It’s no secret we love to get beautified on the regular — and so many times we get emails from readers about “the best spray tan,” or “the best spot for eyebrows,” or “the best spot for hair color,” — and while we don’t have *all* the answers, we do have most. Lo and behold, we’ve decided to make a list of our faves. We sat down with each, asked them some questions and tips, aaand included their contact info below. Here are 12 Hoboken beauty gurus you need in your rolodex {that just sounded cool — iPhone is more like it}. A list of Hoboken’s best hairstylists, makeup artists, eyebrow threaders, colorists, waxers, and then some. Your beauty guru guide to the mile square — you’re welcome!
^Just a few of the fabulous ladies and gents that we utilize to keep us groomed and gorg.
David {Perfect Eyebrows}: Caru Salon
104 Hudson Street 3rd Floor, Hoboken
David has been doing eyebrows for about 18 years after going to the Artistic Academy for Cosmetology, and then starting with a shop in South Jersey — that he opened a little over 9 years ago. Now, he’s currently at CARŪ Salon in Hoboken doing eyebrow tinting, shaping, and waxing. He’s also certified for lashes through Xtreme Lash and he does microblading {at his South Jersey salon}!
Biggest inspiration?
Not sure I could decide between Anastasia, Damone Roberts or Joey Healy.
Favorite celebrity you ever beautified:
I haven’t had the pleasure as yet all though I think of all my clients as superstars. I would, however, love to get my hands on Cara Delevigne since she is known for her eyebrows. It would be a good showcase for my work
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received:
“Less is more.”
How can we get in touch?
Call the salon at (201) 792-8850 and request an appointment with David.
Ashley Pak {Nail Art} Dream Nails Salon & Spa
601 Observer Highway Store #2
A new business owner in the Hoboken scene, Cliffside Park native Ashley Pak opened her very own Dream Sails salon last June, almost one year ago to-date. She trained from one and only person — her mom, who has been doing nails for 30+ years. After specialized training, she is proud to specialize in long coffin-shaped nails, her filing technique, nail art, and rhinestone placements.
Services you offer:
Spa pedicures, which is always focused with exfoliation and dry extra callus on back of the heel. We like to take time with our spa pedicures to make sure you have the full experience and relax with pressure point massage, and same goes for spa manicures. We also offer regular pedicures, waxing {eyebrow, face, arm, leg, Brazilian}, buffing manicures for men, parrafin wax manicures, and builder gel extensions. {The salon also carries LCN and CND for stronger thicker nails to help with fragile nails, paraffin wax manicures, and then of course her claim to fame: NAIL ART.}
What can we expect from you in the future?
We’re hoping to expand our business to maybe a bigger location by 2020. Ideally, we would love to open a place that has a full glam beauty room for ladies who need their make up for special occasions — and eyelash extensions. I freelance right now for weddings updos and makeup, and I would love to carry that in our salon.
Your motto?
It’s so important to know your client’s beauty goals, and how you can enhance them without making them feel uncomfortable. But stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t hurt either.
On life’s goals:
Owning Dream Nails and Spa as a part of me has been the biggest satisfaction in my entire life — I live to share and inspire my clients.
Erica Cerpa {Facials} EC Beauty Studio
44 Hudson Place 5th Fl, Hoboken NJ
After starting her skin business in 2007, Erica now offers facials, microdermabration, chemical peels, microcurrents, cellulite treatments, teeth whitening, body waxing, spray tans, and bridal makeup. She is truly a gift from the facial gods, and can turn any type of skin into supple, beautiful skin {I mean — just look at her!}. Here’s a bit more about how she came to be.
Where did you train?
I trained at Christian Valmey on 5th Ave in NYC.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Lydia Sarfati, owner of Repechage and the creator of the Four Layer Facial. She opened her first spa in NYC in 1977, and now she has more then 100 products under her brand. I had the opportunity to work beside her in my 20s at trade shows, product launching, as well as at her education center.
Favorite celebrity you ever beautified:
Bethany Watson from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show on z100.
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received {Editor’s note: she gave us two that we couldn’t choose from, so here are both!}:
To perk up your peepers, beat 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon of witch hazel until foamy. Dab the mixture under your eyes and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off. The albumin in egg whites will temporarily tighten skin, while the anti-inflammatory witch hazel will help reduce puffiness.
