Now Open: Northern Lights Salon Brings Fresh Style to Westfield Avenue

"A New York City vibe without the New York City price," is how co-owner Ashley Kuberiet describes Northern Lights, the latest hair and nail salon to come to Clark.

Opened on Westfield Avenue in February, the salon features a sleek, modern design and offers everything from basic cuts and color to hair extensions and fancy techniques like keratin treatments, balayaj (a method of sweeping on color) and the American Wave, a new kind of perming.

Besides hair (for women, men and children), Northern Lights also offers manicures (including Shellac), pedicures, waxing, makeup application and an award-winning bridal division called "Pin It Up."

Nearly all of the salon's staff are transports from Moda 330 in Rahway.

"I wanted to grow and get bigger," says co-owner Tina Jimenez about the move. "The staff are very talented and we were in a small space. My partner wasn’t on the same page business-wise, so me and the staff decided to grow and move on."

Jimenez has worked as a stylist for more than 15 years and opened her first salon at age 25. Kuberiet was once her apprentice.

"We're definitely a family here," says Jimenez. "These girls have been with me from the time I opened my first business, and I try to treat them with respect, the way I would want to be treated by a boss. No one dreads coming to work. We all really enjoy each other." 

It was Kuberiet that came up with the salon's name.

"I went to Iceland two years ago and saw the Northern Lights and was inspired by the color scheme," she says. "And it made sense as a metaphor for the salon and our staff here – something beautiful that happens when energies collide."

Though she acknowledges that Westfield Avenue may as well be Clark's "salon row," Jimenez hopes Northern Lights will stand apart through hip design, friendly stylists and the latest in products and services.

"We really customize our work based on the client," says Jimenez. "Say, your favorite feature is your eyes or your cheekbones. Whatever you love, we can create a look that frames that feature."

To stay fresh, training is also a big part of the focus here, says Jimenez. The salon is a L'Oreal partner salon and all staff take several courses a month to keep up to date on the newest innovations and techniques.

Customers can also purchase any of the tools or products Northern Lights stylists use.

"They always say 'I want you to come home with me!'" laughs Jimenez. "Well at the very least you can have the same tools we have."

"And customer service, to us, is the most important part," says Kuberiet. "We love what we do and being able to share it with people, and we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome."

Jimenez and Kuberiet also like to give back. Every month, staff designate a day where Northern Lights donates a portion of their proceeds to a worthy cause. In March, it was M.S. Day and proceeds benefited the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

"We're very friendly and family oriented," adds Jimenez. "We want to create a homey feel and at the same time, we are well trained and really know what we're doing. At Northern Lights, customers will definitely find experienced, friendly stylists who take pride in our work."