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If coloring, straightening, or permanent waving is part of your hair’s usual regime, a visit to Hiro Haraguchi may be just what the hair doctor ordered. Haraguchi, who started his training in Japan and spent years at Suga, Oribe, and Garren, is known for his cuts but is most popular for his extensive knowledge on chemical treatments, especially thermal straightening. Not only does he use the gentlest and most up-to-date techniques, but his signature conditioning treatments (made in Japan and not available anywhere else in Manhattan) help restore natural proteins to chemically treated strands, which keeps hair looking healthy no matter how drastically it may have been transformed. Popular conditioning options include the Green Protein Express Treatment and the Protein Hair Facial, a four-step process that includes a twenty-minute steam. Even if you keep your hair au naturel, a dose of one of these powerful conditioners will restore shine and help keep the frizzies at bay. Haraguchi himself spends most of his time at the original 57th Street location, a warm and elegant space accented with potted single orchids, and featuring a small area for manicures, pedicures, eyebrow shaping, and makeup; his more intimate salon, nestled in the Hotel Gansevoort’s luxurious G Spa, is run by his expert stylists. — Amanda Theunissen

Things to know:  Thermal straightening and permanent waving are available at the uptown location only.

Bridal Hair
Despite its posh address and swank amenities, this salon is tastefully understated and feels like a quietly kept secret. The clientele is sophisticated (Vera Wang comes here) and the staff as knowledgeable as it is affable, with hairstylist Penny James at the helm. Though James has done campaigns for L'Oréal, her true love is cutting and styling hair (she inspired one New York editor to happily go from elbow-length tresses to a bob). Bridal updos and makeup applications are available, and the salon can be rented for "specialty parties geared for glamour" (price upon request).