December 2007 Archives
New Year's is a day away! New York is crowded with tourists from around the world. Most of them seem to be here at the TODAY show plaza. People are screaming for makeovers. Pandemonium has set in. "Ambush Makeover" Friday is hot!
Since it is almost New Year's, I though I should talk about the most important trend of 2008. There is no doubt in my mind that the color red will be the most significant trend of the new year. The color red blows every other hair color away. Blonds and brunettes pale by comparison. Red is vital and demands attention.
I can hear the people reading this blog thinking, "No way am I going red!" Calm down! I am not saying that everyone has to be a no doubt about it, red head, but red undertones can help every color to come alive and make you look prettier. Think about the difference between an ash blond and golden blond or an ash brown and chocolate brown. The ash colors are drab and drain the color from your complexion. The warm (red) base colors make your skin color come alive. This is what today's hair color is all about. Hair color should brighten your look. When you have the right hair color, it should look like you have on a bit of makeup. Red tones will make every hair color more dynamic.
BEAUTY WARNING! I must address all people with sallow complexions. You must avoid lighter warm shades. They will blend with your skin color and make your skin appear more sallow. This is a major beauty faux pas. You should choose a darker color to provide contrast with your skin color. Dark golden blonds, deep chocolates, and dark auburns work best with sallow complexions.
TIP - If you have to wear more makeup to make your new hair color work, you have picked the wrong hair color.
Two perfect examples of the power of red are our last two "Ambush Makeovers."
Watch the segment from TODAY:
The first makeover was Rose, a 70-year-young woman with an incredible spirit. Her hair color was a light brown with large stripes of white blond highlights. The highlights were so pale it almost looked like grey hair. This is a definite beauty "don't". I chose a soft, golden red color that immediately eliminated her dull grey brown look. We then gave her shorter layers to work with her fine texture hair. Rose's hair looked lush, thick and vibrant. She looked at least 10 years younger.
The second makeover was Debbie from Worcester, MA. She works with special needs children and had no time for herself. Debbie had golden highlights on her brown hair and she looked good. But, I wanted her to look great. I made her hair a rich auburn color and the stylist gave her a beveled back bob. The new Debbie looked like a movie star!
Do hair color and hair cuts make a difference in the way you look? The answer is yes! The biggest trend in 2008 is warmer colors. This is the easiest way to update your look.
The color pallet for 2008 includes golden blonds, strawberry blonds, light golden browns, chocolate browns, auburns, and true reds.
BEAUTY WARNING! - These colors must always look natural, not like they come from a bottle. Copper tones usually look the most natural.
Look hot, add a pinch of red, and have a Happy New Year!
More from Louis Licari
Since it is almost New Year's, I though I should talk about the most important trend of 2008. There is no doubt in my mind that the color red will be the most significant trend of the new year. The color red blows every other hair color away. Blonds and brunettes pale by comparison. Red is vital and demands attention.I can hear the people reading this blog thinking, "No way am I going red!" Calm down! I am not saying that everyone has to be a no doubt about it, red head, but red undertones can help every color to come alive and make you look prettier. Think about the difference between an ash blond and golden blond or an ash brown and chocolate brown. The ash colors are drab and drain the color from your complexion. The warm (red) base colors make your skin color come alive. This is what today's hair color is all about. Hair color should brighten your look. When you have the right hair color, it should look like you have on a bit of makeup. Red tones will make every hair color more dynamic.
BEAUTY WARNING! I must address all people with sallow complexions. You must avoid lighter warm shades. They will blend with your skin color and make your skin appear more sallow. This is a major beauty faux pas. You should choose a darker color to provide contrast with your skin color. Dark golden blonds, deep chocolates, and dark auburns work best with sallow complexions.
TIP - If you have to wear more makeup to make your new hair color work, you have picked the wrong hair color.
Two perfect examples of the power of red are our last two "Ambush Makeovers."
The second makeover was Debbie from Worcester, MA. She works with special needs children and had no time for herself. Debbie had golden highlights on her brown hair and she looked good. But, I wanted her to look great. I made her hair a rich auburn color and the stylist gave her a beveled back bob. The new Debbie looked like a movie star!
Do hair color and hair cuts make a difference in the way you look? The answer is yes! The biggest trend in 2008 is warmer colors. This is the easiest way to update your look.
The color pallet for 2008 includes golden blonds, strawberry blonds, light golden browns, chocolate browns, auburns, and true reds.
BEAUTY WARNING! - These colors must always look natural, not like they come from a bottle. Copper tones usually look the most natural.
