Hair Coloring | Balayage | Highlights | Hair Extensions | Curly Hair Services | Hair Styling | Bridal Hair | Airbrush Tanning | Skin Care | On-Site Photography | Special Occasion Styling | Hair Treatments | Keratin Treatments | Brazilian Blowout | Blowouts | Haircuts
The Best Salon for Matawan Residents
The Secret Garden Salon & Spa, Marlboro, NJ | Just 20 Minutes from Matawan
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Welcome to The Secret Garden Salon & Spa, Matawan's Go-To Salon
Matawan is one of those towns that just feels like home. Sitting right along Matawan Creek in Monmouth County, it's a community of about nine thousand people who genuinely like where they live. The walkable downtown, the local shops, the neighbors who actually wave when they see you. It's that kind of place. And it's exactly that sense of caring about how you show up in the world that brings so many Matawan folks over to The Secret Garden Salon & Spa. We're about twenty minutes away in Marlboro, and once you make that drive, you'll wonder why you ever went anywhere else. Our clients from Matawan come to us for real, high-quality hair care, great skin treatments, and a salon experience that actually feels relaxing. Getting ready for an event down by Matawan Creek? Need a fresh look before a night out in Aberdeen? Or maybe you just want to treat yourself after a long week? We're here for all of it.
We also get what it's like living near the shore. The humidity, the salt air, the way your hair seems to have a mind of its own from June through September. Our stylists and estheticians know how to work with all of that. They'll build you a plan that keeps your color looking fresh, your hair manageable, and your skin happy no matter what the weather's doing. Need a keratin treatment that can actually survive a beach day? We've got you. Want a skincare routine that shifts with the seasons? Done. We use professional-grade products from brands we trust, and everyone on our team keeps up with new techniques and training. When you sit down in our chair, you're not just getting a haircut or a facial. You're getting someone who really knows what they're doing and genuinely wants you to walk out feeling amazing.
The drive from Matawan to our Marlboro spot is easy and pretty scenic, honestly. About twenty minutes and you'll pull into a salon that feels completely different from the rushed, assembly-line places you might be used to. The space is calm and garden-inspired, with private treatment areas and comfortable seating. A lot of Matawan residents have been coming to us for years now, and they keep coming back because they trust us with their hair and skin. We'd love for you to see what they already know.
Hours, Contact Information & How to Book
Why Matawan Residents Choose The Secret Garden Salon & Spa
People from Matawan know the difference between a good salon and a great one. That's why so many of them drive past closer options to come see us. We don't do cookie-cutter appointments. Every single client gets a real consultation before anything starts. We want to understand your hair type, your skin, what you're dealing with day to day, and what you actually want to look like when you leave. It sounds simple, but it's surprisingly rare. Matawan clients come back again and again because they feel like we actually listen. And we do.
Matawan is a word-of-mouth town. People talk. And a lot of our clients from the area found us because a friend or a neighbor couldn't stop raving about their balayage, their extensions, their facial, or their bridal updo. That kind of reputation isn't something you can buy. It gets built one happy client at a time, and we take that seriously. Every person who sits in our chair gets the same level of attention and skill, whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth.
We're also a one-stop shop, which is a huge deal for busy people. Instead of running to one place for a haircut and another for a facial and another for tanning, you can do it all here. Precision cuts, vivid color, keratin treatments, airbrush tanning, skincare, even on-site photography. All under one roof. Our Thursday hours go until 8:00 PM, which is great for Matawan commuters who work in the city and want an evening appointment. We built our schedule around how people actually live, not the other way around.
Our stylists stay sharp, too. They train constantly, attend workshops and industry events, and bring the latest techniques back to the salon. Lived-in color, curtain bangs, textured bobs, money-piece highlights, classic cuts that never go out of style. Whatever you're into, we can do it well. Matawan is a community that values hard work and doing things right, and that's exactly how we run our salon.
