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A balance of order and earthiness infuses this even-keeled Midtown salon, opened in 2002 by Hong Kong-to-New York stylist Yan Chia. Hailing from varied beauty and fashion backgrounds, the spot’s unimposing veteran snippers recognize both what’s working in a customer’s style and what requires sculpting, then execute an appropriate cut with relaxed precision. Among their most specialized services are foil-free hair painting, scalp moisturizing, and a Japanese aromatherapy conditioning treatment that’s light on scent but concentrated to saturate and smooth the hair cuticle through a steam process. Also a Salon Chinois signature is Japanese thermal straightening, which caters to the location’s largely professional clientele. Serene and elegant, the salon treats lunch-hour escapees with deeply reclining chairs at the sinks and brief scalp massages as part of the shampoo service. — Michele Lippman

At Le Salon Chinois, renowned stylist Yan Chia tames frizzy hair with a Japanese hair-straightening treatment ($100 an hour). (Brazilian straightening is available as well.) Then he’ll sweep hair into a glamorous updo for the big day. Haircut and styling start at $75. Custom spa packages are also available, one floor up. Spend more than $100 at the salon or spa and they’ll throw in a free manicure.