Being a curly haired gal I'm always scared to try new salons, but Nicole did an amazing job, she gave me great layers and saved my bangs which I struggled with for a few years!! The salon is also super cute. Highly recommend!! read more

Nicole Bartley is the best! She does amazing work with color and cuts! The salon is super cute as well. read more

Colleen is very professional and extremely talented, I'm loving my hair, the color is so beautiful I get compliments all the time, most importantly it's super healthy, her place is clean, and every detail was well thought to make you feel at home, I am definitely gonna be back. read more

Pure Alchemy Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Had a great experience with my haircut. The stylist was skilled and really listened to what I wanted. Left feeling fresh and confident. Would definitely come back! read more

Amazing service and experience with Nicole! She was fun to chat with, and I'm so happy with both my hair color and cut! Cute little salon too. read more

Colleen is a fantastic hairdresser! I've known her for about 4 years now and she's about the only person I trust with my hair. About a year ago, I came to her with very damaged and weak hair (my own fault!) and she worked with me to get it back to a healthy state. She has incredible product knowledge too. Would absolutely recommend her and her salon. I always leave happy :) read more

Talented stylists, listen to your requests, offer great tips and suggestions and the atmosphere is very pleasant...not chaotic.

Nicole is a very talented, kind, professional and reliable hairstylist that listens but also suggests what is best for me. I always love our time together and how my hair ends up. She has cut and colored my hair for many years and gives an excellent blowout. I highly recommend Nicole! read more

I have been seeing Colleen for over 15 years and have followed her wherever she went. I have loved seeing her for the last 8+ years at Pure Alchemy. She is extremely talented and gives me the best cut and color every time. I can't tell you how many times people told me how great my hair looked just days before I was due for my next cut. To me...that's the sign of a GREAT hair cut! And did I mention that color is ALWAYS on point! I always recommend Colleen to my friends... and just can't say enough about her and the space that she is constantly improving and beautifying! Do yourself a favor and schedule a visit! (Also...awesome restaurants all around the neighborhood if you wanna go out and show off your new hair after your appt) read more

If you want your hair completely butchered and have a hairstylist and owner who blatantly lie to you and continue to screw with you months after dealing with them, go here. I went to Tisha and if she had admitted up front that she was unable to do what I asked for, that would have been fine and I wouldn't have proceeded. But at no point did she say or give ANY indication she couldn't do what I asked for after I showed the pics of what I wanted, which was a milk tea colored full balayage. Instead, I was left with an all-over blotchy orange and yellow bleach job and told that it just looked orangey because of the lighting in the salon. At that point I had been there for hours, was exhausted and had to go to the airport so I stupidly paid with a generous tip. After seeing how awful it looked in clear lighting and once I returned home, I contacted the stylist and then the owner to ask for a refund as I live out of town and could not return for a correction. The salon owner Amy Colleen Oswald admitted that what I was given was badly done and not what I asked for at all. I was completely civil and polite in my request and thanked her for understanding. Then the stylist refused to refund me and the owner reneged on what she had told me and said she couldn't do anything about it. They then agreed to a partial refund after telling me hair salons never give refunds (load of bs, do not believe this, I know hairstylists and friends in other states and after talking to them they said this is an utter lie considering what I was let with) The owner agreed to pay part of it after condescending to me and telling me a sob story about how I was taking money away from her personally after she had spent so much on Christmas. Even after all that, I let it go and thanked her for the money she said she'd send. She didn't send it for weeks until I reminded her. I've now had to pay twice as much as their original ridiculous expensive price to get a color correction and even more to purchase multiple products to try to deal with the damage, but it cannot be fixed and I will need to cut a significant amount off for it to look healthy again. According to the owner Amy, the paltry in comparison refund they sent to me is "more than fair" despite all this. After years spent growing out my hair to this length. Now, the owner has the audacity to be contesting the refund money she sent to me on PayPal saying she made no such transaction. So while I was willing to not give you horrible people a bad review despite you screwing me over entirely, that certainly isn't the case anymore and I will be reviewing you everywhere and telling everyone I know in Seattle about my experience. Pics below, three pics of my hair after it was done, three of the example photos I showed her for the color I wanted. This salon is a joke, stay far away. read more

