Hair Growth Tips: What Actually Works

Everyone who has ever cut their hair shorter than intended — or made a bold change and immediately missed their length — has experienced the frustration of waiting for hair to grow back. You do the conditioning treatments. You use professional products. You get your trims. And still, the growth feels impossibly slow. The reason often lies not in what you’re doing at the salon, but in what you’re doing everywhere else. Here is what the research and our experience at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ suggest actually works for hair growth.

Protein Is the Foundation

Hair is composed almost entirely of keratin — a protein. If your diet is consistently low in protein, your hair will be among the first things to show it. The body treats hair as a non-essential tissue and prioritizes vital organs when nutrients are limited — meaning the hair only gets what is left over. A protein deficiency manifests as slow growth, increased shedding, and hair that breaks before it reaches any real length. Prioritizing complete proteins — eggs, lean meats, fish, legumes — gives your hair the building blocks it needs to grow and stay strong.

Healthy Fats for Moisture and Shine

Lipids — healthy fats — are essential for maintaining the moisture and shine of the hair. They are found in avocados, olive oil, whole milk, cheese, fatty fish, and nuts. A diet consistently low in healthy fats often shows up as dry, dull, brittle hair that is prone to breakage — which limits length retention even when the hair is technically growing at a normal rate.

Iron for Growth and Retention

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair loss and slow growth, particularly in women. Iron supports the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the hair follicle — a process that is essential for healthy growth. Good dietary sources include clams, beans, lentils, fortified grains, and leafy greens. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources improves absorption significantly.

Exercise Improves Scalp Circulation

Regular cardiovascular exercise improves circulation throughout the body — including to the scalp. Better scalp circulation means more efficient nutrient delivery to the hair follicle, which directly supports growth rate and hair density. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of hair growth and one of the simplest to address.

Protect the Length You Have

Hair growth is only half the equation — retaining that growth is the other half. Hair that grows but breaks off at the same rate will never get longer. Regular trims to remove split ends, protective styling, reduced heat usage, and professional conditioning treatments all help preserve length. Ask your stylist at your next visit about a treatment plan that supports both growth and retention for your hair type. View our full salon menu or read our post on eating for healthy hair for more nutrition tips.

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

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Boho Balayage and Babylights Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Sometimes a guest walks in not knowing exactly what they want — just knowing they want something. That is one of our favorite conversations to have at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, because it gives the stylist room to really listen, assess the guest’s hair and features, and make a thoughtful recommendation. In this case, the guest wanted highlights but didn’t know what to ask for — which opened the door to a beautiful boho balayage and babylight combination inspired by earthy, dimensional spring color.

The Technique

The starting canvas had a root color and overall tone that worked as a beautiful natural base — dark enough at the root to create contrast, with the right underlying warmth to support a blend of ash and brown tones through the mid-lengths and ends. The stylist chose to frame the face closely with lighter pieces, then added a small number of highlights distributed throughout the rest of the hair to maintain a natural, proportional feel. For these highlights, professional lightener on 30-volume developer was used to achieve the level of lift needed.

Babylights — very fine, closely placed highlights that mimic the natural lighter variation found in children’s hair — were worked throughout specific sections to add diffusion and softness between the more defined painted pieces. The combination of painted highlights and babylights is what gives this style its depth and dimension. Rather than a uniform block of lightness, the result looks like the color grew in naturally over time.

After lifting and toning, the final result was a soft ash-brown blend from root to end — the root depth flowing naturally into the painted lighter sections, with the babylights adding subtle brightness throughout. The finish was exactly the kind of dimensional, lived-in color that is most flattering and most low-maintenance at the same time.

About This Approach

The combination of hair painting and babylights is one of the most versatile and flattering highlight techniques available. It works across a wide range of starting colors and skin tones and produces results that grow out gracefully — often requiring fewer maintenance appointments than traditional foil highlights. Ask your colorist at your next visit whether this approach is a good fit for your hair. Visit our women’s hair coloring page, browse our stylist gallery for more color inspiration, or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a balayage or highlight consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Makeup Trends and Education at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, ongoing education is a core part of how our team operates. We regularly bring in professional training and industry education to stay current on the latest techniques in both hair and makeup — and we love sharing what we learn with our guests.

