My first time visiting this salon I wanted to try something new (for me)! I scheduled an appointment with Drea and couldn't be happier with the results. Although I couldn't find any photos of the exact look I was trying to achieve, I did have a few to use as a baseline. Drea listened to everything I described as I told her what my goals were (bring out my eye color, relatively low-maintenance, subtle-yet-noticeable color...) and she delivered! I've only grown to love it more since I left the salon. She was friendly, personable, and I appreciated the tips she gave me on managing my natural curls. I'll definitely be back for future visits. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Visited Alchemy and had my hair done by Lauren MacKinnon, great experience! The salon is clean, open layout, lots of attention to detail on the overall style and decor as well as each station. Lauren was very professional, listened to each of my asks, and had great technique. I had a full highlight with toner and haircut. She was sure to confirm what I wanted as we moved through the appointment. (Snapped a photo of the finished color, mid-blow dry). Price was amazing for the service I received. Very glad to have found a great new stylist and will definitely be back. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

It was my first time at a salon. Everyone was very friendly and the place feels homey and clean. I had Andrea work on me and she had helpful tips on how to take care of my hair. I just wish the color came out closer to what the inspo pic was because that's the only reason I came and all the other reviews were great and other client's hair turned out so great in the photos. The result kind of discouraged me from going again cause it was pricey for me, which I expected, but I thought it was going to be really worth it. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Left: me Right: inspo pic - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I moved to the area and needed to try out a new salon and stylist and I am so happy I found Lauren! She did an amazing job on my hair and she's so friendly! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - L Full Balayage L Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

What can I say! I am THRILLED with this salon and especially my stylist, Sam Steele. It had been over a year since I've gotten my hair cut and colored and it was, admittedly, a mess. She was able to address all of my split ends without losing very much length and added beautiful layers. Sam was also able to pick the perfect color for my skin tone! I couldn't be happier with the results and I've already gotten so many compliments! I will definitely be a return customer for as long as I'm living in San Diego County. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

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My time at Alchemy hair studio was nothing short of amazing! My appointment was a partial highlight with Justine and she did a stellar job! She was warm and welcoming, very delightful company. My hair turned out even better than I anticipated. My favorite part about my overall experience was Chocolate, her furry companion I showed my family my hair and now my mom and my grandma want appointments! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Not the best picture but hair still looks amazing - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

I have a hair stylist! Yeah! After hair my hair stylist of 8+ years moved to Ohio in late 2019 I was left with not knowing where and who to go to?? It's my hair and if your a woman, that's a big freaking deal! I tried 3 other stylists and finally, I found my go to girl, Teri @ Alchemy! Then my daughter wanted to get her get her hair highlighted for the first time and I couldn't get her in to Teri in time for the homecoming dance so we actually got in with Samantha who was also absolutely wonderful, as well and has a great personality to boot!! Another great thing is that alchemy is in San Marcos which is just right down the street can't get better than that! I Feel like I struck gold when it comes to our hair! Thanks Teri & Samantha! read more

Justine was amazing!! I absolutely love how my hair turned out. She was so sweet and knew exactly what I wanted and even helped make better recommendations according to my hair type. I'm also a hijabi meaning I wear a head scarf (hijab) for religious purposes and Justine was so accommodating to seat me in a private area where no one could walk in on us while she was taking care of my hair. Would highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming here from now read more

Wanted to add a second review because every time I come here the results are just so amazing. Anytime I got layers at other salons I would end up looking like a mushroom. This salon was a game changer for me--totally killed my phobia of layers. Justine helped me to thin out some areas (my hair gets really thick and heavy) and add layers for movement. It looks SO GOOD and I have never felt so confident in my life. Listen to me when I say this salon is worth every penny!!! You will come out feeling like a goddess !! read more

Wow you all gave me a price and it doubled at check out so u do not thing people need to know what they are going to pay. I have short hair ear length how do u say something at check out? Awkward I was charged$290.00 and when scheduling was told &145.00 Will never return read more

It was my first time at the Salon, hands down the best salon in the area! Sam did my hair, and she transformed me to one whole another new person She s kind, patient and soo much profressional in what she does! P.S She is the best read more

