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John Sahag, the much-celebrated stylist who played tress architect to the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Aniston, and Demi Moore, passed away in 2005, but his pervading rock-star vibe and ahead-of-its-time dry cutting technique still lives on at the Madison Avenue salon he willed to his devoted staff. Conceptualized in the early nineties by Sahag himself, the wide, sweeping arcs and dramatic curves in the bright, airy space are meant to mimic the lines in the haircut he made famous; accordingly, right angles are conspicuously absent. Funky, fantastical touches such as freestanding workstations sculpted in the images of bamboo and river rock, a serpentine banquet, and an oversized Japanese tranquility fountain transport clients from the city’s frenetic street scene to this creative haven just one flight up. Color services, extensions, and updos are available, but the cut is—and always will be—the thing. Stylists (or their assistants) blow locks pin-straight before reaching for the scissors; snips are applied in a manner that might appear shockingly random, but in fact precisely follow the natural direction and flow of the hair, tapering in at the ends. The result is a low-maintenance, high-volume style that requires minimal upkeep between visits. — Amanda Pressner

Stylists continue the late Sahag’s work, specializing in clip-on hairpieces as an alternative to hair-damaging extensions. Prices start at $350 for the bride (trial runs are $250); updos for bridesmaids from $200.

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