I jump at every chance I get to return to NYC because I get to reconnect and visit with my MTV family! I feel so lucky to have stayed close with my glam team through the years. These are the girls who were with me through it all -- long days (and sometimes even longer nights) on a set can really foster amazing bonds that last a lifetime. My main glam girls from the MTV days consisted of make-up artist Elisa Tallerico (I promise to share some of her tips and ideas with you all soon!) and hair stylist Betsy Reyes. For my appearance on Rachael Ray’s show yesterday, I knew that I wanted my team around to help me prep. They know what works for me and how to help me feel my absolute best!  Since Betsy was away on business, I got to hang with another one of my favorite girls from the MTV days…hair stylist extraordinaire, Courtney Benedetti Tooke! I just adore her. She works on Jimmy Fallon's show now, but I was lucky to steal her for a few hours to come hang out, snuggle Cam and get me ready for Rachael Ray. And  I ended up LOVING the look she gave me. So, obviously I had to share with all of you!  She was kind enough to write down all her steps so I could post it right here on the site. (Maybe you can recreate it or even do a version of your own!) Okay, so without further adieu, here is Courtney to tell us all how to get the look:

From Hair Stylist Courtney Benedetti:

Vanessa has the most beautiful hair I have ever had the pleasure to work with over the years.  For her Rachael Ray appearance she wanted something sexy yet "new mom" appropriate.  So, here is the look we came up with and the steps to style it:

• To get the waves: I wrapped Vanessa’s hair around a medium sized curling iron.  Then, set her hair in pin curls.
• Volume + bangs: We simply swept her newly cut bangs to the side and gave some volume to the crown area with a light tease. 
• A touch of unique style: We decided to put half her hair up (it ended up looking much more fitting with her LBD) by twisting the sides around her crown and connecting them in the back.  This created a beautifully unique style from all angles!  

I hope you all have fun experimenting with this wavy yet approachable half-up do.

For more information on Courtney you can visit her site at www.courtneybenedetti.com. Happy hair play!

Don’t forget to share your comments on the look and pics with us below!

Xx, Vanessa