Ion Studio

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There's no doorman, membership card, or magic word required for entry, but Ion Studio feels a bit like a salon-cum-speakeasy nonetheless. Located at the back of a classic Soho building, the sparely decorated, three-floor spot has no windows to the street, but plenty of natural light comes in through the huge skylight above (the place was also built with mostly recycled materials). While the somewhat hidden address and high-minded art on the walls lend a slightly exclusive vibe, the stylists' attitudes here are anything but. Ion is helmed by affable Italian transplants Leonardo Manetti, Marco Santini, and Pasquale Ferrante, who boast decades of salon and editorial experience between them. This, in part, explains the salon's following among the fashion crowd—don't be surprised to spot a model getting an agency-sponsored makeover in the next chair—but the real treat here are the solid, affordable services. The trio (and a few junior stylists) specialize in simple, wearable cuts and baliage color, and intend for their styles to last for six to eight months (trims and glosses are complimentary for regulars). In line with the ecofriendly credo, all products used are from organic brand Davines. — Carolyn Murnick

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