Strobing: A Highlight-Forward Technique

One of the runway trends that has made its way into everyday makeup routines is strobing — a contra-contour technique that focuses on highlighting rather than deepening or shading. Instead of using darker shades to create structure, strobing concentrates on strategically placed highlighter to create a pearlescent, luminous glow. The result is a face that looks refreshed, bright, and naturally youthful. It’s a softer, more modern approach to facial definition that works especially well in natural light.

Bold Eyes with a Soft Lip

The second major trend that has been seen consistently on the runway is the bold eye paired with a soft, understated lip. Deep jewel tones — evergreen, navy, rich plum — applied to the eyelid create a striking, high-impact look, while a light pink or nude lip keeps the overall look balanced. This combination allows the eye to be the focal point without the look feeling overdone. It’s a versatile approach that works for both daytime and evening.

Makeup Services at Aurelio Salon

Whether you’re preparing for a special event, a wedding, or simply want to learn techniques to elevate your everyday routine, our team at Aurelio Salon & Spa can help. For formal events and bridal occasions, visit our bridal and wedding services page to learn more about our full makeup and styling offerings. You can also explore our full salon menu or view our stylist gallery for inspiration.

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

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Goldwell Nectaya Ammonia-Free Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

For guests who want beautiful, vibrant hair color without the use of ammonia, Goldwell’s Nectaya color line is one of the best professional options available. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our colorists offer Nectaya as a premium color option for guests with sensitive scalps, those who prefer a gentler formula, or anyone who wants exceptional color results while keeping their hair in the healthiest condition possible.

What Is Goldwell Nectaya?

Nectaya is Goldwell’s ammonia-free permanent hair color line. It delivers rich, luminous color with 100% gray coverage and a higher level of brilliance than standard permanent hair color. Because it is formulated without ammonia, it offers a gentler experience during application — making it particularly well-suited for guests with scalp sensitivity or those who find traditional color services uncomfortable.

IntraLipid Technology

One of the standout features of Nectaya is its patented IntraLipid technology. This technology works to replenish lost lipids within the hair structure during the coloring process, helping to restore the hair’s natural moisture barrier and maintain softness, shine, and overall hair health. The result is color that looks and feels premium — rich in tone, smooth in texture, and healthier-feeling than hair treated with traditional formulas.

Is Nectaya Right for You?

Nectaya is a strong option for guests who want full, permanent color coverage — including complete gray coverage — without the typical ammonia-based formula. It works across a full range of shades and is a great choice for both first-time color clients and guests who have been coloring their hair for years. A consultation with your colorist is always the best starting point to determine which Goldwell color line — Nectaya, Topchic, Colorance, or another option — is the right fit for your hair goals.

To learn more about our color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page or our men’s hair coloring page. You can also view our full salon menu or browse the stylist gallery for color inspiration.

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

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Dimensional Blonde Hair Color at Aurelio Salon in Howell, NJ

Dimensional blonde is one of the most sought-after hair color techniques — and one of the most technically demanding to execute well. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our colorists specialize in creating custom dimensional blonde looks that are tailored to each guest’s natural base, skin tone, face shape, and lifestyle.

What Is Dimensional Blonde Hair Color?

Dimensional blonde is a highlighting technique that creates depth, movement, and variation in the hair rather than a flat, uniform blonde. By combining highlights, lowlights, and root shading in a single color service, the result is a multi-tonal blonde that looks natural, lived-in, and rich with dimension. This technique works beautifully on a wide range of natural bases — from light brown to medium brown to previously colored hair.

The Color Process

Creating a dimensional blonde look typically involves several steps. Micro-weave foil highlights are placed throughout the top section of the hair to build lightness and brightness. A root shadow or root touch-up is applied to add depth at the base and create a seamless, natural-looking grow-out. Strategic lowlights are woven through to break up the blonde and add richness. The service is finished with a professional toner to neutralize brassiness and create the exact blonde tone the guest is looking for — whether that is cool and ashy, warm and golden, or somewhere in between.

Goldwell Color Formulation

Aurelio Salon uses Goldwell professional hair color exclusively for all color services. Goldwell’s Topchic and Colorance systems deliver exceptional color accuracy, longevity, and condition. Our colorists develop custom formulas for each guest based on their current hair history, natural base, and desired result.

