All Curled Up in Millburn specializes in textured hair — and kids.
When Wendy Michel Jean’s daughter, Isabelle, was six years old she vowed never to return to another salon. The little girl, who is black, said the stylist was too rough on her textured hair.
Wanting to create a better experience for her child, the concerned mom then took Isabelle to her own stylist, but because it catered to adults, Michel Jean felt the salon lacked the appropriate atmosphere for a child.
“There were adult conversations and people were looking around wondering ‘Why is there a child here?’” Michel Jean recalled. “Then we tried another salon but they just looked at my daughter and said, ‘We don’t know what to do with her hair.’ It made her feel bad.”
Despite her young age, Isabelle had an idea that would ultimately solve her problem and set her mother on a new career path. She asked her mom to open a salon that not only catered to kids but also specialized in styling those with curly or wavy hair.
Located at 10 Farley Place in Short HIlls, NJ
After spending two years researching the right products, stylists and location, All Curled Up was born.
The salon, located at 10 Farley Place in Short Hills, has been enjoying a soft opening since July and plans to have a blow out (pun intended) celebration in September.
“It’s the perfect location,” said Michel Jean, a Maplewood resident. “It’s central to Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills and the surrounding areas. The community has been amazingly supportive.”
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the salon will be available Monday and Tuesdays by appointment for children with may require or desire a more quiet experience. Having a nephew with autism, Michel Jean knows first hand the challenges parents of special needs children face, particularly when it comes to getting a haircut.
“There can be too much stimulation in a regular salon,” Michel Jean acknowledged. “We want this to be easy and comfortable for kids and their parents. Our stylists are friendly and make the children feel at ease.”
Michel Jean is already accomplishing her goal if the salon’s Facebook reviews are any indication. One satisfied mom wrote, “I took my beautiful daughter here today and we are very pleased with the outcome. Wendy (owner) & Rosie (stylist) were AWESOME!! Not only is she picture perfect but the process was PAIN FREE…THANKS ROSIE! My daughter will be returning in a few weeks for her Birthday Hairstyle!”
Striving to make all children feel special and included, All Curled Up is hosting an author talk and booking signing with Nicole Murray Nunes, who will present her new children’s picture book Short Hair Is Awesome Too on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
“As momprenuers launching a kid hair salon that caters to all textured hair, we are excited to hear from other moms who have home-based products and services,” the business owner explained. “All Curled Up has made many new and wonderful friends on social media, particularly Facebook, which is where we met aspiring children’s book author Nichole Murray Nunes. We look forward to hosting book signings and showcasing other local momprenuers and their products and services.”
All Curled Up offers a range of services including day-to-day hair care, styles for special occasions, hair at home, haircuts, blow outs, wraps, hair extensions, manicures, pedicures and more.
“We really want to focus on the community and the kids,” said Michel Jean. “We do birthday parties and we also want to cater to the Girl Scouts, they have a beauty badge they can earn and what better place to do it!”
For more information, visit https://allcurledup.com, the salon’s Facebook page or call 973-379-4790. All Curled Up, 10 Farley Place, Short Hills, NJ.
