Hair Magazines Help with Ultimate Makeovers

Television shows work what look like miracles with real-life folks. The message: subtle changes won’t cut it when it comes to the makeover. Clients want bigger, bolder. In fact, the more metamorphic, the better.

Do the makeover right and not only will you get a client for life, you’ll have the most powerful promotional tool in the world: mind-blowing before and after photos with dozens of uses.

Magical transformations start and end with the right model. Frances DuBose, owner of London Hair in Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, built her reputation on incredible changes long before they became hot. She says finding someone who photographs well is the number one priority.

The Right Stuff

“You can use existing clients or women you find in a mall, but if they don’t photograph well and aren’t excited about making a change, you’re wasting your time,” DuBose says.

Her rundown for the photogenic: great bone structure, near-flawless skin, close-to-the-head ears, a medium-sized proportional nose, a great neckline and full lips.

“You can do a lot with make-up and you can re-shape brows, but you can’t change a big nose,” she quips.

Double or pointed chins limit photographic angles. The ideal upper lip fits flat on the upper teeth, so that when the model slightly parts her lips, you see some of the teeth, not a black hole.

DuBose has been photographing her transformations since 1978, which makes her the reigning Queen of the Makeover. Stylists flock to her for input, and recently, an up-and-coming color company hired her to handle, from beginning to end, a photo shoot with six models from different backgrounds in a range of hair colors.

Her best advice for making certain your makeover is a spectacular one? Don’t rush things. Start with a goal. Tear out pages from salon magazines that depict the feeling and types of styles you want to create. Both cut and color changes make the transformation far more powerful, and commercial, wearable hair will give you the most mileage for your work.

So, too, will avoiding overtly seasonal fashions. Even if you’re going for a close-up, the right clothes make the model. When DuBose planned a shoot she knew she’d make into gigantic salon posters, she even picked clothing colors to work with her decor.

During your model search, do a complete analysis of the individual’s hair texture, facial shape, eye color, skin tone, bone structure, maintenance routine and features to camouflage or enhance. Discuss the changes you have in mind and always use visuals. You want your model to be as happy and excited as you are.

“Stylists think cutting long hair short is the ultimate makeover, but you don’t have to remove a lot of length to make an amazing change,” says DuBose. “If you have someone who’s been doing roller sets or has a dated look, give her hair a great new shape and flatiron it. The change will be dramatic.”

Taking the essential before shot of your model gives you an idea how photogenic she is. All you need is a digital camera and a neutral background in your salon. If it’s a go, make certain she’ll sign a model release giving you permission both to photograph her and to reproduce her shot in hair magazines and for display. If she’s under 18, have a parent sign the release.

Entire article Here