2b

Profile

Opened in 2005, this private hair studio and art gallery is the love child of renowned stylist Daniel Rechelbacher and his performance-artist wife, Zhauna Franks. Located in a residential building in the financial district, the bright, 1,800-square-foot live-work space boasts an open floor plan made up of a large common area and kitchen (where they mix a mean cosmo) and a sunny, two-chair parlor. Gleaming wood floors and modern décor pair with high, white walls and rotating solo exhibitions by career painters and photographers. The couple relocated to NYC from Minneapolis, where Rechelbacher apprenticed with his uncle, Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher, from the tender age of 13. Though he doesn’t peddle the Aveda brand (2b stocks only the all-organic MOP hair-care line), the nephew and his wife do uphold the family tradition of “dressing” hair—with color, cut, and coif by the same attentive, versatile stylist. Classic, edgy cuts are their specialty, accented by highlights, single process, and dimensional color. The duo delivers their laid-back midwestern charm; kick-ass hairdressing expertise; and love of art, home, and community to a lucky group of artist, professional, and (tactfully undisclosed) celebrity clientele. And because 2b is also the stylists’ home, the resident dog and cats will most likely demand the affections of all willing (and unwilling) visitors. — Sarah Walker

Calling ahead is required for appointments.