Steven Cole Salon [downtown meets the neighborhood]

Housed in a historic brick building in Greenwood, the Steven Cole Salon boasts lovely high ceilings, fantastic lighting, and a revolving line of artwork. But it is the charming, energetic presence of owner, Steven Cordel (his son's name, Cole, rounds out the moniker) that truly defines this contemporary salon.

"I don't take myself too seriously." Laughs Cordel, a 20 year veteran schooled in the French method of matching cuts and colors to bone structure and skin tone.

In a neighborhood where "careworn" is an apt description, the Steven Cole salon offers panache. From the plush red sofa to the stain nickel-framed mirrors, you get the feeling that Cordel is cranking things up a notch, bringing a little urban flavor to the 'hood.

But looks aren't everything, and Cordel believes that his salon's success relies not on style but on substance: staying small is everything," he says. "When you get too big, you lose control of customer service."

Haircuts are $45, foils start at $90 (partial) and $125 (full)-with additional charges for long or thick hair or extra colors-and color begins at $60. Conditioning treatments added to a service are $15 to $25. The salon is also one of the only studios in the city carry the new L'Oreal Professional Serie Expert line, which costs less than the popular L'Oreal Kerastase brand sold at Gene Juarez, but works even better, according to Cordel.

As for cuts, if you're looking for blunt, geometric, the Steven Cole Salon is not the salon for you. Cordel and his team create soft, feminine looks with vertical layering that are "very complementary to the face."

The unpretentious but stylish Steven Cole Salon is clearly winning fans, and easily survived its first year and a half in the neighborhood. Raves Cordel, "The support we have gotten has been phenomenal."

Bottom Line: Welcome to the neighborhood.