Beach Hair Essentials: What to Pack to Protect Your Hair This Summer

A beach trip is one of the highlights of summer — but for your hair, sun, salt water, chlorine, and humidity are a challenging combination. With a little preparation and the right products in your bag, you can enjoy every day at the beach without coming home with dry, damaged, or unmanageable hair. Here’s what the stylists at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ recommend packing.

Before You Leave Home

The most effective protection starts before you even get to the beach. If you’re heading out for a full day in the sun, apply a leave-in conditioner or protective oil to your hair before leaving. This creates a barrier between your hair and the elements — reducing the amount of salt and chlorine that can penetrate the hair shaft and minimizing UV-related color fade and dryness.

Essentials to Pack for Your Hair

Leave-in conditioner — Your most important beach hair product. Spray it on after swimming to add moisture back and prevent the hair from drying out in a brittle, damaged state. Apply before brushing to reduce breakage on wet, sun-stressed hair.

Wide-tooth comb or wet brush — Never brush salt-saturated wet hair with a standard brush. A wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair works through tangles gently from the ends up, minimizing breakage.

Dry shampoo — For days when you don’t have time for a full wash, dry shampoo absorbs oil and refreshes the hair at the root. It’s also a great tool for extending a blowout or style between beach days.

Heat protectant — If you’re styling your hair with heat tools at the hotel or beach house, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. Pack a travel-size spray so you’re covered.

Hair ties and clips — Keeping hair up and off the face during peak sun hours is one of the simplest ways to limit damage. Loose braids, buns, and twists also help minimize tangles caused by wind and salt.

SPF hair product or UV spray — Color-treated hair is especially vulnerable to UV-related fading and brassiness. A professional UV-protecting hair spray or leave-in treatment helps shield color and maintain tone throughout the trip.

When You Get Back from the Beach

Even with the best preparation, a week at the beach will take some toll on your hair. Booking a professional conditioning or repair treatment when you return is one of the best things you can do for hair that has been exposed to sun, salt, and chlorine. Ask your stylist about an in-salon treatment to restore moisture, seal the cuticle, and get your hair back to its best. Visit our guide to revitalizing damaged beach hair for more tips, or explore our full salon menu for treatment options.

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

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5 Easy Hairstyles to Try Between Salon Visits

Getting the most out of your blowout means not starting from scratch every day. With the right products and a few easy techniques, you can create five completely different looks across the week — washing less, spending less time styling, and keeping your hair healthier in the process. Here’s a guide from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Day 1: Fresh Blowout with Loose Waves

On freshly washed and blown-out hair, let the blowout do the work. If you want extra polish, use a curling wand to add a few loose waves through the mid-lengths and ends. A light-hold flexible spray keeps the style looking natural rather than stiff. This is your most versatile look — wear it down and let the volume and shine from the blowout speak for itself.

Day 2: Textured Low Messy Bun

Second-day hair has natural texture and grip that makes updos easier to hold. Apply a dry texture spray at the roots to refresh and absorb any oil, then use a wand to wave the top sections of the hair. Pull everything back into a low, loosely twisted bun and secure with bobby pins. Leave a few face-framing pieces out for a relaxed, intentional feel. This look takes under five minutes and holds all day.

Day 3: Half-Up Textured Style

Take the top section of the hair and pull it into a loose half-up style — either a small bun, a twist, or a simple ponytail. Apply a small amount of texture crème to the mid-lengths and ends to add definition and prevent the style from looking flat. A styling spray over the surface pulls everything together.

Day 4: Braided Side Style

On day four, lean into the texture. Apply a texture spray throughout and create a loose side braid, fishtail, or twist. Pull the braid apart gently after finishing to add volume and a softer, more relaxed shape. This look works especially well when the hair has some natural wave or movement from previous days of styling.

Day 5: Slick High Ponytail

By day five, a clean, slick high ponytail is the perfect finish-line look. Apply a smoothing serum or light oil to control surface texture, brush all the hair up into a high ponytail, and secure tightly. Wrap a piece of hair around the elastic and pin underneath. Smooth any remaining flyaways with a light-hold spray and a brush, and you have a polished look that looks intentional regardless of where your hair is in the wash cycle.

