If you have been reading this blog for a while, you have often heard me say, "Your hair is your Number One fashion accessory." I honestly believe this to be true. Your hair can create a more powerful image than an expensive outfit from Prada or a tee shirt and jeans from the Gap.

This was especially evident watching Michelle Obama take Europe by storm as she officially cemented her reputation as America's First Lady of Style. Mrs. Obama obviously does wear many expensive fashion frocks, but she often mixes and matches her high-end clothes with inexpensive pieces from stores many of us frequent. The price tag of her clothes may vary but her look is always the same. Her simply chic bob is the constant that dictates her image. She has become America's queen of fashion. Mrs. Obama has reinforced a valuable lesson: Your hair says it all. When your hair is looks good, you look good, no matter what you are wearing.


Madonna has become famous for reinventing herself throughout her long career. We have seen her with bleached, platinum-blond hair, brown hair, and now a softer, golden-blond color. Her hair has been styled long, short and everything in between. She has looked like an MTV video star, a sex kitten in "Erotica" and as the ultimate cougar with her Brazilian boy toy Jesus in tow. Most recently it is interesting to note that Madonna has been photographed in her most natural look to date in an effort to adopt a 4-year-old girl from Malawi. Madonna is obviously aware of the importance of the image she projects. This constant change has proved to be key to her longevity. Each look helped to create the illusion that even though her music might be from the same artist, this is where the similarity ends. What should we learn from Madonna? Change is good, especially if you want to live a proverbial nine lives.


Amy Winehouse is one more celebrity I must mention whose hair defines her persona. Her hair is unique, defies gravity, and separates her from all others. Her hair suggests a complete indifference to tradition. She's not interested in what others think about her or her lifestyle. Every inch of her raven-black, sky-high beehive hair exemplifies both her unique talent and her often scandalous lifestyle. Will she ever opt for a more traditional hair style? I sincerely doubt it. She is a rebel to the core.

These three woman are extreme examples of what your hair says about you. Not all hair has to make such an obvious statement to give hints about you and your personality. It can be a detail as subtle as a flirty bang, a few extra highlights, or the length of your hair. Never forget that your hair is your most important fashion accessory.

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Can you believe that it is already March? Spring--traditionally the time of new beginnings--is just around the corner. The weather changes and so does your wardrobe. This season, wardrobe changes may be minimal because all of us are short on cash. This is the perfect time to rethink your look. A change of style and cut might be the best answer to the doldrums of this year's dreary financial news. This doesn't mean you have to cut your shoulder-length hair into a pixie or make your brown hair platinum blond, but the uncertain times may prove to be the incentive you need to undertake small changes that will make big differences in your look and the way you feel about your future.

Rethink your color, cut and makeup. Your hair is your most important fashion accessory. Your hair will do more to change and update your look than any pair of shoes or hot new jeans--and will cost a lot less, too.


Highlights today
Highlights have changed dramatically over the last couple of years. If your hair looks streaked or frosted, or is growing out with a definite root line, it's time for a change. Highlights should be a natural looking combination of thin and slightly thicker strokes of color placed randomly on the top layers of your hair and around your hairline. They should not be placed on the under layers of your hair. Placing lighter hairs over dark hair gives the illusion of depth and texture. Notice any child's hair that has natural streaks. Their highlights are only on the top layer of their hair. Sometimes nature does know best. And lighter isn't always better. Did you notice the color of Jennifer Aniston's hair color at the Academy Awards this year? Jennifer went blonder, forfeiting her caramel highlights for a paler blond shade. Her hair color, which was always one of my perpetual favorites, became more ordinary. Sometimes less is more.

Roots have become acceptable over the last few years. Not only do they create a modern look, they also let you go a bit lighter than your skin color would normally allow. Remember, hair color should always provide contrast with your skin color. The darker color at your roots makes your lighter ends acceptable. I am not talking about black roots with a solid line of demarcation separating blond ends. The darker roots should slowly blend to the lighter color on the tips of the hair. Gisele Bundchen's hair is a perfect example of today's great looking roots.

I dashed to the airport after the Today show on my way to LA, just as I do every other Friday. As I sat and waited for the flight attendants to call us on board, I realized there was a tangible energy in the room. This wasn't a normal flight. This was the Oscar Express. As my section was called, I walked toward the jet bridge with my trusty wheeled suitcase. I felt someone tapping me on my shoulder, so I glanced back to see who it was. It was Eva Mendes. She was warning me that I had money falling out of my back pocket. She looked much more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Everything about the woman looked like a movie star. Her clothes, her walk, and her million-dollar smile.

First class looked like the front row of the Oscars. I was almost expecting to see Hugh Jackman acting as the MC. The plane was full of journalists, industry people, and tourists who would whisper, "Did you see ...?," as they walked back toward their seats in coach. Oscar fever was clearly in the air.

