Makeover with Top Hair Stylist Nick Arrojo

arrojo_studioEveryone who knows me knows that I heart Nick Arrojo. I even mentioned him as one of my dream hair stylist’s in a previous post. Like I mentioned in Travel Beauty, I like to be the captain at the wheel of my own destiny and decided to just go for it and trek up to New York to get a hair makeover from him. No one would argue that my hair was really in need of some help style-wise and that Nick Arrojo was the perfect hair stylist to remedy that problem.


I arrived early for my appointment, which for those who know me–this never happens. I was surprised at how big Arrojo Studioarrojo_studio_counter was. Really tall ceilings, a never ending line up of mirrors, chairs, customers and hair stylists; everyone feverishly cutting with customers beaming from ear to ear. I immediately spotted Lina, Nick’s wife, who also got a write up in the March issue of Allure. I was directed to go up to the second level of the hair studio to check in and get a robe to wear over my clothes. Of course when I announced I was there for my appointment with Nick, I got butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t believe I was saying it out loud and that it was actually true. This has been a dream of mine forever.

I was daydreaming when he came behind me and put his hands on my shoulders and said hello. I jumped up out of my chair and grabbed his hands and said “Hi!” in a way that really meant “You have absolutely no idea what this means to me.” He seemed a little taken back by my forwardness and I realized I better sit right back down.  He then asked me, “So what are we going to do today?” to which I immediately jest “Well I know you are going to cut this all off!” He laughed, knowing I was right!

shannon-before

In Nick’s book, Great Hair, he says he can figure out hair texture and shape within 30 seconds.  He fingered through my hair to get a hold on the texture and asked me which side I normally style my hair to. He then looked at me and said, “I’m going to really layer your hair and give you bangs. We don’t have to go too short.” I gave a sigh of relief, but kind of wrinkled my nose to the thought of bangs. I realize they are “in” right now, but they also make me feel like I am 12.

nick_arrojoThis was before he really got snipping, as he told me, he was just “warming up.”

nick_arrojo_hairYes, I look a little worried here.

nick_arrojo_final_cut
My favorite picture of all! When Nick asked me how I felt, I said, “Sexy!”

Nick applied his Defrizz Serum and Thermal Protector, blow dried, used the Shine Spray and voila! Nick was very personable and friendly, although I have to admit, I didn’t really talk much during the whole appointment. Again, if you know me, you know that is virtually impossible.  Yet I was so nervous that I was afraid I would say something that would mess up this perfect moment in my life.  In the end, 8 inches were cut, and the bangs are really not that bad, it just takes some getting used to. Everyone I am connected to via Twitter and Facebook so far have given this new look two thumbs up, so all told I am very happy with it.

nick_arrojo_shannon_nelson

In the end, this was really about more than a hair cut for me. It was about setting out to achieve a dream (having my hair cut by Nick), giving the “new me” an updated and fresher look, and really about proving to myself that I can make things happen when I put my mind to it. You too can have your hair cut by Nick, or Lina, or any one of their amazing staff by visiting www.arrojostudio.com. Also stay tuned for reviews on some of the products I’ve been using from Nick, as well.

So what do you think now that you see the before and after? (This is where you tell me that I look much younger than 34!)

(Ps. That beautiful necklace was designed for me by DeAnna Cochran, check her out!)

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35 Responses

  1. Man, he is like the Hair Whisperer.

    I have never seen him give bad cut. EVER. I have wanted to go see Nick Arrojo for so long. As in I tried to plan my anniversary trip to NY so I could get my hair cut by him. Husband said no.

    But I have to say that living a little vicariously through you has been fun. A good read…I am excited for you!!!

    You look fabulous…:)

    Stacie Haight Connerty - March 1st, 2009 at 8:57 pm
  2. Shannon, you look great! I love the bangs and I do think they make you look younger. That is such a fun, light-looking style. How cool that you made an appt with Nick and went for it. Great pictures of you two. Congrats on making your dream happen!

    Dawn (GirlfriendCeleb) - March 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
  3. Love it, Shannon! You look beautiful, and I love Nick. Good for you. We should always go for our goals.

    Mary@Everyday Baby Steps - March 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 am
  4. Shannon! Wow– you look Ahhhhmazzzing! :) LOVE.

    Erika - March 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 am
  5. You look fabulous! And see? You still have a lot of hair! :)

    Carla - March 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
  6. You looked fab before my dear… but I love the new do’! You are indeed a lucky gal.

    Amber - March 2nd, 2009 at 10:18 am
  7. Very pretty!

    Phyrra - March 2nd, 2009 at 11:17 am
  8. WOW! Simply Fabulous and I would say that it not only makes you look younger But…
    Sassy, Sexy and full of confidence.

    Carol Clifton - March 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
  9. Shannon…..I LOVE YOUR HAIR!! You really look great! I can’t wait to run my fingers through it!

    Chris - March 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
  10. I pretty much watch What Not to Wear just to see him cut/color/style hair (and Carmindy’s makeovers). You are so incredibly lucky to have him touch your hair!

