As we prepared for our quarterly photo shoot, our team discussed what works and what doesn't. The fashion magazines all display images of young, beautiful models with hair that is NOT wearable for the average woman. Could you imagine getting ready to drop your kids off at school, or heading to the office - but first taking hours and hours to style your hair like this?

Image by Intercoiffure

This is a fantastic image, but it doesn't fit the lifestyles of most of our clientele. We want to inspire our guests to try new looks, but each person needs to be able to envision the look on him/herself.

For our May photo shoot, instead of having our designers or Michael select models, we asked our clientele. We sent out emails and asked for submissions on Facebook and Twitter:

Michael's is looking for real women over 40 to be a part of our upcoming makeover photo shoot. We're asking you to nominate yourself, or a woman you know who would be willing to make a major change.

We received more feedback from this online contest than any previous online contest. It was very difficult to select the winners, but we narrowed the field down to six. These brave women put their trust in Michael's talented staff to design their new look. 

Before and After Photos:

Our designers went above and beyond just cut and color to empower each woman to discover the best version of herself. Click the names below to see more pictures and to learn about each makeover:

Andrea                   Digma                    Ellen

Karin                        Lisa                  Sharon

What do you think? Are YOU ready to make a change?

• While her hair was still wet, she used Sea Salt Texturizing Spray from Aquage to add volume, texture and separation to her locks.
  
• Once her hair is dry, she preps her strands with Bed Head Masterpiece shine spray by TIGI.
  
• When curling, Myka takes vertical sections of her hair, and curls by starting mid-shaft,  and working her way down
• She makes sure not to curl the ends, to keep the look loose and natural
• Once she curls the top front sections, she works on the bottom layers around her face, then curls sections in the back
  
• You don't have to curl every strand
• To finish, use a pea-size dollop of Bed Head AfterParty by TIGI to separate strands and add a smooth shine
• Flip head upside down and shake out curls, then use your fingers to separate and shape

• Apply product when hair is wet, beginning at the roots and spreading down to the ends. Michael used Elixir and Swell Gel on Rachel.
• Finger dry hair until it is about 80% dry. With Rachel's curly hair, he then smoothed her hair with a denman brush before round brushing.
• When round brushing, hold the dryer at the nozzle so you can control the direction of the heat.
  
• After you round brush a section, bend it to the side so the section keeps its shape and you can continue underneath.
  

As always, please let us know what you think. If there is a technique you would like to see featured, give us some feedback!

• Tonya uses Styling Creme by Michael's when her hair is wet, applying from root to tip.
  
• When blow drying, begin by finger-drying your hair until it's 80% dry and then use a round brush to add body.
  
• If you use good products and a good flat-iron, you should only have to pass it through your hair once. More than once and you will burn and damage your hair.
• Tonya uses Beyond Shine by Aquage to protect her hair from heat damage.
  
• To finish her look, Tonya uses Michael's Shine It paste to give her hair flexible hold that's not too sticky.
  

If you have any styling or beauty tips that you would like featured, please let us know! And let us know what you think about our new video series - comments are always welcome :)