Early in her career as a hair colorist and stylist, Justine Bakshi knew one thing for sure: She wanted clients to leave her chair feeling good about themselves.
“That really is what this is all about,” she says. “Listening to what my clients want and giving them a style that works for them means everything.”
In the profession for more than 15 years, Justine is now the owner of Florescence Salon & Day Spa in Saddle River, which opened its doors five-plus years ago and offers a full menu of hairstyling, makeup and skin care services.
Staying current with hair trends has been a priority since almost day one for Justine. Just before opening her salon, she had an opportunity to work backstage at New York Fashion Week, giving her a peek into trends in hair and fashion and the chance to learn from the best.
“Laurent Dufourg, owner of Privé hair products and salon, asked me to join him styling hair at a fashion show in Lincoln Center, and the experience was amazing,” she says. “I had to delay my own salon opening for a few days, but it was so worth it.”
What is she seeing in hair trends for fall?
“Definitely soft waves,” she says. “The Gatsby age is coming back with soft, finger waves and hair jewelry clips."
As for color, she sees ranges from rich brunette hues with subtle light strands to Champagne blonde color to multiple blended highlights.
With a staff of 10, along with hairstyling services, Florescence offers skin care as well as facial and waxing options and an Eye Bar for eyelash extensions.
“I love working with people,” Justine says. “In our salon, we try to offer a welcoming atmosphere and the best service. My heart leads me to make people feel good.”
Florescence Salon & Day Spa
171 E. Saddle River Road, Saddle River
201.327.0222, FlorescenceSalon.com
Florescence is eco-friendly and Green America-certified, which is very important to Justine and her team.
“In the hair industry, it’s hard to get away from using chemicals altogether, but we are doing what we can by using recycled materials for our floors, VOC-free paints and participating in a waste-recycling program. We are the only green spa in Saddle River,” Justine says.
They also carry the hair color line Tocco Magico, based in Italy, which contains certified organic ingredients.
