How the owners of this old bridge Salon used a rocky start as motivation to succeed…and how they did just that

Everything happens for a reason…Peter and Grace Beckett, owners of The Art of Hair Salon in Old Bridge, NJ firmly believe this is true. Two creative minds, Peter a musician (guitarist specifically) and Grace a hairdresser since the 1980s…the pair began working out of their home when their now 19-year-old was born. Peter created a recording studio in their house where he could work on jingles and other work, when he wasn’t performing in Atlantic City, at weddings, or with his original band, that is. Adjacent to Peter’s studio in the house, Grace created a salon room where her clients would come to enjoy haircuts and beauty services. In the end, one of Grace’s clients asked to partner up to open a salon of their own—he would be a silent partner, and Grace and Peter would run the show. For five years, the couple toyed with the idea, and after much research, found the perfect spot, but when it came time to sign the lease, the silent partner was no where to be found…he literally disappeared.

Wholeheartedly invested in the salon at this point, the Becketts couldn’t let this hold them back; they found a close friend to be a financial partner, took out a bunch of loans, racked up several credit cards…and they pulled through and opened The Art of Hair Salon.

“God smiled upon us and we were very lucky…it took a huge leap of faith,” Peter told us. The two collected a team of talented, established stylists, Peter used his construction and design skills to make the salon look fabulous, and the rest is history. The business is now a much-loved, well-respected salon that proves perseverance is the key to success.

The contemporary, stylish feel is seen in the brick walls, wood floors, and detailed inlaid ceiling tiles.

“Beauty is in the details,” Paul explained, “that goes for décor and hairstyles, by the way.”

The name Art of Hair was chosen for a reason; the couple sees their team as a talented group of “hair artists,” and every haircut and style as artistry.

“If you go to some places, you’ll get a haircut. If you come to us, we’ll give you a look,” Peter explained. “We have 14 incredible stylists, including Grace herself, who would each easily be the best stylist at most salons.”

The salon offers everything from haircuts and color, to updos and braiding, to all of the new straightening technologies and special blowouts. Two of the stylists are also excellent make-up artists who offer all related services.

“At Art of Hair, we specialize in looking at each client individually and assessing their personal style factor. We create a look that goes with their physical appearance, as well as their individual style and personality,” Peter explained.
As for products, the business carries high-end lines such as Bumble & Bumble and Kerastase, as well as a mid-priced line of Wella products that would, “blow away other products in their price range,” according to Peter. ”We have products for everyone’s needs and budgets.” Kerastase, for example, is a luxury French treatment line with phenomenal results for restructuring damaged hair.

The salon has participated in New York Fashion Week, and has been written about numerous times in on-line beauty publications, as well as in style books and magazines.

“People love coming back time and time again because we treat them well…we take care of them. They get great results for a great price in an atmosphere that is as far from snooty and gossipy as you can get,” Peter added.

The Art of Hair Salon
3837 Route 516, Old Bridge / 732.607.0059 / artofhairsalon.com