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The Alley Hair Salon

5 star rating
based on 41 reviews

Category: Hair Salons  [Edit]

1223 Mifflin St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 825-8573
The Alley is moving to South St!

Our new location is 118 South St. Philadelphia PA…

Announced 5 days ago
 
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: No
  • Parking: Street
  • Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • By Appointment Only: Yes

41 Reviews for The Alley Hair Salon

Photo of l c.

 

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l c.

Media, PA

5 star rating
10/06/2008

Jeremiah and Kelly have saved me from my suburban hair hell!

Great style, great color, great price, great personality, great karma.

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Ann V.

Gibbsboro, NJ

5 star rating
08/20/2008

I have been going to Jeremiah for nearly a year now and he never seems to dissapoint.

His prices are reasonable, his cuts are amazing, and his personality is so welcoming -- what more could you really ask for? So if you're tired of that generic cut, i'd recommend you going to the alley hair salon. You wont regret it! You will walk out feeling fab! =)

I can't wait till my next cut!

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Elite '08

51

181

Marcello D.

Mullica Hill, NJ

5 star rating
06/27/2008

I have a confession to make. I've cut my own hair for years. Worse yet, I'm really bad at it. My hair has looked like ass for ages. I blame bad experiences.

Growing up in South Philly, I went to a barber that had pictures of kids with spikes, mullets, and uber-gelled hair. So, eventually I opted to occasionally try the cheap Hair Cuttery type of place. They'd say, "We'll give you the Caesar, something nice and Roman."

Huh?

When I asked Jeremiah if he would give me the Caesar like everyone else, he said, "I don't even know what the hell that means." What a huge relief.

For $20 (I think that's what it cost), I got the first hair cut I've ever been happy about, got to have good conversation with Jeremiah, and listen to some good punk rock.

The Alley is up there among the best businesses in Philadelphia.

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Elite '08

39

114

marie r.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/28/2008

I just went to Alley Hair Salon today to get my bangs trimmed--he did a great job. I have an appointment for next week and am super excited. I am so glad he was able to fit me in, considering he was totally booked today. Its a cool little spot---love the downstairs bathroom! haha.

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Jessica J.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/13/2008

So, I was really nervous about my haircut.
I have really thin pin-straight asian hair, which has been butchered too many times.  I was planning on cutting off over a foot of hair to donate to locks of love and was scared about the change.

From all the yelp reviews, I found out about Jeremiah.  All I can say is that he really lives up to what everyone has said.  Plus, he's just a really cool human being.  

No one ever really understands what I want with my hair so I always end up working with my haircut until it's acceptable, or just cry about it until it grows out.  This wasn't the case with Jeremiah.  I left the salon feeling ecstatic and amazing about myself.  I finally understood how days at a salon are usually a good experience for people; I never knew.

I'll definitely be back!

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Jen C.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
07/14/2008

Let me start by saying, my aunt owns a hair salon and has been cutting my hair perfectly for years, so any review I give to another salon could be  biased. But that aside, I'm totally a fan.

Right now, you're probably asking yourself, "why, if my aunt cuts my hair so "perfectly" would i go somewhere else?"

That's a good question.

And I have answer. Simply put, I was looking for a fresh perspective.
And I'm really glad I got it.

At first I was little nervous,  Jeremiah's shop is a lot more "punk rock" then I was expecting,  I even considering leaving out of fear that maybe this was not the place for me. But, I'm so glad I stayed.

Jeremiah was really nice, and even though i couldn't give him much direction with my hair, he understood what i was looking for.

There's one thing I feel should mention, and it's about his pets. While they were all super cute and friendly ( I especially loved the dog), it can be a bit overwhelming for someone (like me) with asthma and allergies.

Pets aside, I'm sure I will go back.

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Elite '08

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Chrissy R.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/01/2008

someone srsly just wanted to take my picture to take to their hair dresser lol

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating 06/25/2008

    My hair is retarded.  This makes me hair retarded.  It never behaves and so I really just want a cut… Read more »

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Ratna B.

