A  new look for a new year is available at Sofia Lido Salon and Blow Out Bar.

Everything from trimmed bangs to blow dry to highlights to tint backs to formal up-dos to CHI relaxers, as well as waxing treatments is offered at this brand new salon.

Located in the Shoppes at Pennington, 21 Route 31 North, it is owned by stylist Bernadette Reed, and opened in January.

“I am so encouraged,” says Ms. Reed. “I have really been surprised by how quickly customers have found us. I already have a growing clientele. Also, this is an excellent location. I looked for a place for quite a while. This is great. It is new, and very well
maintained. There is also a lot of foot traffic here.”

The arrival of Sofia Lido on the hair salon scene has a unique history. Ms. Reed’s previous career could not have been more different. After graduating from college, she worked as an institutional equity sales trader on Wall Street, and was a survivor of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

New Perspective

“This changed my outlook, and gave me a new perspective,” she explains. “I wanted to do something else. I had always enjoyed getting my hair done, and was interested in hair stying. I have difficult hair. It’s very curly and frizzy. So, I decided to enroll in Concord Cosmetology School in Ocean Township. I thought I’d give it a try and see if I liked it.”

After the 10-month course, Ms. Reed received a license from the state board of cosmetology, and worked for several years at a salon in Marlboro. “That was a very good experience,” she recalls, “and I got a lot of continuing education in cutting and color.”

She is now a Redken-trained colorist and stylist, and has completed advanced training in Matrix, Colorly, Goldwell, and Socolor color systems. She is also certified in the John Sahag dry cutting method, and has had extensive training and experience in the CHI Japanese straightening and Keratin straightening systems. She is enthusiastic about having her own salon and the opportunity to share her expertise with customers.

“There are so many aspects to this work,” she notes. “I think the salon is set apart by my training and my love for what I do. I really enjoy the blow out. It’s very creative. You can create so many looks, and that is why I decided to have the Blow Out Bar, offering a variety of different blow out opportunities.”

Fashion Statement

In any salon today, of course, it’s all about color. Coloring hair is seemingly for everyone — almost all ages, and men as well as women. Although it is still often to cover gray, its use has gone far beyond that. In many cases, it has beome a fashion statement.

“Color is very big,” says Ms. Reed. “People are using hair color at younger and younger ages. Some people actually change color with the seasons. Spring and summmer tend to be lighter with highlights. Winter can be darker with lowlights. The ombre look is still seen for longer hair, but it’s not quite as popular as it once was.

“We offer both ammonia-free and low ammonia color choices. I like to use foils for highlights. I like the end results. Also, color products have a lot of conditioners today.”

She adds that when considering hair color changes, it is important to take into account the client’s natural hair color and skin tone. “People tend to go lighter as they get older because their skin tone changes. And most clients are trying to achieve a natural look. Another thing, some people are also opting for Tint Back — a return to a darker color, either with a complete change or by removing highlights.”

Regarding styles and cuts, choices are very varied and individualized, reports Ms. Reed. “We are seeing a lot of long to short — you see this with some celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway. There are many techniques for cutting. But, of course, long hair is never out of style. Generally, people with curly hair want to have it straightened. We offer straightening techniques, including CHI Japanese straightening and keratin straightening, with no formaldehyde.”

Easy maintenance is always desirable, but Ms. Reed points out there is no such thing as no maintenance. Most people at least blow dry their hair at a minimum. “The point is we help to educate our clients about caring for their hair, showing them the correct way to blow-dry. etc.”

Special Savings

In addition to hair service, Sofia Lido offers a variety of waxing treatments, including eye brow, lip, chin, neck, ears, and sideburns, beginning at $5.

Women’s hair cuts are $60, wash and blow-dry $35, blow dry only (arrive with hair washed and wet) $25, and a variety of other blow dry packages is offered. Children’s cuts (10 and under) are $25, and men’s $30. Single process color is $60, highlights $85. Special savings packages are available, and a 10 percent discount is offered for clients 65 and older.

In addition, the salon offers baby sitting opportunities. As Ms. Reed explains, “We work directly and exclusively with The Village Leaning Center in Pennington. They offer our clients a discounted hourly rate of $12. The Village Learning Center is a half mile away from the salon.”

Not only is Ms. Reed delighted with the successful opening weeks of the salon, the clients are equally pleased. As one new customer, who had come in by chance, noted: “I am very happy. I love the way my hair looks, and I am impressed with the care and attention to detail that Bernadette provided. I will definitely come back!”

Ms. Reed looks forward to introducing many more clients to Sofia Lido and offering them high quality service. (609) 737-7770. Website: www.sofialido.com.