I must admit I was tossing and turning most of Thursday night. Friday morning was the first of my new "Heads Up" Ambush Makeover series for the Today show. I had to find two people from the crowd that stands around the plaza who wanted "live time" makeovers.

Live time means all the action takes place in real time. Everything has to work perfectly. There is no time for redo's. What you see is what you get. This means I have about three hours to pick the models, color and style their hair, have their make up done, and then dress the women. The whole process is like a cross between online and speed dating. You "meet and greet" your date in a public place, in this case the plaza of the Today show. If they seem to be nice and you want to know them better, you arrange for another meeting, or in this situation, a makeover. You never really know what your are getting into, but whoever wanted a boring life, anyway!

The excitement was in the air. When the women found out they could be chosen for a complete and instant makeover, pandemonium took over. People where screaming for me to pick them. My adrenaline was immediately rushing through my body. I was thrilled and overwhelmed with the crowd's enthusiasm. I had to scout the plaza for the best possible makeovers. The pressure was on. I ran around the perimeter of the plaza to check out the crowd. I was looking for "diamonds in the rough" or women who do not take advantage of their natural good looks. I spotted the makeovers instantly.

The first woman was Joyce Runner from North Canton, Ohio. Joyce had highlights and a old perm that she crunched into shape with gel. She had worn her hair in the same style and color from the '80s. This was a woman in need. When I picked her she was so excited, she started to cry. I know it sounds bizarre, but I became a bit misty eyed myself. I guess you had to be there. It's one of those moments you never forget.

The second makeover model had a smile that was electric. She literally lit up the crowd. Louie Floresca was an Asian woman from Seattle, Washington with very long dark hair. Her hair was its natural dark color, but she had colored her hair many times in the past and always loved it. She was game for change. She was in desperate need of a cut, and dying (no pun intended) for color. I found my makeovers!

Joyce had to get rid of her perm and frosted highlights. If she had her perm and color from the early '80s and it's 2007 now, she was about 20+ years overdue for a new look. Wearing the same hair style and hair color for five years is being stuck in a rut. Wearing the same hair for twenty plus years is a major red flag.

Arsen Gergov, a stylist from my New York and Beverly Hills salon, cut into her perm. He cut off her perm and worked with her natural wave. The soft fringe and shaping around her face made her look younger and her hair look fuller. The blow dry was simple and chic. I changed her hair color with a light golden red hair color wash. Her skin color immediately came to life.

Louie was not only ready for a makeover, she welcomed it. I lightened her hair to a light golden brown color, and then I painted brighter highlights around her face. I know many of you are thinking why I would choose to make Louiei's hair so light. Louie loves to have fun with her hair color. Hair color choices don't have to be, and most likely are not, forever. Hair color is fashion. It can change as often as your hem line.

TIP - If you do want a dramatic change, always see a professional colorist.

Arsen cut a side swept fringe with long layers. Louie's cut and color worked together to change her face shape. She looked ten pounds thinner and her beautiful face glowed.

When you color your hair the right shade you don't have to wear as much makeup. I always suggest changing your lipstick with your new hair color. It the easiest way to make your new color pallet work for you.

We had a blast doing the first of the "heads up" ambush makeover series. The next one is scheduled for Friday, November 16th. I hope to see you there and I will answer as many of your beauty questions as possible when I am combing the crowds looking for the next makeovers.

Come and say hello in the Plaza on Friday, November 16th . My next makeover might be you!

• Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!