About

Alchemists Salon is a low-tox, inclusive space where hair artists craft modern styles with an eye for detail. Founded by Katie Rodriguez in 2020, it’s not your typical Albany salon.

Today, Alchemists Salon’s legacy is proudly continued by Kayla Balter, who was mentored by Katie from the very beginning of her career. Under Katie’s guidance, Kayla developed not only her technical skills, but also a deep respect for creativity, connection, and the artistry that defines the salon’s identity. That foundation has shaped her approach as both a stylist and salon owner, carrying forward the values and vision that first built the space.

Now at the helm, Kayla honors that legacy while continuing to evolve it, blending tradition with her own creative perspective. She remains committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative environment where both clients and stylists feel supported, inspired, and empowered to express themselves through hair.

Here, cool hair meets a luxury experience in a boutique setting. Known for creating a safe, gender-affirming environment, The Alchemists is proud to be a space where clients feel seen and celebrated. Using high-end, low-tox products, we bring magic to every cut, color, and shape. From subtle lived in balayage and vibrant rainbow hair to long layered cuts and mullets, The Alchemists are highly trained to craft magic with your hair. It’s more than just hair – it’s about feeling your best, authentic self- inside and out.

Our values

We believe in celebrating diversity and fostering creativity. Our welcoming and knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing personalized experiences, embracing all hair types and styles. By choosing low-tox products, we ensure that our services are not only safe for you but also kind to the planet.

Visit

We are located at 1168 Western Ave,
Albany NY.

Our hours are:
10:00AM to 8:00PM Tuesday to Thursday 10:00AM to 6:00PM Friday
10:00AM to 4:00PM Saturday
We are closed Sunday and Monday!

Contact

You can call or text us at 518-898-9086.

For other inquiries, feel free to email us:
chat.alchemists@gmail.com

Kind Words

  • I adore this salon. From its adorable interior to the clean salon promise to the stylists themselves, everything here is top notch. Katie transformed my hair into a look I never thought I could achieve. I had good haircuts in the past, but Katie really molded my hair into an art piece.

    — Boni

  • Not only do I love my hair after every visit for a lived in look but I love the atmosphere and vibe of the salon (lgbtq+!!!) knowing my hair isn’t colored in all sorts of chemicals, that the products they carry are quality, and that the staff are all so trendy makes this an awesome salon!

    — Mimi

  • I love the transformative results of how my hair looks after each appointment - Sarah truly has a gift! Not only is she incredibly skilled but she has the sweetest personality ever. I highly recommend Sarah!

    — Krista

  • The Alchemist Salon is such a welcoming and warm place. It made getting my haircut, a relaxing event. Thank you for hiring such great individuals.

    — Adrienne

  • Maddy did such an excellent job! A prior hair misadventure had left me way too blonde with uneven highlights and cut. She was able to get me back to my normal color and with subtle balayage for dimension as requested. Even better than I had imagined!

    — Kristin

  • The Alchemists is not only immaculate but also aesthetically stunning. Katie and her team take the time to ensure that they are giving you the cut and color that you not only desire but that best suits you. Albany is lucky to have The Alchemists!

    — Stacey

  • This is definitely the coolest, most unique haircut I’ve had!

    — Freya

  • I can personally attest to the level of talent inside that salon, because every friend I’ve referred (and I’ve referred many) has walked out of there with the best haircut of their life, and every single one of them has seen a different stylist, not just Katie. Wow again.

    — C.G.

  • As a queer, enby person, the space feels really safe and I have been so appreciative to Hannah for being very gender-inclusive. Hannah has helped me feel so much more at peace with my hair and for that I cannot thank or recommend the Alchemist Salon and Hannah enough!

    — Sara

  • My first visit with Katie was to fix my at home hair experiments and from my words she transformed my hair into the vision I had in mind, and beyond, with her own unique style and low tox products. I was blown away. It took me 23 years to find this incredible space in the capital region, which if you ask me, is way too long to find a salon you truly vibe with.

    — Alexandra

  • I could rave about this salon and Kayla literally forever!! I've never had a haircut that perfectly matched up to the reference photos and vision I had in my head more than I have with Kayla at the Alchemists. I've also never had a haircut grow out so nicely literally ever. This salon is so well decorated, and the vibes are just really good on every single person there (hair stylists/clients/all), which sounds silly, but it's really just a great environment! I can't recommend this place enough, 10000/10.

    — Hailey

  • I seriously can’t stop saying how amazed and impressed I am with my hair.

    — Gypsy

  • I was looking for a salon that is a safe space, as I am nonbinary and neurodivergent. Stevie has been absolutely wonderful, and relieved my dysphoria with their work on my hair. I’ve felt so much more comfortable ever since I started coming here! The salon itself is so aesthetic and calming.

    — Leif

  • Love Izzy- the razor cut they did on me has so much personality and just feels like the French version of me!

    — Anne