What Makes The Secret Garden Salon & Spa the Best Choice for Matawan Residents
Serious Skill in Hair Color, Extensions, and Specialty Work
Our colorists are the real deal. Hand-painted balayage, precision foils, dimensional lowlights, vivid fashion colors, color corrections, natural-looking root touch-ups. They handle all of it, and they do it well. Hair color is personal. It changes how you feel when you look in the mirror, and we treat it with that kind of care. Our extension specialists are just as skilled, offering tape-in, hand-tied weft, keratin-bonded, and clip-in options for added length and volume. A lot of Matawan residents have bounced around trying to find someone they trust with their color or extensions, and once they land here, they stay. We also specialize in curly hair cuts using DevaCut and Rezo Cut methods, so our curly-haired clients get the attention their texture actually needs.
We Know New Jersey Weather and What It Does to Your Hair and Skin
Living near the shore means dealing with humidity that makes your hair puff up, salt air that fades your color, and winters that dry everything out. We get it. Our team builds treatment plans that actually shift with the seasons. Summer? We'll set you up with a keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout that can handle the moisture. Winter? Deep conditioning, hair masks, and hydrating facials to get the life back into your hair and skin. We use products specifically made to handle New Jersey's climate, and we'll help you put together a home routine that works between visits too. No generic advice here.
Real Consultations That Actually Matter
Before we touch your hair or your skin, we sit down and talk. What are you going for? What products do you use at home? Any allergies? How much time do you want to spend styling every morning? We ask the real questions because the answers shape everything we do. This isn't a five-second check-in before we start cutting. It's a conversation. And it's why our clients end up with results that actually look like them, not like a copy of someone else's Instagram. First-timers and regulars all get the same thorough process, because your hair and your goals evolve, and we want to stay in sync with that.
Services You Won't Find at Most Salons
We do things a lot of salons around Matawan simply don't offer. On-site photography after your appointment so you can capture the results. Airbrush tanning that looks natural and lasts. Advanced skincare with licensed estheticians. Curly hair specialists who actually understand curl patterns. Bridal packages that cover the entire wedding party. These aren't add-ons or afterthoughts. They're core parts of what we do, done by people who specialize in each one. When you can get everything handled in one place by people who are genuinely great at what they do, it just makes life easier.
A Space That Feels Like an Escape
Our salon was designed to feel different the second you walk in. It's calm, clean, and honestly kind of beautiful. Garden-inspired decor, private treatment rooms, comfortable chairs, and a vibe that helps you actually relax. A lot of our Matawan clients tell us that just being in the space makes them feel better, even before their service starts. We think that matters. Getting your hair done shouldn't feel stressful or rushed. It should feel like a break from everything else.
Directions from Matawan to The Secret Garden Salon & Spa
Getting here from Matawan is a breeze. It's about twelve miles and takes roughly twenty minutes. Here are the best ways to get to us:
Route 79 South (Most Popular): From downtown Matawan, head south on Main Street and pick up Route 79 South. Follow it through Aberdeen and into Marlboro. It's a straight shot with very few turns, mostly through residential areas and pretty stretches of Monmouth County. Takes about eighteen to twenty minutes depending on traffic. This is the route most of our Matawan clients use.
Route 34 South: Another solid option. Head south from Matawan on Route 34 through Aberdeen and into Marlboro. It runs parallel to Route 79 and takes about the same amount of time. It's a well-maintained, multi-lane road that makes for a comfortable drive.
Garden State Parkway: If you prefer the highway, hop on the Parkway from Matawan heading south and take the exit for Marlboro. It might add a couple extra minutes, but it can be a nice option when highway traffic is light.
Parking: Plenty of free parking right outside the salon. No meters, no time limits, no circling the block. Just pull in and walk right to the door.
NJ Transit Note: Our Marlboro location is best reached by car. If you usually take the train from Matawan-Aberdeen station, the salon is a quick drive from there as well.
Our Address: The Secret Garden Salon & Spa is located in Marlboro, NJ. For GPS directions, simply search "The Secret Garden Salon and Spa Marlboro NJ" in your maps app and it'll take you right to us.
