Alcheme Salon Inc

I am not your typical client who belongs to Alcheme. My hair is exceedingly high maintenance; I have coarse, textured, 'ethnic' hair similar to that of a lion's mane.

Prior to experiencing this sanctuary, I had tatty experiences with many stylists who were unable to execute the right cut, or administer a proper solution for my type of hair. The results nearly always left me irritated, feeling insecure about anyone grazing my hair with a pair of shears, and with an unpleasant-to-look-at hair cut.

Frustrated with having to style and cut my hair on my own for years after, I decided to take a risk after having been given an exclusive invitation to Alcheme. What I received was a sculpted cut that emphasized every positive facet of my face, and hair treatments that made my hair feel like pure spun silk - a complete transformation from my coarsely tossed lion's mane.

Additionally, during my first visit: I was immediately dazzled with Alcheme's lofty sunlit environment, which was unexpectedly slathered with sumptuously painted canvases, fragrant foliage and the warm hospitality of the staff. All in opposition to the illustrations that danced around in my head prior to my visit.

I am a performing artist; my hair's plays an essential role in my image, brand and identity. Today, I love my locks, but I adore this salon for its top grade expertise, exceptional service and craftsmanship. The staff are truly creative alchemists who invent custom styles which correspond to the needs of each client - regardless of the challenge! And its unique atmosphere is...an added reward! Unequivocally, Alcheme is THE superlative salon in the City of San Francisco.

Pros: Superlative service

Cons: I have to drive from the ocean to get to it!

Posted 10/04/09

San Francisco's #1 Professional Hair Salon is definitely "Alcheme Salon!" Angela (CEO) of Alcheme Salon is the most well known professional stylist in San Francisco! I have been going to her salon for a few years now, and at every appointment I've had the best overall experience from beginning to end! The staff is awesome! They make sure that each client that walks through the door is welcomed with a smile, and assisted in every way possible. The salon offers a variety of professional services from haircuts to highlights, and weddings to makeup! If you are looking for a salon that has a team of top notch stylists who are knowledgeable/experienced, go visit "Alcheme Salon!"

Thank you Angela and "Alcheme Team" for always making my experience a pleasure, and I will always refer my friends/family to you!

Pros: Outstanding Service, Professional Stylists, & Great Location

Cons: None!

Posted 10/02/09

THE BEST SALON IN SAN FRANCISCO! GREAT STYLISTS, OUTSTANDING SERVICE, FUN ATMOSPHERE, AND OWNER ANGELA (CEO) IS THE MOST EDUCATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE STYLIST IN SAN FRANCISCO! GO VISIT TODAY!

Pros: TOP SALON IN SAN FRANCISCO

Cons: NONE

Posted 10/02/09

I was hesitant about going short after having years of waist length hair. The girl on the phone was really nice and made me feel very comfortable by offering me a consultation and even getting one of their stylist to talk to me over the phone.

I saw Angela, the owner of the salon and she took the time to educate me regarding all of my concerns. She gave me what was probably the best haircut I have ever gotten in my life!

the overall experience was great, I loved my new silky shoulder-length hair and left the salon feeling beautiful!
Thank you Angela!! I will definitely be back.

Pros: nice people, great service

Cons: none

Posted 10/01/09

Color washed out 2 weeks later, hair cut lost shape a week later. I called to have her fix it and walked out paying an addition $119 - on top of the $200 I had originally paid.

Pros: None

Cons: everything

Posted 03/01/09

Rudy Sandoval has cut and styled my hair since June 2007 and provided me with a consistent and professional result that has always pleased me. Rudy has always been on-time, unrushed and attentive to my needs. The accuracy of his cut is phenomenal and unmatched.

I have had my hair styled on three continents by a number of experienced stylists - the "best" of these is the recognized "stylist to the stars" in the USA at a cost of $250 for a gents cut. Rudy has demonstrated that he is up there with the very best. He has a wealth of experience, practical advice and is very personable. I have also had the opportunity to speak with a number of his clients and they are all had very positive things to say about Rudy?s work.

