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Seattle Magazine: "Paule Attar Salon and Spa - European Style Meets Eastside Technology"

With its latte-colored walls, slate floor and high ceilings, the Paule Attar Salon and Spa in Bellevue boasts a classic European style. But behind the scenes, the Eastside studio is a wonder of cool, technological efficiency.

"It is clean, comfortable," says vice president Heinz Mikulka.

"There is nothing chichi about it. Everything has a purpose."

Paule Attar employs 23 stylists, more than most boutique salons in Seattle, but the serene studio doesn't feel busy or crowded. Each stylist wears a pager, and when a client arrives the stylist is notified electronically so that his or her current customer is not disturbed. Four skilled "salon coordinators" run the reception desk like a well-oiled machine.

But the salon is by no means sterile, in large part due to the presence of Attar, who trains her staff personally and continues to work with clients three days per week. Attar worked at the legendary Alexandre Salon in Paris before opening salons in Beverly Hills and ultimately moving to Seattle in 1988.

Prices are based on four levels of seniority, and each hairdresser offers a full range of services so that cut and color are based on the same vision, says Mikulka. Women's haircuts range from $32 to $85, with men's cuts running $27 to $37. Highlights start at $85.

Bottom Line: Cool, calm, collected.

Coordinates:10223 NE 10th St., Bellevue; 425.453.3288;

Mon., 9am-7pm; Tues-Fri., 9am-8pm; Sat., 9am-6pm