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I have curly coily hair, 3b 3c. I had a ridiculously long layover at SeaTac and not many trustworthy options where I live. After searching and getting no luck at any designated curly hair salons, I on a last limb reached out and Colleen on her day off worked with Tisha and I to get an appointment for me. I was overjoyed! Now, the cut. For anyone (especially curly girls) it's really difficult trusting someone with your hair, but I can say I felt right at peace as soon as I got in Tisha's chair. She blew me away. She is incredibly knowledgeable about curls and has her own technique that I have never experienced but grateful I did. She also shared so much of her wisdom on how to care my specific hair type and put an end to some misinformed curly hair care out there. It was just brilliant. Also the studio was beautiful, clean, peaceful, with plants, she played great music too. I could go on.. But all in all, I really recommend this salon and Tisha. I will make it a mission to travel back to get cut from her again. Many mahalos from Kaua'i! :* Attached pictures are from hours of traveling post cut so it still looks incredible but not in its full glory! Haha read more

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I've been going to Colleen at Pure Alchemy for a few years now. She's the best! Colleen is a gifted colorist. She consistently gives me excellent highlights and tones my hair perfectly so it doesn't get brassy. While it's not what I go for, I've also seen her do an excellent job covering grays and doing curly hair cuts. Whenever I want to make a change to my hair, Colleen really listens and asks questions so she can understand what I'm describing. Pure Alchemy is a cute neighborhood spot, and I'm so glad I found it. The best endorsement I can give is that I trusted Colleen enough to refer both my mom and a close friend. They're both still going to Colleen today. read more

She did such an amazing job, I love how my hair turned out. The whole place has a great vibe and she gave me exactly what I wanted. Would highly recommend!' read more

Pure Alchemy Salon - Me after my hair done! - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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When I first started going to Colleen, she was very responsive and such a good listener. I have curly hair and she knows how to deal with my curls. I always have a pleasant experience when I go to pure alchemy. Colleen is a sweetheart. read more

Colleen has been an awesome partner in strategizing how to maximize my hairs potential to be as healthy, and easy to style as possible. All while giving me a really cute style. Can't thank her enough for helping me. read more

I came to Pure Alchemy at Columbia City and met Colleen for the first time in Feb. 2025. I appreciate the convenient location, nicely decorated and clean space, and of course, Colleen. She did a great job on my haircut, color and foil. I am very happy with the way it turned out. I have received lots of compliments. Colleen was warm, interesting, and an artist--amazing at what she does. If you can park on the street and climb the front stairs to the salon using a railing, the salon is accessible. read more

We are so lucky to have Colleen and Pure Alchemy in our neighborhood. I have been going there for 5+ years and appts are on time, salon is clean and fun, and my haircuts consistently great. Thanks! read more

My whole family and I have been coming to Pure Alchemy to see Colleen for years. We love the covenient location, the super cute and clean space but most of all, Colleen. She is amazing at what she does and is a wonderful human being. The new stylists that have joined the space also seem like a perfect fit for this sweet salon! read more

First time at Pure Alchemy and I am so impressed. Colleen and understood what I wanted and executed flawlessly. She was personable, funny and warm and made the whole experience great. I highly recommend Pure Alchemy and Colleen. I'll be back. read more

I love this salon. My hairdresser Colleen is amazing. She's always detailed in her work and really cares about her clients. she's always friendly and caring. read more

I love this neighborhood salon! Colleen gave me a fabulous haircut after helping me clarify what I wanted. I have fine, curly hair and she has made it look fuller than it's been in years. The salon itself is clean and peaceful and her prices are very reasonable--especially for the amount of time she gives you. Finally, the products she uses are luxurious. Treat yourself! read more

I always receive compliments after visiting Colleen at Pure Alchemy Salon. She is a master of her craft. Highly recommend!

Colleen is a hair wizard! I've been looking to get a haircut with full bangs and she delivered what I've been searching for years in Seattle! I constantly get complimented on my cut and highlights. I highly recommend Pure Alchemy. read more

I had a great cut and great conversation today with Colleen, who also gave me good advice for the ongoing care of my hair!

I have been getting my hair cut by Colleen about 1-2 times per year the past few years. Every time I see her I always have a great experience. Whether I bring her a reference photo or just give her a general idea of what I want and let her do her thing with her expertise, she always nails it. Not only that but she's a pleasure to chat with and is such a sweetheart! Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun haircut that will compliment your style/vibe and hair type. read more

