I have been going to The Root for five years-- it's small, it's friendly, and it's chic. The stylists know your name, the turnover rate is low (even when it comes to receptionists--impressive), and although it has upscale quality, the prices are absolutely manageable.
My stylist is Roxanne, and she is not only one of my favorite people, but also a genius at cutting hair. I have referred over five people to her in the past few years and they have always come away ecstatic with the results. I usually walk in, grab a magazine, a glass of wine, sit back and let their delightful-smelling Alfaparf products and gorgeous local artwork on the walls take me to a relaxing place where I am never worried that I won't like the results. What a relief.