Teacher Makeovers
My TODAY Show producer was humming this tune on the phone. I was a little confused until she told me the subject of my next segment. "Louis, September is around the corner. Wouldn't it be great to do teacher makeovers?"
I thought it was a good idea, but it's been more than a few years since I have been in school. I didn't have a clue what to expect of today’s teachers. I did know that they worked hard. I understood the importance of their job. I knew they were the most significant role models to children besides their parents. I just didn't know what today’s teacher looked like. Then I met the teachers who wanted a makeover.
As they came off the elevator, I realized they looked pretty good. In fact, they didn't need a makeover, they just needed a refresher course to update their looks before fall semester begins. The first teacher in my chair was Barbara. Barbara had worn long hair since she could remember. Her hair was pretty, but desperate for a style. Barbara held her breath as the cutting began. Her eyes began to water.
WARNING! A new hair cut can be as traumatic as the first day of school.
Lesson One: "Bobs are not boring!" Bobs look stylish, sophisticated, and seductive.
They are timeless and always look current. The smallest change can give a bob a new look. This year’s bob is shorter in the back and longer in the front. Think a simpler, more wearable version of Victoria Beckham's chopped bob. I gave Barbara a coco color glaze to add shine, warmth, and depth. A color glaze is a translucent, semi-permanent color.
TIP: To make even the darkest colors translucent, add one teaspoon of your favorite conditioner to the semi-permanent color mixture and then follow the directions on the box. This will dilute the color and keep it see-through, accenting all the natural nuances of the hair.
Barbara's misty eyes turned to a big smile as she stepped out of the salon. Much to her and my delight, she turned more than a few admiring heads walking up Fifth Avenue.
Alli was the next teacher in my chair. Another great looking woman with a tousle of soft curls. She liked her hair, but she was bored. Her hair just fell into shape, the wrong shape, day after day. Alli’s hair had a classic curly hair problem. She had too much volume on the bottom of her hair, giving it a triangle shape.
Lesson Two: "HAIR MORPHING - Changing the shape and style of your hair while holding on to most of the length."
Miyuki, a Master Cutter at the New York salon, reshaped Alli's hair with long layers but kept most of it's length. This took the weight off the bottom of the triangle and instantly updated Alli's cut. Alli was bored with her color too! She had highlights that progressively turned blonder and blonder and would tend to wash out her complexion.
TIP: If you have to apply more makeup to make your new hair color work, you picked the wrong color.
I used a golden red color glaze on Ali. This brightens her hair, which brightened her complexion. The other advantage of semi-permanent color glazes is the graceful grow out. Ali will not have to worry about too much hair color homework. Color gazes require touch-ups about every eight weeks.
Patrice was next on my makeover roster. Patrice walked in with a photo diary of her hair color and cut history. She had tried almost every hair color under the sun and more than a few hairstyles. At the time, her hair was a yellow blond that was long with grown out layers. Patrice was the perfect makeover. She loved having her hair cut and colored and was not afraid of change.
Lesson Three: "Hair color and cut can work together to change face shape and accent or soften facial features."
Patrice's yellow blond hair clashed with her pale sallow skin color. I knew she liked the brightness of blond, but her hair color needed depth to compliment the tone of her skin. I made her roots a light golden brown. Then I reversed highlighted the rest of her hair with light golden brown steaks.
WARNING! This color procedure should only be done at the salon. I put fewer dark streaks around her face to keep her color bright. Patrice's new hair color instantly gave her skin the contrast it needed to come alive. Next, Miyuki layered her hair and gave her a soft swept bang. This immediately made her forehead less prominent and the long layers softened her chin line. I added a few more highlights in key areas around the hairline to accent Patrice's new hair cut.
TIP: Think of your new cut and color as the makeup that does not wash off.
My last class...I mean, makeover, of the day was Stacy. Stacy is a very pretty woman with "old school" long hair. Stacy's long hair was not flattering to her face shape or body proportions. She found herself almost always wearing it in a pony tale.
