Results tagged “bobs” from iVillage - Hair and There
This week we makeover a newlywed teacher from Texas and a youth group leader from Oklahoma.
And if you missed any of the other Plaza Ambush Makeovers you can click here to catch up.
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It was another Friday, another makeover. I naively picked the women, as I always do, because I thought they had great beauty potential. Once I started to talk to the women, I realized I was working with heroic women who had courage and strength most of us only aspire to. If the writer's strike wasn't on, I would have thought the stories were fabricated. The more I learned about the women, the more I had to hold my emotions together as they recalled the turn of events in their lives.
The first thing I noticed on the Plaza was a young boy standing next to his mom carrying a sign that read, "My mom really deserves a makeover. Ask me why." The boy's name was Park, and his mom's name was Lisa. I immediately went over to him and he began to tell me the agony and torment of their last year. His dad had a hip replacement that was not successful. It popped out of place after surgery. When it was put back, a staph infection occurred. He passed away a short time later. This was a gut wrenching story, but the boy's concern for his mom’s well being left me speechless. Even though he was obviously heartbroken, his only concern was for his mom.I am not going to pretend that making yourself look better is a cure all for devastating life changing events. I do know, however, that when you look better it does help foster you through depression until you do feel better. Looking good and acting as if everything is okay until things are better can help everyone through their most emotionally trying times.
Okay, it's time to put the tissues away and talk about beauty. Lisa, fifty three years old, had fine hair with very little body. This is a very common problem for women in their fifties. Women's hair becomes thinner as time goes by. This is usually noticed as a lack of body. Blow dries don't last as long as they once did. Hair goes flat on top of the head.
BEAUTY TIP - Cut and color your hair. Color adds the illusion of body to hair. Your hair will look fuller and more vibrant. It will look better than before you colored it.
I added warmth to Lisa’s base color.
BEAUTY WARNING - Your hair color starts to fade to an ash tone at around 30 years old. This drains the color from your face. Warm hair colors are essential to great looking complexions. The hair stylist, Arsen, made Lisa’s layers shorter. This also added to the illusion of more hair. Lisa's side swept bangs enhanced her softer, younger look.
The next group of women I noticed were in the party hardy mode and it was 6:30 in the morning. They were in town to celebrate the 60th birthday of their oldest sister, and I promise you it looked like she was going to have the best birthday of her life. They were having such a good time, I wanted to join the fun!
I introduced myself to the women and that's how I met Jeri. It was Jeri’s first time in New York from High Springs, Florida. She was thrilled to be in New York at the TODAY show on her sister's 60th birthday. Being part of this party was the best present she could have given her sister. Jeri had open heart surgery six months ago. Today was a miracle!Okay, ladies, let's put the tissues away again and talk about how we helped Jeri look better. She had admitted that she had not taken care of her appearance for a long time and then when she became ill, she totally ignored herself. Her once blond hair was now grey and desperately needed a hair cut. Arsen cut at least six inches to give her a long layered bob. I gave her back her blond hair.
BEAUTY TIP - Unless you have a perfect face and skin you must cover your grey hair. This will make you look younger than a face lift and will cost you a fraction of the price. What are you waiting for? It takes less than an hour to color your hair, and you can do it at home!
The point of today's blog post is to emphasize how important it is to make an effort to look your best. It will always cheer you up and it is great for your self esteem. Remember, with very little effort, you can always look prettier tomorrow than you do today.
Watch these magical makeovers on some most deserving women:
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The 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.
Vicky 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!
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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?
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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
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The big question I am asked every year is "How is everyone wearing their hair?” Long? Short? As I predicted in June's blog "trend alert!" short hair is showing up everywhere. Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Ellen Barkin, Jenny McCarthy, and many more are all sporting the new bob. Honorable mentions must be given to Vogue's Anna Wintour for making this chicer than chic styles her trademark.
BEAUTY NOTE - Anna's hair style is the same, but her hair color has gone through a metamorphosis. Anna Wintour is now a "no doubt about it blond."
