Cutler Soho

Profile

Australian stylist Rodney Cutler earned his chops at Bumble and Bumble before opening his 57th Street salon, which is now the face of a whole enterprise that involves styling magazine shoots, collaborating with fashion designers to create their runway looks, and educating budding stylists. Located inside the Galleria, the L-shaped space is windowless, mirror-partitioned, and perpetually busy, vibrating with noise and action—although a brief shoulder rub following the shampoo allows clients some relaxation. Stylists pay attention to detail, sculpting cuts that work harmoniously with the hair’s natural movement, and producing the soft effect of a razor cut using scissors alone (although the razor is an option for some hair textures). Responsive colorists integrate color with the cut, creating attractive, full-bodied highlights, and going the extra step of “warming up the brows” to match. The Midtown locale has attracted actors, models, and clued-in execs since 1998, while the newer, more relaxed Soho location, a sunlit railroad space that opened in 2005, caters to fashionable downtowners. A unique addition to the latter spot is an open color lab that allows customers to see the mixing in action. The salon uses and sells Redken, Aveda, and house-brand products; bridal services are available both on- and off-site. — Karen Hudes

Rodney Cutler’s low-key salons—favorites for highlights—deliver unpretentious (but never boring) styles. Wedding updos start at $150. The bridal package ($270-$400) includes a shampoo, blow-dry, styling, and makeup application. A consultation is included; a trial run is $125.