Beauty salon · Knoxville, TN · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%92+50.2Reliability 24%87+21.1Value 14%83+11.7Replies to reviews 7%91+6.4Experts Score= 89Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.89SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#13 of 58 beauty salonsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 79%
4.9★★★★★345 Google reviews · 23 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.91★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
87%reviews answered by the owner
$103typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Customers frequently praise the relaxing atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and personalized services for hair and skincare. Recurring themes include friendly communication, transparent pricing, and effective product recommendations. However, low-star reviews highlight a pattern of dissatisfaction with color accuracy and haircut results, with some clients citing overpricing and a lack of corrective measures for unsatisfactory outcomes.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 345 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 345 Google reviews (287 with written comments, 22 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 87% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Beauty Salon serving Knoxville, Tennessee.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other beauty salons
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and momentum; weakest: value.
Alchemy SalonBeauty Salons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Alchemy Salon: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
92
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Alchemy Salon: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.A
87
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Alchemy Salon: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Alchemy Salon: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
83
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Alchemy Salon: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Alchemy Salon: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.A
91
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
345 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars33597%
4 stars21%
3 stars10%
2 stars10%
1 star62%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 287 written reviews
97%praise
Praise30697%
Complaints113%
Price
What customers reported paying
$103+28% vs typical beauty salons
Middle half of what 93 customers paid ($58–$168) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude11135%
Quality & results7825%
Would recommend6420%
Communication299%
Speed & response124%
Honesty & trust124%
Price & value113%
What customers talk about
We read 287 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“With her warm personality and extensive knowledge, she is one of a kind!”
“Many may think it is pricey, and I would agree if it wasn't for the excellent service that is provided time and time again.”
“I’ve had an absolute horrible few weeks so my time with Mea was a much needed vacation from real life that left me rejuvenated both physically and emotionally.”
“I highly, Higjly recommend her for all you skin care needs!”
“Very disappointed, And will not recommend this place to anyone”
“I truly felt like I was in good hands, and I knew exactly what I was getting with how communicative she was throughout the facial!”
“I left and texted all of my friends to go see her immediately!”
“always so transparent with pricing and provides a variety of care options!”
“I also love that she suggested affordable products as well and not all high-end.”
“Nice salon but definitely overpriced and lacking in skilled professionals.”
People customers mention
Mea34 reviews
David15 reviews
Haley14 reviews
Molly12 reviews
Abigail10 reviews
Jessica7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Alchemy Salon for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Virginia2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★
Mea was absolutely amazing! She is incredibly informative and you can tell she has a lot of passion behind what she does. She truly cares for her clients and the work she puts behind it shows. My first experience with her was amazing, can’t wait to come back!
Paid $200+Skin treatments
LeahLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I have been a recurring customer for over a year, and I will continue to do so. I love my stylist so much, it is always a pleasure to visit. David is always so kind and considerate. Asks what are my desires of each visit. Half a year ago I requested a pixie cut and he was so enthused, and accommodating. I always…
Paid $200+Shampoo & conditioningHaircutService not listed
MelissaLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Alchemy has created a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere. The processing room is calm and quiet…and the shampoo room? Darkened, comfortable, and so relaxing. Be sure to accept the warm neck towel that was infused with peppermint oil and enjoy the relaxing shampoo process. I have had my hair done now by both David and…
Erin9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Was seen by the esthetician, Mea, for the first time today and was very pleased! I didn’t know what I needed, just that my skincare regimen wasn’t working for me. She took the time to do a thorough consultation, walk me through what likely the issues were, made recommendations for high and low end products, and gave…
Paid $200+Skin treatments
Julie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I absolutely love Mea! She makes me feel so comfortable in her space & is so knowledgeable about her craft. I love how my skin feels after treatment and how soft my skin is now-and my daily skincare routine is easy to follow. She is the best esthetician!
Paid $200+Skin treatments
Elizabeth6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I discovered Mea the esthetician on TikTok. I had no idea that Knoxville had such a beautiful salon! Is very appropriately named. It’s just a magical building. It’s just beautifully decorated. I feel like I am going into a magical retreat and Mea is truly extraordinary. My skin has never looked or felt this good.…
Mae, the alchemy salon aesthetician, is purely magical at what she does! She not only knows skin care but she makes you feel incredibly confident in it! With her warm personality and extensive knowledge, she is one of a kind! I highly, Higjly recommend her for all you skin care needs!
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Rachael, thank you so much for your glowing review! We love having the opportunity to take care of you, your hair and skin ✨
Virginia Dresser2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Virginia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mea was absolutely amazing! She is incredibly informative and you can tell she has a lot of passion behind what she does. She truly cares for her clients and the work she puts behind it shows. My first experience with her was amazing, can’t wait to come back!
Price: $200+
Services: Skin treatments
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Virginia, thank you so much for your kind words! We are so thrilled that you love your experience with Mea. Thank you for letting us care for you!