Driving into Beverly Hills, it was obvious that this was not a normal Friday night. The celebrity restaurants were all manned with armies of paparazzi flashing their pictures. Mr. Chow's looked like there was a fireworks display every time a celebrity silhouette sprinted from a Cadillac Escalade or a Lincoln Navigator into the restaurant. The Peninsula Hotel driveway was backed up with traffic into Santa Monica Boulevard. Valets and porters were running nonstop to keep their VIP clientele happy. The pace was frenetic.

I sauntered into the Salon on Saturday at 7 a.m. expecting my first appointment about thirty minutes later. In my mind I was going to have my breakfast at the coffee shop in the building before the day would begin. Little did I know that my clients would all arrive early and want to be out ASAP. Their last minute "to do list" had them all in panic mode. I did my best to make their color beautiful so they could get to their last-minute spray-on tan and eyebrow-shaping appointments. My work day lasted until well into the evening. In retrospect, it's all a blur but everyone's hair color came out beautifully.

I received a call last week from Nancy Meyers, an old friend and a hugely successful writer/director. Nancy's previous films include "Father of the Bride," "Parent Trap," "Something's Gotta Give" and, most recently, "Holiday." She asked me if I could color the hair of a young actress name Zoe Kazan for her newest project. I immediately said yes. Nancy has one of the best eyes in the business. She always makes sure that every detail is picture perfect. It would be my honor and privilege to work with her.

Then Nancy told me the rest of the story. Zoe co-starred in "Revolutionary Road." She played the young woman who had an affair with Leonardo DiCaprio's character. "By the way," Nancy said, "they made her hair black for the film. Now I need her to look like the daughter of Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin."

My heart nearly stopped beating. Removing black tint is technically the most difficult hair color problem. It's relatively easy to go darker if hair becomes too light, but lifting hair that is colored almost black is nearly impossible. I told Nancy I would do my best as I looked around for my good luck charms.

Zoe came to the salon for her appointment a few days later. In walked this beautiful girl with the bluest eyes and a radiant smile. As we talked, I immediately realized this soft-spoken young woman has a kind soul. I was instantly smitten. I had to make this near-impossible hair color change and still maintain the condition of her hair. I wanted to please both Zoe and Nancy. My job was cut out for me.

The good news was that Zoe's hair was not black. It had faded to a sable brown, which would make my job a little easier. I started the process by removing some of the dark brown color with a gentle hair lightener. It didn't do much, but it did take the edge off the color. I then highlighted Zoe's hair. The highlights looked good but her hair was still dark. I highlighted it two or three times the first day. I saw her twice more in the next couple of days. Finally, after many hours and a huge test of Zoe's patience, we ended up with the right color. She was pleased with the results. I could not take the smile off my face for the rest of the week.

I made this dramatic color change for Zoe, but I would not recommend such a radical change for most women who find themselves in a similar situation. It is much too invasive to the hair and the risk of hair damage and breakage is high. The hair must be treated with tender loving care for months after this extreme coloring.

This is one hair color process that you should never attempt to do at home. Have it done only by a professional, and don't expect results overnight. To maintain the integrity of your hair's condition, the changes must occur slowly. A haircut is a perfect way to accelerate the lightening process. Having your hair cut will eliminate some of the excessively dark hair and will trim any damage that might occur in the coloring process. Deep conditioning treatments with heat will remove some color while maintaining the quality of your hair. You can and should condition your hair as frequently as possible.

This hair color problem takes time and patience to resolve. There is no quick fix. Find a good colorist, get a haircut, and condition your hair. Have faith! Your hair color will return. In the meantime, catch up on some Nancy Meyers or Zoe Kazan films!

It was 7:54 Sunday night. I was anxiously sitting in the back of a taxi in New York City traffic. I contemplated paying the driver and running the rest of the way home. The Screen Actors Guild Award Show was starting in minutes and I didn't want to miss one coiffed star. The traffic finally cleared and the taxi sped forward. I reached into my pocket to pay the driver as we pulled up in front of my building. I got out, ran into my apartment, threw off my coat, and reached for the TV remote in one movement. I sank into my sofa as the show began.

At first glance I thought it was going to be a repeat of the glamorous Golden Globes, but as the camera scanned the audience, I realized it was going to be an evening of hits and near misses. Don't get me wrong: I thought everyone looked great. I just felt that some of Hollywood's finest needed some fine tuning to look their best.

The first woman I noticed was Eva Longoria Parker. She had her hair highlighted since we saw her last at the Globes. I think it would have looked prettier if she had just softened the color with a single process. Her highlights looked brassy and it made her skin appear a bit sallow.

TIP: To look your best, make sure your hair color always provides contrast with your complexion.

Next I noticed Anne Hathaway. Her color looked beautiful, but her wavy bob had lost its oomph. As the evening progressed, her hair became straighter and straighter. I think she was trying to keep it loose and modern, but the style fell apart.

TIP: Using the right strength hair product will maintain your hairstyle without making it look forced into place.

