Question 1

What makes Alkali different from other salons and spas?

Accepted Answer

On the hair side of Alkali, we aren't just hairstylists; we are craft hairdressers. Our stylists are highly skilled and take intensive continuing education in-house and by renowned salon educators around the world. We focus on providing color, cuts, and extensions that are unique and custom-tailored to each individual. We believe everyone should have a signature style that makes them look and feel their best, and we guarantee our work.

On the spa side, our providers are highly trained estheticians, Japanese head spa specialists, and massage therapists who focus on holistic care and noticeable results for skin care, hair and scalp health, deep relaxation, and pain management. The Beauty Lab component of Alkali provides expert, bespoke medical grade skin services administered by a licensed PA-C with more than 10 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery and aesthetics.

Question 2

What does it mean to have hair down to a science?

Accepted Answer

We could literally write a book on this! In essence, a great cut or color isn’t just about what looks good or what doesn’t, it’s about how and why a specific technique works. A skilled stylist knows how hair responds to certain conditions, such as heat and styling methods, which can greatly affect the bonds of the hair. There’s also a lot of math involved in doing hair. Cutting is centered around angles and elevation; coloring depends on the porosity of your hair, which affects vibrancy and fading. We pride ourselves on being experts in our field. Our stylists can examine your hair and determine the most flattering cut and color for your face and skin tone, as well as the best blowout and style that would work best for your specific hair type and texture.

Question 3

Why don't you list prices for services?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is based on stylist experience and demand and each individual stylists' hourly rate.  Please see our pricing page for detailed information.

All of our stylists are highly trained and continually take classes to enhance their skills and to learn new techniques. As they progress in their careers, their prices change accordingly.
 
At Alkali we believe that every aspect of maintaining fabulous hair is important, including your budget. Our stylists are always happy to discuss budget and maintenance with you before jumping into a new look.

Question 4

Why do you charge an environmental fee?

Accepted Answer

Alkali is 100% committed to doing everything we can to help preserve the environment. We are a carbon neutral, Green Circles salon and recycle 95% of all our waste. We charge a modest 5% environmental fee on all services to ensure proper disposal and recycling of hair clippings, product, and other salon-related wastes. This fee is listed on every receipt. Thank you for understanding and helping us help our environment. Together, we can make a difference!

Question 5

What is your appointment and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A credit card is required for reserving appointments at Alkali. Any no-shows or cancellations with less than a 24-hour notice will result in your credit card being charged the full price of your service.

Question 6

Why do you store my credit card info?

Accepted Answer

To make checkout more convenient for you and to enforce our cancellation policy.

Question 7

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer payment plans through Cherry so you can have even more control over your beauty budget. You can use Cherry for big ticket service items like hair extensions and nonmedical skin services, and applications are quick and easy and don't affect your credit.

*Note: Hair and nonmedical skin services and Beauty Lab services (injectables and microneedling) require separate applications, so make sure you're applying for the one you want. You can, however, apply for both, and it will still not affect your credit. Beauty Lab's app can be found here.

Our online retail store also offers flexible payment options via Afterpay for all your favorite Oribe, Davines, Back of Bottle, SkinMedica, or Environ products. Plus, we offer free shipping or in-store pick up.

Question 8

How do you handle no-shows and dishonest practices.

Accepted Answer

After three no call / no shows, your appointment privileges will be revoked. You'll only be able to"walk-in" and receive services upon availability.
 
We also have zero tolerance for anyone who uses a fraudulent credit card number or an unauthorized card when booking an appointment to try to circumvent our cancellation policy. If this happens, you'll immediately lose all appointment booking privileges.

Question 9

Why are your cancellation policies so strict?

Accepted Answer

We don't feel they are strict. We're upfront and open about our policies. We value your time and ask that you value ours as well. Our stylists are typically booked months in advance and often have a lengthy waiting list. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are difficult, if not impossible, to fill. This not only leads to a loss of income for our stylists, but a loss of opportunity for other clients as well.

Question 10

What is your tipping policy?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is not required or expected, but if you think your stylist did an exceptional job, it's always appreciated. We accept tips in cash or personal checks or via Tippy if you wish to tip with your card. 100% of tips through Tippy go directly to your stylist's account.

