Spent three months travelling throughout Maine and although there was only three CVS pharmacies in the entire state, I was both surprised and relieved that there were actually more Aveda Salons and this one 45 minutes from where we were staying. I was doubtful that they would agree to respond to an internet inquiry as I wouldn't be a repeat customer but was pleasantly surprised when not only they responded but put with one of their most senior stylist as I was sure I'd be put with a newbie. I understand everyone has to start somewhere but I had a sudden health crisis a year ago that resulted in major hair loss. I was subsequently deeply concerned about a neophyte coloring and trimming my hair. I emailed them my regular stylist's "recipe" and Naomi was an absolute master at her craft. She did an incredible job and was very much a subject matter expert as to what I could do to protect my hair that was coming back in and asses how much new growth I had given it was all uneven. I am strictly team Aveda for years and years but often the sacrifice is the personality of the stylist and although I'm fine with silence, Naomi was the absolute coolest and a complete delight. Do hair and your psyche a favor and schedule an appointment with Naomi, you're worth it and so is the experience. read more

Eena did a fantastic job with my bridal hairdo! I have very fine, straight hair and she was able to create the curled, voluptuous updo I was dreaming of. She asked my opinion about many details to be sure I liked how it looked. Her pricing is more than reasonable compared to what most stylists offer, and she even traveled to our airbnb in Gouldsboro on a day the salon is closed. We genuinely enjoyed meeting her and are happy she was a part of our elopement day. Thank you, Eena!! @hairbyeena read more

The Alchemist Salon - Bridal hairdo - Hair Salons Near Me - Ellsworth, Maine

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So happy I found Alexis! I have been searching for a hair stylist who could cover my grays but continue to keep me blonde and healthy. I had a mishap at another salon and felt that I came to Alexis with overly processed and unhealthy hair, but after two appointments with her I feel like my hair is back on track to feeling healthy and getting its shine back. Her communication is excellent, she's hilarious to talk to, and when I had to bring my toddler in to the salon with me she was so incredibly understanding and efficient while I juggled everything. So grateful for her and will always come to her :) read more

Ena is a terrific hair stylist. I came in with an unruly pile of curls and she gave me the cutest haircut. She listened to what I wanted and was communicating every step of the way. I highly recommend her. read more

I have been meaning to write this review for so long - I cannot recommend Alexis enough! She's been my go to hairdresser for a few years, after a couple false starts with other salons in the area. She really listens during your consultation, provides feedback and ideas, and takes the time to understand your thoughts and expectations. Salon chit chat and banter is 100%, and they also offer coffee and tea, a lovely service when you're there for a bit. But most importantly, my hair looks incredible! Color looks natural, highlights are gorgeous, and I get so many compliments! Go see Alexis - you won't be disappointed! read more

I was looking for a new Stylist and booked an afternoon appointment with Morgan. The Salon is higher end but not overdone. I was offered refreshments and I appreciated that after my drive into town. Morgan saw me on time and gave me a gorgeous haircut! I already booked my next appointment for full cut and color. My daughter is also scheduling. * I was also pleasantly surprised at the prices for the quality of service! read more

