I was on my way to meet friends for dinner on Halloween night. The little kids had long since finished their trick or treating. Now, the more mature (well, at least the older) crowd--the 18 to who-knows-what-age pack--had started to ramble the streets of New York, going to sundry parties and clubs for an evening of revelry. Practically everyone was in full regalia. As I looked at all the people dressed in character on the street, I realized that most everyone had given themselves the ultimate "ambush makeover." They had probably gotten ready in under two hours and they had become their ultimate fantasies. I saw some very sexy nurses, many provocative police women, show girls, men with handcuffs (who I'm sure do not belong to any precinct) and many guys who looked like The Rock or A-Rod walking the streets. I saw a young couple walking down the street with what was obviously a pillow on the woman's belly. I wondered if they might be thinking of starting a family.

On the Today Show on Friday, I got to dress like Danny Zuko from Grease. They gave me a wig with a full head of hair. I felt like I was 18. I never wanted to take it off even if I did look a little daft. Halloween is a night when people expose a part of their personality they usually keep under wraps. In many cases this is a probably a good thing. It gives everyone a chance to live their dream. Halloween is meant to be fun. No doubt it wouldn't be the best idea for people to walk around dressed as their alter ego on a daily basis. Can you imagine what a day at the office would look like? People tend to act as they look and are dressed. I'm sure the heads of companies would be shouting the sea captain's proverbial words to the crew, "Trouble ahead," before the day was over.

There is a lesson we can learn from Halloween. How we look is often how we feel and how we perform. People who look good at work are usually held in high regard. Their performance level is almost always higher. They garner more respect. I was once told that it's a good policy to look and dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Needless to say you have to perform well at work to succeed, but your co-workers and superiors will hold you in a different regard when you look your best. Yes, beautiful people are noticed and they often find jobs and promotions more easily than others, but I do believe people who are well groomed and look put together receive the same special treatment.

What does this mean, ladies and gentlemen? It means that you do have to make an effort to look your best every day. You do have to get up earlier to spend more time on your appearance. Women's hair should always be clean and groomed. Appropriate makeup should be applied every day. Men should maintain their haircuts and shave every day. The disheveled weekend look doesn't usually look suitable for work. Walking in to your place of work looking lackadaisical is often interpreted as indifference. This is obviously not good for furthering your job potential.

At this point I can sense many of you thinking who is this fancy New York/Beverly Hills hairdresser telling me to spend money I don't have in order to look better. But that's not what I'm suggesting. The price of looking good can be reasonable and the rewards are great.

Tips on How to Find Salon Deals

• Many salons, including mine, are offering lower-priced beauty packages to accommodate the downturn in our economy.
• Call your local salons and check out different prices.
• Don't forget to ask about junior colorists and stylists. They are already skilled at their craft or they wouldn't be technicians--their price points are often much lower.
• There are also schools at many salons. Obviously the student hairdressers will not have the skill or experience of an established hairdresser or colorist, but they are usually closely monitored. Keep in mind that the students are often given assignments, so be sure you are not in a short-hair class if you want to keep your hair long.

If time and money are the major concern, use at-home hair color. It does work, and it will keep your hair color beautiful, maintain your hair's condition and look natural. My biggest tip to great looking at-home color is to keep it close to its natural hue. The closer to your natural shade, the easier it is to have great looking color.

Looking good has multiple benefits. Personally and professionally, you will receive many rewards. The most important bonus is that looking your best is the easiest way to instantly feel better about yourself.