    I really like the new cut. It makes you look super fresh.

    Gloria - March 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
  11. I agree with everyone else! You look really good! And yes, younger too!

    Oh and would that be “the boy” you speak of all the time commenting in this thread?

    Meghan - March 3rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
  12. You look amazing !!!! The bangs look great on you. F-A-B-A-L-O-U-S

    Kim - March 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 pm
  13. Love. Love. Love the new cut! Totally works for you and suits your face shape well! : )

    jennifer - March 3rd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
  14. Great look for you! Gorgeous.

    Ellen Mirza - March 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
  15. Love the bangs!! You’ve been blessed with great hair, and the bangs give it a “kick”. Your readers/friends are correct . . . you look younger. Admittedly, as a member of the “band tribe”, they do take awhile to get used to. But hey, with your kind of hair, you can grow them back out in 10 minutes if you want to, you lucky girl! Enjoy!!

    Dee Dee - March 4th, 2009 at 12:44 am
  16. Did I say, “band tribe?” Late nights always read differently. I meant, “bang tribe.” ;-)

    Time to sign off and go to bed, . . . obviously.

    Dee Dee - March 4th, 2009 at 12:46 am
  17. Shannon, you look gorgeous! And I love the bangs on you. I’m glad you got your hair cut by your dream-guy. ;)

    Jami - March 4th, 2009 at 7:00 am
  18. Shannon- You look awesome and the bangs look great on you! A fresh new look just in time for Spring. I love it!

    Jean - March 4th, 2009 at 7:18 am
  19. Sometimes I find the stuff he does on What Not To Wear hideous. Luckily, that’s not the case for you. It’s gorgeous, and those bangs are perfect for you.

    Trisha - March 4th, 2009 at 9:17 am
  20. Shannon! You look GREAT! I love the bangs and the length is perfect! I’m so jealous you had NICK work on your hair! I adore him!

    A Mom in Red High Heels - March 4th, 2009 at 9:18 am
  21. Shannon you look awesome! Love the bangs, they suit your face shape!

    Melissa - March 4th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
  22. @Stacie Yes, he is the hair whisperer!

    @Dawn Thank you!

    @Mary I am all about making goals and achieving them!

    @Erika You are sweet! But you are still the super model in my book!

    @Carla Not as short as I expected at all!

    @Amber @Phyrra Thanks!

    @Carol Yes sassy for sure!

    @Chris So how did it feel? lol. And you know you are now internet famous for being awesome.

    @Gloria Yes I love Carmindy too!

    @ Meghan Thanks! And yes Chris would indeed be “the boy.”

    @Kim Love you too cousin-in-law!

    @Jennifer Thanks!

    @Ellen I miss you!

    @Dee Dee The bangs are hiding the wrinkles, so now I am all about the bangs!

    @Jami I have many dream guys…. lol.

    @Jean Thanks!

    @Trisha I’ve never seen him do a bad cut, that’s why i was truly nervous about what he would do, it more like how quick I could get used to the new look. lol

    @Tammy He’s easily adored (and adorable).

    @Melissa Thanks!

    Shannon - March 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
  23. I met him a few months ago. He’s adorable. His hair looks so different already. But anyways, your hair looks so nice, he did an amazing job! :)

    Heather - March 11th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
  24. I LOVE Nick Arrojo and watch him every day on TLC!!!!!

    Mary - April 1st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
  25. Your new cut does indeed make you look much younger and fresher. I have an appointment with Nick in 2 weeks, and am very excited. I can’t believe I’m actually doing it!

    betsi - April 8th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
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  27. [...] Having oily, blemish-prone skin can be a real PIA. And it seems that since including bangs into my hairstyle back in March, my forehead seems to be worse than ever. So I was completely enthused to have the [...]

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  28. Why in the world did What Not To Wear let him go?

    Tina - August 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
  29. Nick did a fabulous job on your hair! It looks gorgeous- love the shape!

    Tina - August 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
  30. your hair looks so pretty! i used to watch him on What not to wear all the time, why is he not on anymore? he always made women feel so comfortable and relaxded….

    Anna S. - August 22nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
  31. I would give anything to have Nick do my hair.. well just about anything lol..

    Dixie - October 4th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
  32. Nick will you be opening anything in the UK because i dont think i could justify coming all the way to America for a very good haircut.

    pretty - October 6th, 2009 at 4:26 am
  33. [...] That is me with Nick back in March! If you are interested in seeing my transformation checkout my makeover with Nick Arrojo.) Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Beauty Expert Q & A: Celebrity Hair Stylist [...]

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  34. Nick is one of the most gorgeous men on the planet. He cuts hair better than anyone I have seen. I would love to be able to go to him. I think What Not To Wear is stupid for firing him. That new guy has zero personality and I don’t watch the show anymore. Nick rules!

    Torrie - December 4th, 2009 at 3:26 am
  35. Torrie, Nick wasn’t fired. And actually I know Ted, as well, he really is a great guy IRL. But I agree, Nick cuts hair well as evidenced by my post! ;)

    Shannon Nelson - December 4th, 2009 at 6:23 am

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