Stylist Feature: Meet Sam — Effortless, Feel-Good Hair at The Grove in East Vancouver.

Meet Sam.

Hairstylist in East Vancouver|Kevin Murphy Educator.

Samantha has been part of The Grove since the opening of our East Vancouver location in 2020, and in many ways, she’s grown right alongside us. With eleven years in the hair industry and five years at The Grove, Sam brings a thoughtful, steady energy into everything she does. Her calm presence and genuine care create an experience where clients feel at ease — and leave feeling confident, refreshed, and truly seen.

“I’ve been here since the very beginning, and I still love what I do,” she says. “Being able to grow with the salon and our team has been really special.”

In addition to her work behind the chair, Sam is also a Kevin Murphy Educator, focusing on styling and the Kevin Murphy styling line. She loves helping both stylists and clients understand how to create effortless, wearable hair at home without it feeling overwhelming or complicated.

~Her Approach to Hair as a Hairstylist in East Vancouver~

Sam is especially known for her love of blonding and big transformations. She thrives on creating change that feels empowering and confidence-boosting, and nothing makes her happier than watching someone see themselves differently after a service.

“Being able to change people’s view of themselves for the better makes me so happy,” she shares. “That moment when they look in the mirror and you can see it click — that’s my favourite part.”

For Sam, hair is never just about the end result. It’s about how someone feels walking back out into the world.

~Styling Staples She Swears By~

When it comes to products, Sam’s non-negotiable is DOO.OVER. It’s her go-to volumizing texture hairspray and a staple in her routine, especially for curtain bangs and soft, lived-in volume.

“It’s perfect for adding texture without making the hair feel stiff,” she says. “I can pretty much guarantee it’s in my hair any day of the week.”

As a Kevin Murphy Educator, Sam loves teaching clients how to use styling products properly so they can recreate their look at home while keeping their hair touchable and natural.

~Healthy Hair Starts Here~

One thing Sam wishes every client understood is just how important deep conditioning treatments are. Whether added onto a haircut or colour service or done at home once a week, deep conditioning plays a huge role in keeping hair healthy and strong.

“Deep conditioning treatments are a must in your hair care routine,” she explains. “Whether you add one in-salon or do one at home weekly, it really helps keep your hair feeling healthy and strong.”

It’s one of those habits that makes a noticeable difference over time and something Sam always encourages her clients to prioritize.

~Trends She's Loving~

Lately, Sam has been really drawn to working with people’s natural hair instead of trying to fight it. She loves embracing texture and movement and helping clients understand what their hair naturally wants to do.

“I love working with your natural hair,” she says. “And focusing more on scalp health too, because a healthy scalp really does mean healthy hair.”

For Sam, it’s about long-term hair health rather than chasing trends that don’t truly serve the client.

~ A Little More About Sam~

Outside of the salon, Sam’s go-to coffee order is a chai latte with almond milk, especially from Commercial Street Café, which she swears is the best. Pasta will always be her ultimate comfort food, and when it comes to treats, she’s happy with anything sweet or savoury as long as it’s gluten-free and dairy-free.

While working, she gravitates toward country music, much to her coworkers’ dismay, but also enjoys anything upbeat. After a long day, she loves unwinding with a soak in the tub and a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Her newest obsession is golf. “I love it because you’re outside, not on your phone, and you’re getting exercise too,” she says.

If she weren’t in the beauty industry, Sam thinks she might have explored something in psychology, an interest she deepened during a psychology class she took during COVID.

~Why She Loves The Grove~

What Sam loves most about working at The Grove is the team.

“I love that our team gets along so well,” she says. “As stylists, we’re supported by our bosses and by each other.”

That sense of care and support is something she brings into every client experience.

~In Her Chair~

When you sit in Sam’s chair, her goal is simple.

“I hope clients leave feeling happier, lighter, and ten times better than when they came in,” she says. “Whether that means we cut off five inches or you just needed to unload what’s been going on in your life.”

~Connect With Sam~

If you're ready for a little refresh and some time just for you, Sam's chair is the place to land! Leave feeling a bit lighter than when you arrived. Book your next appointment using the link below.

To see more of her work, styling tips, and recent transformations, follow her on Instagram at @s.d.stylist.

For more behind-the-scenes moments, team features, and salon updates, you can also follow @thegrovevancouver and @thegrovesalonspa.

Book Your Next Experience with Sam