The salon owner and staff have always been welcoming and friendly. Thanks Rudy and Alcheme for your help in making my regular visits a pleasure.

Pros: Accessibility to parking and public transport

Posted 02/17/09

I was referred by a good friend that always has great looking hair to Rudy Sandoval for my color. I was having a challenging time finding a hair artist that could give me what I wanted until I met Rudy. Not only did he give me great, natural color, but his talents on my cut were the best I've experienced with my thin, fine hair. I am getting more compliments than ever about my hair. Keep up the great work Rudy!

Posted 02/16/09

I have known Lana for almost 5 years now, and she has always done a fantastic job. I am not that much "into" hair, just a simple guy you know, but I always really enjoy going to get a cut every month and chatting with Lana. She always tries to be flexible about appointment times, and has great ideas about changing up styles and making great suggestions for shampoos, gels, etc. if I am having "issues". I would highly recommend everyone to go see Lana, as she is enthusiastic about her profession, is always working hard to learn new techniques and styles, and is just a fun and great person. You will be happy that you found her -

Posted 09/12/08

I am perhaps one of the most (THE most?) particular males on the planet when it come to getting my hair cut right.
Only one harstylist has been able to satisfy my very exacting requirements since I move to the US in 2005.

Lana is the best! Her views on life, the universe and everything also make the monthly visit a pleasure!

Pros: Downtown location

Cons: Not open Mondays

Posted 09/05/08

Have been going to Alexandra for many years, best service, quality of work and easygoing atmosphere in town!!

Posted 07/22/08

When I first moved to the Bay Area, I was worried about finding a good hairdresser. Two years down the line, I'm ecstatic that I chose Angela at Alcheme to be my stylist.
This salon is worth every penny-and the trek from East Bay-every couple of months. You won't get a haircut that is just "fashionable". Instead, you'll receive a style that complements your face and personality. It's all about individualism, here :)

Posted 04/17/08

I have been going to Selida for 6 years and I am so happy that she is now at Alcheme Salon; the location is very accessible. I have always received oodles of complements about my hair since going to Selida and will continue to be a devoted client for years to come. She has always helped me make the best decisions, I am now trying to grow my hair very long and she is making sure my hair is as healthy as can be when it is at the length I want. If you want to be stopped in the street with compliments go to Selida, a woman told me I am the type of woman that makes other women jealous while still in the salon, true story

Posted 02/18/08

This was the first time I've had my hair colored and Alex T. did an amazing job. He not only gave me dimension but it was so natural looking. The cut was short and so adorable. Alex's skill shines throughout his work. I've already reccomended him to all my friends and will be booking with him for my next appointment.

Pros: Great space and atmosphere, right in Union Square

Cons: nothing

Posted 01/19/08

I've been a loyal client of Angela's for 6 years. She did all the hair and makeup for my wedding too.

I've gone dark brown, blonde, red... you name it, the color always looks natural and perfect. She does a great job with my very curly hair - my cut always works either straight or curly.

Alcheme is a warm, inviting salon with friendly staff, great music, the latest magazines, coffee, comfy chairs, lots of space, and free wi-fi! I sometimes bring my laptop and get work done while I'm getting my hair colored.

I highly recommend Alcheme - you will be happy with the results!"

Posted 11/20/07

Rudy Sandoval is truly an artist in every sense of the word. He is exceptional with color. I get exactly what I want every time I walk out of the salon. Rudy listens to his clients and knows how to give the best cut. When I first came to Rudy, my hair needed some serious TLC. Now my hair is healthy and I get a consistent color and cut every time.
I highly reccomend Rudy Sandoval to anyone who might not be getting what they need from their stylist. Rudy will take great care of you.

Posted 10/05/07

beware: there goes all your money. at least you feel fabulous and ready to head out to some chic dinner. very comfortable environemnt.