It's hard to find a good salon. I get my hair done too often to put up with a place that is always busy busy busy and you can't get an appointment, or a salon that is dated and needs a makeover itself. Even worse is a salon full of negative, gossipy stylists. Yuck. I am happy to say that this place is none of the above. Alchemy in San Marcos is cute, clean, modern and chill. There is a sweet little coffee/tea table in the "lounge" (which is just a couple of chairs near a sunny window). There they have a Kuerig with many flavors of coffee from which to choose, the good creamers, a tea selection, and a glass bell jar filled with chocolate chip biscotti and tiny muffins. In addition to complimentary snacks, they use and sell high end products such as Davines. Their shampoo bowls are comfortable enough and the music is not too loud. Finding a good salon is hard, but finding a good stylist may be even harder. I've been through 6 different stylists in the past 2 years. I finally found a love (hair) connection with Rachel, a fellow ginger! She is great with reds, but I know she loves all the colors of the rainbow and does precision cuts as well. If you are looking for a place to call your (hair) home, I highly recommend giving Rachel and Alchemy a try. read more

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I had so much fun with Justine today. She is very sweet and skillful. She did a beautiful long layer cut for me and colored my roots. I really love my hair afterwards. It's very shine and the cut just so beautiful. Now I call her the " layer girl" because she did such a fabulous job to make me look gorgeous! I will definitely come to see her next time when I'm in town. She made my trip very special. Thank you so much Justine ! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Beach wave long layers - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

Justine was amazing! She did exactly what I wanted and more. It had been awhile since I went into a salon due to my last experience at a different place. However, Justine and the atmosphere of the place made me extremely comfortable and I will definitely be returning! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - My hair after Justine's beautiful hands worked their magic!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Great location and services. Cannot say enough as how well everything turned out. Justine did an amazing job and so grateful for her attention. read more

Justine was very nice and did really well with my fine Asian hair. She gave me nice layers for my medium length hair and was very gentle in styling. Thanks so much! read more

Justine cut my hair to perfection!!! 10/10 recommend. She also gave me a true blue black just like I asked. Will definitely be back!

I have been to several different hair stylists, but Becca was AMAZING!!! She was very gentle with my tender head and she was so sweet to talk to while getting my haircut! I can't stop smiling I'm obsessed with my hair! It looks much more alive and healthy! 10/10 would recommend to anyone in the area needing any type of hair care. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

Justine IS THE BEST!!! She's everything you need in a superb hairdresser: knowledgeable, skill, fun and cute personality! I had such a good time with her and when she was done with my hair I didn't want to leave. The best part? My hair looks so good I can't believe it's mine! Now I know I'll look hot at my son's graduation tonight! Thank you so much, Justine! I will definitely be back!!! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

Terri, does such a great job on my hair! I highly recommend her for any and all. I'm a bit of a challenge with thinning and a receding hairline, she listens to my ideas, and makes suggestions appropriate for the look I'm wanting to achieve. She's also very skilled trimming/shaping my beard. A great stylist and consultant, with an intelligent, kind and easy going personality. The salon is clean, modern and comfortable, always a good experience. Terri Turner Meeks... Check her out! read more

I went into this salon yesterday for the first time and lemme tell y'all.. I had a great experience. I showed Justine a couple pictures of the haircut I wanted and she made it happen. She gave me her opinions on how bangs would look on me and that just shows how much she cares about her customers. Justine is so nice, funny, and she made me feel very comfortable the whole time. I will be back again for sure. read more

Love my hair cut Justine did an amazing job! She colored my hair evened out my color and gave me a whole new style! read more

This hair salon is very professional and beautiful on the inside. They were able to get me a fast appt (in under 1 week) and gave me a relaxing experience. read more

I had the best experience this morning with Justine. She did everything I asked for and I was super happy with the outcome. I've already booked my Next appointments so I can continue coming here best customer service as well! read more

After YEARS of trying to find my spot since Covid times, I found it! This salon is so cute and Justine is amazing. She's so sweet, funny and made me feel so comfortable. The whole appt was so fun and I LOVE my hair. Could not recommend this salon and Justine more! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Darker brunette with cool toned highlights - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

Rachel is awesome here and we have followed her from studio to studio for the last year! Our 8 year old has curly hair and she is one of the few stylists that we have found who really understands how to cut it correctly. Highly recommend / 5 Star! read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

When I want something then I want it that day. I'm not an appointment making type of person. I have horrible experiences going to local salons. I tried to go to the modern ones close by but they were all booked. Every salon might as well erase that "walk ins welcome" because it's impossible to actually walk in to a nice modern salon to be seen right away. I was ready to branch out of Escondido since the two salons I walked in to couldn't take me so I called Alchemy before I made the drive over there. Luckily Ashley was available to take me so I drove right over. She sat me down and we talked about exactly what I wanted. My hair grew out from the last time I had it cut so I needed layers. She gave her suggestions as well which I agreed to. She took her time cutting my hair and even made a comment my hair before was uneven. Lol. I never noticed. I was very pleased with my visit. Definitely a great salon. I'll try them again the next time I decide to do something with my hair. read more