Our Full Menu of Services for Matawan Residents
Hair Coloring Services
Color is one of those things that can completely change how you feel. Our colorists offer the full range: single-process color, partial and full highlights, balayage, babylights, ombre, color melts, vivid and fashion colors, color corrections, root touch-ups, and gray blending. Every service starts with that conversation about what you want and what'll actually work best with your hair and your lifestyle. We use professional-grade color products that last longer and keep your hair healthier. The goal is always color that looks great in real life, not just under salon lights.
Balayage and Highlighting
Balayage is one of the most requested services at our salon, and our hand-painting specialists are incredibly good at it. The technique creates soft, natural-looking dimension that grows out beautifully and doesn't leave you with harsh lines. We do classic balayage, reverse balayage, foilayage, and custom blends depending on what you're going for. It's lower maintenance than traditional highlights but gives you that gorgeous, sun-touched look that Matawan clients love.
Haircuts and Styling
A great cut changes everything. We cut hair for women, men, and kids using both scissor and razor techniques. Layers, bobs, lobs, pixies, textured crops, fades, classic shapes. Whatever you're looking for. Every cut is customized to your face shape, hair texture, and how much effort you want to put in at home. We also offer blowouts and styling for when you just want to look polished without the full cut.
Hair Extensions
Want more length or volume? Our extension services include tape-in, hand-tied weft, and keratin-bonded methods. During your consultation, we'll figure out the best method for your hair type and what you're trying to achieve. We only use high-quality, ethically sourced human hair, and we'll teach you how to take care of your extensions so they last. It's a game changer for a lot of our Matawan clients.
Curly Hair Services
Curly hair needs someone who gets it. Our curly hair stylists are trained in DevaCut and Rezo Cut techniques, cutting your hair dry and in its natural pattern so the shape actually works with your curls. We also offer treatments and product consultations specifically for curly, wavy, and coily textures. If you've spent years going to stylists who just didn't understand your hair, this is the place to fix that.
Keratin Treatments and Brazilian Blowout
If frizz runs your life, these services will change things. Keratin treatments smooth the hair cuticle and create a barrier against humidity, lasting three to six months. Brazilian blowouts use a liquid keratin formula sealed in with heat for customizable results, lasting up to twelve weeks. Both dramatically cut down on styling time. Your stylist will help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your hair.
Bridal Hair and Special Occasion Styling
Your wedding day, prom, or big event deserves hair that you feel incredible in. We handle everything from consultations and trial runs to day-of styling for the entire wedding party. Updos, half-up styles, romantic waves, sleek looks, whatever fits your vibe. Our bridal stylists are calm, organized, and very good at making the morning-of feel fun instead of stressful.
Airbrush Tanning
Skip the UV and still get that glow. Our airbrush tanning specialists customize the solution to match your skin tone and how deep you want to go. The results look natural, not orange, and they last well when you follow the aftercare steps we'll walk you through. Great before a vacation, a wedding, or just because you want to look a little more sun-kissed.
Skin Care Services
Our licensed estheticians offer facials and skin treatments for every concern. Deep cleansing, anti-aging, brightening, acne, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and more. Every facial starts with a skin analysis so your treatment is actually targeted to what your skin needs. A lot of our Matawan clients like to book a facial along with their hair appointment and make a whole afternoon out of it.
On-Site Photography
This one's pretty unique. After your services are done, you can get professional photos taken right here in the salon. It's perfect for bridal portraits, updated headshots, social media content, or just capturing a fresh look you're really happy with. Not many salons offer this, and our clients from Matawan love it.
Hair Treatments and Deep Conditioning
Healthy hair is the foundation for everything else. We offer deep conditioning masks, bond-building treatments, scalp treatments, protein treatments, and moisture-restoring services. These treatments repair damage from heat, color, environmental stress, and everyday wear. They're a great add-on to any service, and your stylist can recommend what your hair actually needs.
