Samantha at Studio 3 is an absolutely fabulous hair stylist. I first met her when she worked at Beauty Brands, and as someone with curly hair, I was excited to find a hair stylist who knew how to handle curly hair. I also appreciated that she understood that I often just "wash and go" and don't want to fuss with my hair every morning other than putting a little product in my hair after showering. When she left Beauty Brands, I most certainly followed her to her newest location at Park Plaza in Studio 3. I've wondered how many people actually know these styling studios exist-- they're kind of tucked away in the upstairs of the strip mall in Edwardsville that also houses Glik's, CVS, and a couple of restaurants, including Wasabi. One of the great perks of her studio (in my experience, anyway) has been that I never, ever have to wait. The studio is relatively small, so it's not like multiple clients can sit around flipping through magazines and watch you while you get your hair cut. It's just you and Samantha. (She shares the space with one other stylist. So you might have someone in the chair next to you.) I like the intimate space; if you're worried about having your ear talked off as a result of the stylist having no one else to talk to-- don't. Some stylists can definitely be Gabby Gertie's, which I find to be a total turn-off. (The Great Clips on Troy Road comes to mind.) Samantha's really great about reading whether or not you're up for talking. There's a flat screen on the wall, and she'll flip that on if you want. It's fun to have your hair fussed over while watching "The Fresh Prince." Now... onto the hair care... I have NEVER left Samantha's salon unhappy. I usually take a picture with me (that's just how I roll), and Samantha always matches the cut and/or color. When it comes to style, I generally know what cuts look good on me, but I'm not so great with judging whether certain colors would look okay. She's always quick to say whether the color would look okay with my skin tone. As for cuts, I generally know what looks on me and what works with my curls; when I went shorter on top about a year ago to achieve a mohawk look, Samantha left it slightly longer on the top because she knew it would've looked awkward if I wore my hair curly. She won't try to push other services on you when you go in. She's incredibly funny and sassy, and she's just a damn great stylist. Her prices are most definitely reasonable. I've learned something very important about haircuts over the years. You get what you pay for. If you pay 12 bucks for a haircut, it will look like you paid 12 bucks for a haircut. I can't tell you how often I made the mistake of visiting Great Clips and being disappointed. So get thee to Samantha. She will take care of you. She will pat your hand and make your ugly 12 dollar haircut go away. And you will leave so, so, so frackin' happy. read more

WOW......what Samantha does with hair is true MAGIC! When I first met Sammi my hair was a mess. I had a bad cut and color and I didn't think anyone could fix the mess I made. A friend referred me to Sammi, I walked in had saw a girl with pink hair and crazy style and I thought to myself "Great another bad cut!" WELL I was SOOOO wong! This awesome hair stylist fixed all of my problems. I am very picky about my hair expecialy my bangs and Sammi does it right EVERY time!! I have random people stop me and ask me who does my hair and I am proud to tell them! Sammi will listen to what YOU want , she will teach you how to care for your hair along with tips and tricks to style it after you leave her studio. I really like that. I hate it when you leave a salon looking great and then the next day your fussing in the mirror asking youself "how did she do that?" You dont have that problem with Sammi, she takes the time to teach you how to manage your hair. Sammi is friendly and personable, she has put her heart into her art of being a stylist. Her studio is clean and fun the prices are very reasonable!! read more

I always enjoy my experiences with Sami at Studio 3 at Park Plaza. I first got my hair done by Sami 2 years ago. After my first cut, I was hooked. Even though I moved across the river, I still make the trip to get my hair done. Sami always listens to what you want and adds her little edge to it! Her color is awesome but her cuts are to die for. Studio 3 at Park Plaza has an intimate vibe with a kick ass stylist. I know when I go there, Sami isn't distracted by anything else and all her attention is on me. I love the location and environment at Park Plaza. The building is filled with stylists from all over.. but once you see the girl with all the tattoos, you know you're in Studio 3! read more