Posted 08/01/07

Alcheme Salon is located on Sutter Street in Union Square. The salon is beautiful-has a very New York-y feel and is bright and airey. I have been going to Angela Chong-Montague (owner and principal stylist) for 12 years and she is amazing. I've gone from short to long to wavy and each time the results have been spectacular. She is also a suberb colorist. Angela is a true artist and just has a great sense of who you are. You just feel that she gets you which is why I never walk out of Alcheme disappointed.

The staff at reception are always very warm and understand what customer service is about - they are also very good about calling to confirm appointments. If you are looking for a new salon - I highly recommend Alcheme. The staff take care of you and the level of expertise is unquestionable.

Pros: Ambience, Service, Great haircut and color

Posted 06/08/07

let me preface this by saying that before i went to angela at alcheme, i was totally hair-stylist phobic. i'd had so many awful experiences, i'd taken to having my friends cut my hair, and just wearing it all one length. my motto was "trust no one" with my hair.

but angela changed all that, and if i sound like a fanatic, it's because i am! everyone is shocked by my transformation. she first worked on my hair last summer, and people i know are still complimenting me on my new look... including my *mother*, who has harped on my hair my entire life. the last time i went to see her, she asked if she could have some fun and straighten my very curly, dry hair... needless to say, afterwards, everyone i saw was shocked at how straight and soft it was. i cant even believe it myself, ive never seen me like this. it's truly amazing. my husband says he feels like he's with a new woman (which is a compliment... i think??). she listens to everything i say and doesn't do anything im uncomfortable with. the weird thing is, now i totally trust someone with my hair, a concept id basically given up on. i'd recommend her to anyone.

Posted 04/18/07

I care about my hair. It says alot about me. Lana is creative, giving me different styles when I have become bored with my current look. She also listens and creates new styles that work with my face, lifestyle and personality. She's great!

Pros: stylists, service, location

Cons: robes

Posted 04/15/07

I recently relocated to the Bay Area and have been trying to find a new hair stylist. This place is so not it. I?m a 30 yr old woman with short hair ? edgy, but still femiene and appropriate for my professional job. Other gals with short hair know that having a fab cut is beyond important ? there?s no pulling into a pony tail, etc. I went to Angela based on three things: 1) a coworker had a cute short haircut by Angela; 2) she is owner of the salon; 3) the reviews on this site. Angela seemed to do a good job listening to what I wanted and looking at pictures of me with the haircut I wanted. But when it came to execution? She gave me a below average cut with two bad moves that has turned it into a nightmare. 1) She cut the hair at the crown of my head really, really short and left the rest of it a couple inches long. This resulted in a total Alfalfa ? the hair sticks straight up and no matter how I hair dry or what kind/amount of product I use it won?t say down. It?s been two weeks and it still is sticking straight up. 2) We talked about how I wanted to let my bangs grow longer. In the process of shaping them she says, ?You have a cowlick here, so I?m just going to cut it off.? Before I had a chance to react she cut a chunk of my bangs almost to the scalp. Now I have long bangs with a crazy chunk missing. I should have thought twice when my coworker mentioned that she was now growing her hair out. I will be doing the same.

Posted 03/21/07

I was first introduced to Lana's stylist artistry many moons ago when I walked into a salon on Polk Street seeking an emergency, spur of the moment "maintanence" cut. Being that I was just a walk-in off the street, I told her just a few minutes for the touch-up was all I required. But, being the consumate professional that she is, Lana took her time and proceeded to give me one of the best haircuts I'd ever had. When she moved on to Alcheme there was never a doubt in my mind that I would follow her there. Her creativity, sense of style and keen eye for what works, separates her from the rest.

Posted 03/19/07

I happened upon Alcheme Salon through Citysearch a few years ago and was handed to Lana T. my first appointment. I was looking for someone who was "good with short hair." Lana T. has been my stylist for nearly two and a half years. She knows her craft! She creates beautiful color and has such fun with her styling. Lana stays on top of the latest processes, trends and styling tricks! Lana is honest with her clients and will caution against a styling idea that may not be the best choice, but always offers a better option! Several of my friends have become clients of Lana's, including one who came in with hair severely damaged by extenstions. She has worked wonders! The salon is cheerful and friendly, and in a great location!

