An Alan Tosler creation.   (Photo: Todd Selby)

$500 and Up
ORLO/ORLANDO PITA
34 Gansevoort St.
212-242-3266

After a career doing hair at photo shoots and fashion shows, Pita sauntered into town last year and announced his cuts would cost $800 a pop. Why is it worth it? Pita’s signature razor cut keeps its shape weeks after your appointment, which is some argument for amortizing the price. And he’ll even blow it out himself. For eight bills, that’s a nice touch.

$250 to $500
STEPHEN KNOLL
625 Madison Ave.
212-421-0100

Knoll ($400 for a first visit, $325 thereafter) is a favorite of UESBs (Upper East Side blondes) and even some downtown blonds like David Bowie. The atmosphere can get a bit stiff, but Knoll is a confident pro who can come up with a sleek ’do in 30 minutes that’s just hip enough.

$100 to $250
TOSLER DAVIS
89 Fifth Ave.
212-229-0100

British transplant Alan Tosler (a bargain himself at $110) is particularly adept with wavy hair and loves cultivating a sexily undone but still well-structured cut for artsy clients like Jessica Craig-Martin and Rachel Feinstein.

$50 to $100
SIMADI SALON
154 E. 64th St.
212-751-5739

Following a nomadic period last year after his mentor Simone died, Adi has finally opened his own place, and his society ladies have followed him (men’s cuts are $45, women’s $95).

$25 and Under
MINARDI SALON
29 E. 61st St.
212-308-1711

On Mondays from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., the junior stylists practice their bobs and shags on clients who’ve paid $25 to be a test head. Don’t fret too much; Carmine Minardi watches the fledglings like a hawk.