The Distinctive Experience
Your visit at Distinctive Salon begins with a warm welcome and an offer of a complimentary beverage, setting the tone for a relaxing and elevated experience from the moment you arrive.
Every appointment begins with a personalized consultation, where we take the time to understand your hair goals, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences so we can create a plan tailored specifically to you.
Guests are then invited to enjoy our signature sensory rituals, including a neck, shoulder, and scalp massage at the chair with cooling oils (chair massage rituals are offered when not receiving color services). At the shampoo bowl, the experience continues as the lights dim and background noise fades, allowing for a calming ritual that includes a hot towel, customized treatment, scalp massage, and hand massage.
Your service is then completed with intention and artistry, bringing your desired look to life. Before you leave, we will guide you through our recommended at-home care so you can maintain the beauty and integrity of your hair until your next visit.
Our Story
Distinctive Salon is proudly individually owned and operated by Arizona local Ashley Hamilton.
With more than 22 years behind the chair, Ashley began her journey into salon ownership in 2009 when she opened the first Distinctive Salon location.
Her passion for the beauty industry is deeply rooted in her love for hair, family, community, and overall wellness. Ashley believes that the salon experience should go beyond great hair — it should create confidence, connection, and a sense of care for every guest who walks through the door.
Since opening in 2009, Distinctive Salon has grown to include five locations throughout the Valley. While the brand has expanded, the core values have remained the same: a strong commitment to continued education, elevated guest experiences, and meaningful connections within both the team and the community.
Stylist Levels
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What our clients say
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Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our services, stylists, and the Aveda experience so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
How does the stylist level system work?
We use Aveda’s tiered stylist system to reflect each stylist’s training, experience, and demand. Every guest receives the same high-quality Aveda service—the difference in pricing simply corresponds to the stylist’s level. As stylists advance through education, refine their technical skills, complete evaluations, and build client demand, they move up in level and their rates adjust accordingly. This structure keeps pricing transparent, rewards professional growth, and ensures you’re always receiving expert care at every level.
What's included in an extension consultation?
Your consultation covers color matching, method selection, lifestyle review, and an Aveda-focused care plan. You’ll also receive a cost breakdown and timing estimate based on your goals. This ensures your extensions blend naturally and perform well in Arizona’s weather conditions.
What types of extensions do you specialize in?
We focus on high-quality, low-tension methods that protect your natural hair in Arizona’s dry climate. Our most popular options include hand-tied wefts and tape-ins. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the method that fits your hair type, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Do you use exclusively Aveda products?
Yes. Our salon is committed to Aveda’s plant-powered, cruelty-free formulas. Every service, from color to styling to treatments, is performed using Aveda products tailored to Arizona’s dry climate and sun exposure.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We require notice at least 24–48 hours before your appointment, depending on the service. This helps our stylists manage their schedules and offer spots to clients on the waitlist. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee.
How does Distinctive Salon support new and student-level stylists?
At DS, we are proud to support the next generation of beauty professionals through our Student Mentorship Program. This program pairs new incoming stylists with experienced senior team members who offer guidance, advanced education, and ongoing professional development.
Our mentorship program ensures every stylist, at every level, continues to grow their artistry, stay inspired, and refine their skills. Guests benefit from a team that is consistently learning, collaborating, and elevating their craft, all while upholding the high standards and exceptional service Distinctive Salon is known for from the very start of their professional journey.
The values that guide us
Rooted in Care
As a family-owned salon, we lead with compassion. Every guest is welcomed like one of our own, with services designed to uplift not just your look, but your well-being.
Elevated Standards
We hold ourselves to a higher standard — in education, in technique, and in the way we care for our guests. Our pursuit of excellence ensures every experience feels thoughtful and refined.
Purposeful Passion
We’re not just passionate about beauty — we’re passionate about doing it the right way. That means using Aveda’s plant-based products, respecting the earth, and always putting people first.