By the way, Anne Hathaway's bob was the most popular short hairstyle of the night. Tina Fey, Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson all sported similar styles. To keep with the trend, Terri Hatcher even pinned her long hair up and under to create a faux bob.


Evan Rachel Wood's hair, with its side part and soft waves, personified glamor. Her makeup was perfect. But she seemed to have forgotten a major part of her beauty regime -- she forgot to have her hair colored. She had roots. I know Madonna made roots fashionable, but if you are trying to look truly glamorous, roots don't work.

TIP: If it's too soon for your regular touch-up and you're going to a special event, color your hair around your face and part. This partial head touch-up will give your hair a color-perfect look.


Kyra Sedgwick's look was right on the money. She was wearing vintage Chanel with her long waves cascading down her shoulders. Her hair was softly highlighted. She was simply beautiful and elegant. Rosario Dawson also looked beautiful, wearing waves off her face and down her shoulders.

The SAG Awards reinforced the new look of Hollywood glamor. Looking more polished is the biggest trend of the New Year. Remember everyone can look glamorous. It just takes a little time and effort.

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I have seen almost every movie and read every review before the Golden Globes this year and there were many extraordinary performances. Can you even begin to imagine the pressure the nominees are under to look fabulous on this special night? They are "on" from the minute they step from the car. The camera might be on them at any minute. Picture how difficult it must be constantly to smile, maintain your posture, hold in your tummy, while being witty for the barrage of one-minute interviews you face on the Red Carpet. Whew!

Here is what I thought of the stars as they walked the Red Carpet. Be prepared! I'm sure I will be skipping from actor to actor as they have their moment on camera. Leo, Kate, Brad, Angelina, Penelope, Tom, where are you?

Who's first? Oh my gosh, it's Susan Sarandon! I love Susan and I love her hair. Her usual tousled curls are extra red in a glamorous wavy 'do. I had actually squeezed her into my schedule on Friday so I could brighten her hair color before she flew to LA.

Glamorous Jessica Lange and newly blond Drew Barrymore are walking hand in hand, promoting their new film Grey Gardens. Jessica's hair looks great. Although Drew's hair appears to have been bleached, burned, and tortured into place, she looks very Marilyn Monroe. Hopefully her cotton candy hair will recover with condition, a trim, and a prayer.

Kate and Leo walk in together as nominees for Revolutionary Road. They personify Hollywood. She has never looked more beautiful or he more handsome.

Anne Hathaway, in a royal blue dress with her brunette hair tied back, is astonishingly beautiful. She truly is becoming more drop-dead gorgeous every year.

Marisa Tomei's hair needs help. I love the idea of loosely tied-back hair, usually a young and romantic look. Unfortunately if it's not thought out, it can end up looking like a hairdo for a Saturday morning without any plans except to stay home and read the paper.

Anna Paquin is perfect in her updo and simple black dress. I think her inspiration was Grace Kelly. Beyonce's hair is also simple and elegant. Her tied-back long pony tail works perfectly with her Elie Saab dress.

Brunettes rule! Mary Louise Parker and Penelope Cruz look as beautiful as ever. Tonight, they both are wearing their hair long, wavy, and cascading down their shoulders.

Speaking of brunettes, what the heck is going on with Sting? He is sporting brown hair and looks like he's imitating Hugh Jackman in the movie X-Men. I'm hoping he colored his hair dark to create a character for a project. Otherwise, he will quickly learn that blonds do have more fun.

In general, however, the guys look great. They have never been better groomed or dressed. Sean Combs, Brad Pitt, Mark Wahlberg, Tom Cruise, Aaron Eckhart and Colin Farrell look like true movie stars.

Sandra Bullock's loosely tied-back hair works. She has captured the soft romantic look that is the perfect match for her dress. Her hair colorist, on the other hand, went a bit askew placing a solo dominant streak around Sandra's face. This strong color statement does not complement the soft hair style.

I must also must mention Rene Zellweger's hair. Rene is a style icon. Her dress tonight is beautiful. Unfortunately, she makes a fatal error with her hair style. Her hair is sprayed, teased, and frozen in place -- a sure way to make a great looking young woman appear older than her years. Fine hair always should be worn in a simple style that complements its texture.

Overall, everyone looked great at the Golden Globes. I think that this first major award show of the season has raised the bar of style and beauty for the Academy Awards. I am counting the days until Sunday, February 22, at 9pm. It's guaranteed to be one of the best Sunday nights of the year. Let the Oscar buzz begin!

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As I was contemplating my first blog of the New Year, I thought about all the obvious topics. The most apparent were New Year's resolutions, the Obama family's first year in the White House, predictions of break-through celebrities of the year to come, and of course, hair color, hair styles, and makeup trends for 2009.

