Pilo Arts Day Spa and Salon is not only one of Bay Ridge finest salons, it's among the top five salons that do color in New York State for five years in a row. Pilo is also a member of Intercoiffure Mondial, an exclusive organization of international hairdressers, and is the largest salon in Brooklyn and Staten Island.

And now you can experience it without breaking the bank. Pilo is bringing back its recession special - $15 blowouts.

"Women can come in as many times as they wish and be in a salon atmosphere that is more affordable," explained Elena Solitario, one of Pilo's owners and founders. "We use only top shelf organic products and tools and believe hair should be shiny and healthy. It's great for those going on job interviews or who just want to look nice."

Unlike most upscale salons, the blowout includes the cost of shampoo and conditioner. "We are concerned with the integrity of the hair," Solitario noted.

On Tuesday, this reporter got a special treat - a color application, cut and blowout, courtesy of Paul Pastore, the salon's co-founder. With one look at my hair, Pastore knew exactly what to do.

Since I had just gotten my usual color touch-up and haircut two weeks ago, he decided to give me some fresh blonde highlights around my crown to blend in with year-old ones that had grown out to the bottom of my hair.

Instead of plastering my head with strips of tin foil to apply the highlights, Pastore used a different method called balayage. He applied the dye with a comb using sweeping motions from the top of my head to the bottom while I sipped on some ice water. I sat under a steam heater for about 15 minutes until my locks lifted to the proper color.

I was then shampooed and given a deep conditioner. Trish massaged my scalp as she washed and combed out my tangles while the conditioner was still in, which is very important to prevent breakage. Between the massaging and the intoxicating smell of the products, I was ready for a nap by the time Trish was finished!

Pastore then gave me a sensational shape-up - trimming my bangs and fixing the angles. When Jackie DePeppo proceeded to give me an awesome blowout, I could not believe the rich color I saw from the balayage. It's amazing what a little bit of dye can do.

Kim Vo smoothing lacquer straightening balm and perfect polish dry serum got all of my last tangles out and made my hair look ridiculously shiny. DePeppo used a round brush to straighten my frizz and give my hair plenty of bounce.

By the time I was finished, I felt like a million bucks and wished I could go out on the town - but instead, I wrote this story.