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. The stylists at Pure Alchemy are independent. If your hair goes wrong and your stylist won't help you, no one will help you. Even though a hairstylist themselves, the owner did everything they could to not be involved.

Colleen Owlsley is a genius! From the first time I went to Colleen and she looked at my jet black hair with fire-engine red stripes, and she sweetly told me she does "pretty hair" and asked if I wanted pretty hair too, I have not trusted my hair to anyone else. After years of stylists never listening and thinking they know better than me, Colleen is a breath of fresh h-air ;) (and a badass with a pair of scissors & some color). She always listens to me, but also will make honest, well thought out recommendations based on experience as to what will look best on me. After 15 years in her chair, I give her free reign to do what she wants, trusting she will always give me "pretty hair" and in those 1.5 decades she has never let me down with anything less than amazing. Even while living in LA for years, (with 1 exception that resulted in a Joan Jet haircut from a "hot celeb stylist" that had me sobbing in his chair), I would come back to Seattle to see Colleen whenever I needed a fresh cut or color. She really is THAT good. I have sent my friends and family to her, and am stopped on a regular basis and asked who does my hair. I have followed her in the few times she has moved salons, and would follow her to Timbuktu if I had to. I have learned the hard way how rare a great stylist is, and Colleen is amazing. I would recommend her to absolutely anyone: man, woman, and even dog (she has dyed some of my pups fur before and Gizmo loved it)!

Had the worst experience with Pure Alchemy Salon. After emailing me a reminder about my appointment, they closed the salon without any notification. It was the hottest day of the century registering 100 degrees while I waited for my stylist. I am a senior citizen and this was most unhealthful for me. I understand if the salon closed due to the temperature. However, I received no notification that they were closing, there was no information on their website, no voicemail message on their answering machine and no simple note on their front door. Instead of an apology, I received an excuse that perhaps they didn’t have my contact information. Four days later I received an email from the stylist giving me an entirely different reason for her not showing up that day. Not only did they not communicate with me but apparently they didn’t get their story straight with each other. If you value customer service, do not go to Pure Alchemy Salon.

What an incredible experience! I was visiting Seattle and had just flown in that day. I was waiting for a friend to land at the airport before going to the hotel. I decided to take the time to spoil myself and go get a blowout done. I went into Pure Alchemy without an appointment and was greeted warmly by the owner. She contacted one of her stylists that was coming in to see if she could fit me in her schedule and she did! They treated me very nicely, giving me water and letting me charge my phone while I waited. Colleen ended up doing my hair and it looked amazing! Great customer service, friendly conversations and a good vibe environment to be in. I highly recommend and if I find myself in Seattle in the future, I will be returning! Thanks ladies!!!

Stylist Marcia is truely a visionary artist. She transformed my drab hair into a look as unique as me! I have had several "looks" throughout the years...from bleached white to green. And through it all my hair never got fried from chemicals or looked washed out! She even helped me get back to my natural hair color! I can not say enough good things about Marcia! She truly understands hair and sincerely listens to her clients! I haven't trusted any other stylist since I was transformed 5 years ago. Since I live out of Seattle now, it has been a year since she last gave me a cut...and I'm holding out until I visit her in the spring!!

My hair was beautiful. So amazing. I moved here recently. I tried to trust this salon. After a 260$ Service my hair is completely ruined. I can’t even call them to tell them bc I’m so uncomfortable having them fix it. I’ve been to two other salons since trying to get color corrected but she put something on my hair it’s is damaged for years. I spent years protecting my hair and all I needed was a root touch up and to bring my balayage up. She painted my hair entirely. Changed the entire color. I’ve spent $745 trying to fix my color since my March visit. It’s devastating. Buyer beware.

This has become my salon. Beth is an excellent and detail oriented stylist and the environment is comfortable, cozy and unpretentious ( in the lower level of an old house on a Columbia City side street). I always leave feeling great about my hair. Beth is also just a warm and caring person to talk with as my hair is becoming transformed. I also discovered an amazing line of hair products there -Loma- and using them keeps my hair looking healthy in between cuts. My daughter goes to one of the other stylists and is very pleased after each cut.

Colleen did such a beautiful job! I'd been a couple years since I got a proper cut and gave me a beautiful cut while still maintaining the length I'm working hard to grow out. The balayage she did on me turned out absolutely gorgeous to the point it looks like my hair was naturally sun-kissed. I was so nervous about getting my hair down right before a vacation (what if I look terrible poolside?!) but she did me right and I will 100% be coming back to her whenever I need a fresh cut or color work.

Great haircuts from great stylists. The staff are very experienced, friendly, and professional. The store also carries a nice range of hair products. I’ve been going to Colleen for haircuts for over two years now and have always been really happy with her work. I would recommend Colleen for both men’s and women’s haircuts since I’ve seen her do great work on both. The owner, Beth, also works as a hairdresser there and is always cheerful and making sure that the shop runs smoothly.

Charon was perfect. She got me in within a week, listened to what I wanted, suggested something better, did a brilliant job on my coloring and I walked out of there relaxed and happy. Sharing stories and getting my hair played with for that long put me in a calm & inspiring space. Big thank you to Cha'ron Stewart-Silvano for the experience and all the new tricks for my hair, it's in a much healthier state now.

I just had my first experience at Pure Alchemy with Colleen. What a gem! The salon is located in a historical house in the retail core of Columbia City. It was super easy to book an appointment. Colleen is so sweet and lovely and easy to talk to. Her hair wash and head massage was pure magic and she gave me a great pixie cut! She has years of experience and loves what she does and it shows! I love it!

Person didnt show up for my haircut appointment, never called to cancel, never contacted me afterwards....just left me hanging. Will not reschedule there again (it was my second time to go there)

Cha'ron was so much fun. She has great energy and was fun to chat with. I absolutely love my haircut and will definitely be returning to her chair for my next cut! Thanks Cha'ron!!

Cha'ron is the best! She fixed my hair from a previous artist, and turned it into the best color I have had in years! With dimension and shine, left feeling and looking great!

This is a great salon! The stylists know what they're doing (especially Marcia) and the prices are comparable to other salons in the area, but the service is wonderful.

Stylists here are awesome! In a great spot in Columbia City. Get your hair cut or styled, then hang out in the area. I recommend Colleen as your stylist!

Colleen is an awesome hairdresser who makes sure her clients have a great experience! Appreciate the care and suggestions she makes. Highly recommend!

Had a couple haircuts here now, very satisfied with the results. Great service and conversation as well. Check them out!

Great haircuts in a casual, relaxing salon. Both Beth and Colleen are wonderful.

Took time on my hair and didn't rush, made sure I got exactly what I wanted

Amazing job! Everyone is so friendly and the smell isn't heavy in products

Colleen is just the best. Highly recommended.

So great and local too

Beth is sooooo great!

I heart Beth.