The Products That Make It Work

A professional dry shampoo, a texture spray, a smoothing crème, and a flexible-hold finishing spray are the four products that make this kind of week-long styling possible. Ask your stylist at your next appointment which formulas are the best fit for your hair type and the styles you reach for most often. View our women’s cut and styling services, browse our stylist gallery, or explore our full salon menu.

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

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Beach Makeup Tips by Skin Type

Beach days are one of summer’s best things — but between the heat, humidity, salt water, and sunscreen, they are also one of makeup’s biggest challenges. The key to looking beach-ready rather than beach-wrecked is starting with the right products for your specific skin type and keeping the look minimal enough to survive the conditions. Here’s a skin-type guide from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Oily Skin

Oily skin needs oil control from the very first step. A mattifying cleanser removes excess oil and creates a clean base. Follow with an oil-free moisturizer that contains SPF 30 — this gives you sun protection without adding any surface shine. For coverage, a sheer mineral tint layered with a lightweight concealer where needed and a pressed powder to absorb oil throughout the day gives you a polished finish that holds up in the heat. A bronzer for light contouring keeps the look warm and dimensional. Tip: A pop of lip color pulls the look together, and a simple neutral eyeshadow adds just enough shimmer without looking overdone for the beach.

Mature Skin

For mature skin, the priority is hydration and a smooth, even-toned finish. A gentle resurfacing cleanser removes dead surface cells and allows the rest of the products to absorb more effectively. A moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher hydrates and protects. A skin-perfecting primer creates a smooth base, with a concealer applied where needed and a light pressed powder for coverage. Tip: Avoid shimmer shadows and glittery products on mature skin — they draw attention to fine lines and texture. Matte, soft tones are more flattering and elegant in the sun.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs gentle formulas and higher sun protection. A calming cleanser, a barrier-repairing moisturizer, and a high-SPF solar defense booster — SPF 50 or higher for sensitive skin — creates a protective base. A sheer mineral tint with a lightweight concealer provides just enough coverage without irritating the skin. A natural, warm bronzer finishes the look softly. Tip: If your skin tends toward redness, a green-tinted concealer applied before your regular concealer helps neutralize it before any other product goes on top.

Normal Skin

Normal skin has the most flexibility. A gentle cleanser, a moisturizer with SPF 30, a sheer mineral tint, and a light pressed powder is all that’s needed for a fresh, natural beach look. A bronzer adds warmth and dimension without much effort. Tip: A slightly lighter concealer applied under the eyes brightens the whole face and keeps the look fresh even as the day wears on.

Dry Skin

Dry skin needs hydration as the foundation of everything. A nourishing cleanser, an intensive moisture cream, and a skin-perfecting primer create a plump, smooth base. A sheer mineral tint gives light coverage without emphasizing any dry patches. A cream blush or bronzer applied with fingers blends beautifully into dry skin and stays looking natural longer than powder formulas. Keep lip balm on hand throughout the day to maintain hydration at the lips.

For professional makeup applications, bridal services, or event styling, visit our bridal and special occasion 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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Summer Makeup Trends: How to Wear Blue Tones

Blue eyeshadow has a complicated reputation — but when it’s worn the right way, it is one of the freshest and most modern summer makeup directions available. The secret is in how you use it and what you pair it with. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our makeup team created a summer blue look that proves the color can be both wearable and contemporary.

The Key: Neutralize Everything Else

The reason blue eye makeup sometimes reads as dated is that it is paired with other strong colors that compete with it — a hot pink lip, a heavy blush, a dramatic contour. The modern approach does the opposite: use blue as the single pop of color and let everything else be neutral or peachy. A nude or blush lip, a soft bronzer for warmth at the cheeks, and a light concealer-based base keep the face clean and let the blue do exactly what it should — stand out.

How to Apply Blue for a Modern Effect

Rather than packing an opaque blue across the entire lid — which creates the heavy, retro effect most people associate with blue shadow — apply it as an accent. A wash of a lighter blue or periwinkle on the lid, a deeper navy or cobalt on the lower lash line, or a precise line of blue liner at the upper lash line are all approaches that introduce the color in a controlled, intentional way. The goal is a hint of blue that catches the light and draws attention to the eye without overwhelming the face.