Washington, DC

5 star rating
07/05/2008

It's sad, but true that I've  lived in DC for he past 6 years and the best hairdresser I've found to date works in South Philly.  Nonetheless - I will definitely be back for a 2nd visit because Jeremiah produces results.  He was able to tame my long, thick, wild, unruly hair into a really cute short cut by using his magical bulk-reducing hair-cutting technique instead of taking the easy way out w/ a pair of 'thinning shears.'  He is meticulous, methodical, and spent an hour and a half on my hair.  I never once felt that he was rushing, even when his next appt. walked through the door and he was finishing up.  Kudos - I will be a repeat offender for sure!

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Angela S.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
Updated - 07/14/2008

Still getting compliments on my hair a month later! Holy cow! I had no idea so many people were looking at my head. :)

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  • 4 star rating 06/29/2008

    I went in with a self-chopped hairdo and asked to have some actual style added to it. No… Read more »

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Elite '08

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Tara H.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/24/2008

I found out about this place thru yelp when I was searching for hair salons in the city, after my regular hair stylist moved to Wisconsin.  Today I finally went, and now I'm on freaking cloud 9.  

This is, hands down, the best cut and color my hair has ever received in its long, varied, and sometimes disasterously unfortunate life.  I look like a million bucks - check out the photo in my profile.  You'll know which one I'm talking about.

Jeremiah is an awesome dude, real easy to talk to, and his lovely dad and Kelly were there to chat as well.  Did I mention this place was cheap?  I came in expecting to pay DOUBLE what I paid; when he told me the price, I was shocked.  That's what I get for going to overpriced, gilded chop shops in other parts of the city.  

Like I told Jeremiah after I was done: I feel like putting on my steppin' out clothes to get a hoagie and some drinks.  And I am.  I'm starving.  But I had to write this review first.  

Jeremiah has a new client to add to his minions.  He better stay put on Mifflin, I don't want to have to follow him around for the rest of my life.

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MARIE M.

West Chester, PA

5 star rating
Updated - 08/21/2008

Will everyone please take a long hard look at this picture..I went back to THE ALLEY last week  I wanted an entirely new dew for my birthday ,,well let me tell you I was not dissapointed....I asked kelly to do my hair this time with Jeremiah's permission  I knew she wanted to get some cutting and coloring time in and i figured why not let her have fun and play with my head...Jeremiah was there the whole time watching over her work well i am sure you can guess she did a fandamtastic job .. she took her time styling and cutting..then  we went into exploring colors we had a blast deciding which colors to use ,,well I did anyway  and after that was finished kelly decided to straighten my hair and gave me this wounderful new look ..i have never been so happy in my life.I have people tell me between my huge bright smile that i wear all the time now and my new style and color i have never looked more beautiful..and this is oh so true..I want to personaly thank jeremiah for this great change in my life..Kelly ...U GO GIRL..U ROCK!!!!!

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5 star rating 07/06/2008

    ok  i went back ,this is the 3rd time i had Jeremiah do my hair..and...as always i was  and still am… Read more »

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Elite '08

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Emily P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/15/2008

Back in September, Kevin W. recommended the alley to me.  Like Kevin, I joined yelp just so I could sing Jeremiah's praises.  I've been going to him for six months now and I've had nothing but awesome hair.

I came in with very long hair and asked him to cut it so that it was still long but less boring.  I wanted cool hair.  Jeremiah looked me in the eye and told me that you can't have cool hair and have it long.  That's the kind of guy he is - he won't bullshit you and he refuses to give a shitty haircut, even if you ask for it.  That evening we bonded over our mutual hatred of scene mullets and our mutual love of Mohawks.  I walked out with a super-cute bob that I never thought my naturally wavy hair was capable of pulling off.  I got compliments on it for a month.

The second time I went in, I walked out with an orange Mohawk, and I never felt more badass in my life.  I went in wanting to go orange, not necessarily wanting to change my length, but nonetheless intrigued by his hints of "you could rock a mohawk" from the last visit.  He convinced me to go for it, and it honestly changed my life (if you've never had a mohawk, get one now!  you'll see what I mean.)  

If this is all too touchy-feely for you, let me speak to his craftsmanship.  The first time I went to the Alley, Jeremiah spent two hours cutting my hair because he wanted to get to know it and be sure he did it right.  He's a perfectionist, and it's good news for you - I don't know anyone else who will be so careful and attentive with your hair for such a reasonable price.

