Pickthorn

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Known for coloring the hair of musicians, models, Vogue editors, and other industry types, Chelsey Pickthorn would’ve done fine opening up a salon in the West Village, meatpacking, or other trendy (and likely convenient) Manhattan neighborhood. But the Portland, Oregon, native, who earned her chops under famed colorist Laurie Foley at L'Atelier, has always done things her own way, which in this case resulted in the opening of her private salon in her own neighborhood of Bushwick. While the area is on its way to full gentrification, Pickthorn took a risk with this spacious two-chair spot, which she designed with the help of a contractor. While the windows may look covered up from the exterior — hand-painted by local artists — on a nice day, plenty of sunlight seeps through, illuminating the blonde hardwood floors and the pretty, boudoir-style chaise and chandelier. Pickthorn is trained in both cut and color, but she specializes in the latter, using a foil-free approach, opting to hand paint each strand instead. Her salon, by appointment only, feels feminine, cozy, and private, and owing to her funny, laid-back nature, and acute attention to detail, it’s a visit that’s well worth a ride on the L train. — Randi Eichenbaum