair has been challenging to say the least. From frizziness, to grays, to my hair thinning significantly, I was experiencing it all. I had been to MANY hairdressers who did what I asked: cover my grays, and that seemed like enough. Brandi is the first stylist to go above and beyond in service, skill and knowledge. The keratin and color treatments I've received have been transformational. Brandi is a wealth of knowledge and has taught me the importance of /provided the tools for at home hair care practices. She has COMPLETELY changed my hair game, and really my life (yes finally having the hair I always wanted has changed my life ). My hair is the thickest, healthiest, softest and most evenly toned it's EVER been (that includes before having children). And I wake up every day excited about my hair...something I never thought I'd say. I wish I had found Brandi sooner and will never trust anyone else with my hair! read more

Will never come back here. Worse haircut ever! Cut way more then I asked for. The bangs were not even and Brandi made them thick even though I asked them not to be thick. Wouldn't recommend this place as it's not worth the price.. read more

Outstanding service! I highly recommend for fabulous hair services!!! GORGEOUS salon and has many services, dedicated passionate salon owner and hairstylist Ruby gave me a Keratin treatment that left my hair satin-silky. LOVE this fun fashionable salon and walking distance to cannery row! read more

Stopped in to see if they did men's haircuts and they do!! And what a great cut it was. Full service treatment including a wonderful and soothing hair wash, then a great cut followed by some really good product. I'll be coming back for sure! read more