L Leading Edge Salon
About Leading Edge

Beauty with integrity
and kindness.

An independent Santa Rosa salon founded in 1987. A team of stylists who blend modern craft with personal care — and a space designed around the person in the chair.

Inside Leading Edge Salon
Salon interior at Leading Edge
1987
Established in Santa Rosa
4.7
168 Google reviews
7
Stylists behind the chair
2
Davines & Aveda authorized
Our Story

A salon rooted in Santa Rosa — and always evolving.

Ever changing. Ever evolving. Always becoming more.

Leading Edge Salon opened its doors in 1987 and has grown into an iconic presence in the Santa Rosa Business Park. Across the decades, the salon has remained constant in a single commitment: stay at the forefront of the beauty landscape while caring for the people behind every chair.

Founder Paula Lindsay built the salon on the idea that artistry and warmth belong together. That blend — modern technique, thoughtful consultation, and a culture of kindness — is still the through-line today.

We are a small, independent team. Every stylist is here because they love the craft and the community. From classic precision cutting to lived-in color, the work is personal, and so is the experience around it: a warm welcome, an unhurried consultation, and care that extends from the chair to the front desk.

We pair our craft with brands that share our values — Davines and Aveda — because what we put on your hair should be as considered as what we do with it.

Our Philosophy

A salon experience
designed around you.

Our Vision

Ever changing. Ever evolving. Always becoming more.

A commitment to staying current — in technique, in education, and in the way we care for guests.

Our Intention

Where artistry, experience, and innovation come together.

Time, comfort, and care — at the center of every visit.

Our Values

Innovative. Professional. Kind.

Pride, creativity, and care — the qualities we look for in every stylist who joins us.

Sustainable Beauty

Where quality meets the
greatest respect for the planet.

We believe a balance of beauty and sustainability can improve our lives and the world around us. That belief shapes the brands on our shelves and the way we work — from color formulations to the products we send home with you.

We're an authorized Davines and Aveda salon — two houses defined by high-performance haircare crafted with care for you and the planet.

Davines
A balance of beauty and nature — vital to the health of your hair.
Aveda
High-performance haircare powered by plants. A force of nature since 1978.
Leading Edge Salon interior
Color station
Salon detail
Salon atmosphere
Leadership

Guided by a deep commitment to craft and culture.

Leading Edge Salon is guided by a leadership team deeply committed to modern craft, guest care, and a healthy, thriving culture for our stylists. Together, we ensure every detail — from systems to service — supports an elevated, modern salon experience.

PL
Owner & Visionary

Paula Lindsay

Paula founded Leading Edge Salon in 1987 and, after decades behind the chair, now focuses fully on the salon's growth, direction, and culture. Her vision, commitment to innovation, and dedication to both guests and stylists continue to shape Leading Edge into a modern, supportive space where people love to work and visit.

KG
Director of Guest Experience

Katie Gillotte

Katie, with over 20 years in the industry, leads the guest experience and day-to-day operations at Leading Edge. She blends her background as a stylist with strong operational insight to create a smooth, welcoming environment for guests and a well-supported, organized space for the team.

Our Stylist Team

A collective of ambitious, skilled professionals.

Seven stylists — each with their own niche, signature, and decades of combined experience. Trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, Toni & Guy, and Bumble & Bumble.

Meet the full team
Tamara
Since 2011
Kathleen
10+ years
Teresa
16+ years
Michele
20+ years
Dana
25+ years
Alexa
Color creative
Jensen
Emerging stylist
From Our Guests

4.7 stars across 168 reviews.

"
★★★★★

Jensen is a fairly new stylist at Leading Edge and I'll never choose anyone else now. I went in with hay-like dry hair and came out with soft, amazing hair. I've seen her twice so far and she's my favorite stylist. She's fun, super nice and always accurate.

Kalison W
3 months ago · Google
"
★★★★★

I walked in after a double mastectomy as I was unable to do my own hair and was most definitely due for a cut and style. Alexa was absolutely amazing and understanding of my situation. She made me feel so comfortable and most importantly beautiful, which has been hard for me to feel lately. I left feeling confident again.

Ashley Webb
8 months ago · Google
"
★★★★★

Michele did the cut better than anyone has in my 60 years of going to stylists. My thin straight hair has always been a problem for me, till now. Thanks so much, Michele. Very pleasant atmosphere at Leading Edge, great receptionist at the front desk.

Turtle Shell8
11 months ago · Google
Restore Your Style

Your hair journey starts here.

Texting is the fastest way to reach us — a real team member always responds. Or book an appointment online whenever it works for you.

This is a draft about page for Leading Edge Salon — built by Glyph Sites.