Pros: Parking, Union Square, Restaurants, Shopping

Posted 03/12/07

I highly recommend Lana for the trendiest and classiest hair styles at Alcheme Salon. I've been going to her for over a year now, and i've never been disappointed with her work. I think she does a great job with any age range because I'm 17, and no one has styled my hair better or trendier. Also, my mom goes to Lana as well and she always comes back with the best hair cuts and colors. After, getting my hair done at Alcheme Salon with Lana I get so many compliments just walking down the street from complete strangers on my hair. So, if you can't decide on a great hair salon and hair stylist take my advice and go with Lana.

Pros: Great parking lot next door, and the floor below has a great nail salon.

Posted 03/12/07

i have never left Lana's seat unhappy. Not only is she a hair dresser, she is a hair artist, her work is a mixture of unique and classy. i love my new style everytime i walk out of the salon, i call it the million $ look. i highly recommended Lana, and in turn Alcheme Salon. The level of professionalism and dedication on part of the team there will have you coming back for years!

Posted 03/07/07

Lana is number 1!

Lana has been my hairstylist for several years. Even after I moved from San Francisco to Sacramento I still continue to go to Alcheme because I am sure that I won?t find a better stylist on this continent. I completely rely on Lana?s experience and taste. Even when I am a bit shocked in the beginning by the change she does to my hair, I get completely satisfied after a short period of time. Besides, the products they use are of a very good quality: my hair gets better with every visit.

Pros: ambience,service

Posted 03/03/07

Rudy Sandoval has been styling & coloring my hair beautifully for over 4 years now. He's a great listener and always does an amazing job of styling & coloring my hair with an edgy flair that's always remains professional for my career. I've recommended Rudy to several of my friends and co-workers (who all have different types of hair and styles) and they all love his great work. If you're looking for the best stylist & colorist in the Bay Area, you can look no further?.schedule your next appointment with Rudy @ Alcheme Salon.

Pros: Great Location, Relaxing Atmosphere

Cons: Sometimes the Elevator is Broken

Posted 02/13/07

I moved to the Bay area recently from NY and was dubious that I would find a good hair stylist. I tried a couple of places, the top rated in SF, and was disappointed. Until I went to Angela. Alcheme is a no frills place with friendly staff, great products and, of course, the haircuts are excellent; they know what they are doing! I've been there twice and both times I walked out extremely satisfied. Angela was trained in Europe and has many years of experience, and it shows. I sat down and she knew exactly what to do with my thick, hard to manage hair. Also, walking in there w/o makeup and dressed down, I thought I might get a dowdy haircut, but I ended up walking out with a simple yet totally super sexxy do. Go to Alcheme. You won't be disappointed!

Posted 01/19/07

Andrea not only cuts a great head of hair has a great personality that you'll just fall in love with. There are times where i've wished my hair would grow faster so i could go back for a cut and chat. I have followed this girl from her old salon and believe that Alcheme better suits her talents. The place is very hip and not like many salons i've been too. One of my favorite parts was the kimono that you wear during your time there. I've recommended her to all my friends and have had nothing but rave reviews so thats why i'm here telling everyone else about it. Go and enjoy.

Pros: excellent service and nice atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 11/18/06

Alexandra is great. She listened (a rare thing these days?), and then cut my hair to perfection. She is the first stylist I've ever been to who hasn't given me the cut they *think* I should have. I honestly have never had a more accurate cut, this far exceeded my expectations.

No sales pressure, and in fact, there was no annoying small talk either. She was very nice and friendly, but let me relax. Professional and casual. It felt great, and my hair looks great. Thank you!

