Amy Martinese
Owner/Stylist

I started as a stylist in Newburyport, MA. I trained for two years under a master colorist before starting my career. I also worked for Matrix/Logics Professional Color Line as an educator. My training with Matrix was quite extensive. The advanced training would allow me to teach other hairstylists how to use the Logic's Color Systems.

I have worked in downtown Portsmouth for the past 8 years. I am a former co-owner of Sanctuary Hair Studio. During that time, our salon received 5 "Best of the Best" awards. In 2007 I opened my new salon, Samba.

As a stylist, I enjoy transforming someone's color and style from ordinary to extraordinary. With my advanced training, I can distinguish what shades of color will enhance your eye color and skin tone. I will choose tones that best suite your natural color. I will provide you with the knowledge to maintain your color, what products to use and how long your color should last. For haircuts, I will look at your face shape and determine what style and length will accentuate your features and work best for your hair type.

Micheal Davis
Stylist

I have been a hairstylist for 17 years. Hairstyling is a wonderful professional because I can meet new people and have a part in making them look and feel their best. I pride myself on being a good listener and really work with the clients to give them a style that best suites their needs. Many of my clients have told me that listening is one of the greatest skills a stylist could have.

I find all aspects of hairstyling quite enjoyable but I particularly love Haircutting. I specialize in both men and women's cuts. Haircutting is an art. It allows me to be creative and really enhance the way a client looks. What I enjoy about Color is that it can change a clients look entirely. I like to change my clients color with the different seasons. This allows them to look their best all year long. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Maura Gagne
Stylist

I have been a hairstylist since 1995. I trained with two of the premier salon owners of the downtown area for the time, before starting to build my own clientele. I also trained with a corporate salon for the added experience and education. While working for one of the corporate salons I became an educator for both Textureline and bedhead. I traveled to other salons teaching product knowledge and current styling trends, including what is now referred to as "The Posh Bob".

I have worked for Amy since 2003. At Samba I specialize in several services including men and women's colors and cuts, extensions, and the Chi Transformation System( which is a permanent straightening system as well as improving the texture of your frizzy hair). I am considered the resident Bridal Specialist. My belief is that every bride should be the goddess she's always dreamed of being.

I also specialize in curly hair. Having curly hair myself, I love teaching people how to embrace their curls and waves and make them work without a lot of work. I can also teach you how to blow dry your hair straight with out damaging your hair. Feel free to make and appointment for a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

Mandy Mazeau
Stylist

I have been a licensed hairstylist for 11 years. I went to Cosmetology School at West Kent College in Kent, England. I received advanced training in color and hairstyling from some of the top teachers in England.

I am one of the senior stylists at Samba Salon. I have worked with Amy Martinese for 6 years. I truly love the Portsmouth area, and enjoy working downtown.
I specialize in custom design haircutting. I first start by determining the condition and texture of the client's hair. I will design a haircut that works for you. I also specialize in men's haircuts. I have been trained in barbering techniques. My hair colors are custom designed to work with the client's natural tones. I have been trained in makeup application and up-do's and enjoy doing Wedding Parties. I can also shape and wax eyebrows.

Christina Allen
Stylist

I have been a hairstylist for 8 years. I have been working in downtown Portsmouth for the past 2 years.

As a stylist, I enjoy haircutting. By focusing on a client's bone structure and facial features, I will customize a haircut that is best for you. Working together with my client's, we will discuss what works with your lifestyle. I will give you the most current and up-to-date look. With hair coloring, I enjoy working with the client's to give them a color that is specific to their needs. I will change your color as needed with the seasons. I look forward to transforming a new you.

Jarrod Willette
Stylist

In Cosmetology School I decided to specialize in color. Working at Samba Salon has allowed me to utilize those skills. I have worked for Amy Martinese for the past three years. She has personally trained me on advanced color application, multi-dimensional colors and haircutting techniques.

As a stylist, I feel that I am able to give you the most current styles and colors. I enjoy giving clients a fresh, new look. I work with the client's to give them a color that is easy to maintain and looks best on them. I also enjoy haircutting. Refining someone's style to suite their needs.

Christi Watson
Stylist

As a stylist for 14 years, Christi Watson has made it her specialty to listen. Working to combine your needs and ideas with your hair type to create the best look for you. Christi has mastered the art of hair color. She can design many looks ranging from bold and trendy to beautifully natural while always maintaining shiny, healthy hair. Christi is also a Certified Extension Specialist. Her ability to believably increase your hair’s length and/or thickness can make your hair dreams a reality. Her special occasion up-dos and styles are perfect for Weddings or just a night out. Christi continues to attend classes, workshops and hair shows in order to improve her skills and stay current on all the latest trends in cuts, color and special occasion hair.

Rudy
Salon Mascot

Rudy the Pug has been coming to work at the salon for the past 6 years. He is considered the official "mascot". Many clients look forward to seeing him at their visits. It is not unusual to see him sitting on the lap of one of the clients. He is a very friendly, sweet dog. Along with Rudy, there are also some other alternate "mascots" you may see at one of your visits: Ghandi, Pico, Darla, or Henry.

We at Samba Salon are very dog friendly, we love animals. But we certainly understand that not everyone feels comfortable, or may be allergic to dogs. So PLEASE let one of our staff know immediately. We want everyone to enjoy their visit.