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Located on a beauty-depleted stretch of Lexington Avenue, the André Miska Salon doesn’t inspire great expectations upon first glance; the barely noticeable doorway, wedged between a couple of mom-and-pop restaurants and a Starbucks, leads to a rather deteriorating staircase. But once inside this dollhouse-sized walkup, the experience is surprisingly upscale—even luxe. An outdoor back patio opens up the tiny but sleek space with a Zen-like view. During the warmer months, clients lounge outside with light refreshments while they process under headfuls of foil or plastic. Miska himself oversees five stylists, moving among the salon’s eight chairs to dole out commentary and compliments in his thick Serbian accent. — Molly Noonan

Expect to spend about an hour with Miska trying different updos during the bridal consultation ($100). Each hairdresser charges a flat rate of $1,000 for the entire wedding day, plus $150 a head. Brides can also rent this tiny but elegant salon, which has an outdoor patio, starting at $3,000.