Step into Polished Pub Hair and Nail Bar, and you will quickly realize that this is not a typical hair salon. Gleaming in gold and pink tones with splashes of neon, Polished Pub is one of those places that makes you ask, “why didn’t someone think of this before?”
From a young age, owner Natalie Lamorena had always wanted to go into the beauty business; however, her parents encouraged her to go to college first. “I got my bachelor’s in business management and then went on to beauty school, where I focused on hair,” says Natalie. “When I started working in full-service salons, I realized there was a need for something new and different.” She began paying close attention to the preferences and desires of her customers.
“Clients who come for a blowout simply want to look and feel great when they leave the salon—they also love a good hair wash,” says Natalie. She noticed that clients had to rush between hair and nail appointments before a big event. “It seemed that people always need those services together, but there was nowhere that provided a combined experience,” says Natalie.
Thus, Natalie innovated the “headicure” (and yes, she trademarked that term), a service combining a wash and blowout with a manicure. She opened her business on Park Avenue in Park Ridge in 2021 and never looked back, signing the lease in March of 2020 and using the downtime of the pandemic to build out her space and design her studio, Polished Pub.
The headicure usually takes an hour. The services can be performed simultaneously because the hair dryers are suspended from the ceiling above the stylist’s chair. This allows free movement of the stylist to work around the manicurist without entangling the dryer’s power cord. “I had to figure out a way for the stylist to freely style the hair while the client gets her nails done. The arrangement is more comfortable for the stylist resulting in less strain on the back and arms because the ceiling supports the weight of the blow dryer.”
Polished Pub also offers customized makeup services. “We can do eyes or foundation only or full face makeup with lashes,” says Natalie. “We can customize whatever the client needs.”
The holidays are the busiest time of year, and weekend appointments fill up quickly. The salon is open on Saturdays and Sundays--unique to Park Ridge because most Bergen County salons are closed on Sundays. With the ability to be available all weekend, Natalie and her team can easily accommodate wedding parties and guests. Polished Pub is also the go-to styling stop for high school students during prom season.
Her unique business model is paying off, and Natalie’s dream is to open a few more shops, perhaps even expanding to Miami, where she went to college. “I would love to partner with my mom in another location,” she says.
Girls aged 6-12 can get their glam on with dry hair styling, nail polish, and nail art at birthday parties hosted by the hair and nail bar. Parents provide the snacks, and goodie bags and mocktails are courtesy of Polished Pub.
During this month of love and romance, moms are invited to bring their daughters to celebrate “Galentine’s” Day at the Polished Pub’s “mommy and me” event featuring $10 off headicures and complimentary goodie bags. If you are planning a special Valentine’s date night, book early because appointments fill up quickly.
Natalie also offers Botox parties throughout the year in collaboration with Hello Hydration in Paramus, and every Tuesday is $10 off a blowout.
As a new salon owner in Park Ridge, Natalie enjoys being part of the business community. “I love the clients here. Everyone is so nice. It’s wonderful to be in the downtown area of Park Ridge!”
polishedpub.com
