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Four other hair salons share the same city block as Borja Color Studio, but its French-Polish founder fears no competition from them—nor from most other “master colorists” in Manhattan. Her artistry in hand-painted, foil-free highlights has been compared to the Impressionist work of Degas and Monet, and is considered an insider secret among celebrities, magazine editors, and at least one presidential power couple. Eschewing bleach and ammonia-based solutions in favor of house-blended mixtures that actually smell good, Borja and her stylists work in pairs to expediently apply color to the canvas—your hair—and so close to the root that highlights last weeks longer than you’d expect between touch ups. Busy lunch-hour clients who want to double process can opt for manicures during highlights and haircuts, or get a makeup application by natural sunlight. No visit to the salon is complete, however, without a session with original eyebrow guru Robin Narvaez, who elicits a beautiful, natural arch with a few tugs of the tweezers, rather than the imprecise and irritating method of waxing. Her self-created “sitting up” method for eyelash tinting transforms wimpy fringe into sexy, wide-awake eyes that can go mascara-free for up to four weeks. — Amanda Pressner

Come to this midtown shop for a pre-aisle overhaul after a complimentary consultation over a glass of wine. They'll also make house calls. All of the salon's products are gentle enough for those with sensitivity to dyes.

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