Wash your face every night no matter how tired you are. Washing your face removes not only makeup, but the dirt and dust that your face accumulated throughout the day. Makeup clogs your pores and left over at night can enlarge your pores. Your skin repairs itself at night, and clean skin with a good night cream is key.
Bhumi {Threading} Dreamz Salon
900 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
Bhumi Started her business, Dreamz Salon, in the quieter section of midtown Hoboken in April 2011, offering full hair services, waxing, facials, massages — and our favorite: threading. Since then, she’s built a loyal clientele {ourselves included} who reap the benefits of her magic threading skills.
Who is your biggest inspiration:
My mother is my biggest inspiration.
What is your address/place people can make an appt:
You can walk into 900 Jefferson Street or call 201-683-9988. {Editor’s note: We recommend calling to make sure you get in to see Bhumi specifically!}
Favorite celebrity you ever beautified:
Carolina Bermudez from the Z100 Morning Show.
Dina Racciati {Makeup, Colorful Hair, and Spray Tans} DKM Cosmetics
On her 18th birthday, Dina started a makeup seminar that was two weeks long, then was hired to teach that seminar around the country. Years later, she decided to expand her horizons and enrolled at Capri Institute in Paramus to get her full cosmetology license. She’s since trained at John Sahag Workshop for dry cutting techniques, Martin Parsons for updos, and the Insta-famous Mustafa Avci who’s known for his impeccable technical skills. Now, you probably know her as the pink-haired beauty who does a mean rose gold dye {just ask our editor!}, spray tan, and airbrush makeup.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Easiest question- my mom! She died when I was 14 so my inspiration to be better and do better comes from her. She was a very successful lawyer and an even better mom. I figure I have a team watching from heaven, so I better make my story a good one.
What services do you offer?
We do blowouts, cuts, color, balayage, highlights, keratin, extensions, makeup lessons, makeup applications, and airbrush tanning.
What is your address/place people can make an appt?
Unfortunately we are closed right now from the building’s fire in February. Our online system is currently shut down, but if anyone has questions they are more than welcome to send me an email to Dina@DinasKissAndMakeup.com.
Favorite celebrity you’ve ever beautified?
All of my girls from Z100 at Elvis Duran and the Morning Show hold the key to my heart! I love them all so much! Gina Tognoni from The Young & the Restless, who is also a Hoboken resident, is an absolutely angel. I love working with her, I’ve known her for years from my bartending days at Marty O’Brien’s!
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received:
ONE?! How about we do 3 because 1 is not fair!
1) You know those disposable toilet seat covers in public bathrooms? When you’re out, tear a piece off of one and use it as a oil blotter to freshen up your makeup. Yes, I’m serious and you’re welcome in advance. Thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker for that tip.
2) Get a shower head with a hose. You will wash your hair SO much better because you can get to the neck area way more. Shampoo only should hit the scalp, and conditioner only on the mid-to-ends of your hair.
3) Stop. Washing. Your. Hair. Daily. You’re throwing off your pH balance and your scalp then is overproducing oil, which is why you think you have a oily scalp.
Juliette Laracuente {Makeup Application} Artist Makeup Academy
720 Monroe Street C-404
Having trained at the Make-up Designory in Soho, Juliette quickly has risen to the top of her makeup application game — and has since opened two full-time beauty schools in NJ and NY. Besides training dozens of new MUAs at AMA, she also is a full-service makeup and hair stylist for brides and other special events.
Favorite celebrity you’ve ever beautified:
Singer Kat De Luna: her energy and personality are contagious!
What can we expect from your business in the future?
My future plans include to expand the AMA brand as well as franchising the Artists Makeup Academy. I’m currently developing a clothing line for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts. Eventually, I also plan on coming up with a full makeup line for professionals.
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received:
The better the skin, the better the makeup will sit. Therefore, take care of your skin and the makeup application will be flawless!
How can people get in touch with you?
Email my team at info@artistmakeupacademy.com or call (201) 222-5722.
