Blade Barbershop

Embracing the mononymy of Cher, Prince, and Christo before him, Bridaa delivers an expert cut for $25 — or about a quarter of what you'd pay at many a chichi salon. Soft-spoken and affable, the Moroccan-born barber creates an oasis of calm in a South End shop better known for its laugh-a-minute frenzy. He forgoes pleasantries in favor of genuine, unforced conversation. Or, if you prefer, he'll just shut up and give you a great cut for the price of an hour of downtown parking. RUNNER-UP: Michael Baldino, Floyd's 99 Barbershop.