FASHION FORWARD: “Fashion Week is a big designer event in New York City from September 11 to the 17th. We were asked to do the hair for more than 20 models taking part in the event.” Amy Kaczowski (right) and Heather Rizzo are co-owners of Salon Pure at Palmer Square.

The mission of the stylists at Salon Pure is to help clients look and feel their best. A new haircut and well-defined highlights can do wonders for a new look, as the fall season gets underway.

“We make people happy here. If they look nice, they feel better and have more confidence and self-esteem,” says Heather Rizzo, co-owner with Amy Kaczowski, of the very popular salon.

Opened in 2007, the salon was originally located on State Road, before moving to 31-A Hulfish Street (on the second floor, just above Mediterra Restaurant). Both Heather and Amy are experienced stylists, having worked for several years in the hair industry before opening Salon Pure.

“We wanted to open our own salon because we had another vision,” explains Amy. “We wanted to offer a special atmosphere and the best hair service. We are set apart by the environment we create. Our clients say they feel as if they are on vacation when they come here.”

Salon Pure is a full-service salon, offering haircuts and color, extensions, and treatments, as well as manicures, pedicures, waxing, and make-up applications.

“We have a wide range of experienced stylists and experts in their field who can accommodate different price ranges,” point out the owners. “Our staff is really superior, and we have a lot of continuing education. We train all our assistants for two years in addition to their previous cosmetology education. Everyone goes to New York City once a month for haircutting and color demonstrations, and we also have on-line training.”

The demonstrations are at the Nick Arrojo studio, and this famous hair stylist and TV personality has become an important asset for the salon. “We can create what is really in style because of our association with Nick Arrojo,” says Heather. “Knowing Nick, we are on top of everything that’s new.”

“I had seen Nick Arrojo at hair shows, and I liked his cutting approach,” adds Amy. “It was close to Vidal Sassoon, but edgier. Nick invited us to come to one of his cutting demonstrations, and we have been associated with him for a few years.”

Certainly, access to the very latest styles and trends and the professional expertise of the staff is a real plus for their clients. It has also been noticed by the media. For the third year in a row, Salon Pure has been voted “Best Salon in New Jersey” in New Jersey Monthly magazine.

Long hair, short, curly, straight — all are popular today, although there is a trend back to short, reports Amy. “Short hair is really in right now. You see lots of pixie cuts and also bobs.”

For teenage girls, however, tossing those long locks is still irresistible, and long styles are still popular for their versatility.

“One of the newest looks today is the American Wave,” continues Amy. “This is a ‘New Age’ perm, and it’s great for both long and short hair. This is very new. It doesn’t need styling or blow drying. It can just air dry, or if you want a little different look, it can be blown dry briefly.”

For those in a hurry, who want to “wash and go”, this is a terrific time-saver.

In fact, easy maintenance is a requirement for many Salon Pure clients. “Life-style is a very important factor in deciding on a hair style,” points out Heather. “We have a very in-depth conversation before we start, so we can create the ultimate hair style for the client. Something that is very individual, and is the best choice for that person. We always take facial structure, age, and life-style into consideration. Our clients are all ages, from kids to grandparents. Women, men, and children. We are very family-friendly.”

“There are many ways and techniques of cutting hair,” she adds. “For example, a razor cut gives more texture. The right cutting technique can make the difference between a good hair cut and an outstanding haircut.

“Some people will come in every week just for a blow-dry. Because of a great dry shampoo, they don’t have to wash their hair in between visits. The Nick Arrojo dry shampoo is the best. It takes out the oil, adds body and texture, and men love the fragrance! It’s just a great product, and extremely popular.”

Color, of course, continues to be the big news on the hair scene scenario. For many people, it is a fashion statement today, changing with the seasons. Highlights, lowlights, multi-dimensional color, ombre, balayge, hair painting are all popular techniques, and many clients are not afraid to experiment. Brunettes become blondes, blondes become redheads, and vice versa. Color creates interest and often can contribute to a more youthful look for the client.

And, whether customers want an unaffected, natural shade and style (most do) or a highly dramatic coiffure, they can be accommodated at Salon Pure, where the color experts are prepared to help clients perfect their “look”.

“Color is huge, and it’s fashion today; it’s not just to cover gray any more,” points out Heather. “Coloring products are safer than ever. It’s very safe, and it’s all about the application and the skill of the professional. It is also very individualized, but as people get older, the trend is to go a little lighter with color. The skin tone changes over time.”

Also, she adds, many factors can affect the color result. “Medication is a big factor in color. It really can affect the outcome. Pregnancy can also make a difference, due to hormonal changes.”

In addition, for those who have had a bad “do it yourself” coloring experience, corrective color is available. The Salon Pure color experts have specific products and the skill that can repair the damage.

Hair design and styling for special events are also a major part of the business, as are bridal packages — for the bride and the wedding party. Make-up is another area of expertise, and make-up applications are offered for special occasions and for bridal parties, both on the day of the wedding and for “trial runs” a few months before the big day.

Manicures, pedicures, and waxing are also available, and Heather and Amy emphasize that all the implements used in these services undergo thorough sterilization.

“Shellac is very popular today,” says Heather. “It’s a type of gel, and lasts longer than regular polish. Also, it is very ‘in’ to have the nail art on the ring finger to be different than the other nails. The nail art is really incredible today. As for color, we have everything, but ‘Sugar Daddy’ is a big favorite now. It’s a light pastel color.”

Heather and Amy are delighted with the direction their business has taken. Many of their clients have become friends, and word-of-mouth has been excellent.

“This is a very creative business in all ways,” they note. “It’s very important to keep on top of everything so it all runs smoothly, which also is reflected in a happy staff and happy clients. In keeping with our welcoming atmosphere, we offer coffee, tea, cookies, and other refreshments, and we encourage walk-in customers. We also continue to welcome new staff. We want everyone to get to know us. We want to be really well-known in the community and be a part of it.”

They have indeed worked very hard to become a part of the community, and are pleased to support many organizations and charities in the area and beyond. Some of these include Locks for Love, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and SAVE.

“We will also be part of Wellness Day,’ to be held October 12 on the Green,” says Heather. “There will be a different mix of businesses and organizations taking part, as well as trainers, yoga, and other activities.”

Salon Pure is open seven days: Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 9:30 to 8, Friday 9:30 to 7, Saturday 8:30 to 5, Sunday 10 to 4. (609) 683-8384. Website: www.salonpureprinceton.com.