Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Cash Club, which is basically advertorials with a conscience. The writer had the option of not writing this if she didn’t truly enjoy and respect the business, and everything she has written here she wholeheartedly means.

Justin and Kevin, owners and stylists at Salon Fringe.

Sarah Serrano, looking fierce.

Girls, you know those days when you are just lookin’ good?

You’re walking around, making eyes at everyone, feeling fine, fresh, fierce (and everything else Katy Perry sings about in that summery pop song). The outfit is super-fresh; something new and a little sparkly. The makeup is on point, perfectly applied and more stunning than ever. You’re practically wearing sunlight as an accessory.

And the hair? Is gorgeous. It bounces with your step, moves in the wind, and shines like glass. It even smells amazing.

Well, when I left Salon Fringe after a recent cut and style—I felt like that.

I felt unstoppable, like no one was going to tell me no. I felt like I needed to make plans for that night—it didn’t matter what or where or with whom, as long as I was seen. I felt like somewhere a Diana Ross song was playing faintly for me.

I felt like my best, most beautiful self.

After a soothing wash and massage (my favorite part of going to the salon!) Justin, one of the two owners along with partner Kevin, cut in some “lingerie layers”—so called because you can hide them or (even more fun) show them off.

Now, I ought not complain about my tresses. I have long, shiny Asian hair, and women constantly tell me they envy me because of it. But untreated, my hair is slick and heavy and difficult to manipulate. Without product it falls in a kind of boring way. And it never, ever listens to me.

With the long layers Justin created and styled into soft waves with the flat iron, my hair looked instantly lush. He had built body and movement into it to the point that I looked like a fan was blowing on me.

Hannah Serrano, with lingerie layers.

By the end of my appointment I felt like Justin was already my best friend. And not just because he made me look beautiful, but because I had practically told him my entire life story. A requisite of a great stylist, beyond having great technical skills and insight into what a woman wants, is being someone that you can tell your whole life story to. The stylist—like the florist, the bartender, and of course the therapist—has got to be a confidant; someone you can just open your heart to.

The environment helps, as well. Salon Fringe, which is located at 212 E Plume St in the Monticello Arcade, is an intimate studio with just two shampoo sinks and three salon chairs. Any customer feels like a VIP. The space is made vibrant by bright lighting, huge windows, fuchsia and lavender flowers all around and a graphic painting on the back wall. The black ceiling and acid-stained concrete floors, however, keep it modern and sleek.

I certainly plan to return to Salon Fringe many, many times. They do offer free bang trims, which Justin happily encouraged me to take full advantage of. Though I know I’ll also be back for special occasions (my sister is having them do her wedding!!!), and more cuts and styles.

Why? Well, one, for a downtown girl, they’re the obvious choice. Two, they’re awesome people who I actually really like knowing. And three, they made me look my best and most beautiful. What else could you possibly ask for?

For more information, check their website or their Facebook page.