It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

HAIR HIGHLIGHTS: “Hair coloring is our specialty. More and more people color for fashion — even seasonally — today. Color is so prevalent, and it’s not just to cover gray. All ages are doing it.” Bob Lovuolo, owner of Chelsea Crimpers, is shown with stylists Armida Bella (left) and April Woods.

Full Array of State-of-the-Art Hair Service Available at Popular Chelsea Crimpers Salon

“You look as if you washed your hair in moonlight!”

That comment was directed to a Chelsea Crimpers client who recently treated herself to a series of highlights, creating, according to the above observer, a lovely glow.

Artistic hair coloring and creative highlighting effects are indeed Chelsea Crimpers’ specialty. The salon, located at 14 Spring Street, is known for the color expertise of the staff. Stylists attend seminars and workshops featuring the latest techniques, notes owner Bob Lovuolo, who opened the salon more than 30 years ago.

“I had been in real estate, advertising, and the army,” he explains, “and I had never really thought about hair styling. My fiancée worked for a friend in the hair salon business. I’d go up to visit her there, and I got interested. I was fascinated with hair cutting. I had always liked being creative and working with my hands. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to have my own business, and I’m still enjoying it after 30 years!”

After advanced training in hair cutting and color techniques, and working for salons in the New Brunswick area, Mr. Lovuolo made the decision to open in Princeton.

“The space became available here, and I thought it would be a perfect spot. I knew and liked Princeton. I had come to games here and to McCarter many times.”

Holiday Styling

In keeping with Mr. Lovuolo’s interest, Chelsea Crimpers’ focus is on hair — cutting, color (including corrective color), root perms, and body waves, and special event and holiday styling. In addition, facial waxing is available.

When considering a hair style or color, it is very important to take a client’s facial structure, skin tone, original hair color, and life-style into account, points out Mr. Lovuolo. The salon has a computer base with information on clients’ needs and hair history.

“We always spend time with our clients,” he says. “We have a free consultation and ask them to fill out a questionnaire about their hair, how much time they spend on it, etc. Our approach to hair coloring is unique. We always do an analysis, noting the clients original hair color and their skin tone. It’s important that the color be appropriate.”

He especially points out that older clients should be careful not to have their hair too dark. As one matures, skin tone can change, as well as hair color. “With color for older clients, the advice is: ‘Get older, go lighter,’” he explains.

Creative Coloring

Creative coloring is a continuing pleasure for him, whether the client opts for full color or highlights. “We have special foil effects for color,” he explains. “You have the most control with the foil techniques for highlighting. The goal is always to create the most natural look for the hair.

“Also, color is so much safer now. The newest color product is INOA from L’Oreal, and it has no ammonia and is odorless. It has an oil-based delivery system, and is healthier for the hair.”

Another new product, just introduced at the salon, is Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy from Coppela, and this is an important development.

“It’s not a hair straightener,” reports Mr. Lovuolo. “It infuses keratin into the hair, which smooths it. Importantly, it is formaldehyde-free, and it is an excellent way to tame frizzy hair. We are inviting people to come in for a complimentary quote.”

Customer Favorite

The Eufora line of natural, organic shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids is another new addition, he reports. It is very healthy for the hair, and is a real favorite with customers.

Chelsea Crimpers’ clients are women, men, and children, including those who have come for their first haircut. “We have many regulars, even from New York and Philadelphia, and many customers have become friends,” he says. “We now have second-generation customers, and there is a great rapport with everyone. We take pride in our relaxing, welcoming atmosphere, and all our clients also enjoy our background music — from opera to jazz.”

Giving back to the community is important, he adds, and the salon plans a special promotion in January. “Food banks are really hurting now, and we want to help. If someone brings in non-perishable food products, they will receive a discount toward a service, and we will donate the food to a food pantry.”

A gift certificate to Chelsea Crimpers is a wonderful holiday remembrance, and Mr. Lovuolo adds that, “If you purchase a gift card for someone, you will get a discount for a service.”

Mr. Lovuolo looks forward to continuing to help clients with their hair styles. When he has free time, he enjoys traveling, and as he points out, “It is a chance for me to observe hair styles in different places, such as Italy, Paris, or South America. Styles can be different in different places, and can always give me new ideas.”

Chelsea Crimpers is competitively priced, and offers products for sale, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids from L’Oreal, Redken, and Eufora, among others.

Appointments are preferred, but not required. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday 9 to 6, Saturday 9 to 4:30. (609) 924-1824.

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