Meet the Team Behind Your Best Hair Days
Amanda, Color Specialist
Amanda is one of those colorists who just gets it. She listens, she understands what you're going for, and then she delivers color that looks even better than what you imagined. She's especially good with lived-in color, dimensional highlights, and color corrections for anyone who's had a bad experience elsewhere. Her Matawan clients are seriously loyal, and most of them found her through a friend's recommendation. She's also great at helping you figure out a color plan that works with your maintenance schedule.
Ashley, Curly Hair Specialist
If you've got curls and you've been disappointed by stylists who don't understand your texture, Ashley is the answer. She's trained in DevaCut and Rezo Cut methods and she treats curly hair like the gift it is. She cuts dry, respects your natural pattern, and sends you home with product recommendations that actually work. Her curly-haired clients from Matawan absolutely swear by her.
Cathy, Master Stylist
Cathy has been doing this for a long time, and it shows in the best possible way. Her cuts are precise, her styling is polished, and she has a gift for reading face shapes and figuring out what will look best on you. She's warm, easy to talk to, and has a loyal following of Matawan clients who've been with her for years. If you want someone who combines deep experience with a real personal touch, Cathy's your stylist.
Cole, Creative Stylist
Cole's the one to see when you want something a little more bold. He's got a great eye for trends, loves textured cuts and lived-in color, and is really good at turning Instagram inspiration into a look that works in real life. He brings a creative energy that's infectious. Matawan clients who like to stay ahead of the curve love working with him.
Gabriella, Bridal and Special Occasion Stylist
Gabriella is the stylist you want on your wedding day. Her updos are beautiful and they actually hold up through the ceremony, photos, dinner, and dancing. She does thorough trial runs so there are zero surprises on the big day, and she's calm under pressure, which matters more than you'd think. Beyond bridal work, she's also a talented everyday colorist and stylist. Matawan brides love her.
Jess, Balayage and Blonding Specialist
Jess is a blonde wizard. Icy platinum, warm honey, cool ash, rich buttery tones, she nails them all. Her hand-painted balayage looks completely natural, with soft blended transitions and no harsh lines. She's also great at adding face-framing brightness to brunettes. Her color lasts, fades gracefully, and always looks intentional. Matawan clients rave about her work constantly.
Klaudine, Precision Cutting Specialist
Klaudine's cuts are clean, sharp, and perfectly suited to each person's features. She's great at structured bobs, layered styles with movement, and face-framing shapes. She'll give you an honest opinion during the consultation while always respecting what you want. Matawan clients appreciate that she helps them find cuts they can actually maintain at home without a ton of effort.
Lily, Junior Stylist
Lily is newer to the team but she's already building a loyal following. She trained under our senior stylists and brings a fresh energy to everything she does. She's great with blowouts, styling, and basic color services, and she's constantly learning and growing. If you're looking for someone talented, friendly, and genuinely excited to do your hair, Lily's a perfect fit.
Marisa, Color and Styling Expert
Marisa does both color and styling at a high level, which makes her super versatile. Her color work is rich and dimensional, and her styling makes sure you leave looking completely put together. She's also really good at teaching you how to maintain your results at home. If you want one person who can handle your cut, color, and blowout all in one visit, Marisa's your person.
Samantha, Keratin and Smoothing Specialist
Samantha really knows hair chemistry. Her keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts are customized to get exactly the level of smoothing you want, and she's careful to keep your hair healthy throughout the process. She's also a skilled colorist and stylist beyond smoothing treatments. If you want to cut your morning styling time in half and stop fighting with frizz, Samantha can make that happen.
Sindi, Skincare and Tanning Specialist
Sindi handles our skincare and airbrush tanning services, and she's fantastic at both. Her facials are customized to your actual skin concerns, not a one-size-fits-all routine. Her airbrush tans look completely natural, with even, streak-free coverage. She's got a calming presence that makes every appointment feel like a real spa experience. Matawan clients love her.
Taylor, Trend-Forward Stylist
Taylor stays on top of every hair trend, and she's great at making those trends actually wearable. She creates hair that looks amazing in person and photographs beautifully too. Cutting, coloring, balayage, blowouts, she does it all with a modern touch. If you come in with a screenshot from TikTok, Taylor's the one who can make it happen for your specific hair.