Look hot, add a pinch of red, and have a Happy New Year!
More from Louis Licari
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
The clock is ticking. Five minutes until we are live, showing the reveal of this week’s "Ambush Makeovers" on TODAY. The room is humming with the sound of a blow dryer. The hairstylist is giving the makeover her final touches. Everything is coming together. There are…5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds left, and it's show time!
A great blow dry is the key to any makeover. A good blow dry can make fine hair look full, hold full hair in shape, and add shine to dull looking hair. You can look like a makeover every day if you perfect your blow drying skills. You can and should know how to blow dry hair like the hottest stylist in town.
Here are some INSIDER TIPS for a perfect blow dry:
- What's your problem, lady?
Look at your hair and figure out what you need to do to make your hair look better. Do you have fine, wispy hair? Do you have thick, out of control hair?
Realizing this will help you decide which styling product is best for your hair. Picking the right styling products will help you to have a better blow dry and provide protection from heat of your blow dryer.
Use lighter products like mousses, gels, or root lifting sprays, on fine hair. You want products that will add volume without weighing your hair down. Heavier hair creams and liquids work best on thick hair. They will add control without making hair look stiff or frozen in place. Silicone products are the perfect solution for frizzy hair. - Get organized!
After shampooing, blot excess moisture from hair. Never blow dry hair that is dripping wet or 100% dry. Totally wet hair takes too long to dry. Blow drying hair that is completely dry will easily damage and burn your hair.
Gently detangle your hair, using a wide tooth comb. Part your hair and comb in the direction you want your hair to fall. Clip the top half of your hair on top of your head. Now you can start to blow dry hair at the nape of your neck and work towards the top of your head in 1"-2" sections. - Round is best!
Use a round brush to give hair lift, control, or fullness. The size of the brush is determined by the length of the hair: The shorter the hair, the smaller the brush. Using a larger round brush works best on most hair. They can make curly hair straight or add movement to straight hair. - Hands up!
Lift your blow dryer high so you can aim the dryer pointing down. This will make it easier to control your hair dryer and help to prevent frizz. Never over dry your hair. This will make your hair look dull, dry, and fried. - Own it!
Now is the time to make the final adjustments to your hair. Brush it through for a more controlled look or use your fingers to comb through or place hair for a softer look. The old “head flip” with a pinch of hair spray is an easy way to add support and extra volume and fullness. - Practice makes perfect!
Don't become frustrated if your hair isn't perfect. You will become better with every blow dry. If your blow dry just isn't working at home, talk to your stylist when you go for your next hair cut. Your stylist will probably tweak your hair cut to make it easier for you to manage.
I want to give special thanks to last week’s makeovers, Beth and Evelyn. They are two great looking women who became more beautiful in just a few hours time. I'm wondering if they are at home practicing their blow drying.
Wowing the Plaza with her voluminous hair!
Another "Ambush Makeover" is happening tomorrow in the Plaza! Will Louis choose you? Come on down to TODAY with your homemade signs for a chance at a makeover!
More About Blow Drying on iVillage:
- How to Use Blow Dryers and Attachments
- Shop for the Perfect Hair Dryer
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
They were picked out on the Plaza this morning and now have a fabulous new look:
What do you think of these ladies' makeovers?
More from Louis Licari
More from Louis Licari
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
What else did you expect me to say? “Don’t touch your color, it's beautiful!” I made a career of doing makeovers. Believe it or not, sometimes I do suggest that people should not change their hair color. If it's pretty, leave it alone. Sooner or later it will be time to color your hair. Sometimes it's a matter of a few annoying grey hairs, or more frequently realizing the need to brighten your look. Sooner or later, most women discover hair color.
Having one career in a lifetime seems passé. Women often reinvent themselves over and over. Makeovers have become the norm. Whatever the reason for the transformation, a new cut or color can change your attitude, confidence, and the way you view life.
Friday's "Ambush Makeovers" provided two examples of women who needed and were ready for change. Barb Cunningham from Colorado had worn her hair the same way for about thirty years. That's about 28 years too long. She was in desperate need of a makeover. Her hair was too long, and it was starting to turn grey. Her grey hair was not obvious. She had just enough to make her hair look a bit lackluster.
Arsen Gurgov cut ten inches from her hair which Barb generously donated to "Locks of Love". "Locks of Love" is a charity that turns your hair into wigs for children in need. Arsen cut her hair with long layers that gave fullness and a shape that flattered her face. TREND TIP - Full hair is in, flat ironed hair is out. She looked softer, younger and prettier. I made her hair lighter and warmer. It was close to Barb’s natural hair color, but it made a huge difference. TIP - Covering the smallest amount of grey hair will immediately make you and your hair look more vibrant. She ended up looking like a movie star. The only thing missing was the paparazzi.