BUYER BEWARE: My experience with Colleen was the most expensive (nearly $300 without a tip) and upsetting salon experience of my entire life. I booked a balayage. She decided to do a full foil. When she was done and asked what I thought, I said that I didn't like my hair, as my goal was blonde/ombre with dark jagged roots and my hair leaving the salon was extremely blended light brown/sand/caramel with highlights all the way to the roots. She responded to my discomfort by trying to convince me that I was definitely blonde. I also asked for a hair cut styled like Farret Faucet and NOT Rachel from Friends. I left the salon basically looking like Rachel and cried all the way home. When I reached out to Pure Alchemy for help to at least have my highlights fixed (I never asked for highlights, but the ones I was given don't match) or to at least be given more blonde in the front and on the tips as had been promised, or to at least just be given a refund so I could go get my hair fixed somewhere else, I was given a hard "no refund policy" and offered no help. I've worn a hat nearly everyday since my hair was done as I have to wait 3 months before I can afford to start getting it fixed (I saved for a year for this appointment and booked a babysitter for 4 hours). I still can't believe I was treated with such contempt and dismissal after spending so much money. I was dismissed in a way that felt like it was normal procedure, and I was stupid for being upset and asking for help. I spoke to multiple stylists from other salons who agreed I was mistreated and the (coloring) mistakes made were amateur. read more

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Colleen was very warm and engaging. She listened and was able to find the perfect hair color for my skin tone. this was my first time visiting Alchemy and I will for sure be back! read more

First time experience: The experience was okay I felt very comfortable although my stylist was 20 minutes late (but it's understandable especially for being the first client of the day). I asked for a just above the shoulder cut with long layers and curtain bangs... what I got was a very layered bob that ended right at my chin (my hair literally looked like a bowling ball) and choppy curtain bangs on the right side. I cried when I got home because of how much different it was in comparison to what I had asked for and after fixing my bangs to look decent and styling it I felt a little better. If you're just looking for a trim and a place that feels comfortable I would suggest it. But be weary if you want anything else. I will not be a returning customer. read more

Pure Alchemy Salon - What I asked for - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I can't comment on getting my hair done because it's taken two months to schedule appointments that keep getting cancelled. I understand if people get sick or schedule vacations, and if that happens a reasonable expectation is that they promptly reply to get another date on the calendar. I'm over it and will take my business elsewhere. I don't recommend this salon given my experience. read more

I am very glad to have Danyale cutting and styling my hair. She's totally chill AND her salon is so conveniently located right in the heart of my neighborhood. Appointments are difficult to come by as of this writing (April 2010) and that is because she is in high demand. Count yourself as lucky if you can get in. See the photo I uploaded for some of the people she has worked with. If she's good enough for me, she is good enough for the hair of Laura Linney and Tobey Maguire. ;-) I'm not kidding about those names. She *really* has worked on their hair. And there are more famous folks, too. read more

Pure Alchemy Salon - Pure Alchemy's Danyale has worked on all these heads. If she is good enough for me, she is good enough for them. ;-) - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love everything that Beth does! At our first appointment she listened to my hopes for a air-dry-and-go chic style and gave me a perfect cut, a long layers that was low fuss and grew out beautifully. For our second appointment I asked her to "do something purple that was fun but not too wild as I might need to hide it at work." Beth did an amazing job interpreting my nuanced online booking notes and assuaging any concerns with my first time doing bold colors. We talked through several options, landing on ombré tips in aqua (which she had to go retrieve while my hair bleached as I'd mentioned nothing about other colors), and I absolutely love it. Beth was focused on making sure I was happy, and sent me home with extra color for a touch up, and offered to do a re-color very in expensively. Beth is flexible, easygoing and fantastic with both standard cuts/styles as well as fun and adventurous forays. Pure Alchemy is a bit pricey (I have tended to be a bargain basement hair stylist type in the past), but the service and organic products there make it well worth my investment. Two thumbs/ 5 stars! read more

Pure Alchemy Salon - Aqua ombré tips by Beth's hand. My first time trying color, a and I loved it! - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is my best friend's stylist and I've always loved her hair. She recommended Colleen to me. Colleen was so accommodating, she got me in last minute. I cut about 5 to 6 inches off my hair, I haven't had shorter hair it in over 10 years so this was a lot of trust. I'm absolutely in love with it and so glad that I committed. She gave me her honest opinion and said what she thought would be the best. I brought in pictures and she gave me her opinion on which cuts she thought were achievable based on my personal hair type. So happy, absolutely no regrets, and I would recommend her to anyone! I also read a couple negative comments below, if you find an amazing stylist they tend to be busy and can easily roll into another clients time due to accommodating request, there is no reason she would not do the same for the next client. May not be ideal but when has your Dr been exactly on time when you schedule an appointment? You have to be realistic with expectation. read more

