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

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.

Emma brings a warm, client-centered approach to every appointment at Spruce Hair.

Emma enjoys men's cuts and is equally at home with long layers, women's cuts, blowouts, and special event styling. Whether you're coming in for a trim or getting glammed up for a big occasion, Emma's versatility means you're in great hands.

What sets Emma apart is how genuinely she invests in the people she serves. She loves getting to know her clients — their stories, their interests, and the details of their lives — and she makes a point to remember the little things so that every visit feels like catching up with a friend. Don't be surprised if she asks about that trip you mentioned last time or how that big life moment turned out.

For Emma, the chair isn't just a place to get a great haircut. It's a place to feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Meet Rachel - With nearly 20 years behind the chair, Rachelle brings experience, creativity, and a genuine love for helping clients look and feel their best. A graduate of the Aveda Institute in Charlotte, Rachelle specializes in precision scissor cutting, razor cuts, fades, dimensional color, highlights and foils, blowouts, and vivid color. She especially loves creating bold, vibrant shades for clients who want something fun, expressive, and completely their own. Rachelle’s extensive experience allows her to work with a wide variety of hair types, styles, and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, beautifully blended highlights, a major color change, or something bright and unexpected, she takes the time to create a look that feels right for you..

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