There are good hair days and then there are Samantha Lawrence hair days.
I recently sat in Samantha’s chair at Chromatique Salon in Bellevue for what I thought would be a standard appointment. Less than two hours later, I walked out with a full glow up. A custom cut, fresh color, and that rare feeling that someone just gets your hair. Efficient, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly operating at a different level.
It turns out, that level includes celebrity clients, major fashion events, and a reputation that’s made her something of an industry “it girl” in the beauty world.
Samantha Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Chromatique Salons and a celebrity stylist whose client list includes Bella Hadid, Ava Max, Katie Thurston, and more. Her work has appeared backstage at New York Fashion Week, the MLB All-Star Game, and Bellevue Fashion Week. Locally, she and her team are also the creative force behind the Seattle Seahawks Dancers.
But her story didn’t start on big stages.
“As early as I can remember, I was cutting and styling anyone’s hair I could get my hands on,” Samantha says. “I started with my Barbies, then moved on to friends, family, neighbors.”
That early passion eventually turned into a career, though not without a detour. She initially studied interior design at the University of Nevada, Reno, before realizing her true calling was in beauty. After earning her cosmetology license, she moved to the Seattle area in 2009 and began building her career from the ground up.
She spent four years apprenticing at one of the region’s top salons, sharpening her skills and quietly building a loyal client base. During that time, she also worked alongside Vogue at fashion shows and styled hair for celebrity features in Cosmopolitan.
By 2013, she was ready to take the leap.
Samantha co-founded the first Chromatique Salon in Bellevue with her best friend, Elle Levine. The salon quickly gained a following, leading to a second location in Issaquah just a few years later. In 2022, the original location moved to Bellevue Place, reflecting just how much the brand had grown.
What also stood out during my visit wasn’t just the end result—it was what was happening around me. Samantha has built a culture of mentorship that is just as intentional as her work behind the chair. Through Chromatique’s apprenticeship program, she and her team are deeply invested in developing the next generation of stylists, offering hands-on training, real-time learning, and one-on-one coaching throughout the process. I saw it in action during my appointment—every moment was an opportunity to teach, whether it was walking through technique, explaining color decisions, or guiding a newer stylist through the process. It wasn’t performative, it was constant. And honestly, it was just as impressive as the transformation itself.
And it hasn’t stopped there. The Chromatique brand now includes its own line of hand-tied hair extensions and professional tools, with a new extension product line set to launch later this year. If Samantha’s track record is any indication, it’s one to watch.
What stands out most, though, isn’t just the resume. It’s the intention behind it.
Samantha grew up watching her mom run a business and knew early on she wanted to follow that path. She opened each of her salons shortly after having her children, building her company alongside her family.
That same sense of purpose carries into how she gives back. Both personally and through Chromatique, she has donated thousands of dollars to local nonprofits, with a focus on supporting foster care organizations like Olive Crest, and regularly works with the Seattle Seahawks Women’s Association.
At its core, her philosophy is simple: helping people feel their best. And after spending time in her chair—and watching her teach—it’s clear: Samantha isn’t just creating great hair, she’s shaping the future of it.
Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here. While some products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.