The first time I walked out of the alley, I felt like I had rediscovered everything cool and non-conformist I'd tried to hide in my frantic post-collegiate search for a "real" job.  Jeremiah brought out the person who knows that's all bullshit and doesn't give a damn.  Every time I walk out of his salon I feel empowered.  I don't want to sound too florid, but if you're still skeptical, I can link you to the exultant blog entries (complete with photos) that I posted after each cut.

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Elite '08

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Kate M.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/18/2008

I had my hair cut by Jeremiah at The Alley over three months ago, and I STILL get compliments on my hair about once a week. Strangers stop me on the street to ask me where I got my cut. Insane! Going to Jeremiah is an experience. Its like Edward Scissorhands with hair flying all over the place.  I was a little apprehensive walking through the door not sure what to expect, but Jeremiah is AMAZING. He spent a solid hour on my hair. His goal is to give you a haircut that will grow in and still look nice. 100% true in my case. I went in and said I needed something semi professional looking for my job but still fun. And kinda short. he said" How short?" and I said I don't know, I trust you. And It came out awesome. I never know how to describe what I want my hair to look like. And he seemed to figure it out for me.YAY!  All for only $30.

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Leslie S.

Ambler, PA

5 star rating
08/08/2008

I'm from the 'burbs but that wasn't going to stop me from getting what I wanted, which was a sassy haircut in an easy going friendly environment.  I mean, I don't want to have to DRESS UP to get my hair done...and I don't want to dish(too much anyway).

Jeremiah is an absolute doll.  A gentle person who makes you feel totally comfortable, no matter what your age or style. But, he's got very strong hands and a way with the scissors.  His techniques are very interesting as well as effective.
He spent a full hour (maybe a bit more)cutting (both wet & dry, which is the right way) & drying my hair & I really love it.  I can't believe that he virtually replicated the photos I brought in. OMG. Kelly first gave me a nice scalp massage/shampoo and must have swept up five times during the cut.  

The place is small, colorful, without attitude or airs. Zodiac (The chin pooch) is amazingly mellow. I believe animals relax you, and of course a haircut can be stressful.  NOT at the Alley.  While it's not your typical chi-chi fancy-dancy place; that's just what I like. Also, it's very clean - including the bathroom (I know, I used it and I am in the food business so this kind of stuff matters to me).

And, just because the price is fabulous, Jeremiah doesn' t skimp on all the good stylers (Redken, Bedhead, etc. - he had a slew of them on his table!).  It means I can actually get my hair cut regularly. Sweet.

It's all done without pressure, hard sell (I don't know if he even sells products there), or any of that other garbage that has nothing to do with a good haircut.

Thanks...I'll be back. (The burger girl from the 'burbs)

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Elite '08

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alexis g.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/11/2008

For a while I held off on rating the Alley because I was afraid I would ruin the five-star streak.  This is not to say that I've ever had a bad haircut at the Alley, just that it's far away from my house and so location wise it makes me sad.  

However.

The other day I was on the bus and a total stranger (ok, perhaps not completely stranger since we got on at the same stop and started talking then.. but still) asked me where I got my hair cut.  So this is what happens when Jeremiah cuts your hair: you leave the Alley with a few bucks left in your pocket AND a kick-ass haircut.  Toss in the adorable shop dog and the Alley is clearly the place to go.  All of that together I've decided the Alley deserves five stars as is, and I will give it an honorary sixth star if I ever move close enough to be able to walk there.

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Elite '08

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Shazz M.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
04/21/2008

A little grungy but a talented hair dresser. Jeremiah a true hair artist. If you like places with no false pretenses and bottom line pricing. This is your new hair salon. Some extreme cutting but after i got over the shock of alot of hair on the floor.. My hair looks, feels great. I definitely recommend this salon.
CASH ONLY

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Elite '08

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Jennifer G.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/25/2008

Jeremiah is the absolute best stylist I have ever met. He had been cutting my partner's hair for a while when I decided to stop in to see if he could do an "updo" for our commitment ceremony. I brought him several pictures and he was able to recreate EXACTLY what I wanted. Jeremiah is also great with waxing- one of the few people I trust my eyebrows to.

Jeremiah puts his clients first, is super professional, and an all around friendly guy! What am I going to do if I move?

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Pzy C.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
02/29/2008

I have been searching for a long time for that magical pair hands wielding scissors of my dreams. Someone who would take what I wanted my hair to look like, really listen to me and decide what's best for my hair. Then create the perfect follicle confectionery for me. I certainly found it when I went to The Alley.