Unfortunately, I am not psychic, and do not have any mystical powers. I don't have a clue about tomorrow's headlines or how the next year will unfold. I am, however, an astute observer who thrives on pop culture. I always think of myself as someone who chronicles data more than a predictor of fashion or beauty trends. The holiday movie releases (which are consistently the best films of the year) give the first clues to the newest trends of 2009. The actors whose films come out as the year ends are usually the preeminent stars of Hollywood who stroll the red carpet during award season. I mean after all, aren't the Academy Awards show the Super Bowl of beauty and fashion?

The reviewers and the box office opening numbers are starting to make it increasingly clear who the star players will be. The candidates this year seem to be a group of well-established actors with whom we are quite familiar. This season, in fact, seems to provide a Hall of Fame of glamorous thespians for whom we'll wait with baited breath to see their "look" for this momentous evening. They will be reviewed from head to toe by every self-proclaimed fashionista on television and in print. There will be two groups of winners: the people who win the Oscars and those who are proclaimed to have the best dress, hair and makeup.

There are many fashion savvy contenders at the Oscars this year. The competition will be brutal and I predict one of the most glamorous award seasons that we have ever witnessed. The world has never been more ready to escape to the fantasies of Hollywood. We'll see the usual suspects: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchette, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, and Penelope Cruz channeling the old Hollywood style. Don't be surprised to see the more free-spirited actors also primed for their close ups. I am sure Meryl Streep, Francis McDormand, Kathy Bates, Sean Penn and Frank Langella will have never looked so poised, polished, and sophisticated as they will at this year's Oscars.

Hollywood, movies and the stars are the perfect diversion from our very real world. We are entering a new heyday for Hollywood and 2009 promises to be one of the most exciting years ever to watch the Academy Awards. I'll be glued to the TV on February 22 and be sure to report Hollywood's new glamorous look as its glitterati walk down the runway.

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It's that time of year when every magazine lists the best and worst stars of 2008. Who's the sexiest, best dressed, highest paid, or simply who is the hottest celebrity? I've been checking out every magazine, television show, and website. I have seen so many pictures of Brangelina, Jennifer Aniston, John Mayer, Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and their cronies that my eyes are permanently crossed. Yes, each one of them is more gorgeous and/or handsome than the next. Whether it's because they have a beautiful face, perfect body, great smile, or a combination of the above, they all have "star" quality.

Did you ever notice what these chosen few looked like before they became household names? In most cases they didn't look that much different from you or me. Their movie star looks evolved over time. They have had makeover after makeover after makeover. You, too, can look like the a star on the cover of a magazine. Star quality can be acquired. Just as they do, we have to work at it, and can borrow a few tips from our celebrity friends who have undergone these transformations.

Madonna has been around so long that we have forgotten what she looked like when she rolled around the stage singing "Like a Virgin" at the first MTV awards.

She was a bit, dare I say, chubby, and not nearly as refined as she looks now. I am not going to begin to guess if she has had cosmetic surgeries, and if so, what kinds (not my area of expertise!), but she has undergone many famous transformations. We have seen her body become more taut with each passing year, her hair go from blond to brown to blond again, from long to short, and from imitation Marilyn Monroe to dominatrix. She is constantly reinventing herself and, except for a few missteps, she always looks great.

Christmas came early this year for one of the world's top models. Coco Rocha is the darling of the fashion world. She was discovered at the age of 14 while participating not in a fashion show but, and I know this sound crazy, in an Irish dancing competition! She was immediately brought to the attention of Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Jean Paul Gaultier, and photographer Steven Meisel. Almost immediately fashion royalty declared her queen of the modeling world. What makes Coco wonderful is that she is like no other model. Yes, she is incredibly beautiful. Her body is long and lean like a fashion designer's drawing. She looks more like a beautiful creature from another world than a mere mortal. Her modeling portfolio resembles portraits of a great actress preparing for her Academy Award performance. What truly separates her from all other models is her soul. Coco is a simple Canadian girl from Vancouver who is as comfortable at home hiking or biking as she is strutting down the runway or posing for pictures. She often goes home on weekends to visit her mom, a flight attendant. She shows up on time for her hair appointments. I promise you, this is very rare for any model, never mind a model of this echelon. She is a fun loving girl with a constant smile on her face. I adore her.

Coco had one wish for Christmas this year. She wanted to be a red head. Red was always Coco's fantasy color. When Vogue called me and told me about Coco's desire for a color change, I tried my best to contain my excitement as I said, "Send her in, I would love to do it". There is no greater challenge than creating an entirely new look. You have to really put your color eye and imagination to the test to make a change of this magnitude. Of course I do my best to do this every week for the Today show's Ambush Makeover, but this time I was completely changing the look of one of the most scrutinized models in the world. I felt the adrenaline flowing through my veins.

Coco has pale skin and natural brown hair color. This made her the perfect candidate to be red. I wanted her red hair to look like it could grow from her head, if she were incredibly lucky. Here are some salon secrets I used to turn Coco's mane red that will help keep your red hair vibrant and believable.