The next makeover was Jennifer Purcel from the Bronx. She had just received her PhD from the University of Florida in higher education. She was about to enter the professional world and wanted a new look to go with her new life. Jennifer was wearing her hair too long for her fine hair texture. TIP - Hair texture determines appropriate hair length. Jennifer’s long hair made it look thin and see-through. Arsen gave her a bob haircut with barely there layers to create movement and maintain fullness and body. I made her hair a shade darker to create the illusion of more hair. I then added highlights only to the top layers of her hair to add depth and the impression of fullness. Jennifer looked like a new woman and the quintessential professional.
When you are ready for a new look or when you want the world to look at you differently a mini-makeover is the way to go. Think about a new hair cut, hair color, and even a bit of make-up. Small changes in the way you look can be the start of a new and better you. It's too easy not to do!
Click the video link below to watch the results of the latest Plaza Ambush Makeover! What do you think of the ladies' new looks?
More from Louis Licari
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
As they said in the musical Legally Blonde, "Ohmigod, you guys!"
This is one of those weeks that goes down in history. I went to London on Sunday to sell my product line and (of course) continued my perpetual search for new beauty trends. It was a great trip because the products sold out almost instantly. I can't even start to explain how exciting it is when this happens! I was literally high as a kite. By the way, the English women looked incredibly chic whether their look was sophisticated or punk. I took endless notes on how they put themselves together. I will do a follow up blog on English style very soon. They have a keen sense of style that is nothing short of genius.
That was just the beginning of the week. I was back in New York on Tuesday to do makeovers for a Today Show segment to be aired on New Year’s Day. Wednesday was a regular work day, but Christmas rush had kicked in, so it was a wild day at the salon. Thursday, we shot the segment to be aired on New Year’s Day at the Today Show studio and Thursday night was our office holiday party. Friday morning, which, needless to say, came very early, was my favorite day of the week. Ambush Makeover Day is really the closest you can get to flying by the seat of your pants. You don't know what you are walking into until the show begins!
As the show finished, I went straight to Kennedy Airport to fly to my Los Angeles salon. Believe it or not, I had a business dinner on Friday night. I did make it to work on Saturday, and the day went relatively smoothly. Holiday cheer filled the room. I went home right after work and totally crashed. I woke up on super early on Sunday feeling great and now I am writing this blog. (When things go well, you do feel super charged and feel like you can take on the world, don't you think?)
Well, enough about me. Now, let’s talk about Friday’s "Ambush Makeover.” We made over two sisters from Pennsylvania. There were actually three sisters, all in all, but one was a bit shy to be made over. She was disappointed that she wasn't bold enough to join in by the end of the show, but you know what they say about “Should have, would have, could have.” Maybe she will come down to the show again and be a makeover candidate? Never say never!
The sisters picked to be made over were Nancy, an accountant from Ellwood City, and Kathy, a nurse from Harrisburg.
Nancy has not changed her haircut since she was in high school. This is a major beauty faux pas. If you have had the exact same haircut for more than a few years, you most likely look dated. This doesn't mean you have to constantly make dramatic changes, but small changes such as moving your part or a bang trim will keep you looking up to date. Nancy, however, had a more serious issue. She had a mullet. You know, a hair cut that is “business in the front and a party in the back.” Yikes!
Arsen Gurgov, my "Ambush Makeover" hairdresser, first snip was to cut the back of her hair off. This is the first rule of hair cutting: One head, one haircut! The mullet didn't work for Billy Ray Cyrus or Joe Dirt and it won't work for you. Nancy made her hair progressively blonder over the years and it washed her out. I added depth to her hair color and she immediately looked younger. Her new golden red hair made her look prettier and younger. It took a long time for Nancy to make a change, but it was definitely worth the wait. She looked like a star.
Nancy’s sister, Kathy, had a brown, one-length bob. Her son is getting married in July and she wanted to have a more glamorous look for her the wedding. Arsen cut layers in her bob. This released her natural waves, added height, softened her face, and made her look instantly elegant. I made her brown hair dark blonde and added highlights to show off the layers and waves of her new cut. She is now the most glamorous mother of the groom.
Watch a clip of their Ambush Makeover segment:
Heads up everyone! Starting this week I have set up a team to help me answer all your blog questions. They will be my responses; I will just dictate the answers to my assistants.
