Hillsborough is one of those towns where you can't throw a rock without hitting a strip mall, but tucked away in the Amwell Mall at 450 Amwell Road, there’s a spot that’s been a local fixture since 2006. We’re talking about Fantastic Sams Hillsborough NJ. Most people assume it’s just another "cheap haircut" joint where you go when you’re desperate and your regular stylist is booked until 2028. Honestly? That’s not the whole story.
It’s weirdly polarizing. You’ve got regulars who have been seeing Janet Santora—the owner—or stylists like Liz and Sonia for over a decade. Then you’ve got the folks who walk in expecting a $300 SoHo balayage experience for fifty bucks and leave grumpy. Basically, it’s a full-service salon masquerading as a quick-stop shop, and if you don’t know how to navigate it, you’re probably leaving money—or hair—on the table.
The "Budget Salon" Myth vs. Reality
People hear "Fantastic Sams" and they think of those 1980s commercials. But the Hillsborough location operates a bit differently than the corporate giants like Supercuts. Since it's independently owned, there’s a specific vibe here. It’s not just about clipping ends; they do the heavy lifting: perms, full-color transformations, and even facial waxing.
You’ve probably seen the sign from Amwell Road and wondered if they actually do good color. They do. But—and this is a big "but"—it’s a franchise model. This means the quality can fluctuate if there's high staff turnover. In 2026, the industry is seeing a massive shift where stylists want more independence, yet this location has managed to keep some familiar faces behind the chairs for years.
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What’s actually on the menu?
- The FS Shampoo Therapy: This is their "thing." Every haircut comes with a three-minute scalp massage. If you’re just there for a trim and they skip this, speak up. It’s literally built into the price.
- Color Bar services: They don’t just use "box" equivalent dyes. They use professional lines, including their own FS brand.
- Texturizing: They still do perms. A lot of modern "boutique" salons won't touch a perm with a ten-foot pole because they're time-consuming and finicky. Hillsborough handles them regularly.
- Kids and Seniors: This is their bread and butter. It’s one of the few places in town where a kid’s cut won’t cost more than your weekly grocery bill.
Why the Reviews are All Over the Place
If you look up Fantastic Sams Hillsborough NJ online, you’ll see a chaotic mix of five-star raves and one-star rants. It’s fascinating. Usually, the complaints stem from one of two things: pricing surprises or "the Groupon trap."
Let's talk money. A "Ladies Haircut" might be listed at around $29.95, but that’s the base. If you want a blowout, the price jumps. If your hair is long enough to touch your waist, there’s an upcharge. Some customers have felt "shocked" by price increases that weren't updated on every single flyer. Pro tip: Always ask for the "all-in" price during the consultation before they even turn on the faucet.
Then there’s the wait. They take walk-ins, which is great for a last-minute "I can't look at these split ends anymore" emergency. But "walk-in welcome" doesn't mean "walk-in immediate." On a Saturday morning, you might be staring at the wall for 40 minutes.
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The Stylist Lottery
In any franchise, you have stylists with twenty years of experience working next to someone who graduated beauty school six months ago. In Hillsborough, names like Liz and Sonia come up constantly in positive feedback. They’re the "anchors." If you’re going in for something complex, like a balayage or a color correction, don't just take whoever is next in the rotation. Ask for a senior stylist. It sounds elitist, but it’s your hair.
The Logistics You Actually Need
The salon is open seven days a week, which is a rarity in the local hair world. Most high-end salons in the area shutter on Sundays or Mondays.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
They’re located across from the post office. It’s a convenient spot, but the parking lot can be a nightmare during the lunch rush because of the other businesses in Amwell Mall. If you have an appointment, give yourself an extra five minutes just to find a space that isn't a mile away.
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Is It Actually "Fantastic"?
Sorta depends on what you need. If you want a luxury experience with cucumber water and a stylist who spends three hours whispering to your tresses, this isn't it. This is a "get it done, make it look good, and get back to your life" kind of place.
The salon is clean and well-lit. It’s LGBTQ+ friendly and wheelchair accessible. It’s the kind of place where the person in the chair next to you is probably a neighbor you haven't seen since the last PTA meeting. There’s a community feel that you don't get at the ultra-expensive salons in Princeton or Somerville.
A Note on Modern Hair Trends
Even though it's a franchise, they try to stay current. In 2025 and heading into 2026, we've seen a massive resurgence in "lived-in color" and "butterfly cuts." The stylists here get corporate training on these trends. However, be realistic. If you show them a photo of a celebrity with $2,000 extensions and a professional lighting crew, no $70 haircut is going to replicate that perfectly.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. If you want the best result at Fantastic Sams Hillsborough NJ, follow these steps:
- Call ahead for a specific stylist. Don't rely on the "luck of the draw." If you've read a good review about someone, request them by name at 908-281-0148.
- The "Dry Cut" Hack. If you’re on a super tight budget and just need the dead ends gone, ask if they can do a dry cut. Sometimes it saves a few dollars and a lot of time, though they usually prefer the full shampoo experience.
- Check for Coupons. They almost always have a deal running in the Money Mailer or local Hillsborough circulars. Check your mail before you go.
- The Consultation is Key. Spend five minutes talking about your hair history. If you used box dye three months ago, tell them. If you don't, your "simple" highlight service might turn your hair orange, and that’s not the stylist’s fault.
- Verify the price. Before the cape goes on, say: "Just to be sure, what is the total for the cut, wash, and style?" It prevents that awkward moment at the cash register.
Whether you're looking for a quick trim for your toddler or a routine root touch-up, this Hillsborough staple provides a service that’s increasingly hard to find: reliable, mid-range hair care that doesn't require a lifestyle change to afford. It isn't a high-fashion runway studio, but for the residents of 08844, it’s a consistent, local option that gets the job done.