Profile

Vartan Vartali made his New York City debut (the original shop is in Lyon, France) during the hair-salon boom of the eighties. Since then, his cozy second-floor French-style boutique has maintained a steady base of clients who appreciate Vartali’s warm, low-key atmosphere amid the crisp Madison Avenue attitude often found at nearby salons. Celebrity customers like Kim Cattrall and Mary-Louise Parker may stop into Prada and other swank stores in the neighborhood before settling into a salon chair, but once they do, they’re treated just like the regulars—many three generations deep—who faithfully come in for scheduled cuts and color. Services are divvied up among five colorists in the back and 11 stylists in front, with prices based on which expert you see. One technician housed in a makeshift corner administers manicures and pedicures, and a tiny nook against a wall contains a bed that’s seen the likes of Fergie (the original Duchess) for waxing services. A large picture window brings light to the stylists’ craft and frames the hustle and bustle of the city below. — Chanize Thorpe

College students receive twenty percent off when they schedule a haircut or color on a Monday or Tuesday

Bridal Hair
The specialists at this warm sanctuary are experts in waxing, hairdressing, and makeup. Initial consultations are free. At-home hair and makeup for the bride and her party is available. Asao is their "high-end expert chignon artiste" who also designs jewelry and headpieces, and Piet is their curling iron-wielding stylist known for "younger" bridal styles (half-up hair, twists, and natural-looking curls). Brides can visit Vartali Salon's waxing specialist for a Brazilian (they use a special wax that's less painful than most). Book one to three months in advance.