Back of woman with long, straight, blonde hair wearing a light-colored eyelet blouse, adjusting her hair with both hands, in a salon or similar setting.

Timeless style, reimagined

Tucked between La Moda and Esthetique on Whitney, we have stayed snug in the same building in Hamden since 1978.

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.

amy

Master Colorist

Book with Amy

Beata

Senior Stylist

Book with Beata

Laura

Senior Stylist

Book with Laura

Liz

Senior Stylist

Book with Elizabeth

Margaret Thompson, master stylist in Hamden CT

Margaret

Master Stylist

Book with Margaret

Michael Cantarella, owner and master stylist in Hamden CT

Michael

Owner, Master Stylist

Book with Michael

Richard Penna, founder and master stylist of Richard Penna Hair in Hamden CT

Richard

Master Stylist, Founder/Namesake

Book With Richard

Robert

Senior Stylist

Book with Robert

Rose

Senior Stylist

Book with Rose

Tito Santiago, expert stylist in Hamden CT

tito

Expert Stylist

Book with Tito

 
Salon Hours

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 the greater New Haven area. 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.