James Colgan Salon

Creative director James Colgan's Union Square salon is a breath of fresh air. Like many of the fancy salons nearby, the talent here is topnotch—but the authentically friendly atmosphere is what sets it apart. The welcoming (read: non-snooty) staff and small (but not too small) space with a birds-eye-view of Union Square Plaza are an idyllic place for women and men (and kids) to enjoy classic and razor cuts, highlights, hair painting, balayage, blowouts and more. Colgan himself is a color master, and a ninja with a pair of scissors. Along with impeccable technique, his charming English accent and natural warmth are hard to resist. The salon's skilled stylists and colorists take their chairside- manner cues from the boss, making for positive experiences all around. The salon has a second location in Potrero Hill (1331 18th St).