Alchemy: the workshop

I made an appt with this salon but unfortunately had to cancel an hour before the appt time due to complications from a back injury I sustained in a car accident. I received an email stating that in order to make a new appointment I would have to pay for the services that would have been rendered in order to even make a new appointment. If this is how they choose to treat injured patrons, then I will take my business elsewhere.

Finest Hair salon I have ever been to — I have been to lots of places in larger cities, but Alchemy by far is the most awesome area with stylists who understand what they may be doing, and they describe the procedure, your hair kind, and make certain your hair is healthy and wonderful. I am going to recommend it to anyone who needs their hair treated the way they should be!

I have wanted (and still do) to be a client here so badly, but after emailing back and forth (as no phone service is available) for the past two month, I have had a terrible time getting appointments set– with two to three weeks in between responses. And then random cancellations I never made. It makes me so sad. I wish their contact system were better. Hopefully I can get in this next appointment.

I found this hair salon online and I was hesitant. I went today for a change in color and highlights and Chris and Taylor were amazing! They did a consultation based on what I wanted and what would look best on me. I can’t stop smiling and my fiancé and friends love the new look. Their service is perfect very friendly and super professional! Muchas gracias :)

I’ve hesitated to post because I think repetition is key with hair. I recently saw Ally for the third time and she has yet to disappoint. She is absolutely amazing at what she does! I went in with an idea, she took what I wanted and gave me something that looks absolutely amazing. I loved what she did and my hair turned out better than I expected. She is also amazing with her cuts.
The environment is so welcoming, not to mention the wash house is so relaxing. Taylor and Kyle are not only 2 of the nicest/​coolest people, but they are extremely educated on the industry and how to perfect the craft of styling. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!!!

I hate to write bad reviews and overall the place is nice but this was hands down the worst cut I’ve ever had. I was so disappointed after spending two hours at this salon to leave completely unsatisfied. There was nothing that could be done because my hair had already been hacked and thinned to the point of no repair. When you have a lengthy consultation regarding how fine your hair is and how your last stylist thinned it out even more (and how much you hated that) you would expect this to not happen again. I will now be wearing my hair in an itty bitty ponytail until it grows out and I can have the layers cut out.
–Devyn

Like the name says, they definitely aim to give customers an experience. I went here for the first time recently after a few friends referred me and I saw such great reviews online. The salon is very laid back. They are located below the 1225 South Church apartment complex, caddy corner to The Gallery and Craft. They do not have a phone so to make an appointment you will either need to call or stop in. If possible, I recommend stopping in. I was able to get a cancelation appointment quickly by doing so.
They start off your first visit with a salon tour. The washroom is dimly lit and tranquil. You get a free head and neck massage with any cut service. And not just the «massage» you feel like you’re getting having someone else wash your hair. It’s a solid 5 minute massage after your hair is washed. While I did not get color, she mentioned that a paraffin wax hand massage is included with any color service as well. Oh, can’t forget to mention that they also have a keg of free beer from Unknown Brewery as well.
The consultation is a pretty long (question promoted) dialog about what your dream hair would look like, what you don’t like that you have had done before, any specific concerns, etc. before they get started.
So why 4 stars? I asked for (and showed pictures of) the lob haircut I wanted and specifically said I do not like layers. If anything a few really long blended ones were ok, but that I generally speaking wasn’t a fan of them at all. I love how my cut looks from the front. It is just past shoulder length. However, I now have a lot of layers that go up about five inches in the back that I particular dislike. I didn’t say anything because at that point, I figured my only option was to cut my hair shorter to blend them in better and I didn’t want to go shorter.
The staff was very friendly and seemed knowledgable. Since I have only heard great things, I will probably give them another try, but this time. Be very specific and direct about what I do and do not want with my haircut specifically. Appointment lasted about two hours, but they did mention they can get you in and out quicker if you want to opt out of some of the «experience» portions of your appointment. Who wouldn’t want a free massage though?

