Photo by Deborah Gaines
You know how talented people keep moving to Maplewood/South Orange from New York City? And looking for work in the area once they arrive?
The latest example of this phenomenon is the Yoni Kreger Salon at 9 West South Orange Avenue (973-762-2900 or www.yonikregersalon.com). Both owner Yoni Kreger and stylist Kosia Asiamah live in town, and both are excited to bring their hair artistry to the local community.
Yoni is best known as the owner of the YGallery, a popular SoHo salon whose stylists work behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week. After moving to Newstead with his wife and young children, he decided to share his vision with “the beautiful people of MapSo.”
I stopped by the sleek, modern storefront next to the (equally new) D&I Fitness facility, in the Gateway apartment building. The first pleasant surprise: abundant free parking behind the building (enter though the Gateway parking entrance—there’s a door to the salon from the parking lot). The second: no crowds and no waiting.
I was greeted with tea and an introduction to Kosia, with whom I was soon chatting like old friends. An Upper East Side stylist with an impressive pedigree, she’d jumped at the chance to work closer to her young daughters (a three-year-old and 21-month old twins – God bless her).
Kosia asked me what I was looking for, and I replied, “Low-maintenance, easy to care for but knock-out gorgeous hair.” We perused a look book and she recommended a warm chestnut base with strategically placed highlights and lowlights.
Since it was my first visit, I went for the works: single process with full highlights plus a gloss shine and layered cut. Like the artist she is, Kosia meticulously placed highlights to frame my face and draw attention away from any flaws.
The result was one of the best hair styling experiences I have ever had. After hugs all around, I left the salon feeling like a goddess.
Women’s haircuts start at $60, men’s at $40. Highlights are $60 and up. The whole enchilada, like I had, will run you $275 including single process color, highlights, lowlights, gloss shine, cut and blow-dry. (See the full list of services at www.yonikregersalon.com.)
Book now, before everyone else discovers the place: 973-762-2900.
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