Frédéric Fekkai Soho

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With his legendary midtown salon already entrenched in the hair hall of fame, celebrity stylist Frédéric Fekkai opened a second outpost downtown in January 2007. Dark wood floors, a coffee bar, and plush leather sofas make the 3,000-square-foot space feel more artist’s loft than beauty parlor, but the business of hair is, unsurprisingly, a serious affair here. Creative Director Fabrice Gili supervises all the stylists and colorists, and conducts weekly training sessions to introduce new techniques—hand-applied baliage for super-natural looking highlights, for instance—that he’s picked up on his frequent trips to Europe. The cut and color stations are divided into four "pods" of four chairs each; when Fekkai’s in town, he holds court over a private corner station. As one would hope when spending top dollar, comfort is paramount here: Clients await color processing in ergonomically-designed chairs; in the secluded shampoo area, chic SoHo patrons check out Charlie Chaplin flicks on flat-screen TVs, or order lunch and a glass of bubbly from Barolo downstairs. Anyone on the hunt for a facial will have to head elsewhere, but a rotating menu of mani/pedis is offered in a sunny nook, or, for the time-pressed, in your stylist’s chair. — Carolyn Murnick

Clients who visit a Fekkai salon are rewarded with soft, understated hairstyles achieved with his much-coveted signature line of products. To prepare for a honeymoon, brides can indulge in the salon’s quickie Beauty Getaway package: 90 minutes for a manicure, pedicure, and bikini wax ($115). Cuts start at $125. For bridal updos, prices upon request.

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• Frédéric Fekkai Opens in Soho (2/5/07)