WARNING! If your hair only looks good tied back, it's time for a haircut.
Lesson Four: "Shoulder length is the new long hair." Or "You're the teacher not the student. It's time for a haircut."
Miyuki cut ten inches off of Stacy’s hair. Shoulder length hair gives the look of long hair but is less severe. Hair to the shoulder has more movement and body than longer hair. It is a prettier face frame than very long hair. Stacy wanted to brighten her light brown hair color, but she wanted it to look natural.
I highlighted Stacy’s hair with bold dark golden blond strokes of color on the top layers of her hair only. This is exactly where the sun would lighten her hair. As her hair moves, the darker tones underneath will peek through to give depth.
My day with the teachers was over as their school year was about to begin. I give them all A's for being great makeovers. Their real test starts in September. Don't forget to bring them an apple and tell them how great they look!
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I love my new haircut!
I feel and look like a new person!
Thanks so much!
By the way can we get the Today Show on you tube?
Barbara,
High five to you! To watch the segment go to www.todayshow.com and scroll down to Today Show video. The segment is called Back-to-school makeover.
Louis
My hair looks just like Alli's "before" picture, and I'm a teacher! :) A good haircut and color would not make my hair look so straight and sleek as in her "after" picture. What did she use to achieve that smooth look?
Thank you so much Louis and Miyuki for the great new cut and color. I have received many compliments today on my fabulous transformation. I can't thank you enough- this is just what the teacher needs. Love you all- Patrice
I loved the teacher makeovers--I'm a brunette turning very gray, with fair skin and blue eyes. My hair is colored light brown and turns almost blonde in the summer, and I start to look totally washed out--no contrast! What haircolor would be better for me?
Susan,
Alli had a great blow dry with the help of Louis Licari foaming gel. The most important part of Alli's style are the long layers that Miyuki cut into her hair. This is what instantly morphed her hair into an up to date shape.
Louis
Patrice,
You look beautiful. I am so happy to have been a part of your day of beauty.
Enjoy,
Louis
Liz,
I suggest that you had 1/4 oz. of medium brown to your light brown hair color formula. This should give you the added depth that you are looking for.
Louis
Louis and everyone else at the salon-
Thank you so much for the amazing haircut and coloring. I LOVE MY NEW LOOK! I really enjoyed the entire experience! I truly appreciate it! You are all wonderful!
Alli
Also a teacher in need of a new look! I liked one of the haircuts and I was wondering if it possible to get pictures of the haircuts? I tried to save the picture from above to show my hair stylist but when I opened it, it was quite small and enlarging it makes it hard to see. Can you help me? Thanks!
Thanks for doing that for a few teachers. I'm sure those women had a blast and relaxed in these days before school begins. I'm heading to my salon tomorrow for my cut and colour...shoulder length and reddish! And back to school on Friday for our first meetings.
2 things:
Why did you straighten the curley hair? It would have been more interesting to see a great curley style. Few curley haired people want to straighten their hair daily.
why did you only use elementary school teachers? And young ones at that. Why not middle aged secondary teachers?
Hi again,
Just wanted to let you know that I am still in shock when I look in the mirror. (in a good way) I also styled my hair last night and it looks good. Not as good as when you guys styled it but close enough.
I just really want to thank you. I would have never cut my hair on my own and it looks so good. I love the color of my hair too.
I think everyone should go to your salon and let you guys take charge.
I don't think I am going back to long hair anytime soon. I needed this change and I didn't even know it. (well I should have gotten a clue since I have had long hair for over 25 years)
I really can't thank you enough!
Barb
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I also would have preferred to see a makeover for curly hair that works with rather than against the hair's natural texture. I will never go back to blowdrying my hair straight, and I'm tired of seeing makeover styles that feature straight bobs.
I think all the girls look great!
I love the "straight" bob, it made the girl look completely different. The same goes for straighting the curly to straight hair. The whole point of a make over show is to look different.
