Tried & Tested: Alchemy Hair & Nail
We test-drive Alchemy Hair & Nail to see if it can turn our tired locks into gold.
The Buzz: Alchemy opened up about a year ago under the Il Colpo beauty umbrella. Though it can fit 28 people at once, the place feels very VIP thanks to private nooks offset by mirrored walls.
The Experience: Creative director Justin Paul Chambers, “JP”, is a veteran in the industry and brings his experience to the task. He starts with a personal consultation and encourages you to bring pictures of your dream hair. What’s mine? Jessica Biel’s natural-looking “balayage,” a French coloring technique that is more subtle than ombre. I’m trying to grow out my natural color, so I’m after a low-maintenance style that still looks fashionable. JP suggested low lights to break up my blonde helmet, which I’d only have to update every 10-12 weeks. Sold!
The Result: A head full of aluminum foil and 45 minutes later, I emerged with a subtle but noticeable difference. Though it was just a touch darker than I expected, JP did me a service: my roots looked much more natural and he even managed to keep the bright blonde towards the tips for a spring-ready look.
The Takeaway: It’s a bit of a splurge, but then again when is women’s hairstyling not in Hong Kong? For those looking for natural blonde and brown coloring, JP is a contender for one of the city’s top stylists.