the stylists
Everyone at Richard Penna Hair is committed to providing our clients with expert knowledge, attention to detail, and memorable service. Each visit is uniquely catered to whatever you need or desire for your hair - you dream it, we can do it! See our complete list of services.
Michael Cantarella
Owner, Master Stylist
Richard Penna
Master Stylist, Founder/Namesake
Tracey vingiano
Master Stylist
Margaret Thompson
Master Stylist
tito santiago
Expert Stylist
amy paleski
Master Colorist
Elizabeth Forslund
Senior Stylist
Robert Falanga
Senior Stylist
Beata Iwanczuk
Senior Stylist
Rose deieso
Senior Stylist
Laura Carrano-Lanza
Senior Stylist
Our history
Richard Penna Salon was opened in 1978 by founder Richard Penna and has remained in its same location on Whitney Avenue throughout the decades - solidifying it as a Hamden staple. Richard’s efforts working on Channel 8 and the Sally Jessy Raphael Show in the 80s and 90s gave both him and the salon notoriety as being the “it” place to get your hair styled in Connecticut. In 2019, longtime employee and protégé Michael Cantarella purchased the salon from Richard and renamed it Richard Penna Hair - allowing for its iconic influence to remain while also re-affirming its legacy as Hamden’s premier modern hair salon.