How to Revitalize Damaged Beach Hair at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Summer is one of the best seasons of the year — but between the ocean, the pool, and the sun, it can be one of the hardest on your hair. Salt water strips moisture, chlorine fades color and weakens the hair shaft, and UV exposure dries and damages even healthy strands. The good news is that with the right routine and professional products, you can revive your hair after a summer of beach days. Here’s how the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ recommends approaching post-beach hair care.

Right After Swimming: Don’t Brush Wet Hair

One of the most common mistakes people make after getting out of the water is immediately brushing their hair. Wet hair — especially hair that has been exposed to salt or chlorine — is in a dry, brittle state and significantly more prone to breakage. Instead of brushing, gently squeeze out excess water and apply a professional leave-in conditioner to the ends. This adds moisture back before the hair dries and helps prevent split ends from worsening. Once the leave-in has been applied, you can work through any tangles with a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush, starting from the ends and working upward.

When There’s No Time to Shower

On busy beach days when there isn’t time to fully wash and style, start by applying a small amount of professional smoothing lotion to the hair before brushing. This provides a layer of protection and slip that makes detangling easier and reduces the friction that causes breakage. Work a pump or two through the mid-lengths and ends, then use a brush to smooth the hair and style as desired.

In the Shower: Prioritize Deep Conditioning

After a week of sun and water exposure, a professional deep conditioning treatment is one of the most important things you can do for your hair. Look for a treatment specifically designed to repair damage and restore moisture — these work by replacing lost proteins and minerals in the hair that are essential for elasticity, strength, and healthy growth. Apply the treatment after shampooing, leave it on for the directed time, then rinse and style as usual. Using a deep conditioner once a week during summer and into early fall gives damaged hair the best chance to recover.

Professional In-Salon Treatments for Summer Damage

If your hair has taken a significant beating over the summer — fading color, increased breakage, extreme dryness, or loss of shine — an in-salon conditioning or repair treatment can deliver results that at-home products simply can’t match. Ask your stylist about professional treatment options at your next appointment.

For more summer hair care tips, visit our summer hair tips post or our summer hair and skin care guide. View our full salon menu or explore our women’s cut and styling services.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a conditioning treatment or appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Thermal Round Brush vs. Boar Bristle Brush: Which Is Right for Your Hair?

Choosing the right hairbrush makes a bigger difference than most people realize. The brush you use during a blowout affects the smoothness, volume, shine, and overall finish of the style. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists are happy to walk guests through product and tool recommendations at any appointment. Here’s a breakdown of the two most common professional brush types and when each works best.

Thermal Round Brushes: Best for Fine to Medium Hair

Thermal round brushes are designed with a hollow or vented barrel that conducts heat from the blow dryer more efficiently than a solid brush. This extended heat distribution allows the hair to mold to the shape of the brush as it dries, which is what creates the lift, volume, and smoothness that makes a blowout look polished.

If you have fine or medium hair that lacks natural volume or tends toward frizz, a thermal round brush is usually the better choice. The brush helps smooth the hair cuticle while building body at the root, and the ionic properties found in many professional brushes help add shine and reduce static. The result is hair that looks fuller, smoother, and more controlled than air-drying alone.

Boar Bristle Brushes: Best for Medium to Coarse or Thick Hair

Boar bristle brushes work differently. Instead of conducting heat through a barrel, they work by redistributing the natural oils from the scalp down through the length of the hair. This gives the hair a natural, reflective shine that is difficult to achieve with synthetic brushes. Boar bristles also create more friction and tension against the hair shaft, which is especially helpful for coarser, thicker, or more resistant hair types that need extra stretch and control during styling.

For guests with medium to coarse or thick hair, a boar bristle brush can produce beautiful results — whether the goal is smooth, straight hair, soft waves, or added volume. The bristles are gentle on the scalp while providing enough grip to work through resistant strands with greater ease.

Which One Should You Use?

A simple rule of thumb: fine or medium hair benefits most from a thermal round brush; medium to coarse or thick hair typically responds better to a boar bristle brush. That said, many stylists use both depending on the section of the hair being worked on and the finish they’re trying to achieve.