1. Use a slightly lighter formula around the face and progressively darker formulas going towards the nape. To keep color real use at least three formula's in the same color family. Making the tips of the hair lighter will help to keep your new color looking natural.

2. Think copper, not burgundy. Natural red hair has golden undertones. Blue reds do not exist in nature. If your color looks more like a car color than a hair color, you picked the wrong color.

3. The best candidates to go red are people with pale or pink skin. If you have olive skin and insist on trying red you must chose a very dark auburn shade. Red hair is not an option for people with ruddy skin.

4. Beware of hot roots. There is nothing that shouts "I color my hair red" more than bright roots. Hair should always be slightly darker at root and lighter on the tips.

5. Red hair fades more quickly than any other hair color. It is essential red heads keep their hair in optimum condition to keep their color vibrant. Always use a color preserving shampoo and conditioner.

6. Never highlight red hair. Highlights make red hair look faded, brassy, and orange. Use translucent colors to accent the natural nuances of your hair color.

7. Glosses or semi-permanent colors will extend touch-ups. Red hair fades faster than any other hair color. Supplement your touch-ups with semi-permanent colors and glosses. This will keep your color bright and condition your hair.

Is red a color for everyone? The answer is no, but it is the most influential color of the New Year. Blondes now want to be golden strawberry shades, and brunettes want to have warm chocolate hues. Ultra blond and ash colors drain colors from your face, while red adds color, warmth, and youth. Remember, there are very few natural redheads so if you chose to be red you chose to be noticed.

Merry Christmas, Coco, and have a Happy Red Hair Year!

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What a story! I mean you could not make this stuff up. A little girl from Louisiana starts singing in her local church choir, performs on "Star Search," becomes a Mouseketeer, and her debut album sold more than 20 million copies all before her 18th birthday. Girls wanted to be her, boys lust for her, and men were often embarrassed by the forbidden thoughts she evoked. America was fascinated with Britney Spears. Her romance with boy band heart throb Justin Timberlake seemed to be idyllic and was constant media fodder. She was talented, beautiful, and was the most famous pop star in the world.

Then almost instantly, Britney came unwound. Following her breakup with Justin, the paparazzi went on a feeding frenzy. The tabloids went wild when she kissed Madonna at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. She had a well publicized moment with notorious bad boy Colin Farrell and then married high school sweet heart Jason Alexander after a night of parting in Las Vegas. The marriage was annulled within 55 hours. With the ink barely dry on the annulment papers, Brit seemed to be in the mist of a new romance with backup dancer Kevin Federline. There was one problem. Kevin's girlfriend Shar Jackson was expecting their second child momentarily. Shar had the baby and Britney married Kevin. The marriage was in constant turmoil and short lived. When they split, Britney shaved her head, proved to the world that undies were optional, and entered rehab after fighting paparazzi armed with an umbrella. Things where bleak. When Britney lost custody of her children, she finally hit rock bottom. She admitted defeat and declared "game over".

Finally Britney could start her road to recovery. Instead of nights out with Paris and Lindsay there where Britney sightings on tread mills and in dance classes. She was often spotted with her children, taking day trips to parks and playgrounds. Britney was starting to look better in each picture. Gone was the bloated, haggard face. The sparkle in her eyes had returned...and her hair started to look better too!

Britney was not born with the best hair. I suspect her hair has a super fine texture that probably looks see-through without her always present hair extensions. When I watched her documentary "Britney: For the Record," I noticed that at every shoot there was always a full wig on her make up table. Could it be we have never seen Britney in a video with her real hair? I doubt we ever have!

I have never colored Britney's hair, but I would guess it to be a dirty blond color. Her hair is tinted, using a single process, permanent pale gold blond color. The shade not only gives her fine hair added body, it also instantly gives her "star" quality.

Yes, I went to see the movie Twilight. I can't lie and tell you that my young niece and nephew dragged me to see the film. I wanted to go. Since I discovered Ann Rice's novel, Interview with a Vampire, I have been fascinated with the subject. I have been reading every bit of press about this film for months. Vanity Fair featured the cast of the movie posed as the hot new Hollywood icons. Entertainment Weekly's cover story this week features the movie's smoldering star, Robert Pattinson, with the headline "TWILIGHT EXPLODES!" I was at the Today show studios and watched the escalating frenzy as Pattinson and his beautiful costar, Kristen Stewart, walked into the studio. It was total pandemonium. How could I not go? I had to see what all the hype was about.

I tried to order my tickets online, only to find the movie was sold out for the entire opening weekend in every theater in New York City. I was disappointed but I accepted my fate and made plans for the following weekend. During the week I heard more about the movie's romance than the usual kills and blood sucking that occur in every vampire story. I was a bit confused. I really had no idea what to expect as I navigated through the mad crush to get in the theater and find a seat.

