Alchemy Hair Studio

Alright, so here's the deal. You want a good haircut? Don't go here. You want a GREAT haircut? Ok...continue. Jennifer Bradford. She can be found at Alchemy Hair Studio II. I typically get my haircut at a barber or Supercuts or wherever I happen to be driving past at the time. No matter how cheap it is, there is no reason to get a bad haircut from some cross-eyed, hair-lipped, snaggletoothed "stylist". Not only is Jennifer hot, but she'll cut your hair right the first time. And those hands...Don't even get me started on those hands. Lets just say that the shampoo is worth the price of admission alone. And unlike those big name franchise "salons", where the topic of conversation is undoubtedly some local sports team or the weather with long awkward pauses in between statements, Jennifer can actually maintain a conversation - in about a thousand languages, while she makes you look and feel better than you ever have.

Megan has been my stylist since she was back in Cosmetology school! She was great then and she's still great now after all these years! I wouldn't trust my hair to anyone else! She's always up on the newest colors and styles, always suggesting something new that always looks great on me. I always get compliments after I've seen Megan.

I'm not sure how the woman below me had such a bad experience with Megan as the prices for cuts and colors are clearly listed on the brochures and I have never had a time with the women there when they weren't upfront with the costs. Anyway, I have had Megan cut my hair three times now, once after I had a destroyed graduated bob at an expensive salon in Marin and she was able to make it much more even and manageable. Her professionalism and technique is impeccable and having the atmosphere her chair is in makes it even better. She is a Color Master for Matrix Hair and teaches coloring classes around the country so I highly doubt she could've ruined someone's hair as they claim. Please don't let one bad review change your judgement.

I've been coming to Megan LaCore at the Alchemy Hair Studio twice a month for almost a year now and I have yet to have a bad experience. Megan knows my hair better than I do and always finds ways to keep me looking good. From a guy's perspective Megan has styled my hair so that it is extremely easy to fix it up in the morning without having to use globs of gel or other product. Her knowledge of color is far beyond mastery and I would recommend Megan to anyone, both male and female, who is looking to get away from those cookie cutter hair places at a reasonable price. The salon itself is always clean and the receptionists are very polite. The appointment reminder system via email is an awesome addition and I would recommend Alchemy to anyone who is looking to walk away with a great hairstyle.

I went to Megan LaCore and made the mistake of not asking how much the cut and color would be before -- it was over $200 and I hated it!!! She didn't cut it how I asked and she kept trying to convince me it looked good. I went back a week later to have her fix the color which was so gross and when I left it was almost worse the second time. I finally went to another salon and the color was finally normal. However, I had to pay again for the mistakes that Megan made. She just wouldn't listen -- she had her own agenda and it was aweful!!

Megan LaCore is AMAZING!! She really listened to all of my wishes and concerns and created a hair style that fits me perfectly! Megan also took the time to give me plenty of helpful tips on how to get my hair looking fabulous each morning without spending too much time and effort. I've been basking in the glow of compliments on my hair ever since she cut it and you can't show me a girl that doesn't like that! I'm definitely going back to Megan for all of my future hair needs and I strongly recommend everyone to do the same!!

Ruth cut my hair last month and I am still getting compliments, one of the best haircuts I have ever had. My hair looks Great!! I highly recommend this salon for anyone who is looking for a stylish haircut. The salon has a pleasant comfortable feel to it and the staff is very friendly. I loved the atmosphere which was relaxing and unpretentious.

RUTH, you are amazing! Words can't expalin how grateful I am for finding you! Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job on myself and the rest of my bridesmaids. If you are looking for a stylist/makeup artist that can make you look beautiful for your wedding, Ruth is the one to go to! She did a perfect job on my updo and makeup and on the rest of my girls too. She's fabulous! Thank you so much Ruth!

Words can't express how lucky I am to have Berta as my hairstylist!!! I've tried others in the past but none can compare to her talent. Berta has been doing my hair for a couple years now and I LOVE her work!!! I get soooooo many compliments and leave the salon feeling brand new again, it's great!!!! If your looking for the best hair color and or cut you've ever had, Berta is the one to see.