Question 11

Why can't I get a re-do after two weeks?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, hair grows and color fades. Two weeks is a generous amount of time for you to decide whether or not you’re happy with your hair. Also, we have no control over environmental issues or your home beauty routines, which can greatly affect your hair.

Question 12

What if I want a re-do but do not want to use the same stylist?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage that you see the same stylist as they know exactly what techniques and processes were used during your visit, and would be most knowledgeable on how best to correct the issue. However, if you are uncomfortable seeing the same stylist, you may book your re-do with another stylist in the same pricing tier as your original stylist.
 
Keep in mind that booking your re-do is subject to availability and must fall within the two-week time period for re-dos.

Question 13

I got a Keratin treatment and can't remember my at home instructions.

Accepted Answer

We got you! Do not wet or wash your hair for 48 hours. Avoid putting your hair up and absolutely no tight rubber bands, bobby pins, or metal clips until after your first shampoo. If you get your hair wet within this 48-hour time frame, immediately dry it and flat iron it to ensure that the keratin cures.
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We use Peter Coppola for our Keratin treatments. When its time to wash your hair we recommend a shampoo free of unnatural sulfates such as Oribe, Davines, or Back of Bottle to ensure that your treatment lasts as long as possible.

Question 14

I got extensions and don't remember my at home instructions.

Accepted Answer

Do not wet or wash your hair for at least 48 hours. Refrain from wearing a ponytail during this time.
If you must put your hair up, a top knot is best. When shampooing and styling, avoid products  containing Sodium Chloride which can cause your tapes to slip.
 
Oribe products are best for extension care. Your craft hairdresser will also provide you with a comprehensive hair care plan based on your specific hair type. 
 
Your extension hair is warrantied for 8 months, but in order to ensure they look great as long as possible, it's important to invest in a heat protectant.  Avoid random oils or serums before using heat when styling, as they can cause damage to the extension hair.
 
Don't forget to brush regularly! Trust us, your extensions are not going anywhere!

Question 15

How do child haircuts work at Alkali?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children at Alkali! But please be aware we don't offer "child pricing." We base child services on time and stylist expertise, just like adult services. Please check with our front desk or your stylist before booking if you have pricing concerns.

*Important: A parent or guardian must be present during consultations for all children under the age of 18. If you aren't present for the consultation, you'll lose all rights to a redo in the unlikely event you're dissatisfied with the results.

Question 16

How much will my service cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of our services are based on time, each stylist's level of expertise and hourly rate, and is designed to be more inclusive, fair, and to give you added value at every appointment.

Here's an example:
Let’s say you need a partial highlight and have short, fine, hair, which takes less time and resources than someone with long, thick hair.

If you book a two-hour reservation with a Junior Stylist at $100/hour, your service would cost $200. During this reservation,  you could receive a full range of services including a partial highlight, glaze, root smudge, conditioning treatment, brow wax, haircut, and detailed blowout.

With the old way of pricing, you would pay for each of those additional services on top of the $200.

For longer, thicker hair, the same services would require a longer reservation; typically might take about 2.5 hours, which would cost $250.

If you choose a Specialist, whose rate is at $172/hour, the same service would be estimated at $344-$430, depending on the time booked, hair length, and texture.

You can find each stylists' hourly rate on their bio page. We also provide a detailed explanation of our pricing philosophy on our pricing page.

We strongly encourage you to book a free consultation to discuss your desired look and get a cost estimate from your stylist before scheduling an appointment.

Question 17

Do you guarantee your work, and if so, what's your redo policy?

Accepted Answer

We absolutely stand behind our work! We want you to love your hair and are confident that you will. But if you are ever dissatisfied, we offer a generous 2-week redo policy and will do everything we can to make it right!

Question 18

How do I know how much time to book?

Accepted Answer

While scheduling a free consultation will give you the most accurate answer, here's a good rule of thumb for you to go by:

If you're getting a haircut or blowout and your hair is above your ears or you have fine hair that doesn't go past your shoulders, you'll likely want to schedule a  Classic Cut (Tech 3). Anything below your shoulders or if you have thicker hair, you'll need to book an Advanced Haircut (Tech 4). The same length and density guidance applies to color, but time will depend on your current color, your desired color/outcome, and if you're also wanting a haircut.

FAQ