Salon AKS Fifth

Profile

Armed with the styling knowledge they acquired at some of the city's top salons (and a burgeoning client roster that reads like a Miramax Oscar-party guest list), partners Alain Pinon, Kao Hui, and Susanna Romano opened their first salon on Madison Avenue. When demand for their services outstripped the space, they opened their flagship Fifth Avenue location, a 5,000-square-foot bastion of beauty. Mani/pedis are performed in a serene alcove equipped with copper tubs and plush pedicure thrones while bikini lines and eyebrows are groomed in private rooms. (During warmer months, clients can enjoy nail services on the renovated terrace.) Cuts, color, and styling take place in a capacious main area brimming with natural light and fresh air that's circulated from the outdoors, eliminating any scent that suggests you're in a hair salon. After a consultation with members of the styling team, treatment begins; each snip of the scissors and stroke of the colorist's brush is executed with thoughtful purpose. Processing notes are logged on personalized cards to ensure an up-to-date haircare history and the same dazzling results (or better) from subsequent visits. Thanks to wireless Internet and workstations with mini laptops, clients won't even miss an email as they wait for their highlights to set or polish to dry. — Amanda Pressner

Bridal

Founded by Frédéric Fekkai defectors, this salon has a huge following among well-heeled, fashion-conscious types, and go-to bridal pros Mika Rummo, Nyree Busby, and Nikki Ray will travel as far as the Caribbean for your big day. Hair or makeup trials range from $150 to $300. Wedding-day hair and makeup in the salon each start at $200.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Blow Dry (2002)