I just LUV my latest hair cut! Samantha at Studio 3 is just awsome! She has been cutting and coloring my hair for a little over a year now and she is someone you can have complete trust in. I have had a longer style and just recently told her to ''cut it short'' and had complete confidence in her that she would give me a cut that I liked and worked for my hair. She listens to what you ask for in a hair cut and provides good advice and options. No matter where you have been going, make your next appt with Samantha. You will get lots of compliments on your hair and you will not be disappointed!! read more

Sammi carries a pair of magic scissors! Not only does she deliver an excellent cut, but her color techniques and her uncanny ability to visualize what will complement your face, and coloring is untouchable. She listens, and she interacts teaching you how to get the style so you can go home and get the same look! Her smile is contagious and she makes you feel fantastic! Not only do I recommend Sammi and Studio 3, but, I look forward to when I get to go back and spend a little more time being "pampered." People tell me I don't look my age - and Sammi helps me achieve that. read more

Sami has been cutting my hair for a little over 2 years now. She is truly the best hair stylist I have ever had. She is also amazing at updos too. Every time I go in with an idea of how I want my hair to look Sami always makes it look even better than what I imagined!! I moved to Springfield, Il but I come back home to get my hair cut by Sami! I am getting married in late August and cannot wait to have her do my hair and my bridesmaids hair!!! :) Needless to say that I highly recommend her!!! read more

I have known sami from studio 3 for 10 years!! And all she ever talked about was hair and crafts...sami is so talented and has so much passion for doing her customers hair it amazes me that... Sami has always done my hair.. if it was just say playing around or if I really needed something done.. i leave my hair in her hands i trust her so MUCH i WILL just let her do what ever to my hair color, cut anything..i always have an amazing experience with her every time i get my hair done.. read more

Sami is awesome. I went to her to get something new and she definitely delivered. Her cuts are are great and she does amazing color. I've gotten highlights from Sami several times and she always has "my" color ready to go when I get there. She really cares about her clients and it shows. I'm getting married in October and I can't wait for Sami to do my hair on my big day. Sami truly loves what she does and I couldn't ask for a better stylist! read more

Excellent stylist! I tend to bounce around from stylist to stylist because no one can seem to cut my hair in a way I like it - execept Samantha! She does an amazing job and I always leave loving my cut and color. I trust her judgement when I'm unsure of what I want because she can invision what will make me look my best! I'd recommend her services to everyone! read more

Every girl is looking for "the one". No, not a man. That perfect hairstylist that knows what's hot and what's not and everything in between. Who takes your wants in consideration and tweaks them to make them work for your hair type. If you're still in search for "the one" look no further. Sammi at Studio 3 at Park Plaza is nothing short of amazing. read more

Sammi is top notch. I have been to many stylist over the years and Sammi, I must say, is the BEST! She not only is great with my cut and color, but she is also upbeat, friendly, and kind. I look forward to my appointments and would recommend her to anyone! All in all it is a pleasant experience! read more

My hair stylist moved away and I was walking into my gym noticed the girl at the desk always has beautiful blond hair so asked who she went to she gave me Samantha's name found her made an appt and WOW!! She is amazing!!!! Found my stylist :) made my second appt and can't wait! read more

Sammi is a miracle worker! She always does noteworthy hair everytime I am in there. She really listens and sees what you want and makes it happen. Without fail the best stylist I have ever had. And she is a kind person, and fairly priced. read more

Samantha is an awesome stylist, my friends always make compliments about my hair and color, they tell me I don't look my age. Samantha's techniques and knowledge of hair is outstanding, I wouldnt go any where else. Studio 3 is the best. read more

Sammi does fantastic work. Not only can she make your hair look amazing but she can make your eyebrows look killer! I loveee seeing her clients hair after a dye job.. She really has a way with color :) def check her out! read more

Sami is an amazing hair stylist! I am so lucky to have her do my hair! Please try her out if possible. She will bring any ideas you have to life! read more