Char Petersen has been cutting my hair for 20 years now. I have followed her wherever she goes because I have found NOONE that can compare in her knowledge, experience and skills when it comes to creating MAGIC with my hair. She is a consumate professional and truly gifted artistic genius when it comes to hair and color!! I live in Oregon now, and unfortunately cannot regularly travel down to have Char do my hair and I have NEVER been able to find a stylist here who can compare to Char's superior talents and abilities. I have super fine hair and other stylists tend to always botch the cut and color. I leave disappointed and frustrated. With Char that has NEVER happened!! She has always taken the time to really listen and understand your needs and wants. She has an instinctive view of what works best with the type of hair you have and what will work best with your style of life and facial features. She also takes the time to explain and teach you how to maintain your look on a ... Read more

I've been a loyal client to Ruth for about 5 years now and I just have to say that she is AWESOME!!! I'm always satisfied with my hair cut and color and I love the way she styles my hair. Ruth also did my makeup for a wedding I was in this past summer and I felt like a brand new woman. She's just so creative and talented. I love coming to see her because we have a blast. If you're looking for a new stylist go see Ruth, you'll thank me later ; )

I am so happy that Ambar Paredes is at Alchemy. I have had her take care of my my hair for over 4 years now. She is professional, detailed and honest. Most hairstylist want to do what they want to do, Ambar takes the time to listen to you and gives you recommendations and she is truely honest about them. I followed her to Altelier and Edge Salon, because she is exceptional and would not trade her for anyone! Now that I am planning to move to san jose, i am so happy that she is there again. She moved back to San Jose to accomadate her customers; that should tell you how much she cares for her clients, she is s faithful hair stylist! She is always on top of her scheduling and always reminds me about my appointments. With my busy schedule it is so nice to get a message reminding me of my hair appointment. In the time I have used her services I have never had any complications or issues. That is why I have lasted 4 years with her and I dont plan to go any where else but with her.

Monica Cervantes is fabulous!! Not only is she a personal friend of mine but she is also a superb hair stylist. I've been getting my haircuts and occasional color from Monica for several years now and I have always left the salon extremely satisfied. I'm pretty particular with my hair and have always tried to keep it as long as possible, thankfully I've never had a "scissor-happy" event with Monica and she is happy to put up with my picky ways =). Besides Monica's talent and skill, she's hilarious and a very good listener! In need of a new hairstylist, by all means call Monica... you won't regret it!!

I cannot recommend Monica Cervantes at Alchemy Hair Salon in Willow Glen enough!!! A few years ago when my hair dresser decided to leave San Jose she recommended I see Monica. It turned out to be exceptional advice! Monica is FANTASTIC with hair color & even better with the cut. She has done both high & low lights for me & I have never walked out of the salon disappointed. If you are looking for a hair stylist in San Jose or the surrounding areas you have to call her!!

Two weeks before my wedding, my mom did a home dye job on my hair, which resulted in a disaster! I looked like a skunk with splotchy bleach yellow spots all over my head. All of my bridesmaids had advice and suggestions about where to go to get it fixed. My sister-in-law recommended that I go to her hair colorist, Megan LaCore at Alchemy Studios in Willow Glen. I phoned all of the potential salons and Megan was the only stylist that actually listened to me and seemed interested in my situation. All of the other stylists just starting telling me what they were going to do, kind of overbearing and taking over the situation. Since this was my wedding, it was really important that the person I went to cared about what I wanted. Megan assured me that we would be able to fix it after she let me vent about what happened and what I wanted done. Megan was friendly but not pushy like some hair stylist (trying to push their hair styles on you). She had some great color ideas, red and brown low li... Read more

I wish to let everyone know what a excellent spa therapist and esthetician, Jan Skuba is. She and I met 20 years ago. She is one of the most trained and successful estheticians in the Bay Area. Her treatments are beneficial to the care of your skin but at the same time you receive the most relaxing experience and it truly is an experience. She is trained in advanced skincare, and massage therapies. She is a professional with a sincere desire to help you. She gives 100 percent to every client that has the priviledge to have a treatment from her. I highly recommend you to experience the healing hands that Jan has.

The best compliment I could ever give a stylist is a stress-free experience. That is exactly what I get when I go to Jen. I tell her to do whatever she thinks will look good and I never have to worry. I have been going to her for 5+ years now and I have never had a problem. I don't think I could recommend her strongly enough.

Jen has been doing my hair for several years now, and I wouldn't go anywhere else! She's fantastic at color and really listens to what you'd like. If you're not sure what you'd like, she always has great ideas and suggestions to help you decide.

I have never left a hair salon looking so beautiful. I always get what I ask for and my hair looks amazing. Many people from my work now go to this salon because they wanted to know where I get my hair done. The best stylist is Jennifer Goins. She is always up on the latest styles and really knows what she's doing.