I used the Alchemist exclusively for years. I've had some good experiences (Amanda), some okay experiences, a few disappointing experiences and a HORRIBLE experience which was the last straw. I went in for a blonde root touch up and left with a patchy all over grey which the salon REFUSED to acknowledge, fix or reimburse me for. A huge problem with the Alchemist is they think they know what's best for you and don't consult you with what YOU want for YOUR hair. They never ask for reference photos or explain what toner they are going to use or describe what shade you're hair is going to be. They talk amongst the other stylists and think this color would look cool on the client. For no reason my bleach blonde hair was toned GREY and the salon never fixed it or apologized for the disaster toner incident. Instead of taking care of a loyal client--the Alchemists solution was to ignore and then try and gaslight me. I got my hair done the Thursday before 4th of July. In the salon chair I said "my hair looks grey," the stylist responded "no, it's blonde." I expressed I was unhappy (and grey) on Friday and asked to be seen multiple times via phone and messenger throughout Saturday as well. They ignored me and later described Saturday as really busy with 13 bridesmaids in the salon in the morning. They claimed they couldn't leave me a message on Saturday because my mailbox was full, interesting I get messages frequently and they were able to leave one a few days later. They never tried to write me on messenger either despite talking to me on that platform recently. When we finally connected, on Wednesday, after I wrote a long letter describing the incident, they said they were prepping me for a vivid color service and had over-toned me in preparation for that. I had talked about getting pink highlights, never an all over vivid color and never being anything but a blonde. The salon had assured me the grey would wash out and become blonde after washing with a cheap harsh shampoo like head and shoulders. Stupidly, I listened to their advice and my grey hair had frazzled to a slightly less grey blondeish mess. I ended up see another salon to get the disaster fixed. It took 4.5 hours and a complete color correction. I have to go back and work on the patchiness of the botched touch up once my hair heals some. The Alchemist said they wouldn't be able to further work on my hair because I had it "altered" after my grey hair disaster at another salon. Because I got in to an awesome salon (on Saturday) who answered my plea, the Alchemist (on the following Thursday) couldn't do anything to help me with my grey hair. Um, thanks? They offered a deep conditioning treatment to help with the frazzled mess their recommendation left me with. I've asked for a refund of my $262 (there was a second disaster dye job involved in that visit) and got no response. As usual, the Alchemist ignores me. I suppose if I do hear back from them, it will somehow be my fault again. read more

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Ena is the updo queen! She styled my hair into a beautiful work of art for my daughter's wedding. Thank you, Ena! read more

The Alchemist Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Ellsworth, Maine

If I lived in the area this would be my salon of choice. I walked in without an appointment and they were able to fit me in for a shampoo and a haircut. My guess, though, is it can be pretty busy so I would call ahead. Jenna was my hair stylist and did a fantastic job in figuring out what I wanted and making it look great. She was very friendly and professional. All the staff there also seemed very friendly and helpful. One was holding a customer's baby while the mom was getting her hair done. The aesthetics were pleasing and soothing, with a smell of flowers and eucalyptus. read more

After flitting from hair salon to hair salon my whole life, I've finally landed at the Alchemist! Their atmosphere is so welcoming and relaxing. They were the first salon to actually take the time to listen to me and get to know my hair before just jumping straight in, which I really appreciated having extremely thick slightly wild hair. I've been going to Julia for nearly a year now (??) and I couldn't be happier! She's such a sweet person, and a very talented hair stylist. The vibe there is wonderful, and all the ladies are so kind and professional! I always feel so refreshed and renewed when I leave! 10/10 and always recommend! read more

I got a great cut from Amanda. After my disaster up here last summer i was very hesitant to get a cut but visited the salon which had a nice vibe and i know Aveda sets a high bar. She listened to my wants and description and i walked out very satisfied. There's also a very cute dog in there. Extra points! read more

I had my hair done at The Alchemist for a wedding. The women working with us were friendly, and the salon was a very nice environment. The prices were totally reasonable. I showed my stylist a picture of the hair style I wanted and asked if that would be doable with my hair, and she said yes. However, the end result really looked nothing like the picture I had showed her. It was odd, it just seemed like she hadn't really looked at the picture that I showed her. Also, it seemed like the salon had not staffed sufficiently for our visit. I spoke with them the day before our visit and they knew how many of us to expect, but there were not enough staff on hand to complete all of the services we had scheduled before another wedding party came in. I want to like the Alchemist, I really do. My advice to future customers is to make sure for sure they'll have enough staff on hand if you're preparing for a wedding, and to get super clear with the style you want. Maybe print out a picture and keep it right on the mirror while she's styling your hair, and don't be afraid to tell the stylist if the end result isn't what you wanted. Overall, a somewhat disappointing experience. read more

They got me in fast. They had great energy. I am a fan. I have another appoint next week.

