Jenna S.
Yelp
I researched creative color artists a TON when I moved to SF. While I found a lot of colorists, I couldn't find a lot of consistent reviews and photos with a salon that uses Olaplex. Found Ricky at Alcheme through his awesome insta - he's got great pics of his work!
Explained that I really liked that my prior lightenings had been done via "foilyage" - basically a balayage look but using foils and lifting to a level 8/9, which allows you to go longer between salon visits. Ricky explained that's not how he does his color but promised to blend it so I'd get a similar effect.
I had a lot of grow out, but my hair was in good shape. Was surprised at how FAST this visit was. I'm used to a long visit, 6-8 hrs to lift my hair slow and steady w the Olaplex. Using his assistant's help, I was in and out of this visit in 3 hrs.
The result? It initially looked good. Made for great insta pics, and was exactly the shade of pink I wanted.
It was only once home that I realized there were a bunch of spots that were missed with color. I messaged Ricky and he had me back to touch up the spots free of charge. I realized later that there was still an area missing dye.
As the color faded, the blended root did too, so that within a month I could see the "lines" where the bleach was applied. I keep the tones up myself so it's not horrible, but it's what I was hoping to avoid with the balayage approach. There was a large streak of hair that was left uncolored that stands out if I don't style my hair wavy. My hair texture also took a bigger hit this time than previously - takes a bit more love to keep it soft.
All said, I might still give this place another go, but I definitely don't think this was worth the $450 price tag (color only, not including tip), and I would want the bleaching methods that worked better for me in the past.