About 15 minutes into Twilight I realized that this was a movie about a first love. Initially, I was irritated. I was expecting a movie with amped-up action scenes and fair maidens in distress. Instead, I found myself in the middle of a fantasy about an impossible love that could be eternal. What I found most surprising was that I became mesmerized by the movie. I realized that no matter how jaded I have become, the fantasy of finding a soul mate is never lost.

Fantasies are a pleasure we should always allow ourselves to enjoy. They provide the sweet moments in life that often make us excited about tomorrow. Fantasies have never been more important than they are now. These are precarious times. The holidays are upon us. It is time to live our fantasies to the fullest.

Every day at the salon I see women struggling with their curls. They torture their hair to make it straight. They blow it dry, iron it flat, and then coat it with products to insure that their curls won't return until the next shampoo. They often complain about the time it takes to temper their curls -- usually while proclaiming their love of straight hair. I have no sympathy for these women. They are the lucky few who where born with a built-in body wave. Curly hair is a blessing. It has a chameleon ability to mimic most straight or curly hair styles. When girls with curls are in a hurry, they can shampoo and condition their hair, add a bit of styling gel, and run out the door. They never have to touch their hair or look in a mirror during the day. They know their curly mane looks perfect. Susan Sarandon's curls keep her perpetually young and sexy. Julia Roberts' curls made her the "Pretty Woman" of our time. Debra Messing's curls continue to attract millions of adoring viewers to their TVs. Julia Louist-Dreyfus has some of the best curls in Hollywood. Meg Ryan's tousled curls and waves made her America's sweetheart while Mariah Carey's seduced the world.

Curly hair obviously is beautiful and can easily take on many different looks. You must learn how to accept and live with your curls. Most women attack their curls as though they are the enemy. This is a major mistake that often leads to a frizzy mess. Here are some simple tips to enjoy your hair, curly or straight.

1. A great haircut is essential. You must find a hair cutter who is not intimidated by curly hair. Usually this is a person who has curls themselves. They live with curls and know all the do's and don'ts of curly hair. Remember that longer hair will weigh curls down and shorter hair will release curls, making your cut look fuller. Some layering is always a good idea to prevent curly hair from taking on a triangle shape. This only looked right on Cleopatra.

2. Curly hair is dry hair. This means you're shampooing and conditioning routine is different than that of people with straight hair. You must use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. Only use your shampoo when you absolutely must. Conditioner used as a shampoo will keep hair clean and not dry it out. Leave the smallest amount of conditioner in your hair when rinsing. This will help to keep hair pliable. Never rub you hair dry. Wrap your head in a super absorbent towel that will blot excess moisture from your hair. This will help to prevent frizz from occurring.

The rumors are true! Madonna and Guy Ritchie have admitted that their marriage has become undone. Can you imagine the stress this family has endured? Their supposedly "troubled" marriage has been tabloid fodder for months. Madonna's association with A-Rod has made them the long-hunted targets of the paparazzi. The combination of Madonna's extreme wealth combined with the absence of a pre-nuptial agreement has everyone speculating what this divorce will cost. The pending custody battle over their son Rocco will be sure to guarantee an ugly ending to their marriage.

You don't have to be Madonna or Guy Ritchie to understand the ugliness of divorce. All divorces are difficult for everyone involved. No one is exempt from the emotional roller coaster that follows a breakup. Even the most secure person can experience moments of self doubt immediately following a split. The mantra of all newly separated or divorced people should be "feelings aren't facts." This is not the time to make any unnecessary changes.

Ironically, it is not unusual to have an urge to completely change your look following a breakup. It is an outward sign declaring the acceptance of your new life. It is most important that a change of haircut, hair color, or makeup makes you look more beautiful. I always find it suspect when a client with a beautiful haircut or color suddenly asks for a dramatic change. Change for the sake of change is almost always a mistake. This is a major "red flag" that requires an in-depth conversation before the first splash of the tint brush or snip of the scissors. Sometimes post-divorce is the perfect time for a change. If you have been growing your hair forever and almost always wore it back because you didn't know what do with it, you most likely do need a new look. If your hair has been the exact same color for the past five years, it is time for at least a small change. Talk to your stylist and colorist. They should be able to advise you whether change is a good idea. If you think they are stumbling for an answer or "yessing" you, go to another salon for a consultation. Sometimes it is necessary to have someone look at you with a fresh eye to determine the change that's right for you.

Believe it or not, more than a year has passed since we started the "Ambush Makeover" series on TODAY.  I love doing the segment and I am thrilled and grateful that it is so well received. It keeps me in touch with many women I would never have had the chance to meet. I teach these women about the benefits of hair color, haircuts, and makeup. They teach me about life. The old adage about never judging a book by its cover is true. These women may have ignored their looks, but their enthusiasm for life and willingness to better themselves makes them beautiful. I call them my diamonds in the rough. Beauty is much more than having a perfect face with the right haircut or hair color. True beauty comes from living a full life and always being excited about what tomorrow may bring.