An example of a dimensional blonde formula used at Aurelio Salon:

• Roots: 6N / 6B / 7NN with 6% developer
• Highlights: Goldwell Oxycur lightener with 6% developer, toned with 10N + 10BG equal parts
• Lowlights: 8N with Colorance blue lotion

Every formula is customized — your formula will be developed specifically for your hair during a consultation.

Haircut and Face Framing

Dimensional blonde color looks its best when paired with a haircut that complements the color work. A layered cut with face framing can accentuate your features, add movement to the color, and create a cohesive, polished result. Our stylists combine color and cut expertise to ensure the final look is complete from every angle.

Book a Blonde Color Consultation

If you are interested in dimensional blonde, highlights, balayage, or any blonde color service at Aurelio Salon & Spa, we recommend starting with a consultation. Our colorists will assess your current hair, discuss your goals, and develop a color plan that works for your hair and your schedule.

Aurelio Salon & Spa is located at 2448 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. Call 732-303-0052 to schedule your color consultation.

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Spring Hair Ideas and Style Inspiration at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

A new season is one of the best excuses to switch up your look. Spring brings a shift in energy — lighter clothes, warmer days, and a natural desire to refresh everything, including your hair. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or a full transformation, Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ is here to help you find the spring look that fits.

Fresh Hair Color for Spring

Spring is one of the most popular seasons for hair color changes. Guests who spent the winter in deeper, richer tones often want to lighten up — adding brightness, warmth, or soft dimensional highlights for a sun-kissed effect. Popular spring color directions include warm balayage, honey and caramel tones, soft copper, pastel fashion shades, and refreshed blondes. If you’ve been thinking about a change, a color consultation is the best first step. Our colorists will assess your current hair color, condition, and desired result and recommend the right service for the season.

A New Haircut for a New Season

Spring is also an ideal time to update your cut. Whether you’ve been growing your hair out through the winter and are ready for a trim and reshape, or you’re thinking about something more dramatic like a lob, a textured cut, or a shorter style, our stylists can help you find a shape that works with your hair type and face structure. Visit our women’s haircut and styling page or our men’s haircut and styling page to learn more about our cut services.

Update Your Styling Routine

Beyond color and cut, spring is a good time to reassess your at-home styling routine and the products you’re using. As the weather warms and humidity increases, the products that worked well in winter may not be giving you the same results. Ask your stylist about professional product recommendations for the season — from heat protectants and anti-humidity sprays to texture products and color-safe shampoos designed for your specific hair type.

Book Your Spring Appointment

Browse our stylist gallery for spring color and cut inspiration, view our full salon menu, or check out our new client deals if you haven’t visited us before.

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

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Red Carpet Waves: How to Create the Classic Hollywood Wave at Home

One of the most consistently popular red carpet hairstyles is also one of the most wearable — the sleek, effortless wave. Whether worn with a center part for a more symmetrical, modern feel or a deep side part for classic Old Hollywood glamour, this style manages to look polished without looking overdone. It works on lengths from a lob to long hair, complements nearly every dress or outfit, and transitions effortlessly from a daytime event to an evening out. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists recreate this look regularly for special occasion clients — and it is absolutely achievable at home with the right products and tools.

Start in the Shower

The foundation of a smooth, sleek wave starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. A smoothing or silk-finish formula helps create the right base texture — one that is smooth through the mid-lengths and ends without being heavy or flat at the root. Apply conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends only, and rinse thoroughly.

Product Application on Damp Hair

On towel-dried damp hair, apply a professional texture spray throughout the lengths for grip and workability — this prevents the wave from falling flat too quickly. Follow with a smoothing crème or taming crème worked from the mid-shaft to the ends to give the hair that sleek, controlled finish that defines the red carpet wave. Finally, apply a quick blow-dry spray to cut down on drying time and add heat protection before styling.

Blow Dry for Smoothness

Choose your part — center or side — and begin blow-drying with a vented paddle brush or a large round brush, directing airflow downward to smooth the cuticle. Work section by section, keeping the brush moving to build smoothness and a slight curve in the hair as it dries. The goal at this stage is a smooth, directed base rather than a finished style.

Add the Wave

Using a curling wand or a curling iron without the clip, take medium-sized sections and wrap them around the barrel — alternating the direction slightly from section to section for a more natural, undone result. Leave the very ends out of the curl for a modern finish. Once all sections are done, allow the curls to cool completely before touching them — this is what sets the wave and makes it last.