Pros: professional, casual, relaxing

Cons: none

Posted 10/12/06

I'm from Boston and was in San Francisco on a trip mixing business and pleasure. When the opportunity arose for an interview with the department head, I realized I would need to clean up a bit. A friend recommended Alcheme Salon, where she gets her highlights, and I called for an appointment. Christine (or Chrissy as it turns out she prefers) did a wonderful job - with a men's cut - on an unfamiliar head - with short notice - what a talent! I was legitimately impressed. If i ever find myself shaggy in San Francisco again, you can be sure I'll look up Chrissy at Alcheme!

Some general praise for the salon: their third floor salon right down town gave a great view while I waited (I was early - the cut started on time). And they give you these cute little Kimonos to wear.

Posted 10/02/06

I saw alcheme while browsing through citysearch and decided to try it out. I have thick black hair that was just weighing down on me. Chrissy gave me the perfect cut that made my hair a lot lighter while retaining the length. I got a lot of compliments from my colleagues and I would definitely go back to her!

Pros: talent, hip atmosphere, friendly staff!

Cons: none!

Posted 09/24/06

I've been in search for a new stylist for over two years. My search is now over! After reading such rave reviews about Alcheme Salon and Angela, I was convinced this place was going to be home for me. Angela was awesome. She knew exactly what to do to my hair, and my hair has never looked so good. I can't wait to come back and get my hair cut again. She is very sweet, cute and smart. She'll make you look and feel like a million bucks!

Pros: friendly, welcoming atmosphere

Posted 09/15/06

Step into Alcheme feeling regular. Step out feeling glamorous. I have been going to Angela since I moved to the Bay Area in 1998. She listens, she consults, and she has a great sense of style. She's excellent for curly hair and straight, and everyone I've sent her way--young, old, men, women--has stayed with her since the first cut. Even my mother loves her. Truly, nobody compares. Plus the salon has a great environment, you feel like you're part of something really cool. Vicky has a great sense of color, and has done amazing work with highlights. Lana does my eyebrows to perfection. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Pros: Conveniently near Sutter Stockton garage

Posted 08/17/06

I tried several different salons in the city, somehow my color always turned brassy and unflattering. Vicky has been a god send to me, I have finally become the blond I was born to be.

Posted 08/08/06

Alcheme was my favorite salon when I used to live in San Francisco. Angela is an awesome stylist. I moved to New York City two years ago and have been going to Bumble and Bumble for my hair cutting and color. I recently returned to Angela's salon while I was in SF for a biz trip. Oh my gosh, Angela's hair style and color was so much better than what I received at Bumble in NYC. I absolutely miss her work. People have given me so many compliments about my hair and color. If I ever return to SF, I'm returning to Alcheme!!

Pros: Clean, hip atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 07/24/06

Alcheme was my favorite salon when I used to live in San Francisco. Angela is an awesome stylist. I moved to New York City two years ago and have been going to Bumble and Bumble for my hair cutting and color. I recently returned to Angela's salon while I was in SF for a biz trip. Oh my gosh, Angela's hair style and color was so much better than what I received at Bumble in NYC. I absolutely miss her work. People have given me so many compliments about my hair and color. If I ever return to SF, I'm returning to Alcheme!!

Pros: Clean, hip atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 06/25/06

Without sounding too egotisical, I love my hair!! Angela's skills are truly unparalleled...as an example, in the 20 minutes it took for me to walk to my workplace from Alcheme after a cut and color, I got 5 compliments from strangers. One guy leaned out his car window and said, "You are really beautiful" and drove off. I can't tell you what a nice feeling it is to be noticed every once in awhile...It might sound silly, but I credit this to my hair. The skillful and flattering cut that Angela gave me made me feel confident, and people notice that!

Pros: skills, talent, value

Cons: none, none, none!

Posted 05/10/06

This place is amazing and so is Angela. She knows how to make anyone look good and you can feel the difference as soon as you walk out the door. Everyone here is super professional and top notch.