I was referred to Alchemy by a friend and it did not disappoint! After getting a pretty bad haircut I decided to head to a new place and don’t see ever changing from now on. Some background information: I’m probably on the low end of preferred customers for a salon employee. I say general things about my hair like «layers,» «not too many,» «not too few» etc. I don’t usually bring in a picture and I’m not especially adventurous. With little direction, Ally was able to cut my hair in a long and a short do now (as well as my first dye!) perfectly each time.
The environment is great and the people are incredibly friendly. You get a nice hair massage and a relaxed setting, which is therapeutic in and of itself.
As a Celiac in CLT I have to consider gluten in even my hair products. The team at Alchemy has been incredibly accommodating, allowing me to read the labels or looking at their list to determine what does and doesn’t contain gluten. Despite not being able to use some products that would likely be ideal for my hair, they always find a way to make it work!
These are likely the best haircuts I’ve gotten in my multigenerational life and I only pay $ 35. Definitely a win-​win.

After years of being kind of satisfied with the services provided on my hair, I finally broke down and did some research and ended up at Alchemy for an appointment with ally. I loved everything about this experience — great music and great conversation. Ally was so knowledgeable on color and cut. And I walked out feeling like a million bucks. The staff in general are super nice and down to earth people. I cannot wait to go back! You guys are the absolute best! Thanks’!!!
My hair finally doesn’t suck anymore!!!

Pure passion, friendly people and a commitment to excellence. I cannot praise Alchemy highly enough. I’m just sorry I don’t live here and can’t make this my regular.
I had the classic cut for men. Since it was my first time in the salon they took time to show me around the whole place and explain their philosophy. I then sat down with my stylist who gave me a wonderful cut followed up by the most amazing head and arm massage. Highly recommended if you can get a reservation!

If Unilocal had an option for a thousand stars, that still would not be enough to describe how incredible this salon is. Brace yourselves, because there are so many incredible things that must be said about this salon that this review may be a long one!
I have been to various hair salons for three years in the area and none have been terrible or great, mostly pricey and mediocre. Because this salon got such great reviews I thought it was worth a shot and made an appointment with Ally via e-​mail.
I could go on for hours about how nice it was greeted at the door by my hairdresser, offered a pretty impressive list of beverage options, how lovely the place itself actually is and the location, but to make sure I get to this before readers get bored and stop reading: MY HAIR LOOKED INCREDIBLE. This is not even close to an exaggeration, I walked into Alchemy a hot sweaty mess and left looking like I was shooting a magazine cover. I asked for a simple haircut, layers without taking too much length off my very long hair. Ally got it spot on, the layers are perfect. When she was done with my hair I really had to hold back tears of joy and relief… FINALLY A HAIRDRESSER THAT CAN DO HAIR! Additionally, it was styled brilliantly and lasted through an entire day of wandering around in the heat.
I am a people-​watcher and observed others getting their hair done, and every single person left the salon looking amazing and satisfied. It’s a pretty even mix between men and women so the stylists are definitely skilled in all types of hair.
Another two very important factors; first of all. The price. I was expecting around 100 dollars for my hair, or more…(it’s very long!) When I was paying, I had to ask for the price to be repeated at least four times because it was so unbelievably reasonable that I wasn’t sure I was hearing correctly. Luckily this allowed me to give Ally the tip she more than deserved.
Lastly, the environment in the salon is such that you will be slightly disappointed to leave when your hair is done. All the stylists are incredibly sweet. You will likely meet one of the owners, Taylor, when you come in and she is just the absolute best. I seriously wanted to just stay there and hang out all day… but also wanted to leave and show off my absolutely incredible hair.
Needless to say, I got a lot of compliments on my hair! Everyone that ever gets their hair done needs to check this place out, it is an absolute must.

All of the reviews for Alchemy are five stars, and I am not surprised.
The ONLY place to have ever cut my long, fine, wavy hair into a style that’s attractive, professional, and easy to manage; every time I am in the entire staff is incredibly kind and friendly, and make you feel like you’re about to walk down a runway. So customer focused, so unpretentious, so talented.
Wash house experience is a revelation; expect customized suggestions on your hair type and styling needs, and not just to raise sales — they truly care about making their clients feel appreciated, heard, and confident.
Great for both men and women.

