Alchemy aSalon

History Books Not Needed

Paulette — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:16:42 +0000

My Grandma was a kindergarten teacher for almost 30 years. She has always told me that “all we need to know to be successful we can learn from history.” I agree with that statement, but not in the aspect of avoiding nasty wars or escaping another 1930’s depression. Everything you need to know about American history can be found on the heads of its most famous styles. Forget climbing corporate ladders or giving Emmy acceptance speeches, these women are rocking hairstyles that will hold them in our history books forever.

Jackie O’mazing

Jackie Kennedy was an icon on several levels, but her hair sent the women of America into as big of a tizzy as her perfectly polished wardrobe. Obviously, marrying a Kennedy wasn’t in the cards for most women, but they could leave the beauty shopped with a perfectly coifed ‘do, add a strand of pearls before dinner, and HELLO Mr.President! This haircut empowered women because it took them from a housewife to a housewife hottie. It allowed them to step outside of traditional and boring and embrace their elegant and beautiful inner-lady. To this date, we still equate a timeless elegant look to Jackie O. That trumps any tax act law I’ve read about.

Farrah Foxy Faucett

After a few years of perfecting the “just right” hair, Farrah Faucett blew (all pun intended) in and wowed us with her blown-out hairstyle. Short, perfectly curled under tresses were pushed aside for long blown-out volume and pure sex appeal. Jackie O may have been appealing to all the housewives of America, but Farrah entranced their teenage daughters. It wasn’t just the awkward 15-year-old boy with the iconic poster of Farrah on his wall; it was the 15-year-old teenage girls too. She was a woman that is rarely found: men wanted her and women to be her.

Hold Up Hammill

Dorothy Hammill wasn’t about to let Farrah and long locks take over this whole era, though. In the midst of blown-out hairdos running rampant across America, Dorothy offered something edgy and different to someone who wanted to stand out: the wedge. The day after Dorothy glided out on the ice with her wedged black cut, the salons were filled with women dying to be different with a short, edgy cut. This was the Emma Watson cut of the late 70s. She was the mod icon of her day.

Pretty Pam Anderson

If you remember standing in front of your mirror with your comb, holding all 12 inches of your hair straight upwards from your head while assaulting it with a can of Aquanet, there’s a good chance you were a child of the 80’s. Big perms were teased to the extreme and accented with feathered frames around the face, held firmly in place with enough hair spray to go toe-to-toe with any natural disaster involving high winds. If you didn’t go through 3-5 bottles of spray a week, you weren’t doing something right. You probably don’t have any romantic stories of your boyfriend running his fingers through your hair because truth be told, he’d have to sacrifice that finger if he tried to run it through that mess. It’s ok though, you didn’t really run your fingers through his hair either because you might dislodge his perfectly placed cigarette behind his ear, or emerge covered in grease. We can thank the likes of Miss Pam Anderson, Reba McEntire and Delta Burke for this hot mess.

“Rach” Craze

Unless you lived under a rock, you spent most nights in the 90’s wishing with all your might you’d wake up looking like Jennifer Aniston. Then girlfriend REALLY did something to help us all out; the Rachel. These long layers made it possible for us to all live a little more like our favorite “friend”. More layers were cut into hair this decade than were made at a CATS ballet audition. This is a historical cut in that even after Jennifer outgrew Rachel, America didn’t. People still want the Rachel cut, and much like Jackie O, the Rachel is in the running for a timeless style.

Billy vs Kate

It’s not often anyone would want to duke it out with Billy Ray Cyrus over “who wore it best” but Kate Gosselin has found herself firmly planted in a Best Mullet Competition; and the consensus is she’s winning. Congratulations Kate on trade-marking one of the worst haircuts to tear through our country’s history, only to be rivaled by one Billy Ray Cyrus. Your mother should be so proud. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Love you Long Time

After Jennifer gave us the gift of Rachel, women really started to embrace their inner New Yorker. Like “Sarah Jessica Parker New Yorker.” Long hair came back with a vengeance, but women wanted the option, like Carrie, to wear it big and curly or sleek and straight. In a day of instant gratification no one wants to be tied to a specific style. We want to feel fun with our curls but sexy with our straight. The ability to switch our hair allowed women to switch their personalities. They didn’t just have a mom cut, a perm, or a blow out, they had the ability to have it all. And if being able to have it all isn’t trending right now, well I don’t know what is.