That is all news but it is not the hair headline. The mane story this year is big hair is back. Full sexy hair is the look. Whether it is long or short, wavy or straight, doesn't really matter. This is the year to plump up your hair. Volume is key to update any style. Penelope Cruz, Eva Mendes, Kate Moss, Hayden Panettiere, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Emmy Rossum, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Gisele Bundchen are all celebrities that have opted for big hair. Even the short trend setting bobs are worn full. The reason why so many have tossed their flat iron is simple. Big hair is soft and sexy. It makes almost every one look beautiful.
A little height in the hair is flattering to everyone. It is the instant way to add a touch of "sex kitten" to your look. Before you run to the drugstore for an industrial size can of hair spray please finish reading this blog. Big hair this go-around has a new look and feel. It certainly is not like it was in the 60's, 80's, or even the early 90's. It moves when you do, and it is soft and touchable. The body and volume is throughout the hair, not just the crown of the head. Hair looks fluid, never like it's has been frozen in place.
TIPS FOR "BIG HAIR" 2007-2008!
1. Light products are essential. Hair should look clean, not product heavy. Use a shampoo, conditioner, and styling products that are appropriate for your hair texture. Hair should never look coated or weighed down. Styling products must give body but never make the hair look stiff. I must shamelessly give my Louis Licari Root Lift Spray a plug here. It gives just enough hold and is never sticky. The added bonus of root lift products is they give lift to the roots and leave the ends of the hair with its natural texture.
1. Blow dryers, round brushes, hair spray, and even rollers are back. They never actually went anyplace. I must tell you that I have never been to a shoot where the hair dresser did not use these tools. No matter how the model's hair ends up looking the hairdresser always starts out with a blow dry and then a set of velcro rollers. This is a sure fire way to give hair lift and body even if it is to be worn straight. Hair styled to be worn straight hair also requires the use of a paddle brush.
TIP - Flip head over and concentrate on straightening the ends of the hair with a paddle brush. This will give you a straight hair look and maintain body and fullness throughout your hair. The smallest amount of hair spray used after the comb out is the last part of the hairstylist ritual.
TIP - Give your hair a quick mist of hair spray while it is still in rollers for extra body. By the way, I think that hair spray is the closest product that both professional and amateurs use. Fess up! I know you have your favorite spray hidden someplace. This gives body to the finest hair. Don't worry, if you only use a fine mist you won't look like a dowager.
3. A great cut with long layers is the foundation for big hair. This gives the hair easy lift for fullness. This works on all textures of hair. If your hair is very fine barely layer the ends. This will maintain fullness and provide movement.
4. If your hair has waves, show it off! Emphasis the wave with a large barrel curling iron. Place the curling iron in the same direction as your wave. This will result in a glamorous wave and not little girl curls.
5. I know that women with fine hair are thinking, "Great! What am I suppose to do this year?" Fine hair can look fuller too. The tip here is to not overdo your hair. This will make your hair look like a stiff and teased hair style from another era. Modern hair should always look free and easy. Start with a good cut with barely-there layers. Blow-dry your hair, using a volumizing root lift, with a round brush lifting the hair off the scalp. Very gently back-comb the root of your hair. Lightly use hair spray for extra support. These steps will give your hair maximum fullness. If hair is very fine you must keep your hair very short.
Short styles give the illusion of fullness to the finest hair. If longer hair is your fantasy you should consider a hair piece or extensions. I am sure that celebs like Sharon Stone's and Paris Hilton's long hair styles have been attached in a few hours rather than grown for years.
WARNING - Woven or glued extensions on delicate fine hair can lead to some hair loss. Clip-on falls and extensions are gentler to the hair.
This is the year of glamorous and feminine hair. Hair should look effortlessly styled. Think big, live large, and look beautiful!
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When I first heard the title of Monday’s Today Show segment was "Frumpy to Fabulous," I was a bit disconcerted. Who am I to call anyone frumpy? Believe me, I seldom walk around looking as polished as when you see me on the Today Show. I would have to own up to more than a few frumpy days myself, and I'm not talking.