When I arrived, I was greeted at the window, (yes before I even walked in) by 2 very friendly assistants. They just happened to be cats. Then as Jeremiah opened the door, a bright flash bounded at me. It was the cutest dog ever! Their demeanor let me know that I was in the right place. As soon as I looked at Jeremiah though, things really clicked. I had met him several years ago with echoes of people telling me that he did their hair and I always remember them looking fabulous. Why I didn't go to him sooner is beyond me.

So after he looked at my pictures of the different styles I liked and listened to what I was ultimately looking for, (which was that I was tired of my hair weighing itself down and being flat) he sat me at the shampoo chair. As he massaged my scalp and washed my hair, one of his precious felines jumped into my lap and nuzzled me. It was the most relaxing shampoo ever!

He sat me down in his chair and with the music playing at the perfect pitch, he began to orchestrate the dance between hair and hardware. As he cut we gabbed incessantly at times. My friend who came with me was not bored at all as the pets played with him just as much. I could see that Jeremiah was really intent on not only making me feel comfortable, but making sure that he executed the cut perfectly. There was no rushing here!

When I thought he was done, he blew my hair out. The after looking at it for a minute or two he picked the scissors back up and starting chopping some more. I loved the fact that just because my hair was dry and styled that did not mean he would shoosh me out the door. Instead he made sure that each hair was exactly the length it needed to be in order to achieve my perfect hairstyle.

When he again was done, he gave me instructions on how I should go about recreating the look. I felt a little daunted because usually you look one way at a salon, and then something completely different every day of your life. He styled my hair for a few seconds, then let me play with it to get a feel for it's new weightlessness. I asked what product I should use and he gave me the container so I could easily find it myself.

I have to say it has been only two days since my cut but, I have been able to do it exactly as it looked when I was there. And thank goodness he gave me some cards to take because I have given out 6 since being there. I have never had so many compliments on my hair.

And to make it even better later that day I saw a mutual (brightly colored mo-hawked DJ) friend of ours, (who also uses Jeremiah and has for years I found out) and he gave me a big hug and said my hair looked amazing. I replied with a smile "Well I did just go to the best hair stylist ever"! He gave me a knowing wink as if I had finally been let in on the secret of his follicle success as well.

So bottom line is this. Jeremiah is insanely talented, thoughtful about your needs and wants, and has crazily reasonable pricing. I can't wait to go back and get my hair dyed. And to see him, his lovely shop, and he equally enthusiastic animals too!

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bret b.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/21/2008

sisco is a god.  seriously, let's face it kids, a good haircut is a nice thing to have, and jeremiah is the best I've ever seen.  whether you need a cut enabling you to fit into the corporate world, or one placing you well outside of it, jeremiah is the most talented stylist in the city.

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Elite '08

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Bess W.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/14/2008

hmm, is there an echo in here?  "Jeremiah is awesome" -- what more is there to say?

one thing I will add/reiterate is that this guy really has skills.  The music, the old-school punk checkerboard decor, the scrappy dog running around-- all are just distractions from the main event.  I am lazy about hair maintenance and only roll in here once every 3-4 months, but the haircuts last and they have a really nice, subtle style.  Having short hair I was always surprised at how hard it is to get a decent cut.. everyone makes it too suburban mom.  This cut is just right.  And frankly, $30 a cut isn't going to get you much else other than SuperCuts, so talk about having cake + eating it too.

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Melanie M.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
02/29/2008

Jeremiah is very creative and talented, and he makes you feel right at home. He is not just a hair cutter, but a hair sculptor, stylist and designer. His own personal style is punk, and he is constantly changing the colors and style of his own hair. While he is punk rock, that doesn't mean that when he is done with your hair, that you will look punk rock, unless of course that is what you want. He can do any type of hair style you may desire. His clients range from the punk and indie rock, to moms (including mine), to business professionals and everything in between.

Jeremiah came up with color theme and the decor of his shop, and even put down the floor himself, as well as reupholstering the chairs with his choice of vinyl. The place looks outstanding and it has it's own style. In a neighborhood filled with other salons, The Alley truly stands out as a different and fun hair salon, and it is a very nice addition to this already hip South Philly neighborhood. His prices are reasonable too, it is really hard to find a quality stylist for prices you can afford.

