A Collective of Artists

Phoenix Salon & Gallery is home to a growing team of stylists, each bringing their own strengths, specialties, and creative voice to the space. While Phoenix remains closely involved in shaping the salon’s vision and standards, the studio thrives as a collective, where collaboration, education, and mutual respect elevate the experience for both clients and artists.

Each stylist is selected not only for their technical skill, but for their ability to connect, communicate, and contribute to the culture of the salon.

Our Team

Phoenix Cayton

Owner + Educator + Mentor

she/her

Haircutting has been my creative language for most of my life. What began as early experimentation, shaped by growing up around skilled beauty professionals (Dad was a hairdresser & mom a nail tech), quickly became a deep devotion to the craft itself. I’ve spent years refining my approach, learning how hair moves, how texture behaves, and how the right cut can completely change how someone feels in their body.

I specialize in razor cutting, creating shapes that honor natural texture, frame the face, and grow out effortlessly. I’m drawn to styles that feel lived-in, expressive, and personal—hair that looks better with time and requires less effort to wear. My work is heavily influenced by 60s mod, 70s rock and roll, and 80s punk, blending structure with rebellion and softness with edge.

Cutting hair is more than a service to me, it’s an art form and a collaboration. Every head of hair tells a story, and I approach each cut with curiosity, intention, and respect for the individual. I love the vulnerability of the process and the trust that comes with it.

I’m honored to own and operate Phoenix Salon and Gallery in the heart of downtown Felton — a bright, welcoming space dedicated to effortless cool hair, clean beauty, and rotating local art. It’s a reflection of how I work and what I value: creativity, authenticity, and craft.

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Janaé Sandman

Cutting Specialist

she/her

Hi, my name is Janaé Sandman, and I’ve been a hairstylist in Santa Cruz for 27 years. This industry has brought me so much joy. Working behind the chair has allowed me to express my creativity while building lasting connections with clients and fellow stylists.

I offer hair color, haircuts, and a variety of hair extension services. I love that hair, as an art form, is always changing and evolving—shifting in tone, dimension, texture, length, and shape. I enjoy creating custom colors and cuts that enhance each person’s individual style.

Whether that’s a soft, natural enhancement, dimensional lived-in color, or a bold, dramatic transformation.

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Shantee

Cutting Specialist

she/her

I’m a Santa Cruz–based hairstylist passionate about helping women feel confident, radiant, and effortlessly beautiful.

I specialize in lived-in color, natural-looking blondes and brunettes, and beach-babe balayage designed to grow out seamlessly and last longer.

My goal is to create hair that feels like you. Every service is intentional, personalized, and designed for effortless everyday wear.

Book Shantee

Join Our Team

What People are Saying

  • "Phoenix has done an amazing job tailoring a cut for my heavy, hard-to-manage hair! She is great at balancing my desires with her own expertise and creativity. I feel so lucky to have a cut that looks great when I leave her shop, and still looks great when I come in for my next cut!"

    — Molly T.

  • "I had been looking for someone in Santa Cruz for years who would cut my hair in the perfect shag. I am so glad I found the peeps at Phoenix Salon. They're bold, edgy, and not afraid to do exactly what you ask for. I’m so glad my daughter and I found them! They’ve got us for life!"

    — Cody J.

  • "Phoenix has been styling my hair for a few years and is truly a master in her craft. She is attentive to my hair and has always given me what I’m looking for. She is so friendly and takes the time to make you feel comfortable. It’s always a delightful experience and I will always continue to recommend her to other folks!"

    — Giovanni S.

  • "Phoenix listens to exactly what you are looking for and artfully crafts the perfect cut. I used to dread getting my hair cut but have fallen in love with my hair again since meeting Phoenix, she has made my wavy hair come alive! She is so friendly and makes the entire experience really comfortable, I couldn’t recommend her more!"

    — Samira

  • "Phoenix is amazing and I have always walked away from her chair happy. More often than not I come in with a vague vision and she always executes it perfectly. She’s incredibly talented not to mention personable and friendly. You can’t go wrong with her cuts. To my fellow queer and trans siblings know that Phoenix is safe and did a spectacular job with my gender affirming cuts!"

    — Eva

  • "I have been getting my haircut by Phoenix for a few years now and every time I leave her studio I feel confident, empowered, and excited! When you are getting your haircut by Phoenix your hair becomes an art piece molded by her skilled hands. I’ve always struggled finding a hairstylist that both fit my aesthetic and helps me see the potential in my hair.I was shocked the first time Phoenix sculpted my long hair into the perfect shag, completely unlocking my waves and curls. I had spent my whole life fighting my hair and after just one cut with Phoenix my hair was able to do what it was meant to, and it honestly looked amazing. I’ve never felt so at ease with a hairstylist before, Phoenix makes you feel comfortable and listened to while also offering professional advice on haircuts and styles. My whole entire friend group gets their hair done by Phoenix! If that isn’t a testament to this woman’s talent I don’t know what is!"

    — Tracy B.

  • "Through her hair artistry, Phoenix has helped me feel more like "me." The way she practices her craft and truly listens to her clients makes my drive of an hour each way to see her totally worth it. Not to mention, she's a beautiful soul and it's always wonderful to hang out with her."

    — Rachel L.