310 W. Broadway
(b/t Grand and Canal Sts.)
New York, NY 10013
212.274.8888

If you’d rather be pampered and relaxed instead of feeling like you’re backstage at a fashion show during your color-and-cut sessions, look no further than Privé for one of the hands-down, most enjoyable salon experiences in the city. Many of the Privé colorists use the Balayage highlighting technique (the stylist paints the color or lightener directly onto your hair without using foils), which makes for a much more pleasurable sitting and produces natural-looking, sun-kissed results (thank you, Lucio!). Honestly, wouldn’t you rather have your hair gently paint-brushed than have aluminum mashed into your head? The founder of the salon, celeb stylist Laurent Dufourg, has worked on the tresses of Gwyneth Paltrow, Tea Leoni and Uma Thurman, will trim your locks for a cool $300, and happens to be an utter delight to chat with. But, if you can’t afford him, you will be in good hands with anyone from his SoHo salon (it’s actually located sort of within the SoHo Grand hotel). Highlights start at $150, cuts at $90, and as the loyal Privé clientele will tell you, this is one trip to the salon that is worth the money. –Sarah Smith