Niki Klaczany {Braiding, Blowouts, and Updos} Up & Out
341 Bloomfield Street + 1106 Washington Street
Niki leased her first space in Feb 2013, and opened Hoboken’s first blow dry bar, Up & Out, in December 2013. She’s been doing hair for 13 years and took cosmetology in high school. She’s also had her license since 2005.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have three that have been resonating with me since the new year, my dad, Allie Webb who started Dry Bar, and one of the stylists that works for me — her relentless grit to overcome a bunch of difficult situations has been really sobering and inspiring for me.
What services do you offer?
Well, between the two salons and 18 hair and makeup artists, we offer quite a long list of services — from braids and blowouts to cuts and colors {organic, too!}, as well as extensions and makeup, and even contracting for large and small events and weddings both locally and across the US.
How can make an appointment?
You can book online at www.upandout.co. It’s really easy!
Favorite celebrity you ever beautified (if any!):
As cheesy as it is, doing my BFF Dagmara Wozniak {Editor’s note: the Olympic athlete and Hoboken resident}’s hair has been way fun. I call her Hoboken famous. People recognize her hair on the street all the time— makes me happy.
Read More: All About Dagmara’s Purple Hair
What can we expect from your business in the future?
This is the most exciting thing to me, growing, expanding, making contacts and seeing where we can go with this thing. What I thought I wanted to do 2 years ago is totally different than what I’m hoping to do now. I’m always pivoting and changing direction, and trying to see what’s next. My latest project includes a collab with Dina from Dina’s Kiss and Makeup, on a creative beauty space in downtown Hoboken called The Beauty Study. We’ve had a timing setback with the recent fire there, so we’ve both been working on our other businesses, but can’t wait to get that back in motion. Otherwise, I wake up most mornings with new ideas for businesses or projects swimming in my head.
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received?
Pay attention to light, and where it hits the face and hair, what you want to highlight, and what you want to blend in more subtly. Light colors expand, dark diminish. This works with both hair and makeup. I feel like that’s always a good starting point.
Ashley Branda {Highlights, Balayage} Two 01 Hair
404 14th Street Hoboken
Starting hair at 17 years young {and a born-and-raised Hoboken resident}, it’s no surprise that almost 14 years later, this entrepreneurial beauty guru owns Two 01 — one of the most popular salons in Hoboken — and is a master colorist. She went to beauty school in Bloomfield, NJ, and then worked at several hair salons in Hoboken including Mad One Jacks, The Beauty Parlour, and Rebellations. Since that time, Ashley has attended many courses with stylists such as Tracey Cunningham, Denis DeSouza, Ramirez Tran, 901 Salon, Tina Morelli and Arrojo Salon.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
In my life? That would be my children. I want to be the best for them. In my career, that would be Chrissy Rasmussen, also known as @HAIRBY_CHRISSY. She started doing hair in her house to now owning a successful salon, raising a family, and mentoring many amazing stylists. She is motivated, hardworking, and never disappoints me with her flawless work.
What services do you offer?
I offer single process coloring, balayage, traditional highlighting, haircutting, styling, keratin treatments, bridal styling and makeup.
What can we expect from your business in the future?
Our business plan is to deliver amazing hair time after time. Our main focus is to create and be happy. In the future you can totally expect Two 01 to grow into surrounding areas.
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received:
Be yourself, being you will make you ultimately happy. Nothing shines brighter than a happy soul. There is no career I would choose over the art of hair.
Skyy Hadley {Manicures} As U Wish Salon
319 Willow Ave. Hoboken
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Skyy is a seasoned professional in the beauty industry and was recognized as the best of the best early on in her career. She made her official debut in the industry in 1997, when she received her cosmetology license from House of Heavilin Beauty College-Blue Springs. Aspiring to become a “manicurist to the stars,” Skyy relocated to New York City the following year, performing manicures and waxing at Hair Styles by Joseph in Manhattan and soon, elite national magazines such as “O” The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Glamour, In-Style and Vogue featured her talents. She also does amazing eyelash extensions at As U Wish.
Who was the coolest celeb you’ve ever beautified?
It’s hard to choose! Liv Tyler, Uma Thurman, Faith Evans, P. Diddy (Sean Combs), Isaac Hayes, Marishka Hargarty, Charli Baltimore, Janelle Monae and LaLa Anthony.
Best beauty tip?
