Professional Hair Makeovers: Transforming Styles for Confidence

Sarah Kehoe

The Problem: An Outdated 'Do

"I need a polished look that can take me from home to courtroom in a hurry."

— Joanne Hawthorne, Attorney

When Joanne returned to work after 12 years as a stay-at-home mom, her "style" regularly consisted of two barrettes to keep her long, overgrown bangs out of her eyes. Though she realized she needed an update, "I absolutely knew I had to make a change when one of my male coworkers nominated me for this makeover," she says, laughing.

Sarah Kehoe

Bye-Bye, Bulk

Rather than cut away Joanne's length, stylist Lisa Caccavale opted to shape the overgrown style by adding fresh, angled layers all over.

Sarah Kehoe

Wispy Bangs

Joanne's blunt fringe hung in her eyes and hid her features. Caccavale used thinning shears to soften the hair, brightening the eye area.

Sarah Kehoe

A More Youthful Color

Everything about Joanne's cut helped her appear younger. The final step: enriching her muted brown hair color with a chocolate glaze.

Sarah Kehoe

Joanne's Hair Transformation

Joanne says: "My new cut inspired me to modernize my makeup with bolder red and berry lipsticks — and I think I look more confident."

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 1

A smooth style starts in the shower. Suds up strands with a conditioning wash such as Herbal Essences Hydralicious Self Targeting Hydrator Shampoo, $3.25, drugstores. Comb through to evenly coat and moisturize.

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 2

Volume is essential to keeping straight hair from falling flat. Spray a volumizer on the roots (try John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster, $6.50, drugstores) and rub in to help hair absorb the ingredients.

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 3

Blow hair dry using a two-inch round brush, like Goody Style Ceramic Round Brush, $7.99, drugstores. Pull it through a section of hair, directing heat down the shaft; keep sections separate to emphasize layers.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, January 2009.