Recently in Plaza Ambush Makeover Category
The Today show let me loose on Fifth Avenue the other day. I was a man on a mission: I had to rescue women who were in the mist of a hair 911. Manned with a microphone, I stood in front of our building with a small crew from NBC. The idea was for me to go up to women who, I thought, would benefit from a change of cut, color or style. My knees practically knocked together as I approached total strangers to suggest they revamp their hair. Some women looked at me like I was a raging lunatic but the other women, who didn't run, loved talking to me about their hair. Let me tell you the hair tales of three of the woman who did talk to me.
At first Helen was a bit reluctant about a change. She said, "When?" I said, "Now!" As she started a very unconvincing dialogue about not having the time at this particular moment, I could tell she really wanted help with her hair. I asked her once more. This time she said, "Yes!" and we ran into the salon.
Helen let her hair loose and I saw that I was right. It was too long, too thick and unmanageable. I introduced Helen to Dana, who is one of the salon's best stylists. Dana cut 12 inches off Helen's hair, still leaving it long enough to hang below her shoulders. She gave Helen long layers to control the excessive bulk of her hair. Helen can now wear her hair down or up, wavy or straight. She is a liberated woman.
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At first Helen was a bit reluctant about a change. She said, "When?" I said, "Now!" As she started a very unconvincing dialogue about not having the time at this particular moment, I could tell she really wanted help with her hair. I asked her once more. This time she said, "Yes!" and we ran into the salon.
Helen let her hair loose and I saw that I was right. It was too long, too thick and unmanageable. I introduced Helen to Dana, who is one of the salon's best stylists. Dana cut 12 inches off Helen's hair, still leaving it long enough to hang below her shoulders. She gave Helen long layers to control the excessive bulk of her hair. Helen can now wear her hair down or up, wavy or straight. She is a liberated woman.
Continue reading Ambush Makeover Takes Fifth Avenue.
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
"Ambush Hits the Road" was a week that I will never forget. It was a an adrenaline-filled week that was an emotional roller coaster, technically challenging, and one of the most fun-filled weeks of my life.
We went to San Diego, CA, Ashburn, VA, Indianapolis, IN and Beavercreek, OH. Looking back, I realize it was full of blood, sweat, tears and a lot of love.
Here are some of my favorite snapshots that tell the story of the week that was:
Love is in the air
Smiling at 2:30am
Assistant Shakira with Blackberry and Starbucks in hand
We went to San Diego, CA, Ashburn, VA, Indianapolis, IN and Beavercreek, OH. Looking back, I realize it was full of blood, sweat, tears and a lot of love.
Here are some of my favorite snapshots that tell the story of the week that was:
Love is in the air
Smiling at 2:30am
Assistant Shakira with Blackberry and Starbucks in hand
Continue reading On The Road with Ambush Makeover.
Louis Licari and Jill Martin are headed across the country to give Ambush Makeovers to some very deserving women.
Today's stop was is Beavercreek, OH. 22-year-old student and bride-to-be Amaris got a fabulous makeover!.
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Today's stop was is Beavercreek, OH. 22-year-old student and bride-to-be Amaris got a fabulous makeover!.
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Louis Licari and Jill Martin are headed across the country to give Ambush Makeovers to some very deserving women.
Today's stop was is Indianapolis, IN to surprise Susie, whose makeover fills her dying sister's bucket list.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
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Today's stop was is Indianapolis, IN to surprise Susie, whose makeover fills her dying sister's bucket list.
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Louis Licari and Jill Martin are headed across the country to give Ambush Makeovers to some very deserving women.
Today's stop was is Ashburn, VA to surprise firefighter Vicki with a brand new look.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
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Today's stop was is Ashburn, VA to surprise firefighter Vicki with a brand new look.
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Louis Licari and Jill Martin are headed across the country to give Ambush Makeovers to some very deserving women.
The first stop was in San Diego, CA where viewer Jacki was surprised by TODAY's Beauty Response Team.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
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The first stop was in San Diego, CA where viewer Jacki was surprised by TODAY's Beauty Response Team.
