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Popular Sydney Albert Salon & Spa Offers Hair, Face, and Body Care

When, as often happens, a new client calls Sydney Albert Salon & Spa, and asks for an appointment with Sydney, there is a slight pause at the other end of the line.

"I have to explain that Sydney is my five-year-old daughter for whom the salon is named, but who is not quite ready to take on hair styling responsibilities just yet," says proprietor Lauren Albert, with a smile.

There are many others to help out, however, she hastens to add! 12 hair stylists, three estheticians, three massage therapists, and four nail specialists are on hand to make their magic. In addition to the technical skill of the staff, they are expert in customer service, notes Ms. Albert.

"We offer very personal attention to our clients. We want people to feel welcome and at home here. In our mission statement, we stress that 'as a team, we are dedicated to building lasting relationships with our clients in an environment that is beautiful, warm, friendly, and consistent.'"

Owner with her husband Paul Albert and her mother Lynne Kaiser, Ms. Albert opened the salon and spa July of 2004 in the Shops at Windsor Green on Route One South. Mr. and Mrs. Albert had both worked in the beverage industry in New York, but had wanted to establish their own family business.

"It had always been our goal to have our own business and get out of the corporate rat race," she explains. "We were really passionate about this."

Experienced People

It happened that a hair salon and day spa was available as a franchise, and the Alberts, while realizing this was a new field for them, immediately saw the opportunity to fulfill their dream. It is now independently-owned by them, and they have gathered a staff of hair stylists and skin care specialists (estheticians) who are known for their experience and expertise. Several staff members formerly operated salons of their own, reports Ms. Albert.

"It was important that we have very experienced people," she notes. "We rely on our staff for their salon and spa expertise, and I oversee the daily business and administration."

The spacious salon and spa is sophisticated, smart, and sleek. Staff members wear black or black and white, and the entire setting exudes a contemporary, "now", state-of-the-art atmosphere.

Services include a full range of hair and skin care, as well as body treatments. A variety of facials, peels, waxing, and massages is available, as well as manicures, pedicures, and make-up applications and lessons. Japanese hair straightening, and lash and brow tints are also offered.

Color is an essential part of hair care services today, and it is a specialty of Sydney Albert. "We really pride ourselves on great color education for our clients. We can create a wonderful new look, and also correct mistakes, if necessary," points out Ms. Albert.

Long gone are the days when color was used primarily to cover gray, she adds. "Color today is a fashion statement. Some people have different colors for each season. It's a fun way to change your look. And, color is very safe now. The technology is so advanced. We use L'Oreal color, and it is also important to care for color with the right conditioner and shampoo at home."

Staff Specialty

Styling is another specialty of the staff, and as Ms. Albert notes, "We can create a new style for a client, taking into consideration their facial structure, skin tone, and life-style. Today, many people want easy maintenance, and we always advise them on how to care for their hair at home."

Skin care is also a big part of Sydney Albert's business, and Ms. Albert reports that "Anti-aging is huge today in skin care. Both in prevention and in reducing existing lines or sun damage, etc."

The salon and spa offers a variety of facials, including oxygenating, hydrating, etc. "All our skin care treatments are geared to the individual needs of the clients, and to maintain the wellness of the skin," says Ms. Albert.

"In addition, one of the most popular spa services is our signature spa massage, which is between a light, relaxing massage and a deep tissue massage. Both facials and massages are also great stress relievers."

Services are for women, men, and children, and many regulars come from Princeton, Lawrenceville, West Windsor, and the surrounding area, she adds.

Ms. Albert points out that Sydney Albert maintains competitive price points, while offering high-end service. "We want to fill the niche for the person who wants a high-end salon, but doesn't want Madison Avenue prices."

Prices start at $40 for women's haircuts, $60 for a Swedish massage, $45 for an express facial, $18 for manicure, and $24 for petite pedicure.

Special Packages

In addition, gift certificates are available for any service, and special packages include "Renew Yourself", with massage, manicure and pedicure for $105, and "Renew Yourself Plus", offering massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure for $165. Customers may also create their own packages.

Retail products include Bumble and bumble shampoo and conditioners, and Pevonia and Jan Marini skin care.

"We have had a great first year," says Ms. Albert. "We love this location. It's a great spot, easy to get to, and with great parking. I look forward to our continued growth and building our client base even further."

Pleasing the customer is the highest priority, she adds. "We are here for their convenience. One of our unique selling features is our hours. We are open seven days a week and until midnight on Thursday. In addition, our staff keeps up-to-date with continuing education, including monthly seminars on the latest advances and technology.

"We also like to have fun and we want our customers to enjoy themselves here. Nothing pleases me more than to have people come in and say how they feel at home here, and then walk out and look and feel like a million!"

Sydney Albert is open Monday and Saturday 8:30 until 5, Tuesday and Wednesday until 9, Thursday until midnight, Friday until 8, and Sunday until 4. Appointments are recommended. (609) 228-0300.