If you’re in Northern NJ and you need your hair done, chances are you either know someone who does hair or you’re overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of hairdressers. On Saturday, I wound up in Northern NJ with some time to kill, and I was in dire need of a blowout – so what was a girl to do?
I asked my hair friends in the area if they could squeeze me in, but they were all booked that Saturday, so I decided to take to Google. Within seconds, my attention was directed to Ciro’s (see-rows) Hair Pavilion of Elmwood Park. After reading a few impressive Google reviews, I’d made up my mind and decided to call to see if they could fit me in. As luck would have it, they had a last-minute cancellation and could accommodate my request.
When I arrived, I was immediately drawn in by the atmosphere. As I walked in, (if you know me, you know) the first thing I clocked were the plants, which immediately elevated my opinion of this adorable, boutique establishment. Overall, I found Ciro’s Hair Pavilion to be cute and cozy. The stylists and staff were warm and friendly, and I felt a real sense of family as soon as I walked in.
Moreover, I knew immediately that the salon was professional and that they prioritized hair care. The stylists’ stations were immaculate, the products promoted were all top-tier, and the salon was packed when I arrived (always a good sign.) I watched the stylists work their magic during my short wait before getting into the chair; that was all I needed to confirm I’d hit the jackpot by stumbling upon Ciro’s that day.
A Ciro’s stylist in her natural habitat. Sandra has been with Ciro’s Hair Pavilion for twelve years./Photo Credit: Ciro’s Hair Pavilion
What happened next was the kindling of the fiery passion behind writing this article and sharing my experience.
My stylist was ready and I was called to the chair. As the receptionist walked me to the chair (Nina, who I later learned was one of the daughters of the salon owner,) she told me my stylist was one of the most experienced working at Ciro’s. As if I weren’t already swooning over the hair care paradise, knowing my stylist’s level of expertise was extremely reassuring.
Once I was settled in the chair, the stylist began evaluating my hair and discussing the service I had booked that day. She was sweet, and she had a kind way of telling me that my hair needed a little TLC.
Stylist, Owner & Founder of Ciro’s Hair Pavilion, Ciro Briganti and his two daughters, Nina (left) and Gabriella (right.)/Photo Credit: Ciro’s Hair Pavilion
She assessed my hair from root to tip, and asked integral questions about my last haircut, prior color history, treatments and services I’ve done in the past, products I use, and of course, how I wanted my hair to look when I walked out. To me, it seemed routine, but as I answered each question, I could see her face light up every time she suggested something that would help my hair. When she mentioned Pura Luxe, it was as if time had stood still as the words were spoken into the universe.
Pura Luxe can be compared to keratin treatments, only it contains no formaldehydes and it has an amino acid base. I had always wanted to try it, but it wasn’t until that day that I learned it could be done in New Jersey, (I had only heard of it offered at salons in New York.)
I emphatically agreed to have the stylist perform a Pura Luxe Repair & Heal Treatment, and then do the blowout. This treatment would smooth my hair, help fight against split ends, and give my hair a glossy finish. Fortunately, I had some time to spare that morning, so I didn’t mind the extra time going into my metamorphosis.
The treatment took about two hours, and in that time, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Ciro Briganti, owner and founder of Ciro’s Hair Pavilion. Time melted away as Ciro and I discussed the salon’s history (spanning over forty years,) Ombrélage, Ciro’s revolutionary hair color application process (created by the owner’s daughter, Gabriella,) Ciro’s educational and advancement opportunities, their studio in Brooklyn, the salon’s highly-demanded bridal team, and their never-ending support for the community.
Excellence and education go hand-in-hand at Ciro’s Hair Pavilion. Stephanie has been with the salon for over a year, and she’s recently completed a certification through Ciro’s Educational Program./Photo Credit: Ciro’s Hair Pavilion
Everything we discussed is detailed below.
To have heard about all of this directly from the salon owner was nothing short of fascinating. The time it took for the Pura Luxe treatment to finish and for my hair to be styled flew by, and before I knew it, my hair was completely transformed. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of my hair from that evening, but the information outlined below should convince you to book an appointment at Ciro’s Hair Pavilion and elevate your hair game.
- Educational Opportunities & Virtual Academy – Ciro’s offers certified hair classes on all services offered at the salon. There is a charge for non-employees and no cost for employees.
- Ombrélage – Created by Gabriella Briganti, Ombrélage is a revolutionary color and application process exclusive to Ciro’s in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Today, Ombrélage is sought out by hair professionals nationally since the technique has changed the hair color industry.
- Studio: Mane Atelier in Industry City, Brooklyn has served as Ciro’s Hair Pavilion’s hub for creativity. The location serves as the salon’s HQ for content creation, education, events, and more.
- Bridal Team – Over the last few years, Ciro’s bridal team has broken necks and left jaws on the floor across the tri-stat. The number of heads turned and people talking about weddings (and events) Ciro’s Hair Pavilion has glammed is mounting alongside the bridal team’s esteemed reputation.
- Community involvement – For over forty years, Ciro’s Hair Pavilion has organized annual toy drives, local small business appreciation events, employee Thanksgiving dinners, and many other opportunities throughout the years where the salon has tried to repay the community that has helped build it up.
“Our salon has been a family business for over 40 years, and what sets us apart is the deep personal connection we build with each client. For us, it’s more than just hair—it’s about being a part of our clients’ lives, celebrating their milestones, and ensuring they leave our salon feeling confident and valued. This legacy of care and commitment is what drives us every day.” – Ciro Briganti – Owner & Head Stylist
Ciro’s Bridal Team delivers beauty and excellence, time and time again./Photo Credit: Ciro’s Hair Pavilion
About the Author/s
Bridget Mulroy is a journalist based in Red Bank, New Jersey, Calabasas, California and Manhattan, New York who covers geology, seismology, botany, biology, & community news.