If you’re unsure which tool is the right fit for your hair type, ask your stylist at your next appointment. They can make a recommendation based on your specific texture, density, and styling goals. To explore our women’s styling services or view our full salon menu, visit the links above.

Call 732-303-0052 to book at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Professional Hair Color vs. Box Color: 12 Reasons to Choose a Salon

Box color from the drugstore may seem like a convenient and affordable option, but there are significant differences between at-home color and professional hair color applied by a licensed stylist. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our color specialists use professional Goldwell hair color and personalized consultations to help guests achieve the results they want while protecting the health of their hair. Here are 12 reasons why professional color is worth it.

1. No Two People Have the Same Hair

Natural level, underlying pigment, skin tone, medication, hair condition, amount of gray, previous color history, and hormones all affect how color turns out. Box color is formulated for the masses and does not account for any of these individual factors. A professional stylist evaluates all of these before mixing a single drop of color.

2. One Size Does Not Fit All

Box color is designed to work on a wide range of hair types — from dark brown to light blonde, from coarse to fine — using the exact same formula. The developer in box color is often at the highest concentration allowed in salons, or even higher, which frequently causes over-processing and unnecessary damage to the hair.

3. Licensed Stylists Have Specialized Training

Porosity, density, elasticity — these are terms every licensed cosmetologist learns in school and uses every day. They directly affect how color deposits, lifts, and holds in the hair. Box color packaging offers none of this guidance, and getting these factors wrong can mean an unpredictable result.

4. You Cannot See the Back of Your Own Head

Color is meant to be applied to new growth only — not overlapped onto previously colored hair. Overlapping color onto existing artificial color causes damage and uneven, blotchy results. A professional can see every angle, section the hair properly, and apply color only where it needs to go.

5. Professional Color Can Improve Hair Condition

Many people believe coloring hair always leads to dryness or damage. Professional color brands contain conditioning agents and bonding complexes designed to support the hair during the color process. Many professional formulas can actually improve shine and texture. Healthy hair also holds color better and longer.

6. Cap Highlights Are Outdated and Imprecise

Pulling hair through a plastic cap with a hook is painful and imprecise. There is no way to prevent bleach from swelling at the root and creating bleed marks, and the placement is based on a fixed pattern rather than your specific face shape, haircut, or hair goals.

7. Celebrity Color Is Done by Professionals

The color results you see on celebrities and in magazines are achieved by licensed professional colorists — not box color. Those results are possible in a professional salon setting with the right formula, skill, and technique.

8. Box Color Can Expire or Degrade

How long has that box been sitting on the shelf? Box color that has been stored in varying temperatures or has aged past its prime may produce unpredictable results because the active ingredients may have degraded over time.

9. Box Formulas Change Constantly

Box color companies frequently update their formulas to try to keep up with professional products. This means the result you got last time may not be what you get this time. Professional color lines are developed with consistent, tested formulas and a wide range of shades, developers, and additives that a colorist can adjust based on what your hair needs right now.

10. Corrective Color Is Expensive

Most people color at home to save money. But when the result is orange, green, patchy, or just wrong, the only options are walking around with an unwanted result or paying for a professional corrective color service — which can cost significantly more than a professional color appointment would have in the first place.

11. Changing Color Is More Complex Than It Looks

Artificial color does not lift artificial color. Going from brunette to blonde at home is not achievable with box color. Even going darker is not always straightforward. Box color does not contain fillers or missing pigment that may be needed for the hair to accept a new shade correctly. A professional colorist knows when and how to use these techniques to achieve a clean, even result.

12. Advice from Friends or Cashiers Is Not Professional Guidance

Selecting a box color based on the picture on the package or a friend’s recommendation without knowing your hair’s texture, porosity, condition, or color history is a gamble. A licensed colorist evaluates all of these factors and selects a formula based on your specific hair — not a guess.

