Why Vamp Salon Extension Studio Is More Than Just a Hair Salon: A Story of Strength, Style, and Second Chances
At Vamp Salon Extension Studio, we believe hair has the power to do more than just make you look good—it can help you feel whole again.
In 2011, Vamp Salon was born from a dream and a conversation. James Creston, a lifelong aspiring entrepreneur, teamed up with his sister-in-law, Katie Miller, over Easter weekend to turn an idea into something real. That November, they opened the doors of Vamp Salon in Oakley, California. For 10 years, they built a space defined by warmth, artistry, and transformation.
But behind the scissors and color bowls is a deeper story—one that changed the salon’s mission forever.
In January 2017, the power plant where James worked full-time suffered a massive explosion, leading to a year-long outage and over $100 million in repairs. James spent 12-hour days, six days a week, supporting the rebuild and managing hundreds of contractors. When he started to feel ill later that year, he chalked it up to exhaustion.
By January 2018—just as the plant was back online—James was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. What began as stage 2B was later found to be stage 4, with cancer having spread to his femur bone.
Before starting chemotherapy, James asked Katie to shave his long hair. He thought he could handle it.
He couldn’t have been more wrong.
In that moment, with the buzzing of the clippers and the reflection in the mirror, the reality of cancer came crashing in. James, usually stoic and composed, couldn’t hide what was written across his face: fear, vulnerability, uncertainty. And yet, he showed up and endured one of the hardest seasons of his life.
It was during this time that James truly understood what hair can mean to someone. It’s not just strands—it’s identity, strength, and a sense of normalcy when the world feels anything but normal.
That experience forever shaped the heart of Vamp Salon.
Today, Vamp Salon Extension Studio isn’t just about looking good. It’s about restoring confidence. Whether it’s a bold new haircut, rich color, or luxury hand-tied extensions, every appointment is a chance to help someone step into a new chapter—feeling seen, supported, and strong.
What Sets Vamp Salon Apart?
- ✨ Expertise You Can Trust: Our stylists are highly trained in advanced color blending, precision cutting, and extension techniques like NBR™ and WBR™.
- ✨ Personalized Service: Every client receives a custom consultation tailored to their hair goals, type, and lifestyle.
- ✨ Premium, Earth-Friendly Products: We proudly use R+Co and R+Co BLEU—cruelty-free, vegan products designed to protect hair health and vibrancy.
- ✨ Comfort & Care: From complimentary beverages to a cozy vibe, our studio is a place to relax and reconnect with yourself.
More Than a Salon—A Community With Heart
James is now a board member of Adventure Therapy Foundation, a nonprofit that supports those navigating cancer with connection, empowerment, and healing experiences.
We believe beauty and purpose can coexist. Every cut, color, and conversation at Vamp Salon is rooted in that belief.
Book Your Appointment or Consultation Today
We offer services for:
- ✂️ Haircuts – Precision shaping tailored to your features and lifestyle
- 🎨 Hair Color – From sun-kissed balayage to vivid transformations
- 💇♀️ Hair Extensions – Hand-tied luxury with premium Isla and Bellami hair
📅 Book a complimentary extension consultation
🎨 Book your custom color appointment
✂️ Schedule your haircut now
🛍️ Shop our favorite R+Co haircare products
🌟 Ready for a transformation rooted in strength and style? Book online or call us at 925-306-7742 to experience Brentwood’s most trusted salon for hair, confidence, and care.