I am so happy I found Jeremiah, now I will never go to anyone else!

Thank you Jeremiah!

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David G.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/25/2008

Tempted to give the Alley and Jeremiah a bad review just so I have a shot of getting a Saturday appointment once in a while. No can do, though: excellent work for a very fair price.  

His cat and dog usually hang out in the area, though if that's a problem for you and your allergies, he'll march them back into their apartment.

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jenny v.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
05/27/2008

I was teetering on the edge of giving this place a shot for the yelp reviews alone, when my real-life-friend-with-great-hair dropped Jeremiah's name without hesitation.  I called him the next day and had myself an appointment not 3 hours later!  The dream was (and always is), naturally, that he'd take one look at me, have a vision of ultimate beauty, and talk me out of the safe haircut that I said I wanted.  Basically, I shot myself in the hair (with a bangs) when I told him I was kind of trying to grow it longer, so I'm not deducting a star based on the haircut - it's a lighter, more precise, top-model version of the cut I came in with.  Turns out I prefer more anonymity in a haircut; I couldn't help but feel supremely lame and a wee bit self-conscious surrounded by effortlessly-cool Jeremiah and his equally cool Dad and Girlfriend.  Still, I got a terrific haircut and a lot of Jeremiah's time for way cheaper than he could reasonably ask.

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Elite '08

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brynn t.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/06/2008

just went for my first real haircut!  i'm a big fan of downing a few glasses of wine then going to town on my own head with a razor and scissors, but i felt like spoiling myself with a day of firsts, so haircut + color here and pedicure somewhere else it was.  i didn't give a whole lot of direction and said i was pretty much open to anything.  i got a light summery cut, very short, and a pretty blonde color.  at the pedicure place afterwards, the woman in the toe-dryer across from me commented on it and i've had a few other compliments on it since.  and it was cheaper than i'd expected.  love the pets too.  ;)

*update* couple weeks later - still getting compliments, and liking my new chop more by the day!

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Elite '08

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Carrie E.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
12/07/2007

After reading all these rave reviews I was psyched to give Jeremiah a try. I've been to so many salons around the city and just haven't found "the one" to settle down with - either they're way overpriced or snotty or I walk out of there looking like a midwestern soccer mom. Luckily, I had none of those experiences at The Alley.

During the consult we talked about what I wanted and what I didn't, and then he got out his magical laptop and showed me some photos of what he thought would work. And guess what - he was right on the money! That dude knows what he's doing, and he's nice and down to earth to boot. My hair looked great and I left feeling like I finally found a place I want to go back to.

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Colleen V.

Drexel Hill, PA

5 star rating
01/09/2008

What can I say that has not already been said? If you are still on the fence about going to The Alley - just go! You will not regret it.

Jeremiah was able to squueze me in on New Years eve and I was thrilled. I wanted a cut and some crazy red color.  I knew I couldn't go to just any salon for the kind of punky color I was going for. I have been going to the same boring salon for over 6 yrs and I have had the same boring cut, too. Jeremiah changed all that.

What was really amazing was when I showed him pics of my ideas and he asked me what I liked about each one. He managed to incorporate everything I liked, from the color to the cut. He really takes his time and listens to what you want. Not only that but you can give him the freedom to what he wants cause he knows what the hell he's doing. So in the end I got an awesome awesome color that I love and that I have literally been stopped while I am out and complimented on! Then he gave me the perfect cut to compliment the color.  Oh and I didn't want my bangs cut cause I was growing them out after a previous bad cut and he told me we should trim them up a little to make them more manageable and so they go w/the cut.....the craziest thing is that I love what he did with my bangs and I wanna keep 'em now! He did what I wanted initially!

I just really can't say enough good things about this awesome salon. Jeremiah will spend a lot of time on your hair and it will show in the end. He seems like a total perfectionist. Oh and he totally doesn't goop up your hair with tons of products either, that in the end you feel like you need to buy. Great prices, cool shop, and good music! Def ck out The Alley!

I added a couple pics to my profile of my hair and my sister's.

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kathleen t.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/01/2008

damn. jeremiah does a damn good job at listening to what you want, and also listening to what you're NOT saying.

i got a fabulous cut from him, and some dandy colour from kelly.

will i be back? does the pope poop in the woods?

