|
|
Vol. LXIII, No. 3
|
|
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
|
|
|
|
Vol. LXIII, No. 3
|
|
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
|
 BEST LOOK: “We try to give each client an appropriate look. Also, easy care is important today. People are busy and have less time, and there are special products, like gels and mousses, for body and style, which are time-savers.” Aziz El Badaoui, owner of casaAZIZ Salon, is shown in his attractive new salon, which opened in October at 18 South Tulane Street. |
A new hair style, cut or color — there’s nothing like it to give you a new look — and outlook — especially in the winter. When the days are shorter and the nights longer, you need more light in your life!
Perhaps one option is adding some highlights (full or partial) to your existing hair shade — or even going to an entirely new shade! The choices are almost endless these days, and now there is a new professional full-service hair salon offering the latest in color, cuts, and style.
casaAZIZ Salon opened in October, and is already becoming a favorite for discriminating clients. Owner Aziz El Badaoui, originally from Casablanca, trained there and in Europe, before coming to the U.S. seven years ago.
“I worked in New York and at salons in Princeton and the area, and it was always my goal to have my own business,” he says. “We really pride ourselves on giving personal attention and offering more professional service.”
Inviting Setting
When clients step inside the attractive salon, they are immediately taken with its inviting setting, so conducive to a relaxing atmosphere. Terra cotta and white decor, a charming arch, stonework, and wall waterfall engage the customer’s interest and heighten the sense of well-being. Private rooms are available for specific services, such as waxing and threading (a waxing alternative), and adding to the sense of relaxation, a scalp massage is given with every hair cut.
“We are trying to set ourselves apart from the other salons,” points out business manager Brian Demary. “We offer special styling products, such as Privé, which is exclusive to us in the area and available at only two salons in New Jersey. Another French line, Phyto, is especially used for treatments for specific conditions, such as damaged, thinning, or dry hair.”
Color is one of the services most in demand at all salons these days, and casaAZIZ specializes in the Balayage line. “It’s a very natural, ammonia-free product,” explains Aziz. “People tend to like warmer colors in winter, and overall, they want a more natural, blended look in hair color, which Balayage can provide.”
Styling and blow-drying are specialties of Aziz. “He’s a blow-dry artist,” says Mr. Demary, “and he loves to cut and create new styles.”
Different Techniques
There are many variables in determining what is the best look and style for a client, adds Aziz. Facial structure, skin tone, hair texture, even life-style are all factors to be taken into account. For example, different hair textures, whether thick or baby fine, require different techniques, and different cuts can also add body by means of layering and feathering.
“I often suggest a classic, up-to-date, modern style,” says Aziz. “This looks very nice and is easy to care for.”
Curly hair, straight hair, long or short — everything is popular today, with relaxers especially in demand. “We have all kinds of relaxers for all ethnic backgrounds, including natural relaxers, which are used to straighten curly hair, but just to relax it — not to make it as straight as Asian hair, for example,” explains Aziz.
The stylists at casaAZIZ continually update their education, with seminars and workshops to keep up with the latest techniques, says Mr. Demary. “They need to know how to apply these techniques and which is suitable for the individual client.”
Professional Expertise
Clients include men, women, and children of all ages, and are from the Princeton area and beyond, with regulars from New York and even Atlanta, Georgia. “Aziz has a big following from all over,” notes Mr. Demary. “We are very encouraged. Previous clients have followed him here, and we have new clients too. We have great retention.
“One reason is Aziz’s professional expertise. He has a genuine interest in each client, and he never gives them something not needed. He does what is best for each individual. He wants to help people to look their best.
“All of us at casaAZIZ enjoy the interaction with our clients,” he continues. “Client relationships are very important to us. We get to know people, and they become friends. We also try to be very accommodating and offer evening hours, so clients can come after work.”
In addition to cuts and color, casaAZIZ offers waxing and threading, make-up applications, and bridal parties (with private bridal room). Hair extensions and facials will soon be available.
casaAZIZ provides a varied price range, including a 5-level pricing system. Gift cards are also available. Appointments are strongly recommended, so the proper time can be allotted to each client.
Aziz looks forward to serving his clients for many years to come. As he says, “It is often said that seven is a lucky number. On October 7, seven years ago and seven months after moving to the United States in search of a new life and a new dream, my version of the American Dream has come true.”
Hours are Tuesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday 9 to 10, Friday 8 to 6, Saturday 8 to 5. (609) 279-1744. Website: www.casa-aziz.com.