Photoshoot from the “Mythology of Alchemy” by BrainCandy

Paulette — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:20:59 +0000

Here is a link to the spectacular pics that our favorite photographer captured in time for our Anniversary party and gala!

All of our models were either personal friends or clients of Alchemy…a Salon.

We thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating the looks for our models, and entertaining you the evening of the gala. Thanks again for all of your support and patronage. Enjoy!

The Mythology of Alchemy…a Melodrama in 12 Parts

Hairstyling History 101

Paulette — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:44:22 +0000

Hairdressing History 101

The art of hairstyling has been a profession which has undergone many changes over the centuries. From the highly stylized wigs of the ancient Egyptians, to the Farrah Fawcett blow-out, the spectrum of hairdressing is ever-changing and always in flux. “There is nothing new under the sun,” the saying goes. Hairstylists challenge that every day.

In the ancient world, parasites and scalp issues ran rampant. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians often shaved their pates to ward off these infestations, and barbering was born. The trade of barbering was the first form of medicine, but more about that later. Wigs were literally a “hot” trend. The fashion ranged from the blunt-cut Cleopatra-style wigs to the extremely curled and coiffed wigs of the Roman elite. Male and female citizens both wore wigs, and they allowed them the ability to both have a natural sunscreen against the harsh desert elements, and to also remove them once inside. No such thing as air-conditioning in those days! Cutting the hair also was believed to release evil spirits and sickness from the body, which is where our next part of the journey begins.

Disease and plague were a common malady in the medieval era. Medical science was nascent and the human body was a new frontier. Barbers were the first true doctors. Blood-letting was the primary means of relieving any ailment, and the barbering profession was the first to receive the designation of ”surgeon.” The barber pole, with its classic red and white stripes still symbolizes this practice. The red represents blood and the white represents the bandages used to bind up the patient. Barbers were also the first dentists: so you could go in for a haircut, blood-letting and extraction, all in one day! Now that’s convenience. This continued into the Victorian era, when doctors were rare and stretched to their limits.

In the centuries to follow, hairstyling evolved slightly. As the ability to manufacture tools and machines grew during the Industrial Revolution, the actual art of coiffing the hair with irons and clippers became possible. Ladies could go into the salon, or have their hairdresser come to their home before a soiree. Subdued curls, and dramatically full styles like the Gibson Girl were all the rage. Men still frequented the barber for shaves and cuts, and hand-held manual clippers made much quicker work of the tapered styles that men favored.

Things began to shift early in the 20th century, and a move to a more relaxed, natural style for women’s hair became fashionable. During the Roaring 20s, young women began to challenge the austere, conservative values of their Victorian parents. They cropped their hair into the classic shingle-cut bob, trashed their corsets, and rolled their stockings down to the ankle. The Flapper was born. The jazz-age woman favored finger waves, blunt bangs like the film stars of the time, and a rebellious fun-loving attitude toward fashion. The first true sexual revolution came to fruition, and hairstylists swept the long locks off the floor just as change began to sweep the world.

After the 20s, a return to elegance and sophistication with hairstyles commenced. The silver-screen was responsible for launching the careers of many young startlets, as well as many young hairstylists, who strived to keep up with the demands of their clients. Not much has changed – Hollywood is still a driving force in the industry. Coloring and bleaching of the hair became extremely popular during this time. Stars such as Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow were huge influences to popular fashion of the day. The chemicals used to create the ethereal blonde locks coveted by many were extremely harsh, and it was not unusual for women to experience hair-loss and breakage from the lighteners used. This was the golden-age of the wash and set. From pin-curls to roller sets, the volume and body that were needed to recreate these glamorous styles elevated hairdressing to a fine art.

