Esther Faith // Owner & Senior Stylist

Esther Faith is the owner / lead stylist at Salty Hair Salon. She grew up right here on the little strip of paradise we call Kitty Hawk. Esther received her training at Paul Mitchell the School Nashville, Tennessee. She became a hair stylist because she loves bringing out the best in people. What better way to do that than to enhance their natural beauty? She loves all things cosmetology, but especially enjoys balayage, blonding and cutting. As a born and raised beach babe, she draws her inspiration for Salty Hair from the ocean, her love of surfing and the laid back beach culture of the Banks. Now, a new mother to her daughter Emmy, she loves spending quality connection time with her sweet girl. She hopes that our bright and intimate space can be a day escape for our guests while feeling comfortable and right at home. 

Forest Davis // Owner & Barber

Forest is the Husband of Esther. He was born + raised on the Outer Banks. He is passionate about Barbering and loves merging modern styles with classic looks. He enjoys curating the Salty brand and helping encourage the staff.  Esther and Forest work together well as a husband + wife team. Their first born, Emmy Grace arrived in 2023 and she is their little ray of sunshine. They both have so much passion for their little slice of homeland and they draw a lot of their inspiration, passion, and vision from the culture of the Outer Banks. Forest enjoys skateboarding, surfing, music and slowing down to rest in his home in his free time.

Mariah Gardner // Salon Coordinator & Retail Curator

Originally from Georgia, Mariah and her fiancé have long shared a love for Outer Banks and recently made the official move in 2023 and joined the Salty team!  A background in brand marketing and social media development, wants to bring her passion for creativity and community to the salon every day.

 As Salon Manager, she oversees the team, manages bookings, and curates product orders. Mariah also creates social media content and photography to help tell the brand’s story. With a focus on community and creativity, she’s dedicated to supporting Salty Hair’s growth and enhancing the client experience.

Cordelia Tsonev // Senior Stylist

Cordelia is an Outer Banks native. After she gradated from NC State, she realized hair was her passion. She went to cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell the School in Costa Mesa, California and returned back home after receiving her license. She is skilled in blonding and balayage and loves achieving natural, lived-in, sun-kissed hair. Cordelia has always been creative and loves the challenge of transformations! She is continually staying up to date with her knowledge and skills.

Kristen Fowlkes // Senior Stylist

Kristen moved to the Outer Banks, from Northern Virginia in 2022. While in cosmetology school, she apprenticed in color and graduated from an advanced cutting program at Elizabeth Arden Red Door in Reston, Virginia. She spent 15 years with Red Door as Hair Designer building her career. As a former salon owner herself, Kristen is thrilled to be back behind the chair. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, bridal and event styling is one of her specialties. She is known for her soft, precise cutting techniques and has a passion for working with Blondes and Brondies. Kristen is a proud mom to two sweet girls and a fur baby, balancing family life with her passion for making people feel beautiful.

Annabelle Lawrence // Stylist

Annabelle is an Outer Banks native with a deep passion for hair and beauty, particularly color theory, highlights, and balayages. After earning two associate degrees from COA, they explored a variety of career paths, including Fire/EMT and Real Estate, before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in cosmetology. After becoming licensed, Annabelle worked at a luxury salon in Raleigh before returning home to continue her work as a hair stylist. Specializing in blondes and lived-in colors, she also enjoys styling hair and makeup for special events. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her expertise by pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, blending their creative skills with an interest in technical fields.

Caroline Haywood // Stylist

Caroline is a proud native of the Outer Banks, where her passion for the beach, fitness, and the beauty and fashion industry flourished. She graduated from the Cosmetology program at the College of the Albemarle in 2022. She enjoys doing blondes, lived-in color, and bridal hair and makeup, Caroline is dedicated to connecting with her clients and enhancing their confidence and beauty. She is enthusiastic about her future at Salty and excited to build her clientele!

Caris Faucette // Stylist

Caris, while she is a native of North Carolina, she is new to the Outer Banks! She studied cosmetology at Leon’s Beauty School in Greensboro NC and has been doing hair for 3 years now. She specialized in lived in color and balayage along with bridal styles. Her favorite part of being behind the chair is getting to make her clients feel special and forming relationships that last. She is excited to grow her clientele and have you sit in her chair!