Works on Most Eye Colors

Blue tones are remarkably flattering across a range of eye colors. On brown eyes, navy and cobalt create a striking contrast that makes dark irises appear richer and more vibrant. On blue or grey eyes, a softer periwinkle or sky blue tone creates a harmonious, monochromatic effect. On green or hazel eyes, a teal or blue-green liner adds dimension by bringing out the green in the iris. The exact shade of blue that works best will vary based on your eye color and skin tone — a consultation with our makeup team can help you find the right direction.

For professional summer makeup services, bridal applications, or special occasion styling, visit our bridal and special occasion 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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Aurelio Salon & Spa Awarded Goldwell Titanium Status in Howell, NJ

Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ was honored with Goldwell Titanium Salon status — one of the highest distinctions available to salons in the Goldwell professional network. Out of more than 20,000 salons nationwide that carry Goldwell, Aurelio Salon was recognized as one of only 63 Titanium Salons in the country.

The recognition was communicated in a letter from the President & General Manager of KAO USA, the parent company of Goldwell. The award reflects the salon’s sustained commitment to professional excellence, ongoing education, and the quality of work produced by the Aurelio Salon team.

“It is an honor to receive this award. Our commitment to constant and never-ending improvement in the hairdressing industry is our highest priority. It is through the commitment of our employees and the outstanding hair that they continuously produce that has allowed us to achieve this benchmark. I am passionate and committed to our industry and its ongoing success.” — Daisy Rosania, Senior Director, Aurelio Salon

What Goldwell Titanium Status Means

Goldwell’s salon classification system recognizes salons based on their professional standards, volume of Goldwell color services, and ongoing investment in education and training. Titanium status represents the top tier of that recognition — reserved for salons that consistently demonstrate excellence across all areas of their business. Being among only 63 Titanium Salons in a network of over 20,000 is a meaningful distinction.

Aurelio Salon Today: A Goldwell Platinum Salon

Since receiving Titanium status, Aurelio Salon & Spa has continued to grow and has since been recognized as a Goldwell Platinum Salon — maintaining our position as one of New Jersey’s premier Goldwell color destinations. Our team receives ongoing Goldwell education and training, and we offer the full range of Goldwell professional color services including highlights, balayage, gray coverage, fashion color, double process blonde, and more.

To learn more about our color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page or our full salon menu. New guests can also check out our new client deals.

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

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Sandy Bronze Hair Color Transformation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

This guest came into Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ with a natural level 6 base and some older highlights that had lost their brightness. Her goal was simple — she wanted her color freshened up and brightened. After a consultation, the stylist proposed a sandy bronze result that would give her the lift she was looking for while adding warmth and dimension throughout.

The Process

The first step was painting brighter, lighter pieces throughout the hair using a professional lightener. This hair-painting technique — rather than traditional foil highlights — creates a softer, more blended result that mimics the way natural light hits the hair. By selectively placing lighter sections, the stylist was able to create dimension and brightness without a heavy or uniform highlight pattern.

In between the painted pieces, Goldwell TopChic permanent color was applied to freshen up the base color and add warmth and depth through the mid-lengths and root area. TopChic is one of Goldwell’s most versatile professional color lines, offering rich, vibrant results with exceptional gray coverage and long-lasting tone.

The finishing step was a Goldwell Colorance glaze applied over the entire result. Colorance is a demi-permanent formula that adds extraordinary shine, refines the tone, and — uniquely — also repairs the hair structure during the color process. The combination of the Colorance glaze over the lightened and colored sections produced the warm, luminous sandy bronze finish the guest was looking for.

About This Technique

The combination of hair painting for brightness, a permanent color for depth and base refinement, and a demi-permanent glaze for tone and shine is one of the most effective multi-step approaches for guests who want a natural, dimensional result. It is particularly well-suited for guests who have existing color that has grown out or faded and want a refreshed look without starting from scratch. Ask your colorist at your next visit whether this approach is right for your hair.

To explore more color options, visit our women’s hair coloring page, browse our stylist gallery, or view our full salon menu.

