Salon in the Olympics village ensures athletes look their best when competing

At the Olympic Village, cuts, styles and manicures are free, but the benefits, the athletes say, are priceless. Photo: The New York Times

They are one of the most popular teams at the Olympics. Their hand-eye coordination is off the charts. Their uniforms? Head-to-toe black and tres chic.

They are the hairstylists of the Summer Games, at the service of any Olympian in the athletes’ village in need of grooming and on a mission to substantiate that old sports mantra: look good, feel good, play good.