I was looking for a new stylist. Melissa, the owner, was recommended to me. I had to wait two months for an appointment but it was well worth the wait. I am very fussy when it comes to my hair. I need a wash and go cut that looks good drying naturally since I don't have the time nor the inclination to bother with trying to style it. I also need someone who can do a very natural but expert job with highlights. The color has to be a certain shade and it has to be very subtle. I was apprehensive about putting my hair in new hands. I needn't have worried. After giving Melissa detailed instructions on how it should be done she suggested I leave everything to her. With great intrepidation I agreed. I was convinced this first visit would be pretty much hit or miss until she got to know my hair better. Was I pleasantly surprised! It looked better than it ever had. The color was perfect, as was the cut. Better than I could have imagined. Melissa is an artist as well as a hair stylist and it shows in her work. She really has an eye for what works for one's own face, taking into account hair texture and lifestyle. I have just had my second visit. Same wonderful results. I also love the pretty and relaxing surroundings - decorated completely by Melissa herself. She also has an excellent staff-all equally talented. I was loathe to leave my review for fear I will now have to wait even longer for an appointment. However, anyone who can make me look this good deserves it! read more

I contacted Alchemist Salon via Facebook a few months before my wedding to set up services for myself and my bridal party. Staff were always very friendly and quick to respond with helpful information. I appreciated the ability to communicate with them electronically since I live out of the country. Once I arrived in Maine, I went in to see them for a trial. Ena was fantastic and very patient. On the wedding day itself, Ena and Naomi arrived at my house on time and did a wonderful job with all the girls' hair and makeup. They were professional and nice and everyone left really happy with their looks. I highly recommend them. read more

I just got a haircut from Amanda, new to the Alchemist. This was the first time that I was in the salon, first time meeting Amanda. She listened carefully, cut and adjusted and my hair looks terrific. Really nice atmosphere, good experience overall. read more

The Alchemist is a lovely salon which created a beautiful precision haircut and a lovely natural color. The stylists are all professionally attired and positive in their communications. My stylist was truly amazing, and now I don't have to run back to Florida to be satisfied with my style! Color and cut me happy! read more

fantastic haircut but very hard to get an appointment, they never answer the phone and don't return calls.

I've been going to the Alchemist since they first opened their doors. Melissa is absolutely wonderful with my hair. She has a knack for knowing what works and what doesn't. I have also visited Mackenzie for waxing, and despite my initial reservations, I now go regularly. The whole staff appears to work hard at ensuring customers have a a pleasant and relaxing experience. For me, the small touches (scalp massages, relaxing music) are worth the slightly higher prices than you may find at other salons. read more

I went in to The Alchemist Salon a few weeks ago for a trim and hair color. While the service was fine, I was very disappointed with the results. I spent some time with the stylist/colorist choosing between two different shades of hair color, and then, when she was finished and drying my hair, I realized she had used the wrong color (the second of the two we had been looking at, not the one we chose). She barely dried my hair (it was still damp when I walked out) but I had been in there for 2 hours already and just wanted to get on with my day. I left and as I was driving home, I put my hand through my hair and realized that she hadn't fully rinsed out the color around my ears (my hair was sort of sticky in that area), and by the time I got home and re-washed my hair, the dye had super-saturated the hair around my ears, which is now way lighter than the rest of my hair. It looks very bizarre! read more

I am an avowed salon "junkie" who moved to Maine from my native L.A. more than a decade ago. I also travel a lot and have been a guest at top salons in virtually every major city, from London and Paris, to New York and Las Vegas. The Alchemist ranks right up there with the best of the best. Such a relief to have a top flight, full service day spa right here in Ellsworth, Maine, especially after more than a decade of being at the mercy of the local salon scene, and having to cross the herring pond for a decent hair cut and blow out. My 14-year-old daughter has travelled with me and visited many top salons and she agrees! I recently had my first facial in ten years and the Aveda aesthetician did an amazing job, leaving me feeling ... ten years younger! She is both knowledgable and skilled. I have never had a facial that made such a marked difference in skin tone and appearance. An added bonus is the ambience and careful attention to detail which makes The Alchemist at once beautiful, inspiring and welcoming. I highly recommend The Alchemist. It's delightful! read more