Hear that? It’s the tune of 2006. Before we dive in, a shout-out to our favorites from 2005. Feel free to hum along.

Originally published 2/16/05

As any MetroCard-carrying New Yorker will tell you, before the prepubescent clubbers were pounding stiletto to cobblestone, the Meatpacking District was quite a different scene. Guys wore aprons, girls weren’t always girls, and the only shopping was for pork chops and hookers.

As we all love to lament, times have changed. Glam cats rule the streets after hours, seedy characters have gone into hiding (or are just hiding under Armani suits), and, for better or worse, getting blown on 14th Street has altogether different connotations.

Sure, you can think of two, smarty. Here’s the third: Blow, a new upbeat salon that does economical, speedy blowouts. No need to plan appointments around special need-good-hair nights. No need to endure another self-induced straightening debacle or frizzy fiasco for a last-minute date.

Unlike most of the joints in this area, walk-ins are not only welcome, but accommodated. In under an hour, you can get styled in the ’do of your choosing. And starting at $35, this may very well be the only good deal left in the ’hood.

You might even call it a cheap thrill.

Of a more wholesome kind.

Blow, 342 West 14th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues (212-989-6282).

Looking for a few more nips and tucks? Here are a few other picks from 2005:

Red Highlights
Red Market Salon Opens

Speaking Greek 
Athena Spa Opens

Just Browsing
Brow Expert Janna Morein

Kiss and Makeup
Carlos Geraci, Makeup Artist