Damson is a deep-toned plum known for its richness, resilience, and understated beauty. It carries a sense of heritage and refinement, soft on the surface, yet bold in character.

For us, Damson represents the balance we bring to our work: femininity with strength, artistry with precision, and elegance grounded in expertise.

Founded by experienced hair professionals Kara Hurston and Kristen Mayo, DAMSON Studio is a space where experience meets intention. Every detail from the environment we’ve created to the way we approach our craft is guided by a commitment to thoughtful, elevated hair design.

DAMSON Studio is a proudly women-owned business grounded in artistry, equality, and respect. We are committed to creating a welcoming space where all guests feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Kara Hurston
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Cutting

Kara Hurston brings over 20 years of experience as a highly sought-after hairstylist known for her precision cutting, timeless aesthetic, and deeply loyal clientele. Her career spans Boston and Los Angeles, with styling work across multiple New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, as well as private clients across entertainment and politics. She has been recognized with Boston Magazine’s Best Women’s Haircut in both 2015 and 2024 and was a finalist in the Behind the Chair – One Shot Awards, a premiere international hair competition recognized globally for excellence in talent and craftsmanship.

Throughout her career, Kara has built a reputation for disciplined technique, thoughtful design, and an unwavering commitment to quality. DAMSON Studio represents the culmination of her creative vision and real-world industry expertise—balancing elevated artistry with a pragmatic, financially grounded approach shaped by decades behind the chair.

When she’s not behind the chair, Kara enjoys time with her wife, Kristen, and daughter, Prim—at home in their quaint beach community or traveling to their favorite destination, St. Martin.

Kristen Mayo
Co-Founder, Color Director & Master Colorist

Kristen Mayo (formerly Scott) brings a level of craft and technical mastery in color that reflects DAMSON Studio’s commitment to precision and longevity. With over a decade in the industry, she is known for her refined approach to color application—specializing in lived-in, low-maintenance results that are meticulously customized to each client. Her work prioritizes the integrity of the hair, thoughtful formulation, and techniques designed to age beautifully over time.

 Kristen’s practice is grounded in consistency, trust, and long-term client relationships. Her calm, intentional approach and technical fluency make her an essential counterpart in shaping DAMSON Studio’s standard of care—where confidence, ease, and craftsmanship define the experience.

 Outside the studio, Kristen is enjoying life on the South Shore with her husband, Sean, and their two sons, Parker and Caden. A devoted Patriots fan in fall and winter, she spends summers on the Cape and in Nantucket.