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

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How to Adjust Your Hair Care Routine with the Seasons

Just as your wardrobe changes with the seasons, so should your hair care routine. The conditions your hair faces in summer — sun exposure, humidity, salt water, and chlorine — are dramatically different from what it faces in winter, when cold air, indoor heat, and reduced moisture levels take over. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists recommend adjusting your shampoo, conditioner, and treatment routine as the seasons change to keep your hair and scalp in the best possible condition year-round.

Why Seasonal Hair Care Matters

Your hair’s pH plays a bigger role in its health than most people realize. The healthy pH of hair falls between 4.5 and 5.5 — slightly acidic, which keeps the cuticle sealed, smooth, and resistant to damage. Salt water, chlorine, permanent color, and bleach all push the hair’s pH toward alkaline, which opens the cuticle and leaves the hair vulnerable to moisture loss, frizz, and breakage. Adjusting your product rotation to include ingredients that help restore and maintain the hair’s natural pH — such as citric acid or tartaric acid — is one of the most effective ways to keep hair healthy through summer’s more aggressive conditions.

Summer: Protect, Hydrate, and Defend Color

In summer, the priorities are UV protection, moisture, and pH balance. A professional shampoo that contains natural UV filters — such as octinoxate or peppermint extract — helps shield color from sun-related fading. A hydrating shampoo and conditioner replenishes moisture lost to salt water and heat. If you swim frequently in chlorinated pools, incorporating a clarifying shampoo once a week removes chemical buildup before it accumulates and causes damage. After any extended time in the sun or water, a leave-in conditioner applied before the hair dries helps prevent the brittle, rough texture that comes from unprotected exposure.

Fall and Winter: Repair, Nourish, and Moisturize

As the weather cools and indoor heat cranks up, the focus shifts to repair and deep hydration. This is the season to incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment, switch to a more nourishing shampoo and conditioner, and reduce the frequency of heat styling where possible. Color-treated hair tends to look its dullest in late fall — a professional in-salon gloss or conditioning treatment in October or November can restore vibrancy and shine heading into the holiday season. Ask your stylist at your next appointment about which treatment is the right fit for your hair type and current condition.

Rotating Products Is Simple

Seasonal product rotation does not have to be complicated. The simplest approach is to have two shampoos in the shower — one for your primary hair type or concern, and a secondary formula that addresses the current season’s biggest challenge. Alternate between them based on how your hair is feeling from week to week. Your stylist can walk you through specific recommendations at any appointment. View our full salon menu for treatment options, or visit our women’s hair coloring page and styling services page to learn more about what we offer.

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

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Rooty Ombre Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

The rooty ombre is one of the most wearable and low-maintenance color techniques available. By intentionally blending a deeper, natural-looking root with a seamless gradient to lighter mid-lengths and ends, the rooty ombre creates a soft, dimensional effect that grows out beautifully — making it an ideal choice for guests who want great color without frequent touch-up visits. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our colorists are skilled in the rooty ombre technique and can customize it to work with any existing hair color.

Client Transformation: Rooty Ombre Process

In this transformation, the guest came in with level 6 hair and existing level 7 and 8 highlights, with a natural base of level 5. Her goal was a rooty ombre in the level 8–9 range with minimal upkeep going forward.

The process began similarly to a standard root touch-up, with the color fanned dramatically down into the mid-shaft to create the seamless blend that defines a rooty ombre. After combing through the hair to ensure even distribution, the stylist used a board technique to weave out the sections to be lightened, painting lightener onto the hair using a V technique. The leftover root color was then feathered directly into the lightener to prevent any harsh lines or visible demarcation.

After processing, the hair was shampooed with a professional color fade-stop shampoo to lock in the tone. The final step involved toning with two separate formulas — one applied to the mid-shaft and a second applied to the ends — to achieve a smooth, natural-looking gradient across the full length of the hair.

Why Rooty Ombre Is a Great Low-Maintenance Option

Because the rooty ombre intentionally incorporates depth at the root, new growth blends in naturally rather than creating an obvious line of demarcation. This means guests can typically go longer between appointments without their color looking grown out or unkempt. It’s an excellent option for guests with busy schedules, those who are growing out their color, or anyone who prefers a more natural, lived-in aesthetic.

To learn more about ombre and other gradient color techniques, visit our women’s hair coloring page. Browse our stylist gallery for color inspiration or view our full salon menu.

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

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