Hair Alchemy

I will never go to Hair Alchemy again… NEVER.
I’ve really never dealt with such a rude, condescending individual such as Shaun was to me, especially while I was trying to explain the type of hair style I might be looking for. According to him, if a customer gets a bad hair cut, it’s the customers fault for not explaining themselves well enough to the stylist!!! What??? But let me tell you, when I tried to explain what I might be looking for, and then asked a few questions about what he was planning to do, this guy jumped down my throat. (This was my second time coming to this salon, and although even the first time he cut my hair, I thought he was rude then, the initial cut grew out decently, so figured I’d go back and try him again.) It’s been difficult finding someone in Hawaii whom can cut my wavy, plentiful hair, but NO haircut nor stylist in the world would be worth sitting there having them talk down to you like he did to me. Really; what a rude prick. And the thing is, his first cut wasn’t all that either, I was giving him another chance cuz after 3 months of growth, it finally hadn’t looked too bad.
I did NOT get the second hair cut from him. After his extremely rude treatment, I got up, offered to pay him for the shampoo and left.
So if you don’t mind someone talking to you like you are an idiot, and someone acting as though you should somehow know more about cutting hair than the stylist — well, by all means, check him out. I found him to be a class A-​1 jerk.

love this place… I have know sean forever!!! and he is such a great stylist. for awhile i couldn’t find him then i got the haircut from hell from Sears and was able to get with him again and i look good again!!! everyone at the salon is so nice and friendly. you feel like you are at home with family there. if you want a good haircut go there!!!
i would recommend making an appointment though…

Who would even know that there was a salon here. Located behind Pucks Alley… towards the back entrance of the University of Hawaii.
Great stylist in a hidden place.

I was going to Masami at Aveda for the longest time, but his $ 100 price tag was eating up my lunch money! So my mom mentioned Naomi at Hair Alchemy and I decided to check her out. I was not disappointed. So being the frugal ¹⁄₈^th Pahke that I am, I would just go to Masami twice a year for my straight perm touch-​up and a cut to get the shape I wanted. Then, I would see Naomi in between to maintain the cut. She always did a great job. Her cut matched Masami’s exactly — remember the long layers and side swept bangs trend? haha
I’ve since stopped going to Masami and have just been seeing Naomi for my cuts. She gives me nice long layers and my cuts ALWAYS grow out really well. I know it’s terrible, but I can go months without a cut and my hair still looks good — at least it does to me, hehe. I’ve also seen her short cuts on other people and they’re always very cute. My mom goes to her occasionally, but I have to admit that I think Naomi is a little too hip for my mom, sorry mom.
Her prices are VERY reasonable and she’s really nice. I cheated on her a few times — foolish, foolish girl — and she took me back with open arms when I called her to fix the messes that other people had made. If you’re unsure, just check her out for a trim and see how you like her — I know you won’t be disappointed.

My review is for one particular stylist, who used to work at Hair Alchemy for years, even when it was named William Alexander Salonne. This legend of a hair stylist is Frankie Gonsalves.
He is without a doubt the best damned stylist I’ve ever gone to. He used to own his own salon back in Tombstone, Arizona for many, many years before packing up and moving out to Hawaii.
Frankie actually listens to what you tell him and makes helpful (accurate) suggestions to get you what you want in a haircut or a color. In my opinion his technical knowledge is infinitely superior to any of the $ 100 stylists you find at Chop or Paul Brown or any of the other pretentious salons around town. I have never had a bad experience with Frankie, never woken up the next day lamenting what he’d done. And he charged me less than ¼ of what other places do.
Sadly, Frankie had some serious health problems a few years back and stopped cutting hair. They kept his station set up just like he’d left it for the whole time he was going through rehab, as motivation for him to get better.
I tried some of the other stylists there and while they are all super friendly and good at what they do, nobody could replicate Frankie. Of those who remain I’d recommend Naomi (the owner) and Phil for haircuts or coloring. If you’re looking for a prom or wedding ‘do, go with Michael. Each stylist charges a different price so ask b/​f.
They are conveniently located if you live in the University area. Parking (right out front) is limited but folks rotate out so quickly I’ve never had problems.
I’m still searching for Frankie’s replacement, so if you have any recommendations, let me know…