A lot has been brewing and happening these last few months. New business plans are in the works, restaurants are open for outdoor dining, and spas and salons are able to return to serving their clientele. Husband and wife team, Gisella Amaya and Ken Hughes have recently joined the ranks of those aforementioned salons, and opened Paloma Salon on June 23rd, right in the heat of it all. Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Jersey City and perfectly located between Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park, Paloma Salon {373 3rd Street} is bringing a Manhattan-style salon to the JC area with relaxing, desert-like vibes and affordable prices. We are so excited to welcome this new spot to the neighborhood and got the chance to chat with the owners to learn more about what this newcomer of a salon has to offer.
PS: All new clients who mention “HOBOKENGIRL” when booking online will receive 10% off of their first service.
About Gisella and Ken
Both Gisella and Ken started their careers at different high-end Manhattan and Brooklyn salons. Ken, a classically trained master barber started cutting in 2013 at NYC’s Rudy’s — a super grungy, sub pop, unisex barber shop, where he was able to learn a lot of short women’s cuts too. He then moved from Rudy’s to Blue and Black, a high-end salon, where he grew his clientele and finally got his finger on the heartbeat of the city.
Gisella, who also began her career in upscale city salons specializes in razor cutting, shags, textured haircuts that are wearable and easy to maintain, and the very popular balayage look. They both decided that they wanted to take their talents out of NYC and bring an elevated yet affordable salon to Jersey.
“Some of the salon culture in NYC is very competitive but at Paloma, we believe that there is plenty of hair to go around and we are building a community here,” explained Ken, who beamed about the reception they’ve received from other salons in the area sharing that “it has been such a wonderful experience supporting each other, rather than competing, especially during a time like this.”
Read more: 9 Affordable + Chic Hair Salons in Jersey City
The Salon Itself
Everything about Paloma has been carefully planned and organized. This oasis in the middle of a happening city is just what the community needed. Situated on a very residential street, Gisella and Ken went for relaxing desert vibes — just take a look at the beautiful dusty sand and rose colored decór with pops of green plants to accent. It’s not a typical salon, as there are so many elements of fashion and trendiness that make clients feel as though they are somewhere other than in Jersey City. And once life is able to go back to normal, Ken and Gisella are excited to be able to cater to their clients by offering wine, coffee, and other pleasantries — the full luxury experience. Their hope is to make your experience relaxing and fun, while focusing on self care.
With that focus on self care, Paloma also carries hair care products, candles, bath teas, body oils, and fragrances. Ken’s background in fragrance and cosmetic marketing as well as product development from FIT has him constantly curating a luxurious retail selection, carrying items such as Original Mineral {O+M}, a clean beauty brand from Australia, MCMC, Boy Smells Daughters of the Land, and so many more in the salon. Plus, Gisella and Ken also strive to support small, local businesses and female-owned businesses, as that is something very important to them collectively.
Services
Paloma offers an array of cuts and colors for both men and women. Both Ken and Gisella specialize in balayage, a dimensional look that can carry clients for months without having to touch up, as well as smoothing and keratin treatments that are formaldehyde-free, extensions, regular and barber cuts, and of course, fun, colorful looks. Gisella absolutely loves balayage, creating color melted looks that go from dark to light, and sunkissed, beachy hair. She is great with those dimensional, easy-to-wear styles.
Ken, on the other hand, is big into old school, retro cuts, classic pompadours, and even specializes in thinning hair, hair loss, and receding hairlines. The two are big fans of Redken and Schwarzkopf for color because of the levels and tones that are able to be reached with such high quality products with long lasting results. And while Paloma strives to be a mostly clean beauty salon, Ken and Gisella also understand that natural and organic doesn’t always mean “healthy.”
Why Jersey?
Gisella and Ken knew that Jersey City was the most ideal spot to open, after moving here three years ago. The two relocated into the area and just fell in love with the neighborhood, the diversity, and the friendliness of the people who lived here.
“It just seemed like the right place to be,” they both agreed.
The salon is situated in a quaint little community right smack in the middle of Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park, a mostly residential area sprinkled with retail and boutiques that feel relaxing and calm. As for the origin of the name Paloma? While on vacation in Costa Rica, the two were sitting by the pool and the name came to mind. In Spanish, Paloma means dove and doves mean peace, and this is exactly the vibe they were hoping to achieve at the salon — a peaceful oasis that focuses on self-care with a playful vibe. They are excited to provide high quality hair services while pushing artistic boundaries, and providing education, clean beauty, and friendship. “Our vision is to create a new standard for hair salons,” Ken and Gisella shared.
See more: A Guide to Beauty + Wellness Spots that Have Reopened in Hoboken + Jersey City
COVID-19 Precautions
Since the reopening of salons across the state, Paloma has been a leader in the industry, ensuring all safety measures are taken seriously. Each client begins their appointment with a temperature check and hand washing. Guards are placed around the reception desk, and everyone who comes into the salon is required to wear a mask. Additionally, the salon provides disposable chair covers for each client and is one of few salons that do not upcharge to provide these sanitary measures. “Anything that is touched by anyone, including ourselves, is constantly being sanitized,” shared Ken. “Clients have been great and everyone has been respectful and cautious, which we are grateful for.”
The Details
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Paloma Salon is now open Tuesday through Saturday {from 11:00AM to 8:00PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12:00PM to 9:00PM Thursdays and Fridays, and 10:00AM to 7:00PM on Saturdays}. Appointments can be booked online, by calling, or by DM-ing on Instagram. For the safety of everyone, appointments have been extended by 15 minutes before and after to account for sanitation of each station. And while check-in is a bit longer, the salon is doing everything imaginable to make it a safe experience for all. Additionally, cancellation and late policies have been relaxed for the time being as Gisella and Ken hope to protect everyone who might be sick.
“If you’re feeling sick, stay home; don’t worry about cancellation or late fees. If you need a mask, we have it. We are Barbecide and COVID certified as well as bloodborne pathogen certified. We have gloves for the retail area because we want you to feel safe picking up products. ”
Have you been to Paloma Salon? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!
