prime time Allen Edwards Salon & Serenity Spa, 216 26th St., Santa Monica, Calif.; 310-394-2878

IF YOU CAN'T GET THERE ________________ *Check out Allen Edward's new web site at allenedwards.com to order hair care products favored by the stylists. *Visit Allen Edwards's two other Southern California locations: in Woodland Hills, 818-887-7330, and in Studio City, 818-763-4005.

From Charlie's Angels to Ally McBeal, hairstylist Allen Edwards has been responsible for some of television's most memorable coifs. For the past couple of decades, his deft way with shears has kept his team on the cutting edge, whether it be tending to style-setters such as Jenna Elfman and Renee Zellweger or transforming Marcia Clark from serious prosecutor to glam pundit. "To me, cutting hair is like buying clothes - you don't walk into a clothing store and ask for something from 10 years ago," says Edwards, who preaches that a hairstyle is a person's most important accessory. His hot streak began more than 20 years ago when he crafted Farrah Fawcett's feathered look ("People were lining up down the street" for that signature seventies do, he recalls). Today his clients include Chicago Hope's Christine Lahti and actress Julianne Moore; his associate Monica Keckin gives McBeal's Courtney Thorne-Smith her blunt cut and rich blond color, and staffer Denise Kaplan tends to Rene Zellweger's long, layered golden mane. Despite all the star power, the mood of the full-service spa is more Hawaii than Hollywood. Bamboo cabinets, aromatherapy treatments in an Asian-style tea garden, tropical wall hangings and whirring ceiling fans give Allen Edwards the feel of a seaside resort - or an episode of Fantasy Island. The only thing missing is the mai tais and the credits rolling at the end. (Haircuts from $55; with Edwards, from $85; highlights from $95; facial from $45.) - Honor Brodie