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i just cannot say enough wonderful things about Pure Alchemy & specifically Colleen Owsley. when I first went to Colleen, my hair was jet black with fire engine red stripes. Needless to say it was not the most complimentary of styles... I'll never forget when I asked for her opinion and she told me " I like pretty hair... can we make yours pretty?" Colleen gave me the honesty I had been looking for & most importantly, she backed it up! Fast forward 15 years and I wouldn't dream of trusting another stylist with my locks. Colleen has that innate ability to know what cut and color looks best on an individual's face but also takes into account a client's lifestyle and skillset(when I started seeing her the only way someone could tell I'd tried to curl my hair was from the burns on my forehead!! ). She is the only stylist I've ever known that truly creates art with every client in her chair and as high in demand as she is, she always takes the time to teach me tricks and tips ensuring that forehead burns (and red stripes) are a thing of the past! She took this tomboy and made me a tomboy with super pretty hair... as well as a loyal client for life! read more

I have been going to Colleen for about 10 years and love her. I have naturally dark blonde hair and she gives me beautiful blonde highlights that people always assume are natural. (I actually initially found her all those years ago at another salon by googling "best blonde highlights" in Yelp reviews). She is personable, talented, and incredibly knowledgeable at her craft. I trust her completely because she always gives honest, candid advice about whether the "hair goal photo" you bring in is a smart/achievable move given your God-given head of hair. She has also "squeezed me in" on her off hours more than once when I forgot to book her far enough in advance. I highly recommend her! read more

I started coming to Pure Alchemy after moving to Seattle several years ago, and I am so lucky to have found Colleen. She is a master with color!!I like to change things up frequently and can still be undecisive at times, but she is forever patient. She has a great eye for style and really understands what colors, cuts, and styles work for your hair AND your lifestyle. The salon is in a great location, is always impeccably clean, and super easy to view availability and book appointments online. I highly recommend both the salon and Colleen!! read more

I've been seeing Colleen Owsley for my hair for 2+ years. We've done fun colors, bangs, side-shave, the works. She's a truly skilled stylist who always gives me great style advice for my hair type. read more

I am actually a two-haircuts-a-year person, but I decided to do something different and to do it right. I heard high praise for Beth so I decided to check out Alchemy Salon! It was quiet and peaceful when I arrived, and Beth was easy-going and friendly. More importantly, she is experienced and skilled at cutting hair. I thought I was giving her an impossible task - a cute bob that was low (no) maintenance. She asked questions to make sure she knew what I wanted and she made confident suggestions when needed. We had a great conversation while I got my hair expertly scissored. Ladies, I can put my hockey helmet on, play a game, and remove the helmet to see my hair is still cute. What. I'll be coming back here again and again. Thank you, Beth!!! read more

I just relocated back to Seattle and finding a good ethic hairstylist has been a challenge, until now. Cha'ron was wonderful! My first time to a salon where I had a sit down consultation before service. Never had a stylist ask if I wanted coffee or water, already the salons hospitality was superb. Cha'ron took the time to understand my previous hair care routine, and thoroughly explained what she does and the products she would be using in my hair. African American haircare is vital, especially in Seattle, and Cha'ron left me in awe with her professionalism and care. Kudos, Cha'ron for FINALLY a truly wonderful experience. read more

Haircut was fine, I have wavy, curly hair, so it was an average cut. But looked great when she blowed dried it and put shine. But a great haircut is when you air dry curls and they fall into place. So if you have wavy/curly hair be very picky of stylist. Hair color: I have dark, black hair. First time the dye did not show. I came in for a redo, which was nice to have that opportunity and be explained the dye process. But the only color that showed up was my roots, drastic difference from roots and rest of hair. So now I have an awkward reverse ombré that just does not look right. So if you have dark hair, and want a color change, also be picky and chose a stylist who has a great reputation for color change. My dark, wavy hair is a challenge. And I wanted to see from all the great reviews, that maybe this salon could combat my challenging hair, and unfortunately no. Pros: Sweet atmosphere, and welcoming stylist. If you go there frequently and love results, keep going. But sadly, for me it will be my first and last time. I don't like leaving negative reviews, but everyday I look in the mirror and cringe and think how did I drop over $100 on haircut and color and not be remotely happy. But if you have straight light hair, this salon could be perfect for you! read more

Danyale is great! I went in not knowing what to expect, but was recommended to her by a friend. Her shop is cute, located in a house converted to a salon right in the heart of Columbia City. Parking can be a little tough, but it's not impossible to find. She has a calming presence and was great about listening to what I wanted (and didn't want) done with my hair. I'm pretty easygoing when it comes to my hair (heck, it's going to grow back anyways right?) so that may have had something to do with it. My only "con" was that she was late for my appointment, but she was super apologetic and even called to let me know, which I appreciated. She also had a good reason- she was at an early photo shoot. I guess other people are discovering her talent! Danyale also guarantees her work, which I appreciate and it made me feel better about leaving my hair in her hands. All in all, I got a great haircut for a more than reasonable price. I'll definitely be going back! read more