People always ask me what I look for in a makeover. I only have one requirement and that is a willingness to change. Almost everyone can improve their appearance with a little fine tuning. All you need to look your best is to keep your mind open to new possibilities.

I must admit that I do have an "Ambush Makeover" fantasy. I would be perusing the crowd on the plaza looking for the perfect makeover. In the middle of the crowd I would see three of the biggest signs, all saying "PICK ME!" As I get closer to the signs, I realize they are being held up by Cindy McCain, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Palin.

Most likely the only part of this fantasy that will come true is that they all will probably wear campaign buttons that say something like "PICK ME." But wouldn't it be the best "Ambush" if they were the makeover candidates? I can picture exactly what I would do to makeover each woman. Before I go into detail, let me issue a disclaimer if any of my beauty advice seems like I am for or against any political candidate. I don't think anyone would be interested in my point of view on that issue. I also must say that all three women look great right now, but as I said before, there's always room for improvement.

 

Last week was Fashion Week in New York. I was scrambling around from show to show, looking out for the newest trends in fashion and beauty. The shows I missed I read about. I talked to my fashion fiend friends who didn’t miss one stroll down the cat walk, from Marc Jacobs to Vera Wang. I constantly asked about the hair styles and hair colors the models where wearing. I guess I became slightly annoying. I was in the middle of lunch making my usual beauty inquires when the entire table went quiet. After a moment of silence they started up their usual chit-chat. I realized that this non-answer from these fashion aficionados was telling. Hair tied back is and always has been the quintessential runway hair style. It can be in a high or low ponytail, a simple chignon or wrapped in a knot, but it’s almost always tied back. The hair always looks great but it always looks the same.

I headed back to the salon more than a bit frustrated. My publicist Leigh was waiting for me as I got off the elevator. “The Wall Street Journal is on the phone. They want to talk to you about Sarah Palin’s hair and they are on deadline.” As I walked toward my office, I considered what I could say about the most famous up-do since Ivana Trump’s coif post “The Donald.” I picked up the phone and the reporter’s first question was, “Louis, are woman requesting Sara Palin’s hairstyle?” I thought about Palin’s up-do for a minute and said, “No!” The reporter seemed surprised. At that moment I realized the hair everyone was talking about was Sarah Palin’s.

Was this the forecast I was looking for? No, I thought, it can’t be! How, I wondered, could Palin’s up-do - fastened with a plastic clip – ever evolve to make her a hair icon if the Republican ticket won?

Sara Palin's hairstyle popped out of nowhere, just the way she did. We were expecting Mitt Romney, Tom Ridge or even Joe Lieberman to be the Republican candidate for Vice President. I promise you if one of them had been nominated, I would not be writing about their hair. Sarah Palin changed history and became the nation's latest “it” girl the moment she accepted the Republican nomination. She appeared on stage and impressed the nation with her skill as a public speaker. Her hairstyle, however, raised eyebrows. I think most of us where confused by her style because she looked good in spite of her hair. She is an attractive woman who can get away with more than most. I must admit I loved the Audrey Hepburn “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”-like streak she had in her hair when she first appeared at the convention. The next day as she posed next to John McCain, her hair was colored an all over brown. I immediately thought this was an effort to portray a more conservative right-wing image. Then I noticed that as she was sending her son to Iraq the brown color was washing off and the blond streak was popping through. It will be telling if she covers it again.

If the Republican ticket wins and Palin stays in the public spotlight, it will be interesting to see how her style evolves. I think she will continue the up-do, but it will morph into a more simple and chic style. She will probably never be seen in public with a plastic clip again. I hope to see her Hepburn streak return for good. Who knows, she might start a trend! I can picture middle-aged housewives across America asking their hairdresser’s for the Palin streak. Odder things have happened.

I can't predict who will win the election or if the new rage will be brunettes with up-do’s and a blond streak. Only time will tell. I do know that I will always be on the watch to spot new trends.

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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.

Every so often in life you stumble upon an incredibly lucky moment and my time has come. I was picked to judge the 2008 Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam. This is the trip of a lifetime to a most exotic destination. I felt like I had won the lottery, that I had been given a chance to become part of a grand world tradition. I think one of the first times I got to stay up late was with my Mom and Dad to watch the Miss Universe Pageant. I remember us all sitting around the television with popcorn in hand, cheering for our favorite picks. These nostalgic moments added to the excitement of today's adventure. There I was... jetting to Tokyo, then Ho Chi Minh City, and finally to Nha Trang, where the Miss Universe Competition took place. I was truly living a dream.

As we flew over the Northern Atlantic and I looked down at the cold seas, I thought about the pressure the contestants must be feeling. Every insecurity must be peaking. I mean, can you begin to imagine the sundry thoughts these woman must be having? I would guess their internal conversations would include everything from "Is my hair right?" "Is my lipstick still on?" and "Do I look bloated?" to "Am I stuttering?" and "Do I sound well informed?"