What It's Like Coming Here from Matawan
Your experience starts before you even sit down. When you call or book online, our front desk team will help you pick the right service and stylist for what you need. They'll ask a few questions so we can match you well. On appointment day, the twenty-minute drive from Matawan through Monmouth County is easy and kind of nice, honestly. You'll pull into our free parking lot with plenty of spaces, so no stress about finding a spot.
Walk in and you'll notice the space right away. It's calm, warm, and well-designed. You'll be greeted by name and offered a drink, whether that's coffee, tea, or water. Then comes the consultation with your stylist or esthetician. This isn't rushed. They actually want to hear what you're going for, and they'll share their professional take too. During your service, the whole vibe is relaxed. Good music, comfortable chairs, and people who clearly enjoy what they do.
When you're all done, your stylist will show you the finished result and give you tips for keeping things looking good at home. A lot of our Matawan clients say this is one of their favorite parts, because they actually learn something useful. The front desk will help you book your next appointment on the way out so you're always taken care of. And then you drive back to Matawan feeling great. That's the experience, and it's why people keep coming back.
What Matawan Residents Are Saying About The Secret Garden Salon & Spa
"I've been driving from Matawan to The Secret Garden for over three years, and I'm never going anywhere else. Amanda does my balayage every ten weeks, and every time I walk out looking completely different. The color is so natural and it grows out so nicely that people still compliment me weeks later. The twenty-minute drive is nothing for this kind of quality. My friends in Matawan are always asking where I get my hair done, and I'm happy to send them to Amanda."
Rachel M., Matawan Resident
"I got married last June and Gabriella did hair for my entire bridal party. I honestly can't say enough good things. The trial run three months before was perfect, and the morning of the wedding was seamless. She created this romantic half-up style for me that stayed put through the ceremony, photos, dinner, and dancing. My bridesmaids all looked amazing too. A bunch of guests asked for the salon's info because they were so impressed. If you're a Matawan bride, The Secret Garden and Gabriella are it."
Jennifer L., Matawan Resident
"As someone with naturally curly hair, I spent years going to salons around Matawan that just didn't know how to handle curls. They'd cut it too short, mess up my curl pattern, or try to straighten it before cutting. When I found The Secret Garden, everything changed. Ashley gave me a DevaCut that totally transformed my curls. They've never looked this bouncy and defined. She took the time to explain how to style them at home and recommended the right products. I drive from Matawan every six weeks and I'll never go anywhere else."
Maria S., Matawan Resident
After three sessions, I noticed a huge difference in my breakouts, texture, and overall clarity. She also set me up with a home routine that I follow religiously. My skin has never been this good."
Nicole T., Matawan Resident
"I'd wanted to try extensions for years but was kind of nervous about it. Samantha made the whole thing easy. She did a thorough consultation, helped me pick the perfect color match, and installed tape-ins with amazing precision. They looked so natural that even my closest friends couldn't tell. They just thought I'd somehow grown longer, thicker hair overnight. Samantha taught me exactly how to care for them, and they lasted beautifully. I'm on my third set now and I'm completely hooked."
Danielle R., Matawan Resident
"Jess is the best blonde specialist I've ever been to. I went to various salons around Matawan and Aberdeen for years and nobody got my blonde right. Jess created this beautiful, dimensional, icy blonde with a shadow root that looks incredible and is so easy to maintain. The color lasts forever and fades beautifully. The salon is gorgeous, everyone is welcoming, and the whole experience is just on another level. The drive from Matawan takes me about fifteen minutes and I look forward to it every time."
Stephanie K., Matawan Resident
Frequently Asked Questions from Matawan Residents
How far is The Secret Garden Salon & Spa from Matawan?
About twelve miles, which works out to roughly eighteen to twenty minutes in the car. It's an easy, scenic drive through Monmouth County. Most of our Matawan clients say the drive is quick and totally worth it.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I walk in?
