Maybe you need a Gia Makeover.

By Perriann Rodriguez

When it comes to hair styles, there are so many different options today to make changes. You can change your color, add highlights, add bangs, add layering and even add length or thickness with hair extensions. Makeovers are becoming more and more popular as television shows such as ABC’s Extreme Makeover outline how a makeover is done and drastic changes that can be done. Hair stylist, Gia Wood of Salon D in Dallas, Texas specializes in makeovers and hair extensions and is considered Dallas’ makeover specialist. She has hundreds of clients locally and many clients that fly or drive in to Dallas for her services. One of her clients flies all the way from Spain just to get her hair done. Gia says, “I find that clients who are willing to drive or fly that far just to get their hair done are the biggest compliment and the proof of my success.”

So what is this makeover fuss all about? Gia explains that most of her clients have either been the victim of an inexperienced stylist or have simply not thought enough about the change in hairstyle they wanted and they are now stuck with something they hate. Gia adds, “Most of my makeovers include color correction, which can be highlights, color, gloss or all of the above. Makeovers also include a haircut and style, along with makeup application. The total process can take around 4 hours to complete.”

Gia says, "When dealing with color correction, the first thing every client asks me is '...how damaged will my hair be after a color correction?'" Believe it or not, color correction is not as damaging as it used to be. The old way of stripping hair color out with bleach is history. Modern day products allow hair stylists to remove 'artificial pigment' only, meaning that it will not open, damage, or split the cuticle of the hair in any way. This allows hairdressers to remove the most intense colors from hair, and allow it to be re-colored in the same appointment time."

Gia will also offer suggestions for change in color and style to fix any problems a client reports with their hair. “For example, if a client has a brassy blonde color, I will suggest a bleach highlight or an ash toner to offset the brass color.” She explains.

Getting a successful makeover depends on the experience of the stylist. Gia further explains, “My previous clients and even new clients trust my experience level and let me do what ever I feel like with their hair. Most of the time when I’m doing a makeover, I am usually correcting another stylist’s color or haircut. I usually ask my clients what or who they would like to look like and to give a firm example of what they like and don’t like. And, even if a client loves the way her hair looks, they may be looking for a change to further improve their hair style.”

Photos of styles the client likes are very helpful to hair stylists. Gia adds, “Clients and stylists have different vocabularies. For example, Bangs. There are a thousand ways to wear bangs.” Gia recommends bringing at least three photos of the hair style you want so your stylist does not get confused.

Gia also keeps a computer at her work station to look up hair styles online (such as a past hair style of a celebrity) if a client does not have photos or cannot remember certain styles they like. The computer eliminates the need for bulky portfolio books.

“Once the client and I have decided on a style and color,” Gia explains, “We discuss what it will take to get the clients hair to that hair style.” Most of the time the exact cut and color are achieved in one day. But Gia mentions that some clients that are growing their hair out may take several months and appointments to reach their overall goal. Human hair extensions (human hair extensions are attached directly to the natural hair) are also an option for clients that don’t want to wait for their hair to grow out.

Gia’s makeover experience is well-documented on her website: Many before and after photo examples of makeovers, including hair extensions can be seen for your reference. Gia is quickly becoming the talk of the town with recent appearances on the television show “Austin Nights” (Segment can be viewed on her website) for her hair extensions services. She was also interviewed for the Number One best selling E-book by Hair Resources, 2005’s Most Popular Hair Extensions and participated as a Judge in their Nationwide Bridal Hair Style Contest.

In short, if you are sick and tired of your hair style and need a makeover, a trip to visit Gia Wood at Salon D in Dallas, Texas may well be worth your time, money…and happiness!