I've been getting my hair done by Jen for nearly 7 years and she's always done a FANTASTIC job with my hair! And that's quite the compliment because I change my hair ALL the time: I usually have 3 different colors in my hair, I often change the length and the style, and I have curly hair...You could say I'm a high maintenance client and every time she gets my hair perfect! I get compliments on my fun and funky hair almost everyday...I even carry multiple business cards on me to spread the word on her amazing talent I never trusted any stylist until I met Jen. Aside from her styling and coloring ability, she works hard to fit you into her schedule, she's puntual and above all, she a complete doll! I adore her! Her fun and sunny disposition just makes your day. Jen's a rockstar...hands down. Two thumbs up, a high five and a hell ya!

I just moved into the area, I'm originally from southern california and I've been trying to find a hair dresser for the last couple of months. I was taking a stroll down Lincoln Avenue one evening, trying to get acquainted with my new neighborhood and decided to go inside this unique hair salon called Alchemy. The receptionist was very friendly and asked if I had an appointment. I told her that I didn't, but was hoping to get in with someone who was available. She went to go find out and came back to tell me that a gal named Ruth would take care of me as soon as she was finished with the client in her chair. I sat down to observe the colorful well decorated salon and soon enough Ruth came over to introduce herself to me. During our consultation I had explained to her all my needs and wants, she also had her own suggestions and ideas. She was very understanding and gave me great descriptive ideas for my haircut and color. She also suggested a couple of products for my hair that actual... Read more

I just had a facial with Jan in the new spa section of Alchemy I. I cannot say enough good things about Jan. She is amazing! I have had many, many facials and this was by far the best I have ever had! She was so gentle with her extractions (for me the worst part of a facial) and her massage was heavenly and relaxing. She adds little treats, like adding a soothing foot rub to the service. My skin looked amazing after she was done and her skin care recommendations have kept my skin looking amazing. She works with the Dermalogica line which I love, it is a great product line for all types of skin. I would have to say Jan is a wonderful addition to the Alchemy family...I am looking forward to my next appointment with her! If you have never had a facial before, I highly recommend Jan for your first one...she will make you a fan for life!

I had read the rave reviews about Ruth and decided to try her. I have long hair with layers in the bottom half. I had began our session by asking for a trim of all my ends including the layers. At the end of the blow-dry I had asked her again for the same trim. She charged $60 for a wash, blow-dry and trimming 2 inches off the bottom. I could have gotten the same at Supercuts for a lot less. With some frustration she asked another more senior stylist to join so I could explain to her what I was asking for. It's a simple technique to trim layers, why could we not communicate? She'd reluctantly accomodated. It was an unpleasant expereince.

I have been going to Kelli O'Neill for almost 2 years now. I am extremely picky about my hair and who cuts it. Kelli always has great ideas and I have grown to trust her sense of style. I have never received so many compliments on my hair cuts before. She is a great hair stylist and a wonderful conversation starter. She is friendly, unique and trustworthy. I wouldn't go to anyone else to have my hair cut. The studio itself is always up-beat, clean and a fun atmosphere. You can't go wrong with this studio and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hair salon.

I had an appointment this saturday with Ruth. Although she arrived about 10-15 minutes late after the scheduled appointment time, but when she started she was very patient and listened carefully to what I told her. And my hair-style received 4 compliments just next day. Not to mention one at a corporate meeting :-> She really understood what I wanted and styled my hair according to my hair-growth pattern and it makes me feel better. I think I finally have a good hair stylist... Kudos to you, Ruth !!

I was shopping the other day and ran into a gal that had beautiful blonde highlights. It was not like the boring drabbish highlights I had at the time. I asked her where she went and she recommended Jenessa. I was reluctant to go somewhere else and "cheat" on my stylist since I had been going to her for years but I went anyways. I'm so glad that I did because she revamped my blonde and put some dimension in it. I LOVE my hair color! I now have to break up with my old stylist because I'm not going to anyone else but Jenessa.

Ruth at Alchemy Hair Salon is a great stylist! I am so glad that my friend referred me to her!! She really pays attention and takes the time to understand what I want done on my hair. That is what I think makes Ruth stand out. Thanks Ruth!

Jen Bradford at Alchemy II is absolutely the BEST! She is great with natural curls, always has awesome suggestions that mach my hair texture, bone structure and personality. She's a pro at color too. I looked high and low to find a good stylist after moving to the South Bay and finally found Jen. She's been doing my hair for years. I followed her to Alchemy II from her last salon. When you find the right stylist, you've got to keep her!

