When you walk into AM Salon in Flemington, the first thing you notice isn’t the shimmer of blonding foils or the lineup of color bowls—it’s the sense of calm teamwork. Stylists move with an ease that feels rare in an industry often marked by competition. For salon owner Amanda Maddalena, that atmosphere is entirely intentional.
“I never wanted drama or competition in my space,” Maddalena says. “I wanted a true team culture—stylists helping stylists, clients feeling at ease, and everyone supporting each other.”
AM Salon has become just that: a warm, community-rooted studio specializing in blonding, extensions and innovative scalp treatments, with a reputation for both artistry and authenticity.
A Lifelong Calling
Maddalena’s path to entrepreneurship traces back to childhood. She was the friend who braided everyone’s hair on the bus and experimented with cutting friends’ ends at age 10. By high school, she was already enrolled in the cosmetology program at Hunterdon Polytech, finishing her hours as a postgraduate and entering the industry at 18 as a salon assistant.
Her career spanned salons in Clinton and Flemington, where she rebuilt her clientele during the recession—a time long before social media made marketing easier. “Back then it was postcards, phone calls, and word of mouth,” she says.
Flemington remained home through it all. She grew up in nearby Pittstown and never considered leaving the area. “We plan to build our forever home here,” she says. “Flemington has always felt like my hometown.”
The Leap to Business Ownership
In 2019, Maddalena finally acted on the dream she had debated for years. With encouragement from her husband and confidence in her own skills, she founded AM Salon—named simply after her initials to keep the brand clean and personal.
Finding a space proved challenging. “A lot of landlords hesitate when they hear the word ‘salon’—we require plumbing, electrical, laundry, a whole build-out,” she says. One vacant unit finally stood out: a blank concrete shell she could envision turning into a warm, modern studio. She signed the lease and spent four and a half months building her dream.
In October 2019, AM Salon opened—with Maddalena as its sole stylist.
Weathering a Pandemic
Just months later, the world shut down.
“In a strange way, opening alone was a blessing,” she says. Many salons with larger staffs struggled through closures. Maddalena reopened stronger, hiring the two stylists who remain with her today. “We’re small but mighty,” she says. “And we’re very intentional about the culture we’ve built.”
Her team works on an hourly pay model, not commission—an uncommon structure in the beauty industry. “It removes competition. No one is fighting over clients. Every client who walks in is our client,” she says.
Specialty Services and Innovation
AM Salon has become known for two specialties: blonding and extensions, particularly Maddalena’s customized installation techniques. “Extensions are never one-size-fits-all,” she explains. “I tailor every install to the client’s density, goals and lifestyle.”
Most recently, she trained with Hairdreams, becoming the only certified stylist in the region offering its MicroLines system—a life-changing option for clients with thinning hair or medical hair loss. “There aren’t many solutions for thinning at the top of the head,” she says. “This gives people confidence back.”
Another standout service is their Japanese head spa, led by stylist Tina. Quiet, soothing and highly therapeutic, the treatment blends scalp analysis, massage, water therapy and a full blowout—an elevated self-care ritual that has exploded in popularity. “People walk out asking what day it is—they’re that relaxed,” Maddalena says.
Education at the Heart of the Salon
Maddalena invests heavily in continuing education—for herself and her team. They partner with Strategies, a business coaching company for salons and spas, and regularly train in new techniques. “The industry changes constantly,” she says. “If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.”
Her stylists also bring diverse strengths: Shirley specializes in everything from vivid colors to perms (yes, they’re back), while Tina focuses on scalp health and spa services. “We’re not cookie cutter,” Maddalena says. “We each have our own passions—and that means we offer something for everyone.”
Resilience and Roots
Surviving a recession, launching just before a pandemic and navigating the ever-changing beauty landscape has shaped Maddalena into a business owner with grit.
“I grew up on a farm—work wasn’t done until it was done,” she says. “Quitting has never been an option.”
What’s Next for AM Salon
Looking ahead, Maddalena plans to continue pioneering new treatments, expanding educational opportunities and keeping AM Salon at the forefront of innovation.
“Staying on top of trends is everything,” she says. “And as long as we keep learning and supporting each other, we’ll keep giving our clients the best.”
For this February’s Love Local issue—a time when self-care takes center stage—AM Salon also recommends seasonal treatments like deep-conditioning rituals, luxe blowouts, Japanese head spa sessions and facials to refresh dry winter hair and scalps.
“February is when people really treat themselves,” she says. “We love being part of that.”
For more information visit amsalonnj.com.
AM Salon
A bright, modern salon offering haircuts, color services, blonding, extensions, balayage and keratin treatments. Known for its team-based approach and specialty services including Japanese head spa treatments and customized extension work.
Address: 8 Main St., Flemington, NJ
Phone: (908) 483-5128
Hours:
• Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Sunday & Monday: Closed
Instagram: @amsalonnj