Professional Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa

At Aurelio Salon & Spa, our stylists went to school, passed their state boards, and spend their days creating beautiful, customized color results. Our clients are a walking advertisement for the work we do, which is why we always work to give you the result you are looking for. To learn more, visit our women’s hair coloring services, our men’s hair coloring services, or our full salon menu. New guests can also check out our new client deals.

Call 732-303-0052 to schedule a color consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Aurelio Salon Updo Featured in 4 Hair Industry Publications

We are proud to share that a creative updo created at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ was featured in four leading hair industry publications — a meaningful recognition of the technical artistry and creative vision our team brings to every service.

The style — described as a “hip-do” — was highlighted for its ability to appeal to trend-conscious clients while remaining elegant enough for special occasions like weddings and prom. The look combined easy-to-do braids in a wispy, whimsical fashion to create an edgy yet refined updo that stands apart from more traditional pinned styles. When paired with bold fashion color, the style makes an even stronger statement.

How to Achieve This Look

The technique begins on dry hair by determining the face-framing pieces — typically the hair that falls in front of the ears — and sectioning them away to be left out or styled separately. A small amount of professional shine crème is worked through the mid-lengths to ends to add shimmer and soft hold to fine or flyaway strands.

The crown is lightly teased for height — the amount of teasing determines how much volume the updo will have, so this step is adjusted based on the desired result. The remaining hair is smoothed back and divided into three sections. Each section is individually braided and secured. The left braid is pulled over to the right and tucked behind the base of the right braid, secured with bobby pins. The right braid repeats in the opposite direction. The middle braid is worked underneath both and secured at the nape, with the ends tucked in and pinned. A firm-hold finishing spray locks everything in place and keeps the style looking clean throughout the event.

Special Occasion and Updo Styling at Aurelio Salon

Our stylists have years of experience creating formal and special occasion updos for weddings, prom, and events of all kinds. Whether you want something classic and refined or creative and editorial, our team can build a look tailored to your vision, your hair type, and the occasion. To learn more, visit our bridal and special occasion styling page, browse our stylist gallery, or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a special occasion styling appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Platinum Blonde and Blue Men’s Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Tim came into Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ ready for a bold new look. Starting from a natural level 4 medium brown, the goal was ambitious: platinum blonde on the sides and roots, fading into a vivid blue on top. The result required a precise combination of professional techniques and Goldwell’s most advanced color systems.

The Cut

The process started with the haircut — a fade on the sides and back, leaving the top long with a hard part. The cut was designed specifically to complement the color direction: the shorter sides would show the platinum blonde graduation, while the longer top would carry the Elumen blue.

Lightening the Hair

To take a level 4 to the platinum blonde needed for this result, the stylist used Goldwell Silk Lift Strong Lightener — a professional high-lift lightener formulated to lift the hair to the very pale, almost white base required for vivid and pastel fashion colors to show up true and bright. After lightening, the hair was toned with Goldwell Colorance to refine the base and reduce any remaining brassiness. The hair was then shampooed with Goldwell Dualsenses Blondes & Highlights Anti-Brassiness Shampoo to further neutralize unwanted warm tones and preserve the cool, clean blonde needed for the blue to look its best.

Applying the Blue with Goldwell Elumen

The ends were pre-treated with Goldwell Elumen Prepare — a pre-color treatment specifically designed for highly lifted and highlighted hair that prepares the hair structure for Elumen application and ensures even color uptake. Elumen was then applied to the top sections. Goldwell Elumen is an oxidant-free, ammonia-free professional hair color — the first of its kind — which means it delivers intense, vivid color results without adding oxidative stress to already-lightened hair. The blue absorbed evenly and brilliantly across the pre-treated sections.

Finishing with Color Lock

After Elumen was rinsed, the stylist applied Goldwell Color Lock Serum — a finishing treatment that locks in color immediately after the service, intensifies color brilliance, and has been proven to extend color retention by up to 22 washes. For vivid fashion colors that are prone to fading faster than natural tones, this step is especially valuable.

