For some families, traditions are passed down around the dinner table.
For the Panico family, they have been passed from one salon chair to the next.
As Panico Salon celebrates 65 years, the third-generation family business continues to prove that its greatest achievement is not simply beautiful hair. It is the relationships, loyalty and family values that have made it one of Bergen County's most respected beauty destinations.
Founded by International Haircutting Champion Jack Panico Sr., the salon quickly earned a reputation for exceptional artistry and an unwavering commitment to education. That vision was carried forward by Jack Panico Jr., who expanded the business into a luxury beauty destination while preserving the personal experience that clients had come to expect.
Today, the next chapter is already unfolding.
Third-generation siblings Brianna and Jaxon Panico are helping shape the future of the family business while honoring the foundation built by their grandfather and father.
For Brianna, carrying on the Panico name has also meant creating a professional path of her own.
"My career as a colorist began in New York and Miami, where I had the opportunity to travel, learn and work alongside incredibly talented artists," Brianna says. "I'm proud to bring that knowledge and experience into the salon, while continuing to grow, evolve and inspire the next generation of artists."
That experience has allowed Brianna to return to the family business with her own perspective while continuing the legacy established generations before her.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be part of a business that my grandfather started 65 years ago," Brianna says. "Watching my father continue that legacy has inspired me every day, and it's an honor to help carry it into the next generation."
For Brianna and Jaxon, Panico has never simply been where their family works. It has always been home.
Growing up around the salon meant watching relationships develop over decades, seeing clients celebrate life's biggest milestones and learning that beauty extends far beyond what happens in front of a mirror.
"Growing up in the salon, I learned that beauty is about so much more than hair," Brianna says. "It's about making people feel confident, cared for and seen. That has always been at the heart of our family."
That philosophy remains the driving force behind every appointment.
Specializing in custom color, precision haircuts, certified hair extensions, bridal styling, texture treatments and signature blowouts, Panico's team creates personalized looks designed around each guest's lifestyle, features and goals. Every service begins with an in-depth consultation, ensuring the experience feels just as customized as the final result.
The salon's commitment to excellence begins long before a guest sits in the chair.
Education has remained one of Panico's defining principles since its founding. Through an advanced in-house education program, every stylist continues refining techniques, mastering emerging trends and developing the artistry that has defined the salon for generations.
"We never stop learning," Brianna says. "Education has always been one of the biggest priorities in our family because the beauty industry is constantly evolving. We want every guest to know they're receiving the very best every time they walk through our doors."
That investment in education has helped Panico remain at the forefront of luxury beauty while creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals to grow within the company.
Today, guests experience more than a traditional salon visit.
Located within The Lifestyle Building in downtown Ridgewood, Panico offers an elevated approach to beauty that brings together hair artistry, wellness, medi-spa services, Pilates and luxury retail under one roof. The thoughtfully curated environment reflects the belief that looking your best begins with feeling your best.
Whether someone is preparing for their wedding day, refreshing their color, adding volume with custom extensions or simply stopping in for a signature blowout, every guest receives the same level of care and attention.
"Our clients have become an extension of our family," Brianna says. "We've celebrated weddings, babies, graduations and so many milestones together. Those relationships are what make Panico so special."
Over the years, Panico has participated in Fashion Week, appeared on television makeover programs and earned recognition as a beauty industry leader. Yet despite its accolades and continued growth, the salon has remained grounded in the values that first established its reputation.
Warm hospitality.
Exceptional craftsmanship.
And genuine relationships.
"There's something really rewarding about seeing someone leave smiling, standing a little taller and feeling more confident than when they came in," Brianna says. "That's why we do what we do."
As Thanksgiving approaches, Brianna says the family's greatest gratitude belongs to the clients, team members and community who have supported Panico through every chapter of its journey.
Sixty-five years after opening its doors, the salon continues to welcome first-time guests while serving families who have trusted Panico for generations. Now, with Brianna and Jaxon representing the family's third generation, that legacy continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the values established from the very beginning.
For the Panico family, that trust is more than a milestone.
It is the legacy they are most thankful for.
Panico Salon
144 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-652-4515
panico.com