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These days, it’s hard to tell an Upper East Sider from a resident of, say, Montclair or Manhasset. In the latter town’s case, due credit must go to Nubest, which opened in 1973 on the Miracle Mile shopping strip now known for the opulent Americana mall. Nubest’s 125 black-clad professionals service the salon’s second generation of clients in a multi-level, 20,000-square-foot space. There’s a gym downstairs and a private wing for the spa—a lemongrass-scented oasis in which facialists and masseurs provide both expertise and unusually pampering touches. (A deep-cleaning European facial includes a Dermalogica mask and twenty minutes of face, neck, and shoulder massage, plus a divine spell of scalp caressing.) The buzzingly busy but rigorously managed salon is sectioned into areas for cut, color, straightening, mani/pedi, and makeup. Creative director Jamie Mazzei, son of founder Michael Mazzei, says there’s no such thing as a “Nubest look,” and instead describes the cuts as “very individual and full of movement,” and color as “lush but natural.” Translation: pretty, bouncy hair that’s not over-blonded, stiff, or too precise. Prices are considerably lower than at comparable Manhattan establishments, and with the Manhasset LIRR stop a few minutes’ walk away, more than a few city girls block out whole days for Miracle Mile shopping and Nubest primping. — Karen Tina Harrison

Half-day, full-day, men’s, and customized packages are available. Seasonal specials occur throughout the year for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, prom and bridal season, back-to-school, etc.

Star Power
Nubest’s celebrity roster includes Christina Applegate, Kyra Sedgwick, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and LL Cool J. Local homeowner Natalie Portman hasn’t been spotted yet, but stylists travel to the Hamptons to service longstanding Long Island resident Billy Joel.