PSq Q&A : Amy Kaczowski, Salon Pure

With expertly trained and friendly stylists, Salon Pure is a proven go-to spot when it comes to helping people look their best.  Located on Hulfish Street on the second floor (above Mediterra), the salon offers clients a relaxing and comfortable setting along with beautiful views of Palmer Square. Whether you’re in desperate need of a quick trim, or the full “you-time” treatment, owner Amy Kaczowski and her talented staff are ready to pamper. Salon Pure’s doors were opened in 2009 and have since become a staple in the heart of downtown Princeton.

Q: Did you always want to be a hair stylist?

Yes, there was nothing else I would have ever done. To this day I love and hone my craft. After 20 plus years, 10 of them being an educator for Paul Mitchell, it’s great to be able to do what I love. It’s an ever changing business so I have to be on top of everything new and trendy… that is what keeps it so fresh and fun!

Q: What hair styles are your favorite?

It varies. I love cutting hair (razor, short styles, textured cuts), but I also love to style hair. It depends on the day and the client; it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing when there is so many amazing different styles in my business.

Q: What are the hottest trends for 2017?

One of the trends this year is very long straight “Cher-like” hair, but of course, it can go to the other extreme with a cool edgy short cut. The lob is still in, but it’s changed with cool color.  It really depends on you client’s personal preference. A great consultation will be the key to finding a new style in 2017.

Q: Besides hair, what other services does Salon Pure offer?

We offer full waxing and nail services.  We also happen to have some of the best color specialists in the area, which is why people travel to us.

Q: What is the “craziest” thing you’ve done to your own hair? Did you love it or hate it?

I have done all sorts of colors and I have loved them all. It’s always fun to try something different!

Q: The salon is located right above Mediterra restaurant. What are your favorite tapas?

Salon Pure loves Mediterra! We go down quite often… I always have to order the empanadas, but everything there is so good.

Q: Tell us about your relationship with celebrity stylist, Nick Arrojo (from TLC’s What Not to Wear.) 

Whenever I would see Nick at hair shows, I was impressed by his cutting approach.  A few years ago, he invited us to one of his demos and the relationship just blossomed from there.  Our stylists do a lot of continuing education classes at his studio, so we pride ourselves on not only being aware of the hottest trends, but a part of creating what is “in” for our clients.

Q:  You were recently chosen to do hair and make-up for a piece in American Salon magazine, the leading publication in the beauty industry.  Seems like a pretty big deal?

Yes, that was such an honor to be chosen for American Salon Magazine. I wanted to create something beautiful, dark and edgy, but powerful.  I was very happy with how it turned out! I was also so proud to be able to have one of my clients do the shoot. She is just starting out and for her to be published was so exciting for me!

Q: We know you are big into community giving. Tell us about your relationship with Dress for Success.

As an owner of Salon Pure, it is very important to me and the staff to know that we are giving back to our community. Dress for Success has been one of our favorite organizations because of the wonderful work they do. I want to empower women; to help them feel confident, and know that anything can be achieved. Sometimes you just need a little help getting started.