Salon and Spa Directory: Sam Brocato Salon

I'm a sucker for a good blowout and manicure. So when I was invited into Sam Brocato Salon to experience both of these services, of course I jumped at the opportunity! And I'm pleased to tell you the salon did not disappoint.

I had actually been curious about Sam Brocato for quite some time. I've known many people over the years who have gotten fabulous haircuts there, so I knew I was in good hands from the moment I stepped through the door. Add to that the fact that everyone at the salon is unbelievably friendly in a completely genuine way, and I felt like I'd found a haven in Soho to erase all the negativity one can find in New York.

The Deborah Lippmann nail polish wall!

I began my day with a manicure. Now, I normally do my own manicures, and I actually don't tend to like the manicures I receive in hair salons. Well, color me impressed, because my manicure at Sam Brocato was PHENOMENAL. For starters, the salon stocks the entire Deborah Lippmann nail polish line, which definitely made me thrilled from the get go. I spent about 10 minutes just trying to choose a color!

I decided on Glitter In The Air, a milky creamy blue speckled with pastel glitter flecks that really give off the "air" of being suspended in the polish once it's on the nail. So, after I finally chose my color, I settled into a comfy armchair and let my manicurist, Bea, get to work. She buffed, clipped and polished my nails to perfection, all while making me feel relaxed and at ease. My favorite part was definitely the hand and arm massage, which went on for what seemed like forever and kneaded out every single knot and ball of tension!

Deborah Lippmann Glitter In The Air. Gorgeous color, right?

Then it was time for my blowout with Leah. Leah is, in a word, COOL -- and she really wants to make your hair look its best. We talked for awhile about the style I was interested in (and, true to form, I wanted super straight and sleek), and then it was time to get down to business. After shampooing my hair twice, Leah massaged in the Sam Brocato Supersilk Leave-In Treatment (which was so amazing, I ended up leaving the salon with a tube!). She then rough-dried my hair before going in with a round brush and smoothing out each section. A thorough going over with a flat iron sealed the deal -- and locked in an AMAZING amount of shine. The result...

My blowout by Leah was so fantastic, I couldn't stop smiling!

Can you BELIEVE that shine? I was flabbergasted by how incredible my hair turned out -- and it stayed this way for four days, even through two rainstorms!

All in all? A trip to Sam Brocato Salon is a must for any New Yorker who wants to look and feel her best. You'll just have to race me for the next appointment.

A manicure at Sam Brocato Salon is $20. A blowout is $55-$75. For more information about the salon and to book an appointment, visit sambrocatosalon.com.