Always use a cuticle oil/cream — it can make your manicure last longer. Keeping the nail beds and areas around your nails moisturized will make the nail polish stay in place longer. A cuticle oil is a great way to make a two day old manicure look like you just walked out of the salon. And if you don’t have cuticle oil or cream available, you can use anything from your kitchen! Olive oil, baby oil, or even Vaseline are quick go-to solutions.
Delia & Kim {Airbrush Tanning} of Tres Chique
1200 Grand Street
For those looking for a professional and at-home experience, look no further than Tre Chique. These ladies specialize in in-home blowouts, makeup, and best of all — spray tans. Here’s a little bit more about them from our chat.
When did you start your biz?
We started in 2014 just doing mobile services in peoples homes after going to LA to train with Infinity Sun {the only product we use and stand behind 110%}. Now we have a salon in Hoboken AND we still keep up with all of the in home weekly services along with weddings.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
We actually were quite inspired by Alli Webb from Dry Bar. She started off doing mobile services — and now look at her, her stores are practically on every corner of NYC and all over the U.S.
What services do you offer?
In salon we offer a full hair menu from cuts & styles {for both men & women}, color, extensions, hair facials, bridal services, makeup & spray tanning. We also offer the exact same services in-home as well, from something convenient for a stay at home mom having some time to relax in her home while we come to pamper her to an elite celebrity showing their face on the red carpet.
Favorite celebrity you ever beautified:
Besides the local beaut, Jen of Hoboken Girl… I would have to say Amber Rose was pretty fun. {Blushing!}
What can we expect from your business in the future?
We have a huge vision for Tre Chique. We plan to expand, not just in NJ — but all over the U.S. We also want to make sure we are giving back to the community, not only for this generation but for many more to come.
Christine Gatto {Cut and Color} Salon Gatto
22 Hudson Place
Christine started her career as a licensed hair stylist in 2000 at an Aveda salon and Spa in NYC. There, she specialized in all services from makeup, eyebrow shaping, nails and everything hair! During this time, she realized hair was her true passion and started to dedicate all her focus to grow as a top artist in my field. Soon she became certified as a color specialist and senior national educator with Paul Mitchell by 2005. During the next 10+ years, she trained and performed alongside some of the top hair artists in the industry, while also getting to work with 100s of salon owners in educating and training their staffs. Now at her salon’s namesake, she specializes in color, special occasion hair styling, and cutting.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
This is a hard one because inspiration comes from so many different sources, providing insight and energy into so many different situations, both in beauty and business. Currently, I’m reading Simon Sinek books and listening to his Ted Talks. His outlook on business and millennial’s is on point, especially as it relates to the constantly changing modern world we live in today. When it comes to beauty, I am currently obsessed with barbering and following several outstanding artists. In the beauty world, there’s always something new to learn and it’s my new specialty to master!
What is your address/place people can make an appointment?
To make an appointment at Gatto, call (201) 683.6700, email info@salongatto.com, or stop by!
What can we expect from your business in the future?
Growth! Grow our lead as highest rated salon on Yelp. Grow our team of talented hair artists. Grow our hair and beauty services and products. Grow our much talked about beverage menu. And most importantly, grow our client-focused Gatto experience!
Best beauty tip you’ve ever received?
Where do I start. There’s not just one best: It’s never too late or too soon to start a new beauty regimen. Start eye cream before you “really” need it. Hydration and diet play a huge part in our hair, skin, and nails. We can only mask so much with makeup, products and tools — it all starts internally. And always, always have your stylist re-examine your texture. It’s never one and done when it comes to product. Our hair and skin changes with age {I know, it’s tough}, but also with weather and lifestyle. Make sure your hair is getting the right amount of moisture, protein, or cleanse with seasonal and lifestyle changes.
Francesco {Precision Dry Hair Cutting + Organic Color} Bangz Salon
612 Washington Street
While Francesco didn’t get to answer our questions — he’s worth the mention! This Sicilian-Italian master stylist master colorist and stylist only does organic and natural hair color at Bangz. He is also certified in platinum seamless hair extensions for all hair colors and length. {Editor’s note: And he cuts my hair!}
So there you have it. Tag us in your beauty adventure on Insta @HobokenGirlBlog and #HobokenGirl. Who will you be seeing this week?
