Alchemy and I

The last few years have been a dream come true for Haylee Benton, who has long dreamed of taking ordinary hair and beauty experiences and making them extraordinary.

The opening of her luxurious Palmerston North salon, Alchemy & I, in November 2020 marked the end of a somewhat tumultuous year in which she committed to a lease while on a visit home to New Zealand, withstood the trials of multiple COVID lock-downs in the UK, and then co-ordinated the set-up of an entire business from abroad. Fortunately, she was able to make it back to NZ in time for opening day to see her brainchild come to life.

Not for the first time, mind.  The genesis of Alchemy & I can actually be traced back to 2019 in England, where Haylee opened the first salon of the same name and concept. Haylee was sure that her now tried and true formula would work just as well in her hometown of Palmerston North, and was excited to bring big city concepts to the down-to-earth Manawatu. To say that the venture has been a success to date is an understatement, with patrons travelling from as far afield as Wellington to snatch up appointments. 

The centrally located full service salon and spa offers everything from innovative hair experiences (such as cutting, colouring and styling) to invigorating beauty treatments (including facials, massages and manicures), and does it all from within a welcoming and communal environment, complete with cocktails and a luxurious blow dry bar. While the blow dry bar and mani/pedi areas are all designed with sociability in mind, the hair spa and massage room transport patrons to a state of bliss and tranquillity, away from noise and distraction.

Every hair spa treatment comes with the client’s choice of head massage as they unwind on massage chairs with weighted blankets and eye masks. There is even a bespoke Alchemy app that allows clients to simply scan a QR code from their seat and order a cocktail, lunch, phone charger or even a magazine.

Alchemy & I has everything you need to look and feel glamorous. So, next time you’re in Palmy make sure to put yourself first and book an appointment for some pamper time.