I instantly realized these thoughts are not exclusive to Miss Universe contestants. These are universal issues women deal with every day. The modern woman holds herself to a very high bar. Her goals are to be educated, involved in her community, fit, stylish and as attractive as possible. This sounds like the mantra of the Miss Universe contestants. Maybe the Miss Universe Contest is more relevant to today's women than ever before.

Since my friends found out that I was picked as a judge of the pageant, they've bombarded me with questions. Are you going to vote for a blonde or a brunette? Will you be looking for someone model thin or a more voluptuous body? Is height important? Does the way she styles her hair make a difference? The fact of the matter is that I look ed for the woman who made the best presentation. The woman who had an edge that separated her from all the others. She would possess an innate intelligence that would be obvious with her every move and her every word.  Contemporary beauty is more than the externals. Beauty is an inside and an outside job. Beauty is no longer the privilege of a select few. Beauty belongs to every woman who is willing to work for it.

Having said true beauty is an inside job, I know what you're thinking: "Fine Louis, but what are some insider's tips to look as beautiful as the contestants?" Here are few of my favorite tips.

The image of the First Lady is always a matter of intense scrutiny. The personal style of these select women is a major factor in determining our first insights into the makeup of the character of the presidential candidates. The appearance of potential First Ladies may not win a presidential election, but it can enhance the prospects of victory. The glamour of Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan did not land their husbands in office any more than the matronly looks of Barbara or Laura Bush. What they did do was help paint an invaluable picture that would help us understand the dynamics of the man in the oval office.

Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama seem to be hyper-aware of the impact of their appearance. They know that almost as important as what they say is how they look while saying it. They are both primed and ready to assume the duties of First Lady.

Cindy McCain's hair is the epitome of stereotypical Republican hair. She has mastered the "country club" chic look. Every hair is lacquered in place with no chance of it becoming undone. Her hair is "beauty queen" blond. Watching her, you immediately realize that she was born into a privileged family.

Michelle Obama's hair style is quite possibly an homage to Mrs. Kennedy. The height on top with the flip on the bottom is almost an exact copy of Mr. Kenneth's famous handiwork. Michelle Obama may well want to convey the same sense of hope and optimism that the Kennedy era inspired.

Both woman are great assets to their husbands. The next few months will determine who has been successful winning the votes to become the next Commander-in-Chief. I can't help but wonder how many votes will be swayed one way or the other due to the next First Lady's persona.

No, I did not go to London for the big premiere. Sorry ladies, I'm not about to give away any secrets about Carrie Bradshaw's relationship with Mr. Big. I don't have a clue what's been going on in the lives of Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda. I just read "Rebel Romance," the article about the movie in the June issue of Vogue. The pictures are beautiful. They look like a sophisticated modern romance novel. The story portrays a life few women will live but many dream of. I am not suggesting that woman are fantasizing about the kind of endless parade of doomed relationships with men that we watched week after week in the TV series. That was actually rather depressing. I am talking about the lives they led between their ill-fated relationships. The relationships they had with each other, their life styles, the quest for their individual interpretations of romantic love. They made it clear that a single woman could be powerful and could make mistakes, all the while having a fun life. Women could have brains and look good.

I think the series taught us the importance of looking good. Carrie's outfits were often over the top, but she always tried her best to look great even when her life was taking a wrong turn. Her hair was a work of art even at her worst moments. She taught us all the lesson to "act as if things are good" until life truly was good. This "fake it until you make it" was a recurring theme that we should all embrace. Good-looking hair and make-up is an important effort made by smart women. Looking good helps promote a healthy sense of self. I believe that if you don't look good, you're probably not at your best. I see this all the time at the salon. When a client has not been around for a while, she is most likely in crisis. Having your hair cut, colored and styled is the first step back to the good life. People often wait for troubled times to end before returning to their beauty routines. This is a huge mistake. You should always be proactive. This will help you face your problems. Be aware of your appearance every day.

There is no one particular look that is right for every woman. The women in SATC:TM all had different personalities and different looks. Carrie's hair always looked like it had a mind of its own, just like Carrie, but it always looked great. I loved the perpetual roots with her high-contrast golden highlights. Miranda's unbelievably intense red hair is now a more tranquil strawberry blond. Her haircut is now layered and softer. Is this a reflection of the calmness of married life? (By the way, Carrie and Miranda came to the salon to have colorist Kathy Galotti maintain their color through much of the series.) Charlotte is the classic brunette with a one-length bob, always the steady one of the group and Samantha is, of course, the ultra blond sex kitten. Who says hair style and color doesn't say it all?

We all loved the series and I can't wait to see the movie. The movie will be great to see even if the story line falls short. I am sure it will be packed with many fashion and beauty do's and don'ts. Remember the message that I am sure will be in the film: Look good and you will feel good. Do your best to look great every day. The rewards are far reaching.

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