Fit and Trim

Kirk Baird

Friday, July 30, 2004 | 5:19 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

July 31 - Aug. 1, 2004

Maybe you've heard the name William Whatley. Or maybe not.

Either way, the 40-year-old Las Vegas hairstylist and fashion guru will soon be all over the TV dial.

Whatley has his own makeover show, "Ambush Makeover," which can be seen weekday mornings from 10 to 11 locally on KVWB Channel 21 (Cox cable channel 12).

The show has performed well enough in the ratings that it goes into national syndication in the fall.

Whatley can also be seen on a local makeover show on KVVU Channel 5, as well as on the Home Shopping Network, where he makes monthly appearances to promote his hair-care line of products, William Whatley Hair Mechanics, which were used by 'N Sync on the band's last tour.

A Colorado native, Whatley trained with John Sebastian, Paul Mitchell, Xenon and Rita and Irving Rusk before moving to Las Vegas five years ago, where he opened his own salon, William Whatley International Salon, on 7895 W. Sahara Ave.

The Las Vegas Sun recently talked to Whatley about the popularity of makeover shows, his hair and fashion tips for men and women, and his favorite -- and least favorite -- celebrity look.

Las Vegas Sun: "Ambush Makeover" is one of many makeover shows on TV. Why are these shows so popular?

William Whatley: In our society today, outward appearances are almost getting to the point where they're more important than what's inside. Having a makeover done makes you feel like you've had a fresh start. I've had women literally cry in their chair after they've had a makeover. And I'm like, "What's the matter?" And they're like, "I thought I could never look this pretty." I know that sounds hokey, but it's the truth.

For me, it's instant gratification and it feeds my soul every day.

Sun: Most people want to look like a celebrity, but, frankly, can't. How do you handle a situation where a person wants to look like someone, but they can't?

WW: When I have women walk in with a picture of Meg Ryan and they have four hairs on their head and a big nose, I have to break it to them that they're never going to look like this. But, I can make them look as good as they naturally can without plastic surgery. Sometimes, I say, "Honey, the only way you'll look like that is if I staple the picture to your forehead." (Laughs.)

Sun: Have you ever had a disatisfied customer? Or where the makeover simply didn't work?

WW: I've never had a situation where they didn't look better, but I've had situations where, psychologically, it wasn't enough for them.

Sun: OK, what are your hair, makeup and fashion tips for women?

WW: Don't do your own hair color. Don't cut your own bangs. And if you're trying to find the perfect makeup foundation for your skin tones, don't put it on your wrist because your wrist skin tones don't match your facial skin tones. Take the three shades you think are closest to your skin tone, apply it to your jawline and the one that fades away is the one for you. Foundation was designed to blend with your skin tones, not to conceal your skin tones.

A hair tip: Flat ironing is a very hot thing now for hairstyling. Please use a thermal protectant on your hair before applying a flat iron or a hot tool to your hair to keep it from damaging the hair.

And with clothes: Always, always, always try your clothes on at the store before you purchase them. And know your body type. If you don't know your body type, you need to find out from a trained professional in a store what type you are so you know how to shop.

Sun: What about tips for men?

WW: In the last 10 years we've gotten a 50 percent increase in seeing men in the salon. I have guys come in and say, "I want Brad Pitt's new haircut."

Men don't have makeup to deal with ... hair color and cutting is what they can manipulate into a look for them that's new. That's about all they have except for getting their body into shape so they can wear clothes better.

My hair tips: Gel for the hair is out for men. Paste and pomades are in. It gives that textured look wthout making it crispy and hard like gel.

The haircut style is almost like the uncut look, meaning it's disheveled a little bit. Spikes are out.

And the clothes have gone from baggy and loose to a little more fitted and tailored. Nice jeans on a guy will always grab a girl's eye ... We're in the designer jean craze right now.

Sun: What are some celebrity looks you're fond of?

WW: I love Debra Messing's look. And I love Brad Pitt because he's not afraid to go from long hair to a shaved, subculture look. They're image-makers. I have to go back to Madonna. Madonna has worn everything under the sun.

Sun: What are some celebrity looks you don't like?

WW: I love Christina Aguilera, but she needs to soften her look because she is a beautiful girl. Her black hair on that fair skin is just too Goth for me.

Sometimes celebrities try to go too urban and they just can't carry it off.

Sun: Such as?

WW: Justin Timberlake. Even though I love him, I like him with hair.