When one looks for a salon and a stylist, they have the desire to have someone who REALLY listens and REALLY cares and gives REAL advise. One should look no further then Ruth at Alchemy Hair Salon. Women know what I am talking about, you go to a place and they give you a cut(whatever cut) and then you are on your way. Not Ruth, she is what one would call a hair savior. The perfect stylist who is real and I believe is the best stylist I have ever been to and I have been around a while. Thanks, Ruth for getting me out of the hair dumps and making me feel like a hip and pretty 40ish gal... Call Alchemy, ask for Ruth and tell her Margaret sent ya...

Outstanding customer service! Charming! Great personality! Creative vision! Passionate! Understanding! A true Alchemist! These are only a few words that describe how fabulous Ruth is. Everytime I go in to see Miss Ruth I always come out looking and feeling super duper HOTTTTTTTT! I would recommend her to anyone who's been looking everywhere for a superb top notch hair stylist....

I had my 1st appt with Megan Morehouse last week and I have to say that she's awesome. She took the time to chat with me before my appt to determine what I wanted. She made helpful suggestions and made me feel like I was in good hands. My hair cut was exactly what I had hoped it would be, and more. I especially appreciated that she not only explained what she was doing during the hair cut but she also gave me lots of tips and advice on how to re-create the styling at home. I would highly recommend Megan to anyone. The salon itself was clean, well-decorated, warm and totally unpretentious. Additionally, the prices are very reasonable. It was a great experience and I look forward to my next appointment with Megan.

I just moved to the area and was very nervous about finding a new hairstylist. I have fine, wavy and very difficult hair to deal with. A co-worker of mine recommended I give Char a call, since she has been a loyal client of hers for over 18 years and her hair always looks fantastic. Even tho Char was booked out a couple weeks in the evening, she was so worth the wait. She made me feel very comfortable right away and her experience was quite evident as she "got" just what I was feeling and wanting to explain to her what I wanted. I didn't feel rushed, she took her time and was meticulous with her technique. I felt really pampered and in no way neglected as I have with other stylists which would "fit me in" between clients. I am SO HAPPY with my color and cut. It is the first time my hair has looked this great and it is so easy to take care of. The other plus is that I have had complete strangers come up to me and compliment my hair, which is a first! The salon is very zen like ... Read more

I haven't cut my hair in 5 YEARS! I finally decided to go in after much research and I came across this salon. I was so nervous to cut my long hair, but Jenessa gave me exactly what I wanted, plus more. I have never looked so good!! Amazing atmosphere, everyone is friendly...if you need to get a haircut, THIS is the place to go. I will definatly be coming back here more often, and going back to Jenessa!!

My hair stylist, Gail Rieg, moved to Alchemy II since my last visit with her. Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, was my first visit at either of the Alchemy salons. Alchemy II is a wonderful little salon with great character - clean, well decorated, and comfortable. They sell Pureology, Bumble & Bumble, and Prive products, all of which I have used and like. My experience there was very positive. It's location in downtown Willow Glen makes is perfect, and parking is readily available.

After searching for a hairstylist all over Santa Cruz county I retreated over the hill. Not only is Alchemy a great hair salon but I found the best hairdresser that I have ever had. Jennessa has done the best cuts and colors on my hair. There is just such a great atmosphere at this salon I can't wait to go back. I would highly recommend everyone go and see Jennessa.

I've come to this place a few times and every time has been amazing. The first stylist I used was Megan and she was so good that I never bothered trying anyone else. I highly recommend anyone in the bay area to head to this spot and have Megan do their hair. Her work is *very* high quality and she has great ideas on improving your look. If you go the way of hair dye, expect extra special care as I hear megan is the best at that too (my girlfriend goes to her too and she looks really... really hot).

Megan LaCore has been my stylist for years now, and there is no one else that is allowed to touch my hair. Alchemy is a great studio, with a very inviting atmosphere and a clean, professional appearance. There is no other place for me, and I will continue to reccommend Alchemy and specifically Megan LaCore to anyone I know that happens to have hair and wants it to look good.

I went in in August with a picture of a hairstyle that I wanted. I am extremely nervous whenever I go for a specific style. Megan LaCore was the stylist that did my hair. I showed her the picture and she gave me the exact cut that i wanted. The cut was hip and fresh. She was very conscious of my needs and worked with me to find the right length for my bangs. The cut was so good that it made it extremely easy to maintain. I went back recently to get it cleaned up and it looks just like it did the first time she cut it! I highly recommend anyone go see Megan. She rocked my cut!!!

I have been Andrea "dre" Ramirez' client since has been in school. She knows her color and is always up to date with the hottest cuts and styles. I trust her to do as she pleases with my hair and it always comes on rockin! THANX DRE!

I could never find a hairstylists who could really do my cuts and coloring like i wanted it but when i walked through the door of Alchemy Ruthie was the first hairstylists who could get the job done! she put my purple in, cut my hair on different ways, style th way i wanted it to be with no if ands or buts. It always looked great thanks to Ruthie! my favorite hairstyle was for my girlfriends birhtday party, everybody noticed my new hairstyle they were like DAAAMMMMM THATS HHHOOOTTTTT! i love Ruthies style ,positive attiude and a good people person ,also not shy and funny. I give her a 5 on everything! Thanks Ruth

For a fabulous hair cut and/or color, you will not find better than Jennifer Bradford at Alchemy. I am one of those people who likes to change hair style and color from time to time, but am never quite sure what I want. Jennifer is a hair artist - she knows exactly how to cut and style hair to be the most flattering for the individual. As far as color goes - she's a genius! Whatever your color preference, she has a knack for doing it perfect.- Whether you are going for subtlety or want to be obvious; conservative or wild - nobody does color better!

Sara is the most talented, funky, creative stylist I have ever gone to. We change my hair drastically every time I go in. I have so much hair and I am in and out in 2 hours every time. I love, love, love her!

Finding Ruthie was a blessing! i've tried many many many hairstylists and no one could ever keep my color or give me the right cut. i'm the kind of girl who likes to always be noticed and have bright color to complement my daily life, until I found Ruthie I was looking like a rag doll. she was able to keep my green, orange, red, and purple colors in with no problem. Ruthie's fierce edgy style definitely come out in her creative styling talent. Ruthie is definitely the best thing since sliced bread!

Can I just say that Ruth Rocks! I'm always completely satisified with the great cut and color that she gives me each and every time. Ruth always has awesome ideas that work wonders for my thick ,coarse, curly hair. Ruth also takes time to listen to my hair concerns, wants, and needs. She's very creative and talented, with her vision she can make you look fabulous! She always makes me look and feel like a million bucks. I recommend all my girlfriends and family to her. Her pricing is reasonable and you'll be completely satisfied! Check her out you won't be disappointed.

I went to see Char for the first time just before she left on her month long European vacation. Even though she was completely booked for months in advance, she managed to squeeze me in and I am so thankful. With her hectic schedule and high demand placed on her time, she managed to maintained a calm air and spend plenty of time consulting me on my haircolor. I had a disasterous highlight and needed alot of TLC. I am so happy with the results, she was able to rid the unwanted brassiness and make it look so natural. I have had so many compliments from friends and co-workers. I am looking forward to my next scheduled appointment with her, not only to hear about her travel tales but to see what European fashions have inspired her. I highly, highly recommend Char especially if you are looking for a down to earth, friendly, warm, knowledgable, professional and creative hairdresser. She's someone you can literally let your hair down with and trust!

I love getting a cut or color from Kelly! She always does want, but gives her imput too! She is very nice and has great ideas. I have really, really thick hair, but she doesn't mind like all! She loves what she does and you can tell.

I recently went to Alchemy Salon and had my hair straightened by Kelii O'Neiil. She did a japanesse straightneing treatment that came out so amazing. You can't even tell that I had tight curly hair. It looks like I've always had straight hair my whole life. Thank you Kelli so much for your amazing artistic ability. I will definetly be coming back to you again.

I absolutely love getting my hair done by Sara at Alchemy. She does the best highlights and lowlights combo for my huge amount of hair. The cuts are great, she listens well and makes great suggestions. She is flexible with making appts and always calls me back quickly! She can turn my blond afro into a smooth movie star look with her falt iron. Sara absolutley rocks!

The Alchemy Hair Studio is a warm wonderful place to go get pampered and beautified. Its got a distictiive asian/indian influecce decorated with warm reds, golds and oranges and furniture with a truly international feel. On the stylist front, I highly recommend Kelli O'Neil, who I've now followed to 3 different salons in 4 locations over the past 5+ years she's been doing my hair. She's got the basics of cutting and coloring down, but also brings a creative edge to her stylings. We've also become good friends along the way, so I feel lucky to count Kelli as not just my stylist, but a friend and all around kick-ass gal.

Kelli has been my hair stylist for almost 4 years now. She is wonderful! She is my image lifesaver! When I need a lift in spirits, when I need a small change, when I need a drastic change, when I need a new image, this is the girl I go to. She also has such a warm and inviting personality that you tend to lose track of the time when you're chatting away while she makes you look fabulous. So if your in or around her area and you need a spot to go, don't hesitate! Check out KELLI O'NEIL of Alchemy Hair Studio!