What do you think of the makeover? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Daylight was just breaking as my car approached the NBC studios. It was so early that the audience was still milling around outside the barriers, waiting to enter the "Today Show" plaza. The plaza had an odd, empty feel. It was barren except for the stagehands setting up for the Jennifer Hudson concert. But in the next few minutes, it would come to life with adrenaline-filled "Today Show" fans. I stationed myself on the plaza, front and center. I needed a bird's-eye view to find the perfect makeovers. I had to make my decision quickly so I could begin the transformations. The entire last hour of the "Today Show" was dedicated to "Ambush Makeover." I was doing four makeovers instead of two. Every precious moment had to count.
The good news was that two of the makeovers had already been chosen. Palma and Claire are best friends who wrote to the "Today Show" and asked for makeovers. Palma had recently lost 50 pounds and Claire was a breast cancer survivor. Both women had long ignored their looks and were desperate for a major change.
Watch the segment from TODAY
I found the other "Ambush" candidates in the crowd. Veronica was holding a sign above her head that listed "10 reasons I want a makeover." The sign said it all. Veronica was the perfect makeover. She could not remember the last time she had cut or colored her hair. The fourth choice was Diane, who had come to the show with a group of girlfriends, never expecting to be picked. The minute I saw her I knew she would be a great makeover. Diane is a widow who raised her two sons alone. She spent no time on herself and had forgotten how pretty she was.
Once the women are picked, the race to the "after" begins. The first step is filming the "before" shots. Then my partner on "Ambush," fashion expert Jill Martin, does a quick interview with the show's candidates to find out why they want a makeover. Jill then whisks them away to her clothing closet to pick the most flattering dresses and accessories for each makeover. As I anxiously wait for the day's models to come to hair and makeup, I have a meeting with my makeover team. I show them pictures of the women from my phone and we discuss the changes that need to be made. The team this week includes team captain Leigh Rossini, Arsen on hair, Enid 'O on makeup, and assistants Shakira, Natalie, Lara and Tutti.
The good news was that two of the makeovers had already been chosen. Palma and Claire are best friends who wrote to the "Today Show" and asked for makeovers. Palma had recently lost 50 pounds and Claire was a breast cancer survivor. Both women had long ignored their looks and were desperate for a major change.
I found the other "Ambush" candidates in the crowd. Veronica was holding a sign above her head that listed "10 reasons I want a makeover." The sign said it all. Veronica was the perfect makeover. She could not remember the last time she had cut or colored her hair. The fourth choice was Diane, who had come to the show with a group of girlfriends, never expecting to be picked. The minute I saw her I knew she would be a great makeover. Diane is a widow who raised her two sons alone. She spent no time on herself and had forgotten how pretty she was.
Once the women are picked, the race to the "after" begins. The first step is filming the "before" shots. Then my partner on "Ambush," fashion expert Jill Martin, does a quick interview with the show's candidates to find out why they want a makeover. Jill then whisks them away to her clothing closet to pick the most flattering dresses and accessories for each makeover. As I anxiously wait for the day's models to come to hair and makeup, I have a meeting with my makeover team. I show them pictures of the women from my phone and we discuss the changes that need to be made. The team this week includes team captain Leigh Rossini, Arsen on hair, Enid 'O on makeup, and assistants Shakira, Natalie, Lara and Tutti.
Continue reading Behind the Scenes of Ambush Makeover.
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
Two lucky ladies were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
TODAY viewers Judy and Sheryl were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
Last Friday's "Ambush Makeover" was my all-time favorite on the "Today Show." It was never so easy or obvious to choose the makeovers. The candidates were so excited at the prospect of being picked that they were jumping out of their skins. Their enthusiasm was infectious.
The crowd at the plaza was cheering in unison for the potential makeovers. They were woman who were happy with their lives and themselves. They wanted to look on the outside how they felt on the inside. I spotted them instantly and made a bee-line in their direction.
First I met Jackie. Jackie has two teen-age children and a 22-month-old baby. Jackie obviously spent hours making an elaborate sign that I could not miss. She had no idea what to do with her hair so she just kept growing it longer and longer. Her daughter colored her hair but she had a tendency to miss a few spots. Jackie was a woman in need. She had gotten up at two in the morning to secure her place in the front row of the plaza crowd. She had more energy than the entire high school group that was standing next to her. I had no choice but to pick Jackie as my "Ambush Makeover."
Debbie was stationed at the other side of the plaza. Debbie and her friends acted like cheerleaders whose team was a point away from winning the championship. They got the whole crowd involved. Simultaneously the entire plaza was shouting at the top of their lungs, "AMBUSH, AMBUSH, AMBUSH...." It worked! I instantly ran over to meet Debbie. She was perfect. Her hair color was faded and she desperately needed a style. Debbie owns an entertainment center and works 24/7. She has paid no attention to her appearance for years. I had found my second makeover.
Arsen started with the haircuts as Enid 'O simultaneously prepped both ladies' skin with primers for their makeup applications. Arsen cut Jackie's hair into a layered bob and trimmed Debbie's hair into a super chic straight bob. Enid kept the makeup soft, pretty and natural.
As soon as the basic haircuts were done, I started the hair color. I liked the warm brown base Jackie's daughter had picked. It worked well with her skin tones. I just wanted to give it a bit more "life" to match Jackie's personality. I added soft golden and amber highlights to the top layers of her hair. This small change had a huge effect on the outcome of her makeover. The highlights added brightness and texture that gave her hair movement.
The crowd at the plaza was cheering in unison for the potential makeovers. They were woman who were happy with their lives and themselves. They wanted to look on the outside how they felt on the inside. I spotted them instantly and made a bee-line in their direction.
First I met Jackie. Jackie has two teen-age children and a 22-month-old baby. Jackie obviously spent hours making an elaborate sign that I could not miss. She had no idea what to do with her hair so she just kept growing it longer and longer. Her daughter colored her hair but she had a tendency to miss a few spots. Jackie was a woman in need. She had gotten up at two in the morning to secure her place in the front row of the plaza crowd. She had more energy than the entire high school group that was standing next to her. I had no choice but to pick Jackie as my "Ambush Makeover."
Debbie was stationed at the other side of the plaza. Debbie and her friends acted like cheerleaders whose team was a point away from winning the championship. They got the whole crowd involved. Simultaneously the entire plaza was shouting at the top of their lungs, "AMBUSH, AMBUSH, AMBUSH...." It worked! I instantly ran over to meet Debbie. She was perfect. Her hair color was faded and she desperately needed a style. Debbie owns an entertainment center and works 24/7. She has paid no attention to her appearance for years. I had found my second makeover.
Arsen started with the haircuts as Enid 'O simultaneously prepped both ladies' skin with primers for their makeup applications. Arsen cut Jackie's hair into a layered bob and trimmed Debbie's hair into a super chic straight bob. Enid kept the makeup soft, pretty and natural.
As soon as the basic haircuts were done, I started the hair color. I liked the warm brown base Jackie's daughter had picked. It worked well with her skin tones. I just wanted to give it a bit more "life" to match Jackie's personality. I added soft golden and amber highlights to the top layers of her hair. This small change had a huge effect on the outcome of her makeover. The highlights added brightness and texture that gave her hair movement.
Continue reading No More Drama.
TODAY viewers Jackie Lee and Debbie were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
TODAY viewers Bobbie and Judy were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
TODAY viewers Liz and Sabrina were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
TODAY viewers Kim and Sheena were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
TODAY viewers Jessica and Janet were picked from the Plaza to get Plaza Ambush Makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
Another week, another round of Plaza Ambush Makeovers! Sharon and Diane were picked from the Plaza to get makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
In honor of Go Red for Women, TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin gave makeovers to two women who are survivors of heart disease. Take a look at their beautiful results...
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
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What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
Two women are picked from the Plaza to get makeovers from TODAY's beauty response team of Louis Licari and Jill Martin.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
Related Content:
- Missed an Ambush? Catch up here
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- TODAY on iVillage