Booking ahead is definitely the way to go. Our stylists' schedules fill up fast, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays. You can book online at thesecretgardensalon.com, call us at (732) 366-1700, or email infonj@thesecretgardenspa.com. We'll try to fit walk-ins in when we can, but an appointment guarantees your spot.
What are your hours?
Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with late hours on Thursday until 8:00 PM. Saturday is 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We're closed Sunday and Monday. Those Thursday evening slots are really popular with Matawan commuters who work in the city.
How much does balayage cost?
It depends on your hair length, thickness, and how light you want to go, plus whether you need toning or conditioning on top of it. The best way to get a clear price is to schedule a consultation with one of our colorists. Call (732) 366-1700 or book through our website and they'll give you an honest quote.
Do you do curly hair?
Yes! We have stylists trained in DevaCut and Rezo Cut, which means they cut your hair while it's dry and in its natural curl pattern. We also offer curl-specific treatments and product recommendations. A lot of curly-haired folks from Matawan have found their perfect stylist match here.
Can you handle a bridal party?
Absolutely. We do bridal parties of all sizes and love making it a great experience. We handle consultations, trial runs, and day-of styling for the bride, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, everyone. Book early though, ideally several months out, so we can get your trial appointments on the calendar.
Is there parking?
Yes, tons of free parking right outside the salon. No meters, no time limits. Just pull in and walk to the door.
What hair extension methods do you offer?
We do tape-in, hand-tied weft, and keratin-bonded extensions. Each method has different pros when it comes to application, maintenance, and styling. During your consultation, our specialist will look at your natural hair, talk about your goals, and recommend the best fit. We only use high-quality human hair for the most natural results.
Do you offer skincare too?
We do. Our licensed estheticians offer customized facials, deep cleansing, anti-aging treatments, brightening treatments, acne facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and more. Every facial starts with a skin analysis so it's actually targeted to your needs. A lot of Matawan clients book a facial with their hair appointment and make a whole day of it.
What's the difference between a keratin treatment and a Brazilian blowout?
Both reduce frizz and make your hair way easier to manage, but they work a bit differently. A keratin treatment infuses protein into the hair to smooth the cuticle and block humidity. It lasts three to six months. A Brazilian blowout uses a liquid keratin formula that gets sealed in with a flat iron, giving you customizable results that last up to twelve weeks. Your stylist will walk you through which one makes more sense for your hair type.
How should I prep for an airbrush tan?
Exfoliate the day before so your skin is smooth and even. On the day of your appointment, skip the moisturizer, deodorant, and perfume since those can interfere with the tanning solution. Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight shoes or bras right after. Our specialist will give you all the details when you book.
Can I book multiple services in one visit?
For sure. A lot of our Matawan clients combine services. Haircut with coloring, add a conditioning treatment, book a facial after, throw in an airbrush tan. When you call to book, our front desk team will help you plan everything so it flows smoothly. It's one of the perks of being a full-service salon.
Areas We Serve, Including Matawan and Beyond
We're in Marlboro, NJ, but our clients come from all over Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, and beyond. Here are some of the communities we serve and roughly how long the drive takes:
Matawan, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Marlboro, NJ - approximately 5 minutes
Manalapan, NJ - approximately 10 minutes
Freehold, NJ - approximately 15 minutes
Colts Neck, NJ - approximately 15 minutes
Holmdel, NJ - approximately 15 minutes
Aberdeen, NJ - approximately 15 minutes
Old Bridge, NJ - approximately 15 minutes
East Brunswick, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Monroe Township, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Howell, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Red Bank, NJ - approximately 25 minutes
Jackson, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Woodbridge, NJ - approximately 30 minutes
Middletown, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Tinton Falls, NJ - approximately 20 minutes
Long Branch, NJ - approximately 30 minutes
Asbury Park, NJ - approximately 30 minutes
Sayreville, NJ - approximately 25 minutes
South Brunswick, NJ - approximately 25 minutes
Don't see your town listed? No worries. We welcome clients from all over central New Jersey. Give us a call and we'll be happy to help you figure out the best route.