Finish and Set

Once cooled, run your fingers through the curls to loosen them into soft, flowing waves. A light brushing with a paddle brush through the lengths creates the sleek, polished surface. Finish with a light-hold anti-humidity spray to lock in the style and protect it against moisture and movement throughout the event.

For special occasion styling or a professional blowout before your next event, visit our special occasion and bridal styling page or our women’s cut and styling page. View our full salon menu or browse our stylist gallery for inspiration.

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

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Copper and Pumpkin Spice Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Warm copper and pumpkin spice tones are among the most flattering and wearable hair colors across the fall and winter seasons — and some of the most technically rewarding for our colorists to create. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, two recent guest transformations showcase just how versatile these warm, rich tones can be.

Pumpkin Spice Ombré

Alexandria came in not wanting a typical toned ombré. She wanted something with personality. The result — a warm, multi-tonal pumpkin spice — was created using a hair-painting technique with professional lightener on sections of the hair, leaving out the previously lightened pieces. After processing and shampooing, a custom Goldwell Colorance formula was applied — a blend of warm golden and cool blue-based tones that together created the layered, spiced warmth of the final result. The combination of warm and slightly cool tones gives pumpkin spice color its depth and complexity — it catches the light differently depending on the angle, which is what makes it feel dimensional and alive rather than flat.

Kopper Beauty

Meaghan came to Aurelio Salon after a visit to another salon and wanted a richer, more intentional copper result. The switch to Goldwell TopChic — a professional permanent color formulated with Goldwell’s Colorance technology — made an immediate difference in the depth and shine of the result. Using a custom formula with warm copper and natural tones on a 3% developer, the stylist applied an Equalizer spray first to ensure even color uptake, then worked the formula through the hair. The result was a luminous, true copper with the kind of shine and richness that professional Goldwell color delivers consistently.

Is Copper Right for You?

Copper and warm red tones work beautifully across a wide range of skin tones and starting hair colors. Guests with warm or olive complexions often find that copper and auburn shades feel especially harmonious, while guests with cooler skin tones can achieve stunning contrast with a bolder, more vivid copper. A consultation with your colorist is the best way to determine which exact shade of copper — from soft rose-copper to deep auburn to vivid pumpkin — is the right fit for your coloring and lifestyle. Visit our women’s hair coloring page, browse our stylist gallery, or view our full salon menu.

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

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First-Time Hair Color: From Virgin Hair to Highlighted Beauty

Getting color for the first time is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. When a guest comes in with virgin hair and zero color history, the possibilities are wide open. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, we love first-time color appointments because the hair is in its healthiest, most responsive state — and the canvas is entirely fresh.

Guest Profile: Alyssa’s First Color Appointment

Alyssa had never colored her hair before. Her natural level was a 6, with some natural lighter pieces around the face and ends — hints of level 8 that the sun had created over the summer. Her eyes were a pale blue tone, which made a neutral, cool blonde highlight direction a natural fit. For a first-time color guest, the goal is almost always to enhance what is already there rather than to create something dramatic.

The Approach: Soft, Strategic Highlights

Because this was Alyssa’s first color experience and she wasn’t a frequent salon visitor, the stylist designed the service with longevity in mind — creating a look that would grow out gracefully without requiring constant maintenance. The technique combined sliced highlights painted on the outside of each section with micro weaves worked in between. Staying away from the root on a first-time color guest allows new growth to blend naturally rather than creating an obvious line of demarcation after just a few weeks.

On the outside of each section, the stylist painted highlights and merged them at the mid-shaft, then covered the top layer of the section with lightener. Between the slices, micro weaves were added to break up the placement and create diffusion — so the blonde appears soft and dimensional rather than chunky or uniform. The technique creates a result that looks like the hair has been naturally kissed by the sun, which is exactly what a first-time color should feel like.

The Result

Alyssa’s final result was a soft, cool blonde with bright pearly blonde pieces framing the face. Her cut was freshened with a quarter-inch trim and point-cut layers to complement the new color. She left her first color appointment genuinely happy — which is always the goal, but especially meaningful for a guest who had never taken the leap before.

If you are thinking about getting color for the first time, a consultation at Aurelio Salon is the best place to start. Our colorists will assess your natural hair, discuss your goals, and build a plan that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Visit our women’s hair coloring page, browse our stylist gallery, or check out our new client deals.

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

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