Believe it or not, I peck this blog out on my iPhone, one letter at a time. The secret is out now. I can't type to save my life! I really am looking forward to have more of a one-on-one relationship with all of you. Don’t leave me hanging, drop me a line today!
I am holding my breath until next Friday’s "Ambush Makeover.” My fantasy comes true with each one.” I will do my best to make your beauty fantasy come true if you come to see me. …Until then!
Hair styling: Arsen Gurgov | Makeup: Enid O
More from Louis Licari
This is one of those weeks that goes down in history. I went to London on Sunday to sell my product line and (of course) continued my perpetual search for new beauty trends. It was a great trip because the products sold out almost instantly. I can't even start to explain how exciting it is when this happens! I was literally high as a kite. By the way, the English women looked incredibly chic whether their look was sophisticated or punk. I took endless notes on how they put themselves together. I will do a follow up blog on English style very soon. They have a keen sense of style that is nothing short of genius.
That was just the beginning of the week. I was back in New York on Tuesday to do makeovers for a Today Show segment to be aired on New Year’s Day. Wednesday was a regular work day, but Christmas rush had kicked in, so it was a wild day at the salon. Thursday, we shot the segment to be aired on New Year’s Day at the Today Show studio and Thursday night was our office holiday party. Friday morning, which, needless to say, came very early, was my favorite day of the week. Ambush Makeover Day is really the closest you can get to flying by the seat of your pants. You don't know what you are walking into until the show begins!As the show finished, I went straight to Kennedy Airport to fly to my Los Angeles salon. Believe it or not, I had a business dinner on Friday night. I did make it to work on Saturday, and the day went relatively smoothly. Holiday cheer filled the room. I went home right after work and totally crashed. I woke up on super early on Sunday feeling great and now I am writing this blog. (When things go well, you do feel super charged and feel like you can take on the world, don't you think?)
Well, enough about me. Now, let’s talk about Friday’s "Ambush Makeover.” We made over two sisters from Pennsylvania. There were actually three sisters, all in all, but one was a bit shy to be made over. She was disappointed that she wasn't bold enough to join in by the end of the show, but you know what they say about “Should have, would have, could have.” Maybe she will come down to the show again and be a makeover candidate? Never say never!The sisters picked to be made over were Nancy, an accountant from Ellwood City, and Kathy, a nurse from Harrisburg.
Nancy has not changed her haircut since she was in high school. This is a major beauty faux pas. If you have had the exact same haircut for more than a few years, you most likely look dated. This doesn't mean you have to constantly make dramatic changes, but small changes such as moving your part or a bang trim will keep you looking up to date. Nancy, however, had a more serious issue. She had a mullet. You know, a hair cut that is “business in the front and a party in the back.” Yikes!Arsen Gurgov, my "Ambush Makeover" hairdresser, first snip was to cut the back of her hair off. This is the first rule of hair cutting: One head, one haircut! The mullet didn't work for Billy Ray Cyrus or Joe Dirt and it won't work for you. Nancy made her hair progressively blonder over the years and it washed her out. I added depth to her hair color and she immediately looked younger. Her new golden red hair made her look prettier and younger. It took a long time for Nancy to make a change, but it was definitely worth the wait. She looked like a star.
Nancy’s sister, Kathy, had a brown, one-length bob. Her son is getting married in July and she wanted to have a more glamorous look for her the wedding. Arsen cut layers in her bob. This released her natural waves, added height, softened her face, and made her look instantly elegant. I made her brown hair dark blonde and added highlights to show off the layers and waves of her new cut. She is now the most glamorous mother of the groom.
Believe it or not, I peck this blog out on my iPhone, one letter at a time. The secret is out now. I can't type to save my life! I really am looking forward to have more of a one-on-one relationship with all of you. Don’t leave me hanging, drop me a line today!
I am holding my breath until next Friday’s "Ambush Makeover.” My fantasy comes true with each one.” I will do my best to make your beauty fantasy come true if you come to see me. …Until then!
Hair styling: Arsen Gurgov | Makeup: Enid O
More from Louis Licari
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
The holiday season is here, and that means we all have to start thinking about gift-giving. I know that most people think long and hard to be sure we’re giving good gifts. This can become an anxiety-provoking time for us. We want to give a nice gift—something that the person will love and cherish for years to come. At the very least, we want to give a gift that can be recycled if the recipient has no use for it. Everyone appreciates receiving a gift that's easy to recycle. One less gift to buy at this time of year might be the most appreciated gift of all!
