In the world of hairstyling, there are ‘good hair days’ and then there are days spent with a stylist like Samantha Lawrence—a true expert in her craft. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Samantha at Chromatique Salon in Bellevue. What began as a routine appointment transformed into a remarkable experience. Over the course of less than two hours, I emerged with a revitalized hairstyle, complete with a custom cut and fresh color. Samantha’s ability to understand and enhance my look underscored her expertise and efficiency in the beauty industry.
Samantha Lawrence isn’t just another stylist; she is the founder and CEO of Chromatique Salon and has worked with a host of high-profile clients, including Bella Hadid and Ava Max. Her work has graced prestigious events like New York Fashion Week and the MLB All-Star Game, and she actively collaborates with the Seattle Seahawks Dancers.
However, Samantha’s journey to success was not without its challenges. From her earliest memories, she was captivated by hairstyling, starting with her Barbies and transitioning to family and friends. Initially exploring a path in interior design at the University of Nevada, Reno, she eventually pursued her passion for beauty and earned her cosmetology license. Arriving in the Seattle area in 2009, she began laying the groundwork for her career.
For four years, Samantha apprenticed at a top salon, honing her skills and establishing a loyal client base. During this time, she collaborated with Vogue and styled hair for various celebrity features in Cosmopolitan, preparing herself for the next step in her career.
By 2013, she was ready to make a bold move. Co-founding Chromatique Salon with her best friend, Elle Levine, the salon quickly garnered attention, leading to a second location in Issaquah a few years later. In 2022, the original salon was relocated to Bellevue Place, underscoring the brand’s remarkable growth.
What truly sets Chromatique apart is not just the stunning transformations but also the culture of mentorship that Samantha fosters within her team. Through Chromatique’s apprenticeship program, aspiring stylists receive hands-on training and personalized coaching, ensuring they develop their skills in a supportive environment. I witnessed this impactful training firsthand: every moment in the salon was an opportunity for teaching, whether it was guiding a new stylist or explaining techniques. This commitment to mentorship is as impressive as the hair transformations.
The Chromatique brand continues to evolve, adding its own line of hand-tied hair extensions and professional tools, with an exciting new extension product line launching soon. Given Samantha’s strong track record, it’s a brand to keep an eye on.
What resonates most about Samantha Lawrence isn’t just her impressive resume but the intention behind her work. Influenced by her entrepreneurial mother, she chose to build her salons while raising her children, demonstrating that it’s possible to balance both personal and professional aspirations.
Her commitment extends beyond styling hair; she gives back to the community by donating to local nonprofits, especially those benefiting foster care organizations like Olive Crest, and regularly engages with the Seattle Seahawks Women’s Association. At the heart of her philosophy lies a straightforward mission: helping people feel their best. After experiencing her craft firsthand, it’s evident that Samantha is not just shaping hairstyles but also the future of the beauty industry.
In conclusion, the journey of a stylist like Samantha Lawrence is not only about achieving great looks but also about fostering talent and giving back to the community. If you’re looking for more than just a hair appointment, a visit to Chromatique Salon might just transform your hair—and perhaps even your perspective.
Kate Neidigh writes for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, and more. For additional insights, check out her work on Instagram here. Some products, services, and accommodations mentioned in this article were provided without charge; however, the views expressed are purely those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial team.
