Next up in my series of beauty spots worth hitting up before the wedding: Takamichi Hair, where the owner, Takamichi Saeki, is known for his low-key approach to men's grooming. In 2009, the salon was voted Best Men's Haircut by New York Magazine, so I thought it would be a great place to review for any guys in the market for a splurge-worthy haircut before the big day. I sent my friend Michael to the Tribeca hotspot to check it out. Here's what he had to say.
Whenever women talk about their haircuts and mention what a great experience it was, I always wonder what they're talking about. Experience? Isn't it just...a haircut? But now I get it. This was an experience. The location had a lot to do with it, mainly because Great Jones Street is one of my favorite streets in all of New York -- just walking down the cobblestone makes me feel like I've gone back in time.
When I got to the salon, an old-fashioned freight elevator met me at street level and took me up to the massive loft space. The whole thing was very chill. At other places, even "gentleman's salons," I often feel like a fish out of water. But I was totally comfortable here, especially when the receptionist offered me a glass of whiskey. Takamichi brought me to his chair and spent a while asking me what kind of a cut I wanted -- a first! I'm so used to stylists giving the big schpeel about their vision and their artistry that it was refreshing to be asked for my opinion.
While he was cutting away, the conversation came easy. He's a great guy, really interesting, with absolutely no pretensions. He's also a perfectionist, which I appreciated. After he cut my hair the first time, he rinsed it, dried it, and went back for round two.
30 minutes later, I can honestly say that I've never had a better haircut. It was short and clean and styled and all that good stuff, but it also looked a little bit lived in. In other words, it didn't look like I'd just had my hair cut. Guys, seriously, if you want a great cut for your wedding -- or for anything, actually -- you can't go wrong here. Takamichi is worth all the hype.
Thanks, Michael! Ladies, I was lucky enough to see the finished product, so allow me to get more specific: The cut is equal parts J. Crew catalogue, Wall Street, and bedhead. Short on the sides and back, longer in the front and on top, and slightly tousled all over. It looks great. If you live in NYC, make an appointment for your hubby-to-be. He cuts women's hair equally well, if that's what you're after -- it's just that after the NY mag article, he's become pre-t-t-y popular with the fellas. Whatever you decide, be sure to book in advance. Takamichi Hair, 35 Great Jones Street, 212-420-7979
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