Kim Honan4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been going to alchemy for almost 10 years exclusively and have absolutely loved it but I am super disappointed in them refusing to see my daughter. I know they are not a child geared salon but my son has gotten his haircut there several times without issue. My last two cuts with two different stylists I discussed wanting to bring my daughter in, because she has very curly hair which is hard to manage. They both assured me they would love to see her and give her a trim, walk us through her hair care. When I called the front desk they refused to schedule her- said as a salon they aren’t “geared for children”. There must be a miscommunication, and as a whole they need to get on board if they will or will not see kids. I unfortunately won’t be coming back due to the lack of consistency and communication. The front desk was completely unwilling to hear me out that multiple stylists said they would see her.
Response from the owner · 3 days ago
Kim, we are so very sorry to hear your disappointment and we certainly don’t want anyone left feeling uncertain or confused. We did have to update our children policy recently as we a few incidents (particularly with younger children) that caused safety concerns. We have always tried to accommodate each person we can, but as we are not truly set up for younger children, we had to make the decision to ensure no one was unsafe or unsupervised during their visit.
Our intention is never to cause anyone to feel negatively in any way. We understand that sometimes a change in policy can cause confusion and we certainly apologize if anyone on our end added to that. We are always striving to enhance customer experience and will absolutely incorporate your feedback. We certainly value you and your family, and hope that as someone that has been a valued guest for 10 years that you feel comfortable reaching out to us personally and directly through phone or email.
We always appreciate an opportunity to make things right. Thank you, Kim!
Leah IrelandLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Leah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been a recurring customer for over a year, and I will continue to do so. I love my stylist so much, it is always a pleasure to visit. David is always so kind and considerate. Asks what are my desires of each visit. Half a year ago I requested a pixie cut and he was so enthused, and accommodating. I always fight for my life to stay awake during the shampoo service because of the scalp massage, the music, the atmosphere. Many may think it is pricey, and I would agree if it wasn't for the excellent service that is provided time and time again.
I also like to show early just to browse through the shop within the salon. It has jewelry, bags, bookmarks, plants and so many other things. It's just so beautiful to me. I absolutely love alchemy.
Price: $200+
Services: Shampoo & conditioning, Haircut, Service not listed
Atmosphere: Relaxing, Cozy
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Leah, Thank you for such a wonderful review. David is great at what he does and is definitely enjoyable to be around especially with his clients. We are so glad your experience at Alchemy has been so great with each visit.
kim cardoso8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews kim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Alchemy has created a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere. The processing room is calm and quiet…and the shampoo room? Darkened, comfortable, and so relaxing. Be sure to accept the warm neck towel that was infused with peppermint oil and enjoy the relaxing shampoo process. I have had my hair done now by both David and Britney…. and it’s the absolute best my hair has looked. They only use Davines products, which are next level wonderful. I’m frugal…but this place is so worth the money.
Price: $200+
Services: Shampoo & conditioning, Blowouts, Hairstyling, Service not listed
Atmosphere: Relaxing
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Thank you, Melissa, for the great feedback. We love hearing how wonderful your experience at Alchemy and with David and Brittney has been. We look forward to your next visit with us.
Lillian Wakefield2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lillian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My happy place!
Mea their esthetician is fantastic, my skin and eyebrows have never looked better, and David does the best color and curly cuts around. All of the staff is sweet and professional which just makes each experience better. The entire atmosphere is so peaceful and whimsical adding to the overall enjoyment.
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Lilian, we love hearing all of this! It makes us so happy to care for you. It is absolutely our pleasure and we can’t wait to see you again! 💚
Erin Anderson9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Erin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Was seen by the esthetician, Mea, for the first time today and was very pleased! I didn’t know what I needed, just that my skincare regimen wasn’t working for me. She took the time to do a thorough consultation, walk me through what likely the issues were, made recommendations for high and low end products, and gave lots of advice. The skin treatment itself was so relaxing and 10/10. I will be back when I’m in town next!
Price: $200+
Services: Skin treatments
Atmosphere: Relaxing, Cozy
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · a week ago
Erin its so wonderful to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with Mea. She is incredibly knowledgeable about what she does and how to help her guests. We look forward to having you in again soon.
Julie R-M2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Julie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I absolutely love Mea! She makes me feel so comfortable in her space & is so knowledgeable about her craft. I love how my skin feels after treatment and how soft my skin is now-and my daily skincare routine is easy to follow. She is the best esthetician!
Price: $200+
Services: Skin treatments
Atmosphere: Relaxing
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you Julie for such a lovely review about Mea. She really is knowledgeable about what she does. We look forward to seeing you in Alchemy again soon.
Elizabeth McKinnon6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Elizabeth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I discovered Mea the esthetician on TikTok. I had no idea that Knoxville had such a beautiful salon! Is very appropriately named. It’s just a magical building. It’s just beautifully decorated. I feel like I am going into a magical retreat and Mea is truly extraordinary. My skin has never looked or felt this good. I’m going through perimenopause right now and Mea has really made a difference in my skin during this transitional time. I highly recommend!
Price: $160–180
Services: Skin treatments, Shampoo & conditioning, Lash lift, Service not listed
Atmosphere: Relaxing
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Elizabeth that you for such a kind review. Its our goal for everyone to have such a wonderful experience with us at Alchemy and with Mea. We always enjoy having you in for your services and look forward to see you for your next one soon.