Ali and Patrice:
Missed the segment when it aired because I was trying to take care of our twins X 2. Was able to read and see your new looks. Amazing.... Don't change a thing. "Absolutely beautiful" . True art. Lynda. Friend and mother of twins x 2.
Hi there-
Just to clarify, Tina was correct. I wanted a change. I have worn my hair curly everyday for years. I wanted to try something different. I love what everyone at the salon did!
Good site! Good resources here, All the best!
Alli,
It was my pleasure. Hope to see you again.
Louis
Jenny,
Unfortunately the only pictures that we have are from the show. The best idea would be to suggest that your stylist watch the segment that is attached to my blog on the iVillage website.
Louis
Ukyankee,
Sounds like you'll be picture perfect for the new school year. Here's to a great semester.
Louis
Liz,
Good point. I will try to work with curls on my next curly girl makeovers.
I makeover all ages. If you are interested in a makeover send me a picture and I will put you in the makeover file.
Louis
Barb,
Happy to hear that it's working.
Stay in touch,
Louis
Rabert,
Your comment is a bit unclear. Please tell me exactly what you want. I will be happy to help.
Louis
Marcia,
I hear you!
I will definetly do a curly hair segment in the future.
Louis
Tina,
Glad you liked the show.
Thanks,
Louis
Lynda,
I agree they do look great.
Louis
Alli,
You are the sweetest girl on the planet!
Thank you,
Louis
George,
Thanks for the positive feedback. If you ever have any questions Iâm here.
Louis
i had so much fun at the studio that friday!!! I hope that my mom always keeps her hair like this because not only does she like it but her fiends like it!!! Alli's hair came out awsome as well as barbra and stacy
I'm a new teacher - highschool science. I am young with brown hair, brown eyes and an oval face. I currently wear my hair long (bra strap length) and I really like the way it looks both down and pulled back. Do you think no one should have long hair?
hi mr licari my mom loves her hair so much just if you can rite a coment and we can keep chatting
byee
Stephanie,
It was fun having you at the studio. Hopefully we can work again soon.
Louis
Amanda,
Long hair works as long as you enjoy it. If you get bored with your hair be aware that there are several great looking short hair options available.
Enjoy your long hair for now.........
Louis
Stephanie,
Love talking to you anytime. Remember, I'm always just a click away.
Louis
While I enjoyed the Today segment and the ladies all looked wonderful, I felt saddened by the fact that I do not have the hair to "build my self esteem" as was stated on the segment. Yes, there is a stigma that comes with wearing a wig. I wish someone would have a segment on hair alternatives for women who have hair loss. My thinning hair is inherited. Please comment.
Hello,
I watched the makeover section on today's show 09/20/07 and I would give anything to have Louis Licari give me a makeover. I am from Collingwood, Ontario, Canada and I would love to come to New York to see him. How would I go about trying to make an appt with him. I don't care if it takes me a year. From a housewife and mom who badly needs a make over.
Lindsay Eaton
I am anxiously awaiting pictures from the september 20th show.I adored Heather's cut and color. Would love to bring pictures to my hair styleist.please sow larger pictures and where can I locate them?
Well, the roots are finally in from my August 10 makeover- I had to make an appt. with my colorist for a touch up- what color base could I tell her that you used for my great color? Thanks- Patrice
Louis, what do you use for women who get stained from the dye? We have a new product, a whole new way to protect skin from color, called +Repelle Hair Color Stain Shield Wand. It's a stick, very easy to apply, with Pretectin-22 cationics to repel the positive charge of hair color. Can we send you a sample somewhere?
Jeff Goldstein, President & CEO
I LOVE the teacher makeovers! I think that everyone looks stunning! I was wondering if anyone knows if the Today show has done any ambush makeovers on women of color? I looked at the pictures on iVillage, but didn't see any. Did I miss something? I'm an African American teacher, and would LOVE a makeover, but don't know what the results would be.