Clip Joint

“I’ve always thought long hair was boring,” says Michael Demarco, whose CROPS FOR GIRLS salon offers exactly what its name states. A veteran with two decades of experience, Demarco prefers to do what he calls “dramatic, real haircuts”—so much so that he’s been documenting his more extreme before-and-afters with color snapshots since 1992. First-timers may flip through photo albums and hit his website to assess the stylist’s expertise with a punky buzz or the classic bob. But be warned: He simply won’t do cuts longer than chin length. Is this some personal obsession, or merely the handiwork of one who kindheartedly steps in where others falter? “I do get a lot of girls with these really bad short haircuts, and I have to fix them,” admits Demarco.

154 Orchard Street, 212-677-2772, cropsforgirls.com. $35

See Also

Chelsea Barber

Bertilda’s the lady to ask for at this excellent $25-a-head shop, well suited to busi-nessmen, Chelsea boys, and most anyone in between.

465 23rd, 212-741-2254

Astor Hair

An underground (literally) institution that offers precision cuts at rock-bottom prices. And they do beards.

2 Astor Place, 212-475-9790

Paul Molé

Since 1913, this Upper East Side haven has offered an unmatched, old-time close shave—currently given by maestro Lev Zavurov. Haircut or shave, $29.

1031 Lexington Avenue, 212-535-8461