When Zoë Cortez-Staricco and Christine Ku combined their first and last names to create the name for their salon, they had no idea it was such an apt title. “It actually means partnership and teamwork” in Japanese, says Cortez-Staricco. Three years and hundreds of clients later, Zøku Salon in downtown Summit is living up to its name and thriving.

The owners, who met while working at a Manhattan salon, are hair veterans. Cortez-Staricco specializes in color, while Ku is a master of cuts and styling. The pair opened their doors in Summit, in part, for its accessibility to New York City. “We wanted to bring in our staff and clients,” Cortez-Staricco says. The space has a fresh aesthetic with clean lines and an East-meets-West vibe. “It has a really New York feel,” she says.

The recently expanded salon will soon add several new high-end services such as spray tanning and eyelash extensions. “When a client has color on her hair, she has to sit for 30 minutes. Why not make it one-stop shopping?” says Cortez-Staricco. There’s also a private room for bridal parties and other groups.

The staff has grown, too. The salon, which started out with three employees, now has 30 stylists, who keep up-to-date on the latest in hair design and fashion. “It’s really important we keep our creativity flowing,” says Cortez-Staricco. Zøku prides itself on attention to clients and professionalism. “[Our stylists] know clients’ names and remember what they like to drink or read,” she says. “They love to make people feel great and look great.”

Location: 17 Union Place, Summit
Contact: 908-273-9658;
zokusalon.com
Hours: Monday, noon to 6 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am to 7 pm; Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm; Friday, 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Earlier morning appointments available upon request.