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Elite '08

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Jenna C.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
01/08/2008

The Alley has provided my first real test as a Yelper.  Is it possible to rate a business completely fairly when you know the owner reads Yelp and is proud of his 5 star review?  Is it still possible when the owner in question is extremely nice and friendly?  Apparently, it's possible when they do a good job.

I was almost afraid to review Jeremiah and The Alley Hair Salon.  So afraid, in fact, that I put it off for a month.  I didn't want to rate him because I know he reads the reviews and is immensely proud of them.   But then I wondered why I was so scared... because I planned on giving him rave reviews!

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said.  Jeremiah is a great stylist.  He listens to what you really want, and cuts accordingly.  He makes everyone feel comfortable, which is something every stylist should do (but doesn't always).

Again, like everyone has said, he listens to your wants.  But he also listens to your needs.  I need to wear my hair in a pony tail 5 days a week, so he gave me a cut that would grow out well.  Luckily, since I'm writing this review a month and a half later, I can tell you that it has grown out well.

He also spent a very long time on my hair.  I have very fine hair, and people never really spend much time cutting it.  With Jeremiah, it was different.  I was there for a full hour and 15 minutes, and I was the only person there.  Now, it's possible that he was just bored and trying to kill time, but I appreciated the time and work he put into my hair, nonetheless.

Jeremiah is the best thing about the Alley, no question about that.  But the decorations are pretty great, too. There's something about a checkerboard salon and listening to old(er) punk while getting a hair cut that just makes me happy.

I can't wait to go back and I recommend it to all of my friends (and family).

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William L.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
03/12/2008

Jeremiah cuts great hair. Even with a thought I have to keep a conservative business hair cut he can still give it  some edgy style.

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kay m.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/28/2008

OK, I will start this by saying that I have a hair salon/stylist phobia. I have thick wavy hair that no matter what gets destroyed every time I get it cut. Stylists love to chop it, layer it, and otherwise manhandle it into a curly gelled mess, no matter what I say. So I avoid them whenever necessary. Last week it was necessary, and I sought out an organic salon, which I will not name, bearing several photos and a simple request to add some long layers. Instead my hair was mangled into what looked like a curly mullet. This was then remedied into a medium length, unflattering bob which resembled Krusty the Clown (if he had a full head of hair). I wandered around like this for 5 days, miserable, cowering at the thought of returning to another salon where I knew my hair would have to be cut even shorter, until someone suggested Jeremiah.

I walked in there and immediately felt like I was in good hands. There was an adorable dog named Zodiac, and a cat snoozing on a chair. Jeremiah took one look at me and understood exactly what a mess my hair was. I didn't have a clue what I wanted, just said I needed it fixed. I walked out an hour later with the best haircut of my life...a short layered bob that works with my wavy hair perfectly, is low maintenance and cute and edgy. I love it, and Jeremiah is amazing.

