Mario Nico

Profile

Though he often helped out on weekends at his uncle’s Westport salon, owner Mario Nico was set on becoming an artist until he enrolled in a Manhattan beauty school on a whim and discovered his true calling. His one-room Chelsea salon may not be sprawling, but it feels spacious thanks to wall-to-wall mirrors; lovely antiques spray-painted silver and hung at each of the six styling stations; marble floors; and clear-plastic chairs with hot pink, purple, and teal pillow cushions. (If the gang from Friends hung out in a hair salon, it would probably look like this bright, colorful storefront.) Along with cuts, color, styling, straightening, and perms, the salon’s four stylists do custom extensions and baliage (hair painting), while Nico himself cuts wigs on request. The salon’s line of botanical products is extensive and, like the shop, full of personality. Kids are always welcome for cuts, too. — Chrissy Persico