I recently had my hair cut and balyaged by Nikki at Alchemy. I made my appt. based on the great Unilocal reviews and they really lived up to the reviews! The atmosphere is unpretentious and customer focused and I felt so comfortable during my visit. The haircut I received is amazing, maybe the best I have had since moving to NC. I love the balyage as well. Nikki really listened to what I wanted and then made it happen. I get compliments on it constantly! Looking forward to my next visit!

I have been looking for a specific haircut for a while. It’s tough to find someone who can deliver what I’m looking for in the Indian trail area.
My doctor goes to Noelle here at Alchemy and he couldn’t say enough good things about her and the salon. So I figured I would give it a try.
Upon arriving I get a cold, delicious craft beer and a personal tour of the facility by the owner Kyle, who took the time to explain their philosophy and how they work.
Once that was completed, the beautiful and talented Noelle took several minutes to understand my needs and wants for my hair. She then starts cutting and doing her magic.
Once she completed the cutting, she lathered my neck and straight razored my neckline, I didn’t know hair stylists could double as barbers, I was pleasantly surprised.
We then headed to the wash room and I got a shampoo and conditioning with an amazing head massage. I then got a hot towel on my face while she gave me an arm and hand massage. She finishes with an amazing shoulder massage. I feel so relaxed and de-​stressed after this, highly recommend.
I’m now on a pleasure high from this royal treatment, we then head back to the chair where she takes another 10 – 15 minutes styling my hair and educating me why she used the products she did, and how to recreate the style at home.
I’m a believer, I signed up for their «Menbership» on the spot, so I can come back every twos weeks to keeps my cut up and let’s be honest, getting a royal treatment from a beautiful professional doesn’t hurt either ;)
In conclusion, the old adage of «you get what you pay for» absolutely applies here. Was this service $ 5.99 from great clips, of course not? I for one, am a value driven consumer. I don’t want the cheapest if it cuts on quality.
If your stylist isn’t taking care of you, you owe it to yourself to try Alchemy: The Workshop out, you won’t regret it.
Blessings Charlotte!

I tried out Alchemy after a friend kept posting photos of her beautiful hair after visiting Noelle. I saw plenty other good reviews and noticed that the prices were very reasonable, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve been living in Charlotte for 9 years and have yet to find a hairdresser or salon that I felt comfortable with. Well, the search is over!
At first, Kyle greeted me at the door like I was a long-​lost friend. Everyone there was so welcoming… it was a bit overwhelming, in fact. I was given a tour of the salon and even showed the yummy beer they serve from Unknown Brewery. I’m a huge fan of salons that support other local businesses as well as charities, and this one definitely does! Everyone walked around like they were family and all the customers were treated like family.
Ashley, aka Creepy, was amazing!!! She spent an hour and a half on my haircut, which is more than anyone has ever done. She spent plenty of time discussing my past haircuts and talked about hair science until my head almost exploded. I so appreciated someone going into so much detail with me! I feel like I finally found a stylist where I can give her an idea of what I am looking for, but she takes the reins and really does what is best for my hair and my face. I loved the head and scalp massage and she was just a delight to talk to throughout the whole experience. I cannot wait to let her do her thing with my hair color next time I go in!
Overall, I would recommend this salon, and Ashley in particular, to anyone! It felt like home and it is such an amazing value for what you pay for.

I had a wonderful hair stylist that I had seen consistently for about 5 years but he stopped doing hair… cue sad music and me curled up in the corner crying and fearful of ever letting anyone touch my locks.
I never thought I would love again… another hair stylist that is…
I didn’t know it was possible to love a salon or group of stylists as much as I love everyone at Alchemy! Every single time I come in everyone is always super nice and says hi. This is a high-​quality salon without any pretentious stuffiness.
For the rest of my life I may never let anyone besides the amazing Jessica Rojas touch my hair. She has skill and range. Jessica Rojas aka the Frojas has gone above and beyond every time I’ve had my hair cut or colored.
I spend enough time in Alchemy that I also know a few of the other stylists and I would trust my hair to any one of them. So basically I don’t think you can go wrong here.
When is comes to service alchemy makes sure that you feel number 1 from the very first moment you walk in.
Just a heads up, it takes about 4 – 6 weeks to get an appointment but it is so worth it! Plan ahead and make Alchemy your new home for hair!