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35

Jes S.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
04/28/2008

edit:  this adorable woman kept looking back at me in the movie theater tonight, then shyly came up to me with a cute accent and asked "miss, can i ask where you got your haircut?  i like it very much"  adorable.  i gladly told her.
~~~~

When I was in my hometown I hopped hairstylists a bit.  

Hair Whore might be a bit harsh.  Well....ok,  I probably hit more salons than a poodle vying for the westminster championship.

But Jeremiah succeded in interpreting whatever ambiguous direction I gave, ( "You know. I like fun but have to keep the length in front.  yeah, you know?")  into a perfect match of what I didn't know I wanted.

Even with the need to keep it sort of similar to what I had before hand (ugh, I hate going in with even a bit of a prerequisite) I got a completely different awesome haircut that satisfied the want for something funky and playful.  And anywhere a dog says hello as I walk through the door scores on my hangman chart.  I just can't wait till I can go in and leave Jeremiah to his full creative devices.  

The Alley has definitely put an end to my vagabondish ways and I'm sure to be a repeat offender.

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Jen R.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
07/05/2007

I went to The Alley after reading Nicole's review, and it was just what I wanted.  

I always think I want a punk rock haircut, but when the clippings start to fly, I remember that I have to return to my corporate job on Monday morning and I have to pull the plug on my initial request.  Jeremiah was totally cool with all of this.  He took my shifting vision in stride and gave me a great cut.  His style was intuitive and organic, and he was ready and willing to explain everything he was doing and planning.

I highly recommend The Alley to anyone who won't be scared off by the punk rock aesthetic.  Jeremiah can give a boring corporate haircut with the best of 'em (upon request).

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Elite '08

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Bill M.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
12/20/2007

Believe the hype! Jeremiah is not only a haircutting visionary, He's also very easy to talk to and get along with. My hair was starting to look as shaggy as a mountain man's, so since the holidays were coming up and I had a date coming up that I wanted to look good for I decided that I wanted to go somewhere that was better than the usual spot I go to (see Chop Shop). After reading Carrie's and Nicole's great reviews, I thought I'd give Jeremiah a shot.

I'm more than a little bit punk rock, so I was instantly satisfied the moment I saw the hot purple and heard the music from within. But I'd easily recommend The Alley to anyone whos looking to step up their hairstyle even a little bit. Jeremiah is dedicated and does stuff with his shears that I never thought possible. he really works hard to get the haircut you've been dreaming of and works with you every step of the way.

I also have to give him credit for making you feel right at home when you go there. when I get a haircut I usually end up sitting down and hardly saying much of anything (again see Chop Shop I suppose). But with Jeremiah it's a different story. we had some good talks about music, Yelp, and being ready to get the holidays over with among other things. so that was especially a welcome change.

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Katie P.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
10/31/2007

Jeremiah gave me the best haircut of my life!  I always thought I had 'problem' hair but I now have a totally awesome and manageable 'do!!   I plan to be a loyal customer and can't wait for my next cut!

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Kevin W.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
08/06/2007

Alley is the reason I joined Yelp.  After reading both Jen and Nicole's review, I decided to venture over for a go at it.  Everything they said was right on the money and I concur -- five stars.

I have a feeling that Alley is like a rotting carcass waiting for Philadelphia's flock of hipsters to descend upon it.  (I know that it might not be the best idea to compare a place I like to a carcass, but it's true.  Anything good and underground will inevitably be devoured by those people.)

But anyway, back to Alley.  Yeah, Jeramiah is a really cool guy and he does a hell of a job too.  If you're a 20-something in Philly who is at all counter culture, I'd recommend this to be your place to get your hair cut.  Jeramiah is a professional who has gone to school for cosmetology and, while talking to him, he prided himself on his ability to cut the hair of older, less counter culture people.  Judging by how he did my hair, I'm inclined to believe him.

Ps.  My cut cost $20 and he told me that a webpage is soon to come.

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Sonya S.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
11/18/2007

Jeremiah is brilliant and I've told him so. His cuts last MONTHS which says a lot because I have a short hairstyle and fast-growing hair. I went 2 and a half months between cuts without me doing any sort of my own maintenance trims! In fact, I feel as if I should pay him for the months that I DON'T need to get a haircut. Maybe I'll just bring him and Kelly bagels instead :)

Absolutely the BEST hairstylist I've ever found!

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Lucy B.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
03/18/2008

Jeremiah's really down to earth, even though he's got the creativity and talent to work for any big name salon he wants!  (He told me he turned down offers to teach at places like Redkin and Matrix, because they wanted him to "change his personal style").  I loved the bright colors and loud music in the salon, I loved the fact that his own pets cuddle up in your lap as you wait, he offered interesting (but not pushy or awkward) conversation as he worked, and most of all he cut my hair exactly like I asked him to!  I'm definitely going back there again.

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Nicole R.

PA

5 star rating
03/20/2007

In the vein of rock-and-roll hair salons (twist, Barberella) The Alley with stylist Jeremiah Sisco (previously of Barerbella) has opened up in the East Passyunk section of South Philadelphia. Stylistically, the salon itself is battles out between punk rock and old school South Philly. For some reason this actually works! A lot of the salon equipment has that leftover kitsch while some modifications have been made (the walls are painted bright purple and green and black and white checkered contact paper has been applied judiciously throughout).

Jeremiah gave me the best haircut I've had in a long, long time.  I like do's that are funky, adventurous yet feminine and he got it all on the first try.  He also did my brows and I told him he's not only my new hair stylist but my brow stylist as well!  

My favorite part about the Alley is that it had the homey family feel of a barber shop (his girlfriend, roomie and dad were hanging out and chatting) but done in a really rock-and-roll sort of way.  It's definitely worth heading down Passyunk for this absolute gem.  Particularly because he only charges $30 for a