Our Stylists

Samantha is an Aveda-trained cosmetologist and Bellami-certified master extensionist who believes great hair starts with hair health. Her approach is simple: protect the integrity of the hair first, then create a look that feels effortless, confident, and “you.” Now joining Spruce Hair Salon in Durham, Samantha brings behind-the-chair experience throughout the Triangle, plus a creative background that makes every service feel personalized. She’s calm, upbeat, and professional.

Samantha’s specialties include precision cutting (including razor and clipper work), polished blowouts, and restorative conditioning treatments designed to nourish and strengthen. She’s also known for dimensional color and corrective work—balayage, highlights and lowlights, and color correction—whether you’re going for subtle, lived-in brightness or a bigger transformation. If you love a statement moment, Samantha offers fashion and creative color, plus select straightening services, perming, and texture work.

Extensions are another core focus. As a Bellami master extensionist, Samantha is certified to install and educate on all five extension methods, helping clients choose the best option for their lifestyle, maintenance comfort, and hair goals. Her priority is a seamless blend, comfortable wear, and a plan that supports long-term hair health—so your results look natural and stay strong.

Before Spruce, Samantha served clients at salons including The Moxy Fox (Carrboro) with a focus on haircuts, blowouts, conditioning, and color services, and she’s also worked in Durham studios offering everything from rainbow balayage and color correction to bridal styling and special-event updos. She holds both cosmetology and barbering credentials, and she’s known for clean finishing details—like straight-razor necklines when appropriate and elevated, photo-ready styling.

Beyond the salon chair, Samantha has deep experience in creative styling and image work through her ongoing editorial and personal styling projects, where she’s helped clients define their look with confidence. She also studied fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology, which reinforces her love of proportion, texture, and overall aesthetic—skills that translate directly into modern cuts and balanced, flattering color placement.

Clients describe Samantha as warm, honest, and detail-driven. She takes time to listen, asks the right questions, and explains the “why” behind her recommendations, so you feel confident about your choices. Whether you’re booking a maintenance refresh, a full-color change, extension install, or event-ready styling, Samantha is excited to help you leave Spruce feeling like your best self. Expect clear aftercare guidance and product recommendations that match your routine, not someone else’s. Book with Samantha for healthy, high-impact results

Hey Rachel here! I have nearly 20 years behind the chair and graduated from the Aveda Institute in Charlotte.

What I love most is getting to know you and your hair. Thick, curly, fine, straight, cowlicky: I've worked with just about every hair type, style and personality, so nothing scares me. Whether it's a precision scissor cut, a razor cut, a clean fade or a fresh set of bangs, I'll talk you through the options and shape a cut that feels like you.

With color, I love to have fun. Dimensional color, highlights and foils, a major color change, or something bright and unexpected. Bold, vibrant vivids are my favorite, especially for clients who want something expressive and completely their own.

And if you just want to walk out feeling polished, ask me for a blowout. A great cut and a little color courage never gets old.

Check out her Instagram @jennifer.jane.89

​Paul Mitchell graduate with over 15 years behind the chair, bringing creativity and precision to every client. Specializing in everything from sleek short clipper cuts and textured curly styles to flowing, extra-long layered looks and bold alternative transformations. Passionate about vibrant hair art, from vivid, head-turning colors to seamless, dimensional highlights. Dedicated to crafting custom looks that elevate your unique, personal style.

Hey Ashley here! I have 10+ years experience and graduated from Aveda.

What I love most is the conversation before the cut. I want to know how you actually live with your hair, how much time you want to spend on it in the morning, and what's worked or hasn't worked before. From there I build a haircut around your bone structure, not just around a photo. Bring me inspiration pictures — I love them — but I'll always talk you through the options and customize the look so it belongs to you.

With color, I'm drawn to depth and dimension: balayage and lived-in placement that catches the light naturally and grows out beautifully, so you're not tied to constant upkeep. I also cut curly hair — including dry curly cuts — which started at home with my daughter's curls and turned into one of my favorite things to do behind the chair.

And if you just want to leave feeling polished, ask me for a blowout. A good blowout and a great set of curls never gets old.

Hey Emma here! I bring a warm, client-centered approach to every appointment at Spruce Hair.

What I love most is getting to know you. Your stories, your interests, the details of your life. I make a point to remember the little things, so don't be surprised if I ask about that trip you mentioned last time or how that big life moment turned out.

Behind the chair, I'm just as happy doing a clean men's cut as I am doing long layers or a women's cut. Whether you're coming in for a quick trim or getting glammed up for a big occasion, I'll make sure you leave feeling like yourself, only better.

And if you've got something special coming up, ask me for a blowout or event styling. For me, the chair isn't just a place to get a great haircut. It's a place to feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Meet Basil Basil's journey to the chair started in Morocco. He moved to the United States in 1992, began his training at Mitchell's in 1999, and graduated in 2000. He went on to spend 15 years with Mitchell's, building a loyal clientele and sharpening his craft until 2015, when he returned home to Morocco for a time.

Now back in the States, Basil brings more than two decades of experience to Spruce. He loves doing it all, from classic and modern haircuts to highlights, all-over color, and corrective color. Whether you want a fresh cut or need someone to rescue a color gone wrong, Basil's skill and calm confidence make him the stylist to see.