To learn more about men’s color services and fashion color options, visit our men’s hair coloring page or our men’s haircut and styling page. Browse our stylist gallery or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Prom Hair Styling at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Prom is one of the most memorable nights of the year — and the right hairstyle is a big part of feeling confident and beautiful for the occasion. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists have years of experience creating prom hairstyles for all hair types, lengths, and dress styles. Whether you want a classic updo, a chic chignon, romantic waves, or a sleek blowout, we will work with you to create a look that fits your vision for the night.

Popular Prom Hairstyle Options

Classic Updo — A polished updo keeps the hair off the face and neck, which photographs beautifully and holds up well throughout the evening. Updos can be designed to suit your dress neckline — a sweetheart or strapless gown often pairs perfectly with a romantic updo that shows off the collarbone and shoulders.

Chignon — The chignon is a timeless, elegant option that never goes out of style. It can be worn low at the nape of the neck or positioned higher on the head depending on your preference, and can be kept sleek and smooth or made softer with face-framing pieces.

Half-Up, Half-Down — For guests who want the best of both worlds, a half-up style combines the elegance of a pinned look with the softness of loose waves or curls. This works especially well for long hair and can be customized with braids, twists, or accessories.

Loose Waves or Curls — If you prefer to wear your hair down, a professional blowout with loose waves or defined curls creates a glamorous, full-bodied look that photographs beautifully. Ask your stylist about anti-humidity products to help the style hold throughout the night.

Tips for Booking Your Prom Hair Appointment

Book early — prom season is one of the busiest times of year at the salon. We recommend reaching out at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your appointment time. If you are bringing friends or a group, let us know and we can help coordinate timing. Bring photos of styles you love, and tell your stylist about your dress, accessories, and any hair pieces you plan to wear so we can design a look that works with all of it.

To learn more about our formal styling services, visit our bridal and special occasion styling page, browse our stylist gallery for inspiration, or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book your prom hair appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Black Cherry Corrective Color by Daisy at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Nicole came into Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ unhappy with her hair. Her previous salon had dyed it black, and the result had left her hair damaged and flat with no dimension or life. She had a clear vision of what she wanted — a rich black cherry color — but getting there required a thoughtful, corrective approach that accounted for the existing black color on the hair without causing further damage. Daisy Rosania, Senior Director at Aurelio Salon, took on the challenge.

Before

After

The Three-Formula Approach

Daisy’s solution was built around three custom Goldwell formulas applied strategically to different sections of the hair. Formula A was applied to the new growth at the root — the virgin hair that had not been previously colored black. On the mid-lengths and ends — where the existing black color sat — Daisy first sprayed Goldwell Dualsenses Equalizer Spray throughout to even out porosity and ensure the color would absorb consistently across these sections. Formula B was then applied to the mid-lengths and ends and allowed to process fully. After processing, Nicole’s hair was washed with Goldwell Dualsenses Color Fadestop Shampoo and Conditioner to seal in the result and protect the color from premature fading.

After towel-drying, Daisy applied Formula C as a glaze over all strands — tying the root, mid-length, and ends together into a seamless, unified result. This glazing step is what creates the depth and dimensional quality of the final black cherry color, preventing it from reading as flat or one-dimensional. After processing, the hair was rinsed, conditioned, and styled.

The Style

To finish, Daisy blow-dried Nicole’s hair using a large round brush for volume and smoothness. The styling products used — a root lift for body, a volumizing mousse for fullness through the mid-lengths, and a finishing spray for shine and hold — completed the transformation. The result was rich, dimensional black cherry color with the kind of shine and softness that only professional Goldwell color delivers.

This Work Was Later Featured in Launchpad and Modern Salon

The before and after images from Nicole’s transformation were picked up and published by two of the hair industry’s most respected publications — Launchpad Magazine and Modern Salon — a recognition of the technical artistry behind this corrective color result. To learn more, read our post on Daisy’s published color work.