Detoured through Charlotte to visit Alchemy, and it was totally worth it! It was my first time ever at a salon, and they made me feel very comfortable. I came in not knowing what I wanted, and my stylist, Jess, went above my expectations! Everyone here is friendly and the environment is unique. Overall, fantastic first visit.

I wish I can give them 10 stars.
1. Reservation: no calls. Emails only. Kyle is in charge of appointments and check out. Very nice person. I could tell he not only read my emails but knew exactly what I was asking for and matched me with a perfect hair stylist. Thanks Kyle. First thing he asked was whether I have any complaints on reservation process. I mean Kyle was open to any suggestions to make their process better to serve their customer with best customer service. Well they did just that. Amazing first impression of the shop Kyle made.
2. Tour of the facility: Shaun gave me tour of the shop starting from the front desk … Hair color station where you can see all their collections… hair wash room … Even the restrooms. Offered beverages including beer, tea… etc.
3. Waiting time: I was early and Kyle made sure I am comfortable. Taylor showed me how to use a curling iron while I was waiting for my hair cut appointment.
4. Finally… Jess (my hair stylist) greeted me right on time for my appointment. Beautiful and fashionable lady! Fun and outgoing … Very nice person who loves her job.
5. Best hair cut ever: first 30 min, jess asked a lot of questions getting to know my style and history of my hair literally. She took her time to make sure I was happy with the hair cut. Well… have you ever imagined a perfect hair salon? Well… This is it. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. Had a chance to talk to Noelle as well. Sweet lady.
Thanks everyone in alchemy. You all are the best.
Btw… I saw a quite of few guys getting haircuts as well. Very sassy looking hair cuts. I may take my hubby with me next time.

I went to Alchemy when I was in town visiting from San Francisco. I got a great haircut and found this place to be funky, cool and rivals any place in SF. The owners and staff clearly have an eye for detail and for the extra touches that make a place inviting and cool. They were able to get me in with one day notice, and I love my cut. I didn’t feel over sold too, although my stylist made product recommendations. They are a Paul Mitchell salon which I loved. Price was reasonable (although I’m from SF, so anything less than $ 80 is a deal).
My one piece of feedback would be to make the welcome-​to-​our-​salon tour much shorter. I got a full tour with explanations of what the different areas are, etc… Some clients may appreciate all the info, but it was a bit much for me. I appreciated the intent, but I would have appreciated just a greeting, glass of champagne, and time to sit quietly and read a magazine or something. :)
Great place, great concept, and I hear they have a keg on tap there too (not a beer drinker but cool idea).

Relocated here from Chicago and looking for a new stylist. It fills me with dread going anywhere else but my hair is a mess after 4 months since my last appt. I’m the long lost sister to Shaggy from Scooby-​Doo at this point! You can’t go anywhere for glossy wow color and pixie type cut. Not all stylists stay up to date with industry techniques or can take one look at you and create a work of art. I learned this the hard way…
—-
That up there ^^^ was how discouraged I felt when I relocated to Charlotte the summer of 2014. After shaggy cuts and 80s color/​highlights at other places I was desperate to get an appointment here. Was none too happy with a month wait and I wrote about it and posted a review on Unilocal.I deleted the rest of what I wrote because I sucked it up and made an appointment, waiting a month to finally see if this place is all it is Unilocaled out to be.
Well, it is. After my third appointment, I knew this was the shiz niz salon. Service, cut, color, shampoo, atmosphere, and staff were consistently top-​notch. The owners are a force to be reckoned with. They are serious about how they run this place– down to earth, full of a love for life and their craft, while making sure their stylists are on top of their trade and continuing to learn and improve. Win win for me!
If you just relocated here and looking for a salon that knows how to make your hair look fabulous, then make your appointment at Alchemy asap. It will be worth the month wait… and that out of this world «I want to take you home with me» shampoo/​condition treatment.
Trust me, if I get a bad cut and color here, Unilocal will know about it… after I’ve made it known to the owners first. I gotta be fair and allow them the opportunity to make it right, within reason of course.