Another paradigm shift occurred during the 40s and 50s. Women were rejoining the workforce during World War II. Long hair was a hazard in the factories, and more upswept styles became the fashion. The snood, a finely woven mesh hairnet, became popular. Rosie the Riveter’s iconic scarf was also true to the era, and women had to buckle down and save money. They often styled their hair themselves, and rationed trips to their stylists. It is an interesting note, however, that the beauty industry was one of the least-affected during the war. Women needed to feel and look pretty, even in hard times. This has proven true throughout the centuries; the beauty industry has amazing resilience, and morale is often dependent on looking and feeling ones best.

During the 60s and 70s, volume was queen. From the beehive to the back-combed pageboy, women’s hairstyles went skyward. Some attribute this to a more space-age mentality, with our interest in the space program and technology. We just think it’s because big hair is awesome. In the 70s a free and bohemian mentality was more present, and women AND men preferred their hair long, flowing and earthy. Women ironed their hair and wore long braids. Dreadlocks began to come into fashion, inspired by Bob Marley and his Rastafarian beliefs. Later in the decade, the disco invasion became the new craze, and glamour reigned supreme. The sexy, bouncy feathered look that Farrah popularized became the goal of every soccer-mom in the country. However, the come-hither look and snug tank top were a little harder to achieve. The blow-dryer became more widely available, and the rise of styling products began. Women could learn to recreate the style that their hairdresser gave them in the salon, at home. It was a revolution in the hair industry.

Today, hairstyling is reclaiming its place as a fine art. Great artists such as Paul Mitchell, Vidal Sassoon, and Yosh Toya, perfected the art of precision haircutting in the 80s and 90s. Their descendents are carrying on the torch, and today we are lucky to have brilliant innovators in our field. Continuing education through Paul Mitchell leaves us on the cutting-edge of the profession, and we are always eager to learn more about our trade. There may be nothing new under the sun, but there are many ways to evolve and grow as a stylist. We enjoy sharing our passions with you, our clients. You are a constant source of inspiration and we are thankful that you have chosen Alchemy to lead you into your future, with style.

Introducing “The Mythology of Alchemy: a Melodrama in 12 Parts”

Paulette — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:14:02 +0000

Friday, August 5th from 7-9 PM, come to LemonDrop Art Gallery at 416 W. Commercial and see a transformation of Alchemical proportions!

Alchemy…a Salon celebrates a very successful first year on C-street with live music by New Monsters Collective, food service by Savor Restaurant, and beverage options for your palate. There will be a live, interactive display of models styled by Paulette and Sa’dia in homage to gods, goddesses, creatures and magical beings from all over the globe, as well as a gallery of images with modern retellings of ancient fantasies.

Storyboards displaying the artistic process will also be featured, chronicling the photo-shoots and behind the scenes machinations which make Alchemy, BrainCandy Photography, and LemonDrop driving forces in the creative community that is C-street!

Come let us appreciate you and indulge your sense of whimsy!

C-Street Mardi Gras!!!

Paulette — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:20:33 +0000

Here is the Press Release for Mardi Gras 2011!! This is going to be a ground-breaking event!!

It’s time Springfield let the good times roll! With much involvement from the art and business community of Historic C-Street, Springfield’s first official Mardi Gras Celebration is set to kick off on Saturday, March 5^th. Organizers plan to bring a little bit of Bourbon Street to the Queen City!

Eight venues will feature a variety of entertainment options for the low cost of $5 in advance at participating venues or $7 the day of the event. Participating venues include Alchemy..a Salon, Big Momma’s, LemonDrop, Lindberg’s, Ruthie’s, Savor & The Loft Martini Lounge, the Savoy Ballroom and Q Enoteca Wine Bar.

