Sally Hershberger Downtown

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Blame Sally Hershberger for the phrases "$800 haircut" and "$3,000 hair extensions." Clearly not in her native Kansas anymore, this artful waif jets back and forth between New York and Hollywood, styling movie close-ups, magazine covers, and the rarified locks of first-namers of the Nicole/Renee/Meg/Julia variety. New York clients seeking the sensei's scissorly attention can book their superstar moment at Sally Hershberger Downtown, sister to the stylist's LA salon. While non-first-namers are likely to wait for an appointment with Sally herself, those desiring her patented, slightly edgy, somewhat glam, fundamentally solid cuts or color at a fraction of the tab can put themselves in the well-trained hands of her acolytes, who can expertly re-create the master's signature shags and messy blow-outs. A good portion of your appointment in the sunny, soothingly gray-painted loft space—designed to feel like a photo studio or a fashion tent's backstage—will feel like a social call: Your stylist will chat you up, appraise your aura, and ascertain your hair habits. (Yes, this charmer in precariously low-slung jeans wants to get to know you.) But the gratifying takeaway is a casual, flattering style that works for those without the time or entourage for $800-haircut maintenance. And you can still drop Sally's name.

  — Karen Tina Harrison

Extra

Sally Hershberger and master locks-smith John Frieda co-created his Sheer Blonde product collection, whose definition-creating pomade has become a cult item. Fortunately for many of its fans, Sheer Blonde Spun Gold Shaping and Highlighting Balm is much more sheer than blonde.

Bridal
Known for their edgy cuts, the stylists at this trendy-hair mecca can also create softer, wedding-friendly looks; they’re great with all hair types. Trials at the meatpacking-district salon run from $300 to $600; in-salon styling on the wedding day starts at $250.

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