I was watching television last night and I saw a preview for the remake of "The Women." In the scene, Annette Bening is climbing a rock wall at a gym and wants to give up. Meg Ryan helps Annette find her inner strength by asking her what are the two most horrible words in the English language. Annette responds "pool party" and is instantly energized and moves up the wall.
I immediately thought that almost all women watching this commercial would be picturing themselves in their bathing suits from every angle. After a short laugh, I realized how sad it is that all of us are basically insecure. Even the most confident people I know have some part of their life in which they find themselves feeling unsure and self-conscious. Hair is right on top of the insecurity list for many people. The doubts can be about length, texture, color, or the style of their hair. I have listened to women at the salon complain that their hair was too thin or too thick. Many complain about the lack of curl while others wish they had straighter hair. The dream of having a prettier color is universal. This general dissatisfaction with one's hair is unfortunate. Ironically, it is also one of the reasons I will never be short of clients.
Self-acceptance is the key to being confident and having great looking hair. I am not telling anyone to abandon their hair grooming or hair coloring. I am suggesting that you cut, color, and style your hair to complement your natural color and texture. Not only is it easier to maintain than dramatic changes, it is also the trend in hair for fall 2008.
I immediately thought that almost all women watching this commercial would be picturing themselves in their bathing suits from every angle. After a short laugh, I realized how sad it is that all of us are basically insecure. Even the most confident people I know have some part of their life in which they find themselves feeling unsure and self-conscious. Hair is right on top of the insecurity list for many people. The doubts can be about length, texture, color, or the style of their hair. I have listened to women at the salon complain that their hair was too thin or too thick. Many complain about the lack of curl while others wish they had straighter hair. The dream of having a prettier color is universal. This general dissatisfaction with one's hair is unfortunate. Ironically, it is also one of the reasons I will never be short of clients.Self-acceptance is the key to being confident and having great looking hair. I am not telling anyone to abandon their hair grooming or hair coloring. I am suggesting that you cut, color, and style your hair to complement your natural color and texture. Not only is it easier to maintain than dramatic changes, it is also the trend in hair for fall 2008.
Continue reading Do You Feel Good About the Way You Look?.
When I started to write the blog entry I thought it sounded a bit like discovering the secrets of the pyramids. I knew in my heart of hearts that real woman do this every day. Everyone is scheduled to the max and time is the most precious commodity. I decided to interview clients, my co-workers, and women from all walks of life to discover the secrets of the quick beauty fixes. Let’s face it, for all of us in the real world, ten minutes is about all the time we have to get ready.I knew these beauty shortcuts existed, and I became determined to uncover each time-saving remedy. After endless conversations I received many tips. Some seemed so totally absurd that at first I dismissed them. Some of the “genius” suggestions included brushing your teeth while taking a shower or laying out your clothes for the next day the night before. After hearing these remarks, I was ready to throw my Blackberry across the room! Then it struck me: Any routine that saves you time is legitimate. There are no rules. All is fair in beauty and the rush to get out the door looking good. I immediately made an attitude adjustment and opened my mind. My mission was to discover the quick fixes that work to keep you looking great every day.
The most universal solution to the problem of looking good in minutes is a great haircut. When your hair is cut right, it will fall into place easily. I am not suggesting that every haircut will be a wash-and-wear style. In fact, there is a noticeable trend this season towards a soft A-line blunt cut without layers. Hair will be worn straighter but with body, bend, and movement. This means that hair will require a bit more grooming. More grooming requires more time to get ready. The solution to this problem is to wash and dry your hair the night before. In the morning, apply a root lift spray product and wrap hair in your largest set of Velcro rollers. Apply your makeup or blast your hair with a hot dryer for a minute or less. Gently remove rollers and softly brush hair. You can do all this before you finish your morning cup of coffee.
Continue reading Get Ready in 10 Minutes or Less.
I doubt we will ever see an opening ceremony as grand as the Beijing 2008 summer Olympics. It was a combination of state-of-the-art theater and technical achievements. The world gazed in awe as thousands of performers moved in unison. It almost seemed that the competitions to follow might be anticlimactic after this monumental kick-off celebration.