Taking care of your hairdresser and/or colorist can definitely put you over the edge. We all know that hairdressers are the arbitrators of good taste and are also difficult to please. (Believe that one, and I will sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.) A good stylist makes your hair look great. They are skilled professionals. They are also quite human. This is the perfect time to acknowledge your appreciation of their hard work.
Most will be grateful for any token of appreciation for their service to you throughout the year. I have received everything from homemade cookies to all expense paid exotic vacations. Everything is equally appreciated. It feels great to know that you have been recognized for your efforts. Your gift can be as simple as a few extra dollars in the tip envelope, a gift certificate at a favorite store, or a donation to a charity. It really is the thought that counts. Without a doubt, the best gift is booking your appointments for the next year. This is the gift your that will guarantee to make your stylist forever grateful.
Friday's Ambush Makeover was a big hit. The makeovers were Karen and Lori. Karen is a docent at the New York City Public Library who rollerblades or bikes to work every day. Lori is a computer expert whose hobby is racing high performance cars in and around Dallas, Texas. Both ladies have totally different lifestyles, but share a zest for life. Karen and Lori are so busy living life, they put their looks on hold. This made them the perfect candidates for makeovers.
Karen had brown hair with grey roots. She always wanted to be a redhead, but had olive skin. Red hair could make her skin more sallow. The solution was to keep her roots darker and the ends of her hair a brighter red. The depth at her roots was the key to make her new red hair works with her skin tone. More definite bangs and long layers gave her hair a full look she had never been able to achieve before.
Lori wanted to have a more sophisticated style. As a high-performance race car driver, this was never part of her life. She was the ultimate "low maintenance" woman. Arsen, a hairstylist from my New York salon, cut her hair into a chic layered bob, which immediately gave her an upscale look. I brightened her hair to a medium golden blond. This gave her an instant lift. Lori looked years younger and like she only shopped on Madison Avenue.
I love the "Ambush Makeover" on Fridays. It allows everyone to see that anyone can benefit from a good haircut, color, and makeup. You might not be born a great beauty, but with a few "quick fixes," you can be a guaranteed head turner.
Watch the Today show every Friday, and learn simple tips that can make big differences in your appearance. I'll see you every Friday at plaza doing my best to find the perfect makeover. Come on down, it might be you!
Hair styling: Arsen Gurgov | Makeup: Enid O
More from Louis Licari
Taking care of your hairdresser and/or colorist can definitely put you over the edge. We all know that hairdressers are the arbitrators of good taste and are also difficult to please. (Believe that one, and I will sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.) A good stylist makes your hair look great. They are skilled professionals. They are also quite human. This is the perfect time to acknowledge your appreciation of their hard work.Most will be grateful for any token of appreciation for their service to you throughout the year. I have received everything from homemade cookies to all expense paid exotic vacations. Everything is equally appreciated. It feels great to know that you have been recognized for your efforts. Your gift can be as simple as a few extra dollars in the tip envelope, a gift certificate at a favorite store, or a donation to a charity. It really is the thought that counts. Without a doubt, the best gift is booking your appointments for the next year. This is the gift your that will guarantee to make your stylist forever grateful.
Friday's Ambush Makeover was a big hit. The makeovers were Karen and Lori. Karen is a docent at the New York City Public Library who rollerblades or bikes to work every day. Lori is a computer expert whose hobby is racing high performance cars in and around Dallas, Texas. Both ladies have totally different lifestyles, but share a zest for life. Karen and Lori are so busy living life, they put their looks on hold. This made them the perfect candidates for makeovers.
Karen had brown hair with grey roots. She always wanted to be a redhead, but had olive skin. Red hair could make her skin more sallow. The solution was to keep her roots darker and the ends of her hair a brighter red. The depth at her roots was the key to make her new red hair works with her skin tone. More definite bangs and long layers gave her hair a full look she had never been able to achieve before.Lori wanted to have a more sophisticated style. As a high-performance race car driver, this was never part of her life. She was the ultimate "low maintenance" woman. Arsen, a hairstylist from my New York salon, cut her hair into a chic layered bob, which immediately gave her an upscale look. I brightened her hair to a medium golden blond. This gave her an instant lift. Lori looked years younger and like she only shopped on Madison Avenue.
I love the "Ambush Makeover" on Fridays. It allows everyone to see that anyone can benefit from a good haircut, color, and makeup. You might not be born a great beauty, but with a few "quick fixes," you can be a guaranteed head turner.
Watch the Today show every Friday, and learn simple tips that can make big differences in your appearance. I'll see you every Friday at plaza doing my best to find the perfect makeover. Come on down, it might be you!
More from Louis Licari
- Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!
