Whittemore House

Description
You wouldn’t expect to find the coolest new hair salon in the garden level of an 1830s West Village mansion (one of the three oldest buildings in the city). That’s because most high-profile stylists seem to prefer to cultivate an off-puttingly exclusive attitude that’s reflected in obnoxiously sleek or ostentatious decor. But that tactic didn’t appeal to Whittemore House owners (and former couple) Victoria Hunter and Larry Raspanti, who each spent more than 15 years dressing tresses at Bumble & bumble. “That’s ridiculous! Why should you pay that much?” asks Hunter about other bold-name salons. The decor features artfully aged woods, faux-decayed stenciled walls and big, comfy boudoir chairs that you’ll want to curl up in. And the services are equally inviting: Gorgeous cuts (starting at $90) and color (a full head of foils starts at $150) courtesy of a bevy of New York’s best stylists (including Michelle Fiona, who has a cultlike following). If the friendly atmosphere doesn’t entice you to linger, the soy-based mani-pedis, minifacials and waxing by Rose Woo (of Rescue Beauty Lounge) and tea and wine bar certainly will. And if you’re worried that your hectic schedule doesn’t have room for an appointment, relax: Whittemore House is open from 10am to 9pm, seven days a week.