The Coldest Ambush Makeover!

It was Friday, January 4th, and the temperature was below freezing. It was 6:45 a.m. and I was checking out the crowds for the best possible makeovers. There was one big problem. It was such a bitter cold New York day that people where so bundled up, I couldn't see a thing except the whites of their eyes and an occasional red nose. I didn't know what to do, so I went around the plaza and asked people to take off their hats and scarves. To my surprise, the hats and scarves came flying off and I found my makeovers.

A soon-to-be-bride's makeoverThe first makeover was easy to find. She sort of stuck out in the crowd—she was wearing a down parka with a wedding veil on her head. I immediately ran to find out her 411. Her name was Mallory and she was in town from Buffalo, New York. She was with her girlfriends for her bachelorette party. She wanted a makeover to look absolutely beautiful on her wedding day. Mallory had medium brown hair, cut below her chin. She needed a definite style and her color needed a boost.

We were lucky to have Kim Lépine as the hair stylist for this makeover. She is one of the best and most respected haircutters in the business today. Kim cut Mallory's hair in a short bob with a tapered back. Mallory's new hair cut had effortless style that flattered her face and was the epitome of chic. She looked like a new woman. (Click her "after" photo to enlarge.)

I wanted to make her color brighter for her wedding day. The problem was she had brown eyes and dark brows. The solution was to make her hair color lighter on the ends of her hair and leave depth at her roots. This gave her the brightness of blond, but her darker roots kept her skin color in check. Remember, hair color must always provide contrast with skin tone. This also eliminated the problem of having to lighten her eyebrows.

BEAUTY WARNING - Lightened eyebrows often turn a bit orange and wreak havoc on your skin tone. Eyebrows should only be lightened as a last resort.

TIP - If you have the coloring of a brunette and want to go blonder, leave some depth at roots and make the tips of your hair lighter. Keep your eyebrows their natural color. This will allow you to make your hair color light and still compliment your complexion.

The brilliant Lepine cuts Vicky's hair for her makeoverVicky was the next makeover. She is from Portland, Oregon and this was her first visit to New York. She is a mental health consultant and never has much time for herself. Vicky admitted to me that she barely has time for a hair cut and she often cancels her appointments at the last minute. She had all the makings of a great looking woman who never tapped into her own natural beauty.

Her hair was begging for color. Vicky had thick, dark blond hair that became dull as she approached forty. I made her hair into overall honey blond, and then added a few highlights to add depth and definition to her color.

TIP - Subtle highlights on all hair colors keep it real, looking like they grew from your head, not out of a bottle.

Kim gave Vicky a chin length bob with a few layers for movement. Vicky never looked more beautiful.

We hit another home run! Two good looking women who needed a little fine tuning to look as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. I want you to be my next makeover! Dress warm and come to the plaza.

See you next Friday!

Watch this Friday's fabulous makeover on the plaza!This future bride from Buffalo and mom of two from Oregon never looked so good!

Watch the segment from TODAY:





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14 Comments

Mike said:

the best makeover yet

i would love to have a picture of this '08 bob. I am getting my hair cut on Thurs 1/10. I hope you can get me a pic so I can take it with me - I love this cut.
Thanks

Great makeovers this week, Louis. I loved Mallory's new look. I took your advice a few posts back, about the "red in '08". I was a medium blonde, but went brunette for New Years. Before I did, I consulted your blog, of course, and hence, added some red tones to my hair. It came out gorgeous! Trendy without looking overdone.
All the best,
Jami
Bionic Beauty

MALLORY!! said:

Louis. I just want you to know that this makeover changed my life. I have never been so happy. People cannot stop commenting on my hair :) You guys were so great. It was seriously a dream come true :)

Ashley said:

Louis, I am Mallory's older sister, and I just wanted to let you guys know that you made our trip, and quite possibly Mallory's life! It was awesome!!!

Kathy said:

I would like to have pictures of this bob that I can take to my stylist tomorrow. Please advise how I can obtain. Thank you.

Louis said:

Mike,
Thank you for your support. I have a great team. Couldn't do it without Arsen's cut and style and Enid O's makeup!!!
Louis

Louis said:

Ashley,
It's good hearing from you. Glad you had fun. Mallory is a beautiful girl and will make the most beautiful bride. Have fun at the wedding and please give my best wishes to the bride!
Louis

Louis said:

Mallory,
This was one of the most exciting makeovers. You are a trend setter kiddo! Best of luck and warm wishes on your wedding day. He's a lucky guy!
Louis

Mallory said:

Louis,
That makes me so happy! It really was the best day of my life. Next time I come back to NYC I am for sure coming to visit you!!! You guys are all awesome and I just love my hair... How will I ever settle for another haircut again?
Mallory!

Chris said:

Louis, Is there a way I can get a full picture, front, back and sides of Mallory's cut? It is so perfect. Thank you. Chris

louis said:

Chris,
We dont have any still pictures. The best thing i can suggest is to have you and your hairdresser watch the video.
Best,
Louis

MARIAN said:

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR "AMBUSH'S " HAIR LENGTH IS, IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO END UP AS A BOB OF SOME SORT. DON'T YOU DO ANY OTHER STYLE?????

Donna said:

I have very long red hair have not cut it in many years, i am 38 and ready for a change. any sugjestions on a cut?
cowgrl35@cox.net

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