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Before opening this slate and glass townhouse bearing his name, Mark Garrison plied his craft in Paris and alongside Frédéric Fekkai. There, he mastered not only a breezy, face-framing look underscored with French artistry, but also cultivated a downright continental charisma; clients visibly blossom under Monsieur’s dark-green gaze, soft Carolina accent, and scissorly confidence. “The client is why we’re here,” he says. “No one gets the same style. A look must work with a woman’s hair, flatter her face, and take the least maintenance.” This mission statement holds true from the top down: Plenty of salon patrons, who include more than a few men, are loyal to Garrison’s cadre of exacting stylists and attentive, at-times inventive colorists. The salon’s rigorous training system, which averages two years of supervision, is designed to maximize quality and individuality, so it’s tricky to pin down a specific look that the salon is known for. Perhaps Garrison’s boldface clients can help complete the picture: Celebrity fans include Scarlett Johansson, Ashley Judd, and Sandra Bullock—not one of whom is known for overdone hair. “If you see the hair and not the person,” says Garrison, “I’m not doing my job.” — Karen Tina Harrison

Several discount programs include referral freebies, a birthday-month discount, and sales and promotions offered through the salon website.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best New Salon (2004)