Sei-Tomoko W4

With three sister locations downtown, Sei-Tomoko has become a cult destination in triplicate for anyone obsessed with Japanese hair-straightening techniques. Owner Tomoko Kawamoto and husband Sei first opened the 13th Street branch of this mini-chain back in 1995. Since then, the Kawamoto claim to fame has been all about gentility: You will find no burn-inducing flatirons, and your shampoo will be followed by an abbreviated shiatsu massage. Sleek Asian-inspired haircuts are also available here, as are a number of hard-to-find Japanese styling products.