Today on SalonOtter, we sit down with Nikki Pecora of Tom New York Salon, to chat all things hair, beauty, and fashion on Long Island.

We cover her love for the European look, her top hair and beauty tips, and how to run a salon that stands the test of time.

Enjoy!

So tell us more about Tom New York Salon

We are a husband and wife team, with my husband Tom doing the cutting and myself Nikki doing the coloring.

At Tom NY we have a small team of experts in the field and hand-pick our dedicated staff. We started this hair and beauty salon business 11 years ago, however, Tom had been a legend in the industry for 40 years before we opened this particular Long Island salon.

I think we both got into the hair and beauty business for the creativity it offers. As previously I was an art student and Tom has always been someone with a creative spirit in everything he does.

It’s a beautiful boutique salon, with chandeliers from Italy and art on the walls like a gallery. If you’re looking for us then we are located on the south shore of Long Island NY.

Our space has a very chilled vibe and we try to create a space that feels like home. There is no drama tolerated and I think clients can feel that in our sanctuary. Also, our work sets us apart and makes us stand out as one of the best salons on Long Island.

What specialties does Tom New York Salon offer?

We are well-known across New York for balayage highlights, and are also certified in organic color services which is amazing for not only your hair but your overall health too.

The truth is that we do all kinds of hair cuts such as short, long, and textured, plus makeup and eyebrows. Plus we have an exclusive range of organic color products and I am balayage and L’Oréal certified myself.

Tommy and our team have trained all over Europe for many years to learn all the latest trends in hair and fashion. I also can’t forget to tell you about our amazing concierge, as from the minute you walk in you will always be greeted with a smile.

What is your number one tip for a happy, healthy hair and beauty routine?

Always use a heat protectant before blow drying or ironing. Any kind of heat will really dry your hair out. Oh, and don’t forget to smile, because happier people are always more beautiful!

What hair, beauty, and fashion trends are you seeing in New York right now?

The shag haircut is huge right now!

It’s all about shadow root with balayage for color, golden hues, and texture to the hair not straight.

We all trained in Europe so the trend we want to follow is effortless beauty which we love. We’re in an area of New York where everyone has a similar look, so we try to bring a different spin to it with our hair and beauty salon.

In Paris especially there is a very uncontrived natural beauty which we at Tom New York Salon try to influence our clients to embrace. Let us show you how to enhance but at the same time be yourself. That is real beauty to us!

What hair and beauty products do you think should be in everyone’s day-to-day routine?

We love everything organic. Natural hair and beauty products really are the best!

What other hair, beauty, and fashion services would you like to give some love to?

Rosaria, our in-house makeup artist in the salon is amazing. Our eyebrow artist Rosa is also a true expert at what she does. You could say we offer the whole New York hair and beauty package in our salon.

Who is your all-time hair, beauty, and style icon?

Jane Birkin. She was the essence of effortless beauty.

In the modern day, which celebrity or public figure is getting it so right with their hair, beauty, and styling?

We love so many fashion bloggers from Paris, as they just get it right over there!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our SalonOtter readers?

We feel very proud to have now been open for 11 years as most businesses don’t last that long.

As a husband and wife partnership, we make a dynamic team and our staff simply are the best. We really love each one of them and look forward to working with them every day, which is very rare in the workplace.

Like I said before no drama is tolerated in our hair and beauty salon. Forget chaos, we have created a calm space so our workers can have a good time when styling our amazing customers and clients.

Where can people find Tom New York Salon?

We’re at 135 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566

Check out our website to make a booking and we’re also on Insta

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Thanks so much Nikki, we can’t wait to visit you at Tom New York Salon again soon!