David Evangelista at Cornelia

Profile

Working in the first chair past the receptionist, David Evangelista�who received five Emmy nominations for his appearances on the Rosie O'Donnell Show and counts celebs like Eva Longoria and Mandy Moore as clients�is, quite literally, the first thing visitors notice when they arrive at this sunny, white-on-white salon. Unlike other biggie stylists who might see select regulars in a cordoned-off area, the unpretentious Evangelista works in the middle of the fray, and in between delivering his touchable, tousled cuts ("soft and pretty is always in" is a favorite mantra), he banters with the employees and customers who breeze past him toward the shampoo area's massaging recliners. L'Oréal Professional products are on tap, and the menu is small but focused: Clay scalp treatments, deep conditioning, brow tinting and shaping, and a few types of straightening and relaxing services round out the basic cut and color offerings. Occupying a wall of windows at the Cornelia Day Resort, the space is filled with orchids, black-and-white photos of Hollywood starlets, and streamlined Scandinavian-style furniture; with only sixteen chairs, it’s also significantly smaller and less frenetic than both John Barrett and Frédéric Fekkai, where Evangelista honed his skills. In choosing staff, Evangelista subscribes to a "no divas allowed" policy, preferring to seek out talented-but-approachable types like the former Fekkai senior colorist known for his baliage technique that results in subtle, sun-kissed tones. — Lexi Dwyer

Evangelista, who is also a renowned makeup artist, offers application and lessons using Kevin Aucoin products.

Weddings
Brides-to-be can book their own big-day hair and makeup services, and also plan personalized "beauty parties" for their attendants.