May 24, 2010

Brows in Bergen

Best Eyebrow Shaping in Bergen

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Frida Kahlo rocked one.  Bert from Sesame Street sported a thick one.  Heck, even George W. had one for a time.  But unless you like the bushy unkempt look, a unibrow is just not that cool.

So before summer kicks off (and we all know that hair seems to grow at hypersonic speed when the weather gets warmer), it could be time for a brow shaping appointment.  We all know that well shaped brows can make you look younger, more vibrant, and even happier!

So here is our tally of the best “brow stylists” in Bergen:

Best Arch

Jon Santos at Blush Salon in Englewood
They say you should never trust a skinny chef and it follows that you should never trust a stylist with messy brows.  So when you take your first look at Jon Santos, you know you are in good hands. The self-proclaimed “clean freak” first takes you in his chair and disposes of any rogue eyebrow hair with a wax.  Then he artfully wields his tweezers to create the perfect arch.  You will leave looking fresh, clean and pretty.  Bonus: need a blow-out?, he’s great at that too!

Jon Santos, Blush Salon
3 Grand Avenue, Englewood
201-568-2221
$30 per session, Wednesday-Saturday

Most Zen-Like Experience

Christy Karach at Blue Mercury in Englewood
Of course who doesn’t love Blue Mercury, the upscale apothecary tucked behind a bus stop on Dean Street.  But did anyone realize there is a beautiful spa located in the back with treatment rooms and an amazing aesthetician?  Maybe not.  When you enter the spa at Blue Mercury and are greeted by the lovely Christy, you will feel instantly calm.  First, she escorts you into one of the spa’s treatment rooms where you lay and let her perform her wax/tweeze combo.  Result- clean beautiful brows.  Make your appointment early, Christy’s book fills up quickly.

Christy Karach, Blue Mercury
30 S. Dean Street, Englewood
201-871-7800
$25 per session, Tuesday-Saturday

Hidden Gem

Tracy Andreasen at Elan Hair Salon and Spa in Westwood
We literally stumbled upon the “Eyebrows by Tracy” sign in the window of Elan Hair Salon on Westwood Avenue.  And when we showed up for our appointment (half an hour late) Tracy was patiently waiting and so sweet about it that we instantly knew she was a cool chick.  Tracy was trained in the Anastasia method of eyebrow shaping.  She uses wax to create a beautiful shape and finishes with a tweeze.  She applies some brow liner (not overdone, thankfully) and you leave with neat, shapely brows.

Tracy Andreasen, Elan Hair Salon and Spa
128 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
201-664-0972
$25 per session, Thursdays and Saturdays

Best Multi-Tasking (Shop while you get styled)

Kelly Finnegan at Anastasia Brow Studio in Nordstrom Garden State Plaza
If you happen to be shopping at Nordstrom and the sudden need to get an eyebrow wax hits you, you are in luck.  Up on the 2nd floor, all the way in the back, is a full-service eyebrow studio.  Anastasia Soare is famous for her brow styling and skincare in Hollywood and she has brought her expertise here to Bergen in her namesake studio.  The Anastasia “method” focuses on creating the perfect arch to match your facial structure using a combination of waxing and tweezing.  All stylists are trained in her method and use her products exclusively.  You can even pick up your own brow kit to maintain that arch between visits.

Anastasia Brow Studio in Nordstrom Garden State Plaza
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
201-843-1122
Kelly Finnegan: Tues, Wed, Friday and Sat.
$30 per session

Softest Brow Line

Nasrin at Panico Salon and Spa in Ridgewood
Nasrin at Panico Salon helps make a strong case for eyebrow threading by maneuvering her thread with the skill of a ninja warrior.  She spent a full 25 minutes on our brows making sure they were even and took the time to explain where we needed a little uh, re-growth.  With threading, the brow shapes are less angular and the arch can be smoother and more natural looking.  Ours was.

Nasrin,  Panico Salon and Spa
144 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
201-652-4515
$30 per session, Monday-Saturday(not Tuesday)

So get out this week before Memorial Day Weekend and whip those brows into perfect shape.

Just a suggestion, of course we’d never browbeat you.