There's no fire beneath the bright white mantelpiece at Substance Salon—its ornate carvings and noble busts simply cement a chic ambiance. However, clients can still warm up with sips of gourmet coffee as they wait for their appointed stylists. The salon staff carries the sophistications of the reception area to each of their stations, where they handcraft 'dos based on the tastes of clients. Pureology products help them wash and blow-dry strands into eye-catching arrays, such as the voluminous Bombshell or the Bohemian—breezy waves that wrap around a full-size acoustic guitar.

Master barber Manny oversees the hot-towel shaves and soothing scalp massages on the gentlemen's menu. The salon also has an entire department devoted to brides-to-be—Styling the Bride—whose members travel to clients throughout New York and New Jersey. Their hair and cosmetic expertise, which results in dazzling updos and radiant makeovers, has been featured on The Knot.