I realize that all of us have days when we don't quite get our look together. I also know the easiest way to spoil any day is to feel frumpy. It's hard to hold your head high and shoulders back when you'd rather disappear. I helped five women change their color and style to make it easy for them to always look fabulous. By the way, that is the first tip!
TIP - A great style and cut is the easiest way to always look good.
Now, let's meet the women and find out their “frumpy to fabulous” secrets:
Diana's long, blond hair was beautiful. The problem is she had too much of a good thing. The length made her face look long, the pale blond hair color washed out her complexion.
Adel of Louis Licari New York, cut Diana's hair into a chin length bob. The new length combined with the side part and long swept bangs immediately changed Diana’s face from square to heart shaped. The side swept bangs camouflaged a high forehead. The new length also softened her jaw line. Now that Diana’s hair cut transformed her face shape, it was my turn to adjust her hair color.
TREND ALERT! - I put a blush of a soft golden red on her blond hair. This kept the lightness of Diana’s natural blond hair, but made it more vibrant.
TIP - When you add color to your hair, you add color to your complexion. Hair color is the makeup that doesn't wash off.
Mia was a diamond in the rough. She just needed to be cut and polished to show off her brilliant good looks. Adel started Mia's transformation by cutting off the fried ends of her hair. This made her hair look healthy and gave it body and bounce.
TIP - The best conditioning treatment for fried hair is a trim.
Mia's natural color was medium brown that turned golden brown from her perms. I loved how this looked on her, so I exaggerated her color with dark, golden blond highlights.
TIP - When highlighting hair that has been previously chemically processed, add one or two caps of water to your coloring mixture. This will make the hair color more gentle. The highlights outlined her hair style and lit up her face.
Jennifer had fine hair that she wore just below her shoulders. She highlighted her naturally light brown hair to a golden blond. This all sounds great, but something wasn't working. Her hair was not flattering. Adel cut Jennifer’s hair to chin length. He then soften her facial features by adding long layers. This immediately plumped up the texture of her hair. It instantly looked fuller.
TIP - Hair should only be as long as its texture will allow.
Now it was my turn to look at Jennifer's hair color. Her hair color clashed with her skin color. It was beyond gold, it was yellow. Jennifer needed to add depth to her hair color. I used a translucent brown color to add depth and not cover all the nuances of her hair.
TIP - Adjusting your hair color is the easiest way to make your skin tone the most flattering shade.
Amy is the epitome of the girl who wants to have fun with her cut and color. She walked in the salon with a long layered haircut with frosted blond highlights on her almost black hair. (Yes, I said frosted!) She had worn the biggest smile and was ready for any change. Adel gave her a layered cut that is shorter at the nape and longer in the front. The layers made her hair look less flat and flattered her oval face shape. Now I needed to adjust the color.
Amy's pale blond highlights where much too light for her dark hair. Her highlights looked grey and made her hair dull.
TIP- The tone of your highlights must relate to your natural color.
I lightened Amy’s overall color to help blend in her pale highlights. This got rid of the grey tones and made her hair look brighter.
Vanessa had long wavy hair that she wasn't ready to cut. She was frightened that any haircut would make her hair look wild and out of control. She loves the ease of being able to tie her hair back and run to work. She wasn't ready to make a change. Her hair was scared straight!
TIP - If you are not ready for a change, do not make one. You have to live with and love your hair, not your hairdresser. You can always cut your hair next time.
Adel did take the ends off of Vanessa's hair to give it a crisp line and then gave her a sleek blow-dry. Everyone was happy! I was able to convince Vanessa to add a few golden highlights to the top layers of her hair. She never colored her hair before and was a bit nervous. The color change was slight, but it made a big difference. It gave her hair a golden glow.
Now you have been introduced to the five fabulous women who where brave enough to show themselves on one of their frumpy days. This is required TV for all of us who have ever experienced a frumpy day. So, I guess that means I will see you all on Monday. See you then!
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