Before & After: I Got a Hair Makeover

When I moved to New York City two months ago to start working at LHJ, I knew I wanted a fresh look. I had graduated from the University of Missouri (go Tigers!) a few months prior, and my long locks just felt so, well, college. It was time to trade my Katie-Holmes-à-la-Dawson's-Creek cut for a more Carrie Bradshaw-approved style.

I told our lovely beauty editors my dilemma, thinking they would suggest a salon and some products and send me on my way. Instead, they set me up with Chris Lospalluto, hair stylist for Alberto VO5 and Sharon Dorram Color at the Sally Hershberger salon.

Armed with an inspiration photo of supermodel Karlie Kloss, I went to see Chris. He played with my hair a bit and agreed short was the way to go. I told him the cut had to work curly or straight because my hair tends to poof up when it's humid. He assured me I would look fabulous, so I placed my tresses in his well-trained hands.

After an hour and a half of snipping, trimming, blow-drying, and then more trimming, Chris finished my haircut -- a sleek and über-chic bob. Seriously, the man is a genius.

To maintain my new style, Chris recommended washing my hair every other day and using a dry shampoo in between washes. He suggested using a heat-protecting spray on my wet hair to shield it from the blow dryer. A 1-1/2-inch round boar-bristle brush works best on short hair when you want a smooth, voluminous blowout. For a messier, edgier look, Chris likes a spritz of texturizing spray, such as Sally Hershberger Texture Blast.

I lost eight inches of hair, but I've never felt better. My new look is sophisticated and stylish -- and totally New York. I'm even walking a bit taller (and that's saying a lot considering I'm already 5'9"). My days as an adolescent undergrad are definitely over. I've got magazine editor hair now! Look out, Anna Wintour, I'm coming for you!