Pros: Parking, Atmosphere, Great Staff

Posted 02/13/06

About a year ago, Vicky gave me the cuttest short hair cut ever. Not only is it chic and edgy, it's still so feminie. Over the year, she has always been able to keep it fresh, and not boring. I always feel I stand out in a room full of people. Go see her, she will change your life

Posted 02/09/06

I recently moved to SF from New York, I was very skeptical about trying a new stylist in the city. After reading some reviews from citysearch, I decided to try Vicky at Alcheme salon. Vicky gave me the best golden honey blonde I have ever seen, I never thought I could look so natural as a blonde, and the hair cut complemented my facial structure so well. Vicky also gave me the best restaurant recommendations in the city.

Pros: garage, late hour

Posted 02/06/06

I traveled three hours to find this man and he really is a miracle worker. He took my head which was filled with horrible, uneven, and unwanted highlights and turned it into an amazing work of art. The colors work well with my skin tone and don't wash me out as it had done before I meet Rudy. My cut as well had been over texturized and was very uneven now it lays beautifully and is growing out very well. He listened to what I was unhappy with as well as what look I would like to acheive. He is more than happy to give his opinion when needed and asked. The products he uses and promotes are amazingly wonderful for the hair. I left the salon with softer, shinnier, and healthier hair than ever before. I was very satisfied and happy with both Rudy and the salon itself.

Pros: exceptional value , friendly , professional

Posted 01/11/06

All of the wonderful reviews on citysearch are right! The salon has a great atmosphere and all of the staff are very nice and atttentive. I had my hair cut by Angela and the color done by Vicky. They did an amazing job...the best my hair has looked. They are both very nice and take the time to find a look that will work for you. Additionally, they will take the time to recommend products for you without the usual sales pressure. I will definitely be coming back and would highly recommend alcheme to anyone.

Pros: Great service, Good Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 11/20/05

I've had many bad hair cut experiences. Sue was my hair stylist the first day I walked in. I was afraid in the beginning because she took things into her own hands and was the first stylist to ever chop my hair off above shoulder length. I am VERY glad that I let her pull a miracle on my hair. I loved, loved, loved the results! After my hair cut, I felt more like a new and confident person. The staff members were all hospitable and welcoming. I was able to catch one of Alcheme Salon at a run way show, and they out-shinned the rest of the hair stylists. I felt proud and lucky to know that my hair was touched by a person from Alcheme Salon's and I'm not a person that easily gets impressed by things.

Posted 11/02/05

I would definately recommend Lana for a change of style. She gave me a fantastic new short haircut that I get loads of compliments on. The cuts and colors my hair better than any stylist I have known, thank you Lana!

Posted 10/24/05

Angela is great - the best color/ cut I have ever had. She puts the time into doing it right the first time and is definitely invested in making sure the best thing is being done for your hair.

Posted 09/28/05

I went to another high end salon, which I won't mention, for a color and cut by the owner. He messed up soo bad. I was in tears when my friends noticed and then she mentioned, Vicky.
I was fortunate enough to book with Vicky a couple days later after reading some of the reviews here.
She took one look and knew exactly how to fix the mistakes, bleed marks in my color, the hideous way he lightened the weight of my hair was awful.

Thanks Vicky, you are the best stylist I have ever had, see you soon.

Pros: Best Stylist, Great attitude

Posted 09/21/05

Sue Ko is my stylist, and I have followed her to this salon. She is AMAZING! Her color and cuts are both phenominal, and that is rare to find a stylist who can master both. The environment at Alcheme is fun, hip, and easy.

Pros: convenient parking

Cons: reception staff

Posted 07/02/05

What a cool salon. The staff is friendly and helpful, the stylilsts are great and the new website is very nice. I love the approach and philosophy.

Pros: Parking Garage, Good Vibe, Cool Art

Posted 06/22/05

I would highly recommend going to Alcheme Salon if you're looking for great haircuts, terrific color and fantastic service. Angela not only listens to understand what you want and like but she also has a great eye for knowing what style and color will look great on you. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me where I do my hair. If you want a true artist, ask for Angela.

Pros: Fantastic cuts, Great color, Honest recommendation

Cons: Expensive

Posted 06/19/05