To book a corrective color consultation or a color appointment with Daisy or one of our other colorists, visit our women’s hair coloring page or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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7 Tips for Flawless Bridal Hair from Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

For many brides, finding the perfect wedding day hairstyle feels overwhelming. Some feel like they need a dramatic change to look their best — but in most cases, the best bridal hair is a polished, refined version of who you already are. With the right preparation and a trusted stylist at your side, your wedding day hair can be exactly what you’ve envisioned. Here are seven tips from our stylists at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

1. Build a Relationship with Your Stylist Early

Start coming in regularly before the wedding — not just for the big day. The more time your stylist has with your hair, the better they will understand your texture, density, growth patterns, personal style, and face shape. All of that knowledge contributes to a result you’ll actually love on the day.

2. Always Do a Trial Run

A bridal hair trial is money well spent. It lets you see exactly what your hair will look like before the wedding and gives you and your stylist time to adjust anything that isn’t quite right. Bring in photos of styles you love — and photos of styles you don’t. Both are equally helpful. After the trial, wear the style for several hours to see how it holds up throughout the day.

3. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

On the morning of the wedding, build more time into the schedule than you think you’ll need. Hair takes longer than expected, especially with a full wedding party. Feeling rushed is the enemy of a relaxed, beautiful result. Give yourself — and your stylist — plenty of breathing room.

4. Be Yourself

Wedding hair doesn’t have to mean long, flowing locks or a dramatic updo. The best bridal hairstyle is one that makes you feel like yourself. If you’ve always worn your hair short, a chic, polished short style on your wedding day can look absolutely stunning. Don’t stray so far from your comfort zone that you feel like a different person on the most photographed day of your life.

5. Speak Up

If something doesn’t feel right — the placement of pins, the direction of the style, the height of an updo — say something immediately. It is much easier to adjust while your stylist is still working than to ask for changes after everything has been set. Your stylist is there to make you happy.

6. Stick with Your Trial Look

If you loved your trial, trust it on the day. Last-minute changes to a bridal style — especially when time is limited — rarely go as planned and often result in stress. When you love the result of your trial, commit to it and enjoy the morning.

7. Consider the Weather and Season

Humidity and heat can affect how certain styles hold throughout the day. If your wedding is in summer, a polished updo or pinned style often holds better than loose waves or blow-dried styles that can fall in humidity. Talk to your stylist about what will work best for your hair type and the conditions of your wedding day.

Plan Your Bridal Hair at Aurelio Salon & Spa

Our stylists offer bridal hair consultations, trials, and full wedding day services for brides and wedding parties in Howell, NJ. To learn more, visit our bridal and wedding services page, browse our stylist gallery for inspiration, or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to schedule a bridal consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Aurelio Salon Featured in Contemporary Bride Magazine | Howell, NJ

Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ was featured in Contemporary Bride Magazine — a leading local wedding resource for brides planning New York and New Jersey weddings. A bridal hairstyle created by one of our stylists was selected for inclusion in the magazine’s Spring/Summer edition, highlighting the quality of bridal work produced at our salon.

About Contemporary Bride Magazine

Contemporary Bride Magazine is a regional publication serving brides throughout New York and New Jersey. Each issue is filled with ideas, inspiration, vendor recommendations, and real wedding features to help couples plan their wedding day. Being featured in the magazine is a meaningful recognition for any bridal stylist or salon.

Bridal Hair at Aurelio Salon

Aurelio Salon & Spa has been creating bridal hairstyles for brides, bridal parties, and wedding guests for nearly two decades. Our stylists specialize in updos, formal styles, soft waves, and romantic bridal looks designed to last through a full wedding day and evening.

We work with brides individually to plan their bridal look from the trial appointment through the wedding day. Whether you are looking for a classic updo, a modern braided style, flowing waves, or a sleek sophisticated finish, our team can help you find the look that feels right for your wedding.

Book Your Bridal Hair Appointment

If you are planning a wedding in Howell, Freehold, Wall, Marlboro, Manalapan, Jackson, Brick, or anywhere in Monmouth or Ocean County, Aurelio Salon & Spa can help you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Learn more about our bridal hair and wedding styling services. Aurelio Salon & Spa is located at 2448 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. Call 732-303-0052 to schedule your bridal consultation.

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