Have a customized beauty makeover before the big day By anita stratos Correspondent VERONICAYANKOWSKI A specialist at Hair Color Xpress in Manalapan can help you find the perfect hair color, with the help of cyber imaging technology. Are you tired of sporting the same hair and makeup for years, but you're afraid of making a drastic change? What if you were able to see yourself in a new hairstyle, a new hair color, or new makeup before you actually had it done? You don't need a crystal ball - all you need is a beauty consultation at Hair Color Xpress of Manalapan, the newest trend in image makeovers. A large national franchise that only recently opened in New Jersey, Hair Color Xpress offers a one-on-one consultation with a beauty advisor, as well as computer cyber imaging, that takes the guesswork out of your new look. By taking a digital picture of the client and then trying new hairstyles, colors, and makeup techniques on the computer image first, the advisor can help the client become comfortable with the changes while preventing costly mistakes and saving time. "Champagne taste on a beer budget" is how owners Sarah Weinman and Soraya Brandy describe their posh new establishment. Formerly involved in fashion industry careers, these two sisters and Colts Neck natives loved the concept Hair Color Xpress offered and wanted to make it available locally. The sleek, contemporary lines of the salon have a distinctly New York feel, and this, coupled with the cappuccino bar (complete with complementary Brooklyn pastries) located at the rear of the shop, gives local clients a one-of-a-kind experience. The departmentalization of talents allows the clients to feel confident that the hair stylist, makeup artist, or hair color specialist working with them is an expert in his or her field. Each professional is specially trained and up-to-date on the latest in a particular field; for example, one hair stylist may have expertise in updos while another will specialize in teen cuts, and still another is a hair color correction specialist. Whatever look you're hoping to achieve, Hair Color Xpress has the professionals to help you attain your goals, whether you need a whole new look to fit a new career or you want to look extra special for a wedding, prom, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or any other affair. "Brides should come in at least two months prior to their wedding date with their veils so that we can work with them for a full makeover or even just a special updo or color," Weinman advised. "Our updo specialist is very creative and will show the bride several different options that she can wear with her veil; then she can choose whichever look she prefers." One of the biggest advantages to having a full makeover at Hair Color Xpress is that the beauty advisor will custom blend makeup to suit your specific skin type and tone, covering any skin problems you may have. Even lipstick is custom blended right in front of you to match any color you like, correcting dryness or adding flavors at your discretion. Should you decide to change your hair color, the beauty advisor also helps you select the shade of makeup that best suits your new color. These expert tips can make all the difference in your appearance and give you that all-around perfect look you thought would cost a fortune to achieve. Soon to come to Hair Color Xpress is a custom blended line of hair care products: shampoos, conditioners, and more that will be blended specifically to work best with your own hair type. Rather than operating on the one-type-suits-all theory of over-the-counter hair products, these products will be specially blended to take into account each individual's hair problems, so as not to over- or under-compensate. The customