Easy Summer Braid Hairstyles from Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Summer hair can go one of two ways: effortlessly great or completely frustrating. If you’re looking for styles that hold up in the heat, work with humidity, and still look polished, braids are one of the best options out there. The styles below only require basic braiding as a skill — they don’t have to be perfect to look good. If you’re still learning, a quick YouTube search or a question to your stylist at your next appointment can get you started.

Here are three summer braid styles our team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ loves.

The Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail is one of those styles that works almost anywhere — a casual outing with friends, a summer wedding, or a day by the water. It keeps hair off your neck in the heat, which alone makes it a summer essential. It also photographs beautifully and holds up throughout the day without much maintenance.

To get the best results, use a professional texturizing or messing crème to braid your hair — this gives the braid grip and definition without making it stiff. Once the ponytail is secured, smooth it with a professional anti-frizz or smoothing lotion to control flyaways. Finish with a light anti-humidity spray to protect against moisture in the air and add shine. There are countless variations of the braided ponytail to try — from a single braid wrapped around the base of the ponytail to a full fishtail braid running the length of it.

The Double Dutch Braid

The double Dutch braid has been everywhere for good reason — it’s practical, stylish, and keeps all of the hair secured and out of the way. A great way to prep this style is to start with clean, freshly washed hair and let it air dry to about 75% before applying any product.

Once the hair has reached that level of dampness, apply a small amount of a professional wave foam or curl-enhancing product from roots to ends. Use a light hand — a little goes a long way with moisture-rich formulas. Once the product is evenly distributed, begin your Dutch braids on either side. You can braid all the way to the ends for a sleek, finished look, or stop at the nape of the neck and leave the remaining hair loose. If you leave hair out at the bottom, a few sprays of sea salt spray will add texture and help it blend naturally with the braided portion. Finish by applying a quick-dry blow dry spray to help the style set faster.

The Boho Braid

The boho braid is a relaxed, romantic carry-over from recent seasons that has earned a permanent spot in summer hair. It works beautifully on dry hair with the help of a few professional styling products applied beforehand.

Start by spraying a lightweight texturizing spray around the crown of the head to add volume and grip. Apply a professional messing or styling crème to the mid-lengths and ends. For extra shine and to tame any dry ends, finish with a small amount of a professional smoothing oil on the ends. Once your products are in place, begin your braid at the nape of the neck. Leave a few pieces loose around the face for softness. After completing the braid, gently pull pieces from the outside to fan it out, then work your way up toward the crown, pulling on the hair to create volume. Fresh flowers, simple pins, or a ribbon can dress this style up for a formal summer event or keep it completely effortless for everyday wear.

Book Your Summer Hair Appointment at Aurelio Salon

Our stylists are happy to show you how to recreate any of these styles at home, or to help you find a summer look that works best for your hair type and lifestyle. Visit our women’s haircut and styling page or our stylist gallery for more inspiration. New guests can also check out our new client deals before booking.

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

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Summer Hair Tips from Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Summer is a great season, but it can also be hard on your hair. Between the ocean, the pool, the sun, and the heat, hair takes on a lot of extra stress from June through September. The good news is that a few simple habits and the right professional products can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels all summer long. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists are happy to share their favorite summer hair tips.

Pre-Soak Your Hair Before Swimming

This is one of the most effective — and most overlooked — summer hair tips. Before getting in the pool or the ocean, thoroughly saturate your hair with fresh, clean water. Dry hair is porous and will absorb whatever liquid it comes into contact with first. By pre-soaking your hair with clean water, you help reduce how much chlorine or salt water the hair can absorb. Think of it as creating a protective barrier between your strands and the pool or ocean. This simple step can significantly reduce the drying and damage that swimming causes over time.

Use a Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Chlorine and salt water can both strip color and dry out the hair. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo during the summer months is an easy way to help preserve your color and keep the hair feeling softer. Ask your stylist at your next appointment which professional shampoo is the best fit for your hair type and color.

Protect Against Humidity and Heat

Summer heat and humidity can cause frizz, flyaways, and loss of style definition — especially for guests with naturally wavy, curly, or color-treated hair. A professional smoothing serum, heat protectant spray, or anti-humidity product applied before styling can help the hair hold its shape and reduce frizz throughout the day. Your stylist can recommend the right option based on your hair texture. Guests with curly hair may also benefit from visiting our curly hair services page for additional guidance.

Rinse Hair After Swimming

Whether you swim in a pool or the ocean, rinsing your hair with clean water immediately after getting out is one of the best things you can do. This helps remove chlorine, salt, and other residue before it has time to dry in the hair and cause buildup or damage. Follow with a gentle shampoo and a hydrating conditioner when you get home.

Add a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Summer hair tends to get drier and more porous over time due to the combination of sun, salt, chlorine, and heat styling. Adding a professional deep conditioning treatment to your routine — either at home or during a salon visit — can help restore moisture, softness, and shine. Ask your stylist about in-salon treatments or take-home conditioning options that work well for your hair type.

Trim Regularly to Keep Ends Healthy

Split ends and dryness tend to get worse over summer if left unaddressed. A regular trim every 6 to 8 weeks helps keep ends looking healthy and prevents damage from traveling further up the hair shaft. If you are growing your hair out, a light dusting can still help maintain the hair’s condition without sacrificing length. Learn more about our women’s haircut and styling services or our men’s haircut and styling services.

Book a Summer Appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa

Aurelio Salon & Spa offers professional haircuts, color, conditioning treatments, styling, and product guidance in Howell, NJ. To view our services, visit our full salon menu or browse our stylist gallery for inspiration. New guests can also check out our new client deals.

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

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How to Get a Flawless Blowout for Curly or Coarse Hair in Howell, NJ

Achieving a smooth, voluminous blowout on naturally curly or coarse hair requires more than technique — it requires the right professional products applied in the right sequence. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists work with guests who have all hair types, including naturally curly, coarse, and frizz-prone hair, to help them achieve polished, beautiful blowout results that last.

The Challenge: Curly, Coarse Hair and Blowouts

For guests with naturally coarse, tight curls or frizz-prone hair, a blowout presents a specific set of challenges. The goal is typically to achieve volume and fullness while keeping the hair smooth and controlled — without the result falling flat or frizzing back up within hours. This requires a layered product approach that addresses body, frizz control, smoothness, and humidity protection all at once.

Step 1: Build Body and Protect with a Blow-Dry Spray

A professional volume blow-dry spray is the first step. Applied before heat styling, it helps strengthen the hair while adding body and providing heat protection from the blow dryer. For coarser textures, a strengthening formula that supports elasticity and fullness is the right choice. This step sets the foundation for a blowout that has lift at the root and shape through the mid-lengths and ends.

Step 2: Smooth and Tame with a Smoothing Fluid

After the blow-dry spray, a professional smoothing fluid is applied to address the hair’s texture. For coarse or curly hair, a smoothing fluid helps reshape the hair during the blow-dry process — reducing waves, taming overall structure, and preventing frizz from returning as the hair dries. This product is key for guests who want the blowout to look polished rather than puffy or uneven.

Step 3: Finish with a Protective Oil for Shine and Humidity Control

The final step is a professional protective oil applied to seal in the style. A lightweight oil provides shine and softness, gives the hair a healthy-looking finish, and helps protect against humidity — which is essential for guests in New Jersey, where summer and seasonal humidity can work against even the best blowout. A small amount worked through the ends and mid-lengths is typically all that is needed.

The Kerasilk Difference

Kerasilk by Goldwell offers a professional product line designed specifically for different hair types and styling needs, including formulas for volume, smoothing, and frizz control. The combination of a Kerasilk treatment and the right Kerasilk styling products can deliver results that are noticeably more polished and longer-lasting than what everyday products can achieve. Ask your stylist whether a Kerasilk in-salon treatment might be a good option before your next blowout appointment.

Blowout and Styling Services at Aurelio Salon & Spa

Aurelio Salon & Spa offers professional blowouts, styling, haircutting, and curly hair services in Howell, NJ. Our stylists can recommend the right products and techniques for your hair type so you can recreate a great blowout at home. To learn more, visit our women’s haircut and styling services page, view our full salon menu, or browse our stylist gallery for inspiration.

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

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Top 5 Summer Hair Styling Products from Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Summer weather can be tough on hair. Humidity, perspiration, rain, and heat waves all work against your style. The good news is that the right professional products make a real difference. Our stylists at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ put together their top picks for surviving — and thriving — through summer with great hair. Here are five professional styling products our team reaches for all season long.

#1 Sea Salt Spray

When our stylists were asked about their favorite summer hair product, sea salt spray came up time and again. It’s no surprise — everyone loves that effortless, just-came-from-the-beach look, and here in Monmouth County, plenty of people actually are coming from the beach. What makes a professional sea salt spray special is the difference it creates between tastefully styled beachy waves and unmanageable frizz.

Sea salt spray works on virtually every hair type. Curly hair benefits from the added texture and volume. Straight hair gets grit and movement it doesn’t naturally have. Short hair can achieve pieced, edgy definition. And for wavy hair, it can truly go above and beyond. Sea salt spray is also more versatile than many people realize — it can be used before a blowout on fine hair to add bulk and improve control, not just for air-drying. Pair it with a blow dry spray for a winning combination all summer.

#2 Quick Blow Dry Spray

A professional blow dry spray is a must-have for anyone who blow dries their hair — which is most people. The right formula can cut drying time significantly, which is especially valuable for guests with longer hair. Heat protection and conditioning agents work together to deliver soft, protected, and faster-styled results. Less time under the dryer means less heat exposure and healthier hair over time. It’s one of those products that quietly does a lot of work every single day.

#3 Wave Foam

Wave foam is a summer favorite for our curly-haired guests. Blow-drying curly hair straight takes time and effort — and in summer humidity, it’s an even bigger challenge. A professional wave foam applied to damp hair can be air-dried for a natural, relaxed texture, or diffused for a fuller, more defined look. Either way, it works with the hair’s natural curl pattern rather than against it. Many formulas also include conditioning agents that help soften and hydrate curly hair throughout the styling process.

Pair wave foam with a professional curl perfecting lotion for even better results. A good perfecting lotion wraps around the natural curl and eliminates frizz — letting the curl do exactly what it’s designed to do. If you have naturally curly hair, visit our curly hair services page to learn more about our curly hair expertise at Aurelio Salon.

#4 Anti-Humidity Seal

Humidity is the enemy of a good blowout, and in New Jersey summers, it’s unavoidable. A professional anti-humidity seal provides a lightweight protective barrier against moisture in the air, keeping styles smooth and polished even when the weather is working against you. A light mist applied over a finished style can extend the life of a blowout, smooth out beachy waves for an evening look, and add shine without heaviness. For guests heading out by the water or dealing with rainy-day appointments, this product is indispensable.

#5 Dry Touch-Up Spray

A dry touch-up spray might be the most underrated product of summer. One of the most common warm-weather hair issues is dryness and stress at the ends — caused by sun exposure, heat styling, salt water, and wind. At the same time, scalps can become oilier, which leads many people to wash their hair more frequently. That increased washing removes natural oils from the ends at a time when they need protection most. A professional dry touch-up spray addresses this directly: it adds shine, detangles, and conditions the ends without adding weight or greasiness. Keep one in your bag all summer and your ends will be in far better shape come fall.

Ask Our Stylists for a Product Recommendation

The right product depends on your hair type, texture, color, and lifestyle. At your next appointment, ask one of our stylists which professional styling products are the best fit for your summer routine. You can also explore our women’s hair coloring services, our women’s haircuts and styling, and our full salon menu. New clients can check out our new client deals before booking.

Call 732-303-0052 or book online with Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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How to Stop Frizzy Hair: Tips and Treatments from Aurelio Salon & Spa

Frizz is one of the most common hair concerns our guests bring to us at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ — and one of the most manageable with the right approach. Whether your frizz is caused by humidity, dryness, damage, or natural texture, there are both at-home habits and professional treatments that make a real difference.

Start in the Shower: The Right Technique

One of the simplest and most effective frizz-reducing habits starts the moment you step out of the shower. Rather than rubbing your hair with a towel — which roughs up the cuticle and creates frizz before styling has even begun — squeeze the hair gently from ends toward the root to remove excess water. After blotting, allow the hair to air dry for 5 to 10 minutes before reaching for the blow dryer. Starting the blow-dry immediately on soaking wet hair increases drying time and the amount of heat the hair is exposed to — both of which contribute to frizz. Do not leave the hair wrapped in a towel for an extended period, as this also causes the cuticle to swell and frizz.

At-Home Products for Frizz Control

A professional smoothing serum or anti-frizz cream applied to damp hair before blow-drying creates a protective coating that keeps moisture from entering the hair shaft — which is the primary mechanism behind humidity-related frizz. Look for professional formulas designed specifically for smoothing or frizz control rather than general styling products, which often don’t have the targeted ingredients needed to address frizz effectively. An anti-humidity finishing spray applied as the last step of your styling routine seals the style and protects it against moisture throughout the day.

Professional Frizz Control Treatments

For guests who deal with significant, persistent frizz — especially those with naturally coarse, curly, or textured hair — an in-salon keratin smoothing treatment delivers results that at-home products simply cannot match. The Kerasilk Keratin Treatment by Goldwell infuses the hair with keratin and silk proteins, reshapes the internal hair structure, and provides up to three to five months of noticeably smoother, softer, and more manageable hair. The treatment is customizable — guests who want to keep their natural curl or wave can retain it while still eliminating frizz and reducing styling time significantly. To learn more, read our post on the Kerasilk keratin smoothing treatment or visit our curly hair services page. View our full salon menu for all available services.

Call 732-303-0052 to ask about frizz control treatments at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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How to Wear Blue Eye Makeup — and Make It Look Modern

Blue eye makeup has a complicated reputation. For decades it was associated with dated or overdone looks — but when approached thoughtfully, blue is actually one of the most striking and wearable eye colors available. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our makeup team works with guests on bridal and event makeup applications, and a well-executed blue eye is one of the looks that generates the most compliments when done right.

The Modern Approach: Liner Over Shadow

The key to a contemporary blue eye is restraint and placement. Rather than covering the entire lid in a heavy, opaque blue shadow — which is what tends to look dated — the modern approach uses a cobalt or navy liner applied along the lash line for a precise, graphic effect. A thin line of navy or cobalt liner creates intensity and definition without the heaviness of a full blue shadow application. It reads as bold and intentional without being overwhelming, and it works across a wide range of skin tones and eye colors.

Balance the Rest of the Face

When the eyes are a statement, the rest of the face should step back. This is the most important rule for making a bold eye look wearable rather than chaotic. Keep the lips soft and neutral — a nude, blush, or barely-there pink — and keep the cheek color subtle and natural. It is the combination of a bold blue eye with heavy or contrasting lip color that tips a look into overdone territory. With a quiet lip and neutral cheek, the blue eye becomes the clear focal point and the overall look stays balanced and elegant.

Choosing the Right Shade of Blue

Cobalt and navy are the most universally flattering blue tones for liner because they have enough depth to create definition without looking washed out against most skin tones. A brighter, more electric blue works well as an accent — a small flick at the outer corner or a pop on the lower lash line — but can be overwhelming as a full liner application. For summer, lighter periwinkle or teal tones applied softly to the lid create a fresh, seasonal effect that feels effortless and appropriate.

Makeup Services at Aurelio Salon

Aurelio Salon & Spa offers professional makeup services for bridal events, special occasions, and day-of styling. Our makeup artists work with all skin tones and personal styles to create looks that photograph beautifully and last throughout the event. To learn more, visit our bridal and special occasion services page or view our full salon menu.

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

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Professional Hair Care Tips from Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Great hair doesn’t happen by accident — it is the result of consistent habits, the right professional care, and products that actually work for your hair type. Here are some of our most practical tips from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Get a Professional Haircut Regularly

Even if you are growing your hair out, regular trims are essential. Split ends travel up the hair shaft if left unaddressed — what starts as a split at the tip eventually works its way higher, causing breakage and preventing the hair from ever reaching the length you are going for. A small trim every 8 to 12 weeks removes the damage before it spreads, keeps the shape looking intentional, and allows the hair to grow healthier and longer over time.

Use Professional Color, Not Box Color

Box color contains heavy pigment deposits and metallic salts that build up in the hair over time and become increasingly difficult to remove or correct. Professional color is formulated to be predictable, healthy, and correctable — and is applied by someone who understands your hair’s history, condition, and how it will respond. Read our post on the top 12 reasons to use professional hair color for a full breakdown of the difference.

Protect Against Heat Damage

Curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons can reach temperatures of up to 400°F. Using any of these tools without a professional heat protectant applied first causes cumulative damage that shows up as frizz, split ends, dullness, and breakage over time. A heat protectant takes seconds to apply and significantly reduces the damage from daily heat styling. Ask your stylist which formula is right for your hair type.

Learn Your Tools from a Professional

The difference between a great blowout and a mediocre one often comes down to technique — not the tools themselves. Ask your stylist to walk you through the right technique for your hair type at your next appointment. A 10-minute lesson in the chair can make a noticeable difference in your results at home every day.

Keep Products Light and Purposeful

Too much product — especially heavy gels, mousses, or sprays — weighs the hair down, creates buildup on the scalp, and can actually make styling more difficult. The goal is touchable, beautiful hair that feels natural. Lighter, targeted professional products used in smaller amounts almost always produce better results than heavy-handed application of multiple products. Ask your stylist for a product edit at your next visit.

Browse our full salon menu or visit our women’s cut and styling page for more information about our services. New guests can also check out our new client deals.

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

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Why Professional Hair Services Matter

Getting your hair done outside of a licensed salon — in someone’s kitchen, basement, or den — might seem like a convenient or cost-effective option. But the risks involved are real, and they are worth understanding before making that choice. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, we believe guests deserve to understand exactly what separates a professional salon experience from an unlicensed one.

No Licensing, No Accountability

Licensed cosmetologists are required to complete hundreds of hours of education, pass state board examinations, and maintain their license through continuing education. A licensed salon is subject to Board of Health regulation, carries insurance, and operates within a framework of professional and legal accountability. When something goes wrong in a professional salon — a reaction, an unsatisfactory result, a safety concern — there are clear channels for resolution. When something goes wrong in an unlicensed setting, there is no recourse, no insurance, and no regulatory body to turn to.

Product Quality and Safety

Professional hair color, relaxers, lighteners, and chemical treatments are formulated for use by trained professionals who understand how to assess the hair’s condition, choose the right formula, and monitor the process. Unlicensed practitioners often use counterfeit, expired, or non-professional products — including box color and off-label chemical treatments — that are not designed for the full range of hair types and conditions they may encounter. The result can be uneven color, damage, scalp irritation, or in severe cases, chemical burns or significant hair loss.

The Real Cost of a Bad Experience

Corrective color and damage repair services are among the most complex and time-intensive work a professional colorist does. Fixing the results of an unlicensed color service — removing box color buildup, repairing chemically burned hair, correcting uneven or muddy color — can take multiple appointments and cost significantly more than the original service would have at a licensed salon. Read our post on the top 12 reasons to use professional hair color for more on why the difference matters.

What You Get at a Professional Salon

At a licensed professional salon like Aurelio Salon & Spa, every service is performed by a trained, licensed stylist using professional-grade products. Our team stays current through ongoing Goldwell education and training. Every guest receives a thorough consultation before any service begins. And our results are backed by years of experience, real accountability, and a genuine commitment to the health and beauty of every guest’s hair.

New to Aurelio Salon? Check out our new client deals, view our full salon menu, or browse our stylist gallery to see our work.

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

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It’s Your Hair — Wear It with Confidence

Whether you wear your hair long, short, or somewhere in between — straight, wavy, or curly — blonde, brunette, or anything else — great hair starts with the right attitude. Fashion is personal. Your hair and makeup should be an extension of who you are, not the other way around.

That means finding a professional stylist who listens, asks the right questions, and helps you land on a look that fits your personality, lifestyle, and the way you actually live your life. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, that’s exactly what our team works to deliver for every guest.

Your Hair, Your Rules

One of the most common things guests say before a big change is that they’re nervous. A new haircut, a fresh color, or a first-time treatment can feel like a leap. But the right stylist makes that process feel like a conversation rather than a gamble. Our stylists take the time to understand what you’re looking for, walk you through realistic expectations, and help you make decisions that you’ll feel great about.

Don’t look at what changes — look at what becomes possible. Whether it’s your first big color transformation, a cut that finally works with your natural texture, or simply a fresh take on a look you’ve had for years, walking out of the salon feeling like yourself is always the goal.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Salon Visit

For brunettes heading out, a smoky eye can complement darker hair beautifully for an evening look. For blondes, softer, more neutral tones in makeup often let the hair do the talking. Regardless of your color or cut, confidence is always the finishing touch — and a great stylist helps you find it.

Explore our women’s haircut and styling services, women’s hair color, or men’s cuts and styling to learn more about what we offer. You can also browse our stylist gallery for inspiration before your next appointment. New to the salon? Check out our new client deals.

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

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Tips for Trying a New Hair Salon or Stylist

Trying a new salon or stylist for the first time can feel uncertain — especially if you’ve had a disappointing experience somewhere before, or if you’ve been with the same stylist for years and are making a change. The good news is that most bad hair experiences come down to communication, not skill. Here is how to set yourself up for the best possible first visit, from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Use Photos, Not Just Words

The single most effective communication tool at a salon consultation is a photo. Words like “short,” “medium,” “a few inches,” and “layers” mean different things to different people. What feels like a trim to one person is a significant cut to another. Bringing photos of the result you want — and equally important, photos of results you don’t want — removes ambiguity and gives your stylist a visual reference that words alone can’t provide. If you can bring two or three photos showing what you like from different angles, even better.

Be Specific During the Consultation

Before any cutting or coloring begins, your stylist should walk you through what they plan to do. If anything is unclear, ask questions and make sure you agree on the plan before work starts. Point to exactly where you want length to fall — “so it will touch my shoulders?” — rather than relying on terms like “an inch” that mean different things to different people. The consultation is the most important part of any salon visit, and a good stylist will take the time to do it properly.

Listen and Confirm

Once you and your stylist have discussed the plan, repeat it back to confirm you are both aligned. “So we are taking off about two inches, keeping the length at the collarbone, and adding some layers through the mid-lengths — is that right?” This takes ten seconds and prevents the vast majority of miscommunications before they happen.

Stay Current

One of the most common things stylists observe is guests holding on to a hairstyle that served them well at a different point in their life — a cut or color from ten or fifteen years ago that no longer suits their current features or age. A fresh perspective from a new stylist can be genuinely transformative. Be open to suggestions — especially if you have been wearing the same style for many years. Small updates like a new color dimension, a slightly different shape, or a modern fringe can make a meaningful difference without requiring a dramatic change.

If you are thinking about visiting Aurelio Salon for the first time, we would love to welcome you. Check out our new client deals, browse our stylist gallery to see examples of our work, or view our full salon menu.

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

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