Brought my mom in and got an appointment for her later that same day with Terri. The salon itself is clean and modern with great customer service. After getting a seriously botched haircut at another salon just a few days prior, my mom desperately needed help. Sooooo glad her appointment was with Terri! Terri ended up completely transforming my mom's hair with a proper cut, blow out and style. Terri was very empathetic as my mom had been quite distraught that her hair was chopped off and so incredibly uneven. Terri listened to my mother's concerns and what she wanted. She was able to put my mother at ease and give her a GREAT cut and THE BEST blow out! Terri has the all of the traits you want in a stylist. She is a professional with many years of experience and she is extremely knowledgeable, in addition to being very friendly and personable. Terri specializes in precision haircuts, color and color correction. If you are looking for an experienced stylist that listens, is easygoing and amiable, look no further than Terri! read more

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My hair had not been cut for over a year. My hair dresser retired. I saw that Alchemy had good reviews. I booked a precision cut for long hair with Sam. She took the time to talk about what I wanted and gave me a really cute cut. I liked that she started with a dry cut to figure out where I needed lift and swing. I can still pull it back if I want. I'll be going back in a couple months. read more

I came into Alchemy yesterday for a consultation with Andrea where we talked about cutting my hair around bra strap length or a bit under my collarbone/shoulders. After the consultation she offered to cut my hair same day which was great. At the end of the appointment I ended up with hair just above my shoulders which was much shorter then we agreed on, and hair that was still damp at the roots. The salon itself is very nice and everybody is very friendly but I left disappointed with the outcome of my appointment. read more

Loved it! I made an appointment the day of at 3. It was my first time there so I didn't even know who my stylist was going to be. The salon is super cute and everyone was very professional! At first, I got there five mins early but had to wait for 15 mins so I felt kinda iffy about this place. I ended up with Jessica, and she turned out to be so cool. She understood what I wanted and I love how my hair turned out(: I left feeling gorgeous and satisfied. read more

Alchemy Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - San Marcos, California

Was not happy at all with my haircut! The layers are very choppy. I think had the stylist dried my hair she would have seen her BIG mistake. I would not recommend this place at all! It's taken me over 3 months to grow out the awful layers the stylist assumed it was blended and polished. Very Disappointed! read more

Sam was amazing! She made my hair look soooo good!! She was able to keep it long and cut it so it fit my face just right! She is also such a kind person and wonderful to talk to! Definitely found my permanent stylist! read more

Took a leap of faith with a same-day appointment here. Terry is an absolute gem. Skill, experience, and a conscientious attitude make for an ideal stylist. I'm grateful to have found her here and stoked on my cut and color. The salon itself is nice too, the staff seemed very kind which is always an added bonus:) read more

I really wanted to love this place - Diana cut my hair into what was supposed to be long layers. Unfortunately, the cut ended up looking like a bob with extensions underneath. There was a strange build up of weight at the mid-length. I called twice after to get it altered, and each time I was told that Diana would need to give me a call back. I never heard from her. Other than that, Diana was nice enough, and it definitely wasn't the worst haircut I've ever had, but I won't be returning. read more

I found this place based on a recommendation from a friend. I saw Betsy for my hair. I had previously been going to another salon, but it recently closed. I was concerned about getting my highlights from the previous salon to match, but Betsy was flawless on getting the color right. She is quick and does an excellent job. She showed me how to style it and recommended some great products that I now use to maintain my hair's softness All the staff is really nice. They are quick to answer to phones and answer your questions. The salon is very clean and well maintained. I am glad I found this place so close to my house! read more

Justine saved my hair!! After spending tons of money and seeing two other hair stylists in the last month...I thought I was just destined to be unhappy with a bad cut. I'm so happy I went with someone else's recommendation and reached out to her. She got back to me right away and booked me that week. She took the time to listen to me and sent me home so happy!! Having a haircut that makes you feel good really changes your life. Thank you so much Justine!!! read more

This place has a great, relaxed vibe. Nicest stylists with wonderful stories and repoire and they weild a mighty good shear! Thank you!

Got my haircut here with a lady called "Ariel" or a name that sounds similar to Ariel. She was extremely rude and kept saying "it's up to u" when I asked for recommendations for a style that would suit me. I wanted to get up leave but by then she was washing my hair already. And they had my credit card information so I was sure they'd charge me half the cost. Haircut turned out okay but my stylist Ended up giving 5$ tip too for such unsatisfactory service. read more

I've gotten my hair cut here by Lauren 4 times and it always turns out amazing! She actually listens to what I want and executes it perfectly, while also giving me tips on how to get the style I want. Not to mention her scalp massages/hair washes are super relaxing! Also the salon itself is very nice, relaxed, and clean. I'd definitely recommend Alchemy & Lauren! read more