Every once in a while a girl needs to feel a little bit like a Victoria Secret Model.  Unfortunately, not many of us can throw on a hot pink lace bra and strut down a runway, but a serious blow-out by an amazing hairstylist can certainly help.  Enter Michael Viggue and Teddi Cranford at Sally Hershberger Downtown.

I discovered Michael this past summer while shopping downtown on West 14th street.  If you are like me, and constantly reading about infamous NYC celebrity hairstylists, you wish there was even a slight chance you could spent the $600-$700 on a cut.  The reality is, this is not a reality!  But, it seems there is side route you can take to get one of these celebrity stylist cuts or sinfully gorgeous blow-outs and it's called their assistants!  Viggue is Sally Hershberger's assistant and a stylist at Sally's salon located in the Meatpacking district of NYC.  This downtown, casual chic salon matches Viggue's cool, laid back personality.  For $75.00, you too can have Victoria Secret Model, MIranda Kerr's stylist. He knew exactly what I meant when I told him I wanted the Kardashian, Victoria Secret waves.  Time is a non-issue for Viggue and you NEVER feel rushed.  He won't let you leave until your hair looks like you should be walking down a runway and even takes the time to understand exactly what outfit you will be wearing to match the hair.  When I say it's a skinny jeans, high boots night he goes for the looser, more "just rolled out of bed" waves.  If it's a more dressed up club night, he leaves the waves a bit tighter.  First, he dries my entire head of hair, smoothing it out with a roller brush until it looks incredible left just like that.  But then comes the curling iron!  He wraps small sections around to make the perfect wave, and runs the curling iron over the top few inches to keep it smooth and straight; hence achieving the coveted Kardashian look.  The blow dry can last up to 4 days (ok five if I want to really squeeze out each second) and literally looks amazing each day. Mike will even grab his scissors, free of charge, and fix up any small uneven sections he notices in your hair.  By the time you are ready to leave you won't know if you should hail a cab or strut down a catwalk.

My next discovery was made when Mike was away and I needed some serious hair help.  I called Sally Hershberger Downtown and described to the receptionist I needed someone who understood the curling iron, wavy long hair look I love.  I was immediately directed to Teddi Cranford.  I knew the second I walked into the salon Teddi was my girl!  I didn't even finish my sentence about the style I wanted when she said, "I know, you want "the look."  Meaning, the cool, curling iron waves, parted in the middle, sexy hair I see on every celebrity in US Weekly and In Style Magazine.  She was incredible.  Again, taking as much time as necessary, meticulously curing each piece perfectly, and treated me as if I were her client for years. Teddi's blow dry was $100.00, but worth every single penny.  After all, Teddi has styled New York Fashion Week shows for the past several years as well as numerous editorial photo shoots.  Endless compliments on my hair that night nearly paid for the blow-dry in itself!   Even the cab driver told me I had nice hair.

I have requested this style at numerous NYC salons and have never gotten what I wanted.  Yes, they used the curling iron to create waves, but something just wasn't quite right.  With Michael and Teddi, it was as if I was getting my hair done for a photo shoot.  The great thing is, it is also pretty easy to get an appointment with them.  Even if they are busy, this easy going, downtown salon will always at least try to find a way to fit you in.

So this holiday season, instead of splurging on a new dress, go for the hair. Then sit back, relax and let the compliments come!