For Kristina Centino, owner of Opalescence Salon, “love local” isn’t a marketing theme—it’s the foundation of her business. From its inclusive pricing model to its community-first culture, the Somerville salon continues to distinguish itself as a creative, welcoming space where every client is treated as an individual. Centino, who lives in Somerville, says roughly 60% of her clientele comes from the immediate area—Somerville, Branchburg and Bridgewater—with others traveling more than an hour for her team’s specialty services. “Being able to serve the community I live in is really special,” she says. “Salons have always been communal spaces, and we want people to feel at home here.”
A Transparent, Inclusive Approach to Hair Care
One of the salon’s most defining features is its hourly, inclusive pricing. Instead of itemizing each step—highlight, glaze, treatment, haircut—Opalescence charges based on the time needed to achieve the client’s goal. The approach removes guesswork and creates a fully transparent experience.
“It allows us to be inclusive and gratuity-free,” Centino says. “Clients know exactly what they’re spending before they sit down, and there’s no awkward ‘should I tip?’ moment. It’s simple, fair and inclusive.”
This model also supports the salon’s specialty work, particularly complex color transformations and vivid “fantasy” hues. Because these services often require root-to-end detail and multiple steps, hourly pricing gives stylists the flexibility to focus on quality rather than fitting a transformation into standard service categories.
The Conscious Consultation
Every new color client receives what Centino calls a “conscious consultation,” a signature part of the salon’s process that dives deeper than inspiration photos.
“It’s not just ‘what do you want to do today?’” she says. “We talk about maintenance, budget, lifestyle—all the real factors that determine whether a look is practical and sustainable.”
This approach helps set realistic expectations, especially for clients seeking dramatic changes such as platinum transformations or drastic color corrections. Instead of saying “yes” to a look that may damage the hair or exceed a client’s budget, the team prioritizes integrity—both of the hair and the relationship.
“I’d rather say no and have you be upset for a moment than let you leave with compromised hair,” Centino says. “Integrity over everything.”
Education at the Core
Centino brings a background in national industry education, and she has woven that experience into the salon’s culture. Each month, the team participates in in-house training focused on both technical skills and adapting current trends for everyday clients. They also regularly bring in outside educators or travel to classes.
“I’m a big believer in being a forever student,” Centino says. “Education keeps us inspired, keeps us sharp and ensures we’re always offering clients the absolute best.”
A Salon That Feels Like ‘Cheers’
Although Opalescence sits just off Main Street and falls outside the Downtown Somerville Alliance’s formal boundary, the surrounding business community has embraced the salon wholeheartedly. Centino feels that bond every day.
“The other business owners have been fantastic. It’s such a tight-knit community,” she says. “We want our salon to feel like Cheers—where we know your name, your favorite drink and how to make you feel at home.”
The intimate nature of hair care, she adds, creates connection. “It’s one of the few industries where we physically touch people for a living. We want everyone to leave feeling like the best version of themselves.”
Freedom for Stylists, Joy for Clients
Opalescence’s culture is as intentional as its services. Centino encourages her team to set their own hours and pricing based on their skill level, lifestyle and long-term goals—a structure she now teaches to other salon owners through business coaching.
“No one wants to be micromanaged,” she says. “We’re all responsible adults. When my team is fulfilled and living lives that work for them, they come in excited, and clients feel that energy.”
Each stylist specializes in their own niche—from blonding to vivid color to lived-in aesthetics—allowing clients to find the perfect fit while still staying within one unified salon experience.
What’s Ahead
With 11 stylists currently on staff, Centino is preparing for growth. Her one-year goal includes expanding the team and service offerings; her five-year vision centers around expanding Opalescence into an even larger community hub.
Beyond hair, she hopes to host more events: wellness workshops, women’s leadership panels, and collaborative pop-ups with other small businesses. The salon already has a December holiday market and has previously offered meditation, yoga and sound therapy sessions.
“I want this to be a space where people can grow, connect and support each other,” she says. “Hair is just the beginning.”
Opalescence Salon
Address: 99 US-206, Somerville, NJ
Phone: (908) 240-9335
Website: opalescencesalon.com
“Being able to serve the community I live in is really special. Salons have always been communal spaces, and we want people to feel at home here.” - Kristina Centino