At 6pm. Commercial Street will come alive with street performers and a live stage show featuring music from Black Box Revue and street activities such as face-painting and vendors. Registration for the “Push, Pull, Pedal” parade benefiting the Ozark Greenways Association and sponsored by Queen City Cycles, begins at 6pm with the parade starting at 6:30pm. The main stage will feature a Drag Show beginning at 7:30pm. All eight venues will also open simultaneously at 6 PM, inviting revelers to visit from each at their leisure.

Entertainment options range from live music by Flat Iron at The Loft at Savor, and Kaps & Stems at Alchemy…a Salon, to Q Enoteca – featuring Canto 17 and The Old Grey Whistle Test, an engaging variety show featuring comedy and magic! Lindberg’s will serve Hurricanes to bring New Orleans flavor to the street, and a Cajun menu at Big Momma’s will tempt the taste-buds including chicory coffee and gumbo all week. Ruthie’s will be hosting karaoke and LemonDrop is hosting live model body-painting by area artists! The Savoy Ballroom will open their doors for a masquerade/costume ball at 8 PM. Pedicabs will be available all evening .

Starting at 10pm, Lindberg’s will feature local band, Belladonna and a Burlesque revue by Springfield’s own Cherry Bomb Burlesque. Q Enoteca will also be featuring live jazz beginning at 10pm.

All venues will offer wristbands for sale prior to the event, as well as the evening of March 5^th.

For details please contact Paulette or Sa’dia at Alchemy..a Salon, (417) 864-4490 or paulette@alchemy320.com and sadia@alchemy320.com .

Best of 417!!!

Paulette — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:14:48 +0000

Alchemy finally gets to share our fantastic news with the world!!! We received, after only 2 months of being in business when voting commenced, the prestigious award of Runner-up – Best Salon in 417 Magazine!!

And Sa’dia Luallen and Paulette Tilden both received the honor of being Runners-up for Best Stylist!! ( We know, it’s confusing. But we will gladly share the publicity!)

Thanks for voting for us! We will always strive to be the BEST for you!!

Meet Ruby!!

Paulette — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:46:42 +0000

Meet our newest BARC friend, Ruby!! She’s just looking for love and a forever home. The Killuminati Foundation helps sponsor and find both foster and forever home for area dogs. Want to be a part of BARC or the Killuminati Foundation? Go here

Ruby was found running loose on S. Campbell dodging traffic. A nice family saved her and now she is looking for her forever family to love her! Ruby is a year and a half old – she is a Staffordshire Terrier/Shepherd mix. Ruby is good with other dogs and loves to play. She is housebroken, can sit, lay down, stay, and walks well on a leash. Ruby’s adoption donation is $150 (tax deductible) which includes her spay and up to date on shots (rabies, boosters, etc). She is on Advantage Multi for flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. We only adopt to indoor homes as these amazing dogs deserve to be part of your family.

Pets and Pumpkins

Paulette — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:15:38 +0000

Saturday, October 23rd 1-5 PM Historic Commercial Street

Come by the Alchemy table at Pets and Pumpkins and get a special treat! Springfield’s annual chance to dress your kids and pets up and parade them down C-street is a fun-filled activity for the whole family.

Alchemy Winners!

Paulette — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:01:21 +0000

With Alchemy’s referral program, you have a chance to win a $25 gas card from Kum and Go. If you refer a new client to Alchemy, we will put your name into a drawing. We will draw for the card at the end of each month and contact you if you are our winner! All of our referring clients’ names will go into a grand-prize drawing to take place on December 31st.

Here is our September winner, Sherry Rawson. Thanks, Sherry!

Alchemy Blog by IPBrian

Paulette — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 13:51:48 +0000

Fabulous blog post and photos by Brian Duncan about his experience photographing us and our models for the September, 2010 Loftwalk. It was a wonderful experience for us as well, and we enjoyed allowing our creativity to soar.

See it HERE