Then the parade of nations began and you instantly became aware of the pride, work, and determination of each athlete. You could tell by their taut bodies, their perfect postures, and their graceful movements that this was a parade of the best athletes in the world.
I, of course, also noticed their hair, which looked great.
This is no easy feat. Keeping hair healthy and beautiful while training several hours a day in the sun, water, and wind is almost impossible. You don't have to be an athlete to have dry hair problems. Frequent shampooing, blow dying, or excessive hair color can dry out hair. Steps can be taken to replace the moisture and pliability to your hair. Now is the time to begin.
The best way to avoid dry hair is to be pro-active and prevent it from occurring. If you presently have a dry hair problem, you must make changes in your hair-care routine. Continuing to follow your present hair habits will only make your hair become more dry and brittle. Breakage can occur and hair heartache is guaranteed.
The first step to healthy hair that is dry is a good haircut -- the best remedy for dry hair. You literally eliminate your dry hair with a snip of the scissors and instantly look better. I know that many of you are thinking that you want to keep your hair long and a haircut is not the solution for you. Try to look at your hair objectively. Does it look pretty or dry and fly-away? Does your haircut fit your lifestyle?
Hair maintenance should be relatively easy. If you spend more than thirty minutes styling your hair, you have the wrong haircut. Note the hair cut of 41-year-old Dara Torres. She is an amazing athlete who qualified for five Olympic competitions. Her hair style is short, sassy, and chic. Her naturally blond hair is lightened from the pool and the sun. She looks as good (or better) than her competitors who are twenty years younger.
Shampoo your hair less and condition it more. Most active people I know shampoo their hair at least once a day. This can be very drying to all but the most oily hair. I always recommend shampooing your hair with conditioner every second or third shampoo, depending on your lifestyle and the texture of your hair. This will keep it clean and help to maintain its moisture. It is also essential to pick the right shampoo. If you are in the sun frequently, be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner with a UV protector. This will protect hair from extreme environmental stresses, help to control annoying static frizz, and most of all help to restore moisture balance.
Afro-American hair is much more delicate than Caucasian hair. Conditioners should almost always be used as shampoos. Excessive use of heated styling tools will break hair. Wearing hair as natural as possible is always best for active woman. Braids and twists like track and fields Olympian Allyson Felix wears always look great and help to maintain healthy hair if they're re-done frequently.
The more often you shampoo your hair, the more often you have to dry it. Styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can be devastating to your hair. Always use hair dryers on the lowest settings. Never over-dry your hair. Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible. Too much heat from the sun can also easily destroy the condition of your hair. Well-ventilated hats assist in preventing sun damage. This is probably why second-time softball Olympian Jennie Finch's hair always looks great as she represents the United States. Who would have guessed a baseball hat was really the best hair sun block?
The games have begun and the women athletes, while totally focused on their sport, obviously have not ignored their appearance. Beijing has never looked so beautiful.
Then the parade of nations began and you instantly became aware of the pride, work, and determination of each athlete. You could tell by their taut bodies, their perfect postures, and their graceful movements that this was a parade of the best athletes in the world.
I, of course, also noticed their hair, which looked great.
This is no easy feat. Keeping hair healthy and beautiful while training several hours a day in the sun, water, and wind is almost impossible. You don't have to be an athlete to have dry hair problems. Frequent shampooing, blow dying, or excessive hair color can dry out hair. Steps can be taken to replace the moisture and pliability to your hair. Now is the time to begin.
The best way to avoid dry hair is to be pro-active and prevent it from occurring. If you presently have a dry hair problem, you must make changes in your hair-care routine. Continuing to follow your present hair habits will only make your hair become more dry and brittle. Breakage can occur and hair heartache is guaranteed.
The first step to healthy hair that is dry is a good haircut -- the best remedy for dry hair. You literally eliminate your dry hair with a snip of the scissors and instantly look better. I know that many of you are thinking that you want to keep your hair long and a haircut is not the solution for you. Try to look at your hair objectively. Does it look pretty or dry and fly-away? Does your haircut fit your lifestyle?
Hair maintenance should be relatively easy. If you spend more than thirty minutes styling your hair, you have the wrong haircut. Note the hair cut of 41-year-old Dara Torres. She is an amazing athlete who qualified for five Olympic competitions. Her hair style is short, sassy, and chic. Her naturally blond hair is lightened from the pool and the sun. She looks as good (or better) than her competitors who are twenty years younger.
Shampoo your hair less and condition it more. Most active people I know shampoo their hair at least once a day. This can be very drying to all but the most oily hair. I always recommend shampooing your hair with conditioner every second or third shampoo, depending on your lifestyle and the texture of your hair. This will keep it clean and help to maintain its moisture. It is also essential to pick the right shampoo. If you are in the sun frequently, be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner with a UV protector. This will protect hair from extreme environmental stresses, help to control annoying static frizz, and most of all help to restore moisture balance.
Afro-American hair is much more delicate than Caucasian hair. Conditioners should almost always be used as shampoos. Excessive use of heated styling tools will break hair. Wearing hair as natural as possible is always best for active woman. Braids and twists like track and fields Olympian Allyson Felix wears always look great and help to maintain healthy hair if they're re-done frequently.
The more often you shampoo your hair, the more often you have to dry it. Styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can be devastating to your hair. Always use hair dryers on the lowest settings. Never over-dry your hair. Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible. Too much heat from the sun can also easily destroy the condition of your hair. Well-ventilated hats assist in preventing sun damage. This is probably why second-time softball Olympian Jennie Finch's hair always looks great as she represents the United States. Who would have guessed a baseball hat was really the best hair sun block?
The games have begun and the women athletes, while totally focused on their sport, obviously have not ignored their appearance. Beijing has never looked so beautiful.
Two lucky ladies get picked from Rockefeller Plaza to receive fabulous new looks from Louis Licari and Jill Martin. Take a look at the results.
Watch the segment from TODAY
What do you think of the ladies' new looks? Leave a comment or question below!
And if you missed any of the other Plaza Ambush Makeovers you can catch up here.
More from Louis Licari
And if you missed any of the other Plaza Ambush Makeovers you can catch up here.
More from Louis Licari
- Try on new hairstyles from Louis Licari with Makeover-o-Matic
- Get more info from the Today show on iVillage
My 16-year-old niece Alanna and her brother Andrew, who’s 17, just spent their annual week’s vacation with me at my home in New York. I was definitely burning the candle at both ends during their visit, but every sleepless moment was worth it. I adore them! We started each day at the crack of dawn exercising with my trainer Mike Gostigian. This was a huge thrill for them. They are both great athletes and Mike is a three-time Olympic Pentathlete and an all-time great guy. After an hour or so I would run to the salon to tend to my appointments while they stayed with him in Central Park doing double and triple sessions running, biking, and maintaining their strength and conditioning programs. They would show up to work after lunch and spend the afternoon learning different aspects of the salon business. At the end of each work day, we had always had a plan. We went to the theater, New York’s hottest restaurants, and, of course, always found time for shopping.We ended a spectacular week at the Today Show for Friday’s “Plaza Ambush Makeover” segment. I always go to bed early the night before the show, but not that night. We were out and about way past my bedtime. Morning came very early and I looked like I needed a quick visit to a plastic surgeon. My niece and nephew woke fifteen minutes before our driver arrived and looked like angels. I looked raped by age.
At first thought, the aging process can be quite depressing. As everyone of a certain age knows, youth is fleeting and aging is progressive. This is only terrifying until you realize the alternative – and then you happily embrace your years and are grateful for your health. Nonetheless, when you look in the mirror, you wonder who is this older person staring back at you? And what can you do to look like your younger self? The first step is to pray that you are lucky in the gene pool. The second step is to look at yourself realistically and decide what small steps you can take to restore a more vital and youthful appearance. Extreme measures usually don’t work. Small changes keep you looking fresh and vibrant. Extreme changes usually just make you different. Often the more extreme the change, the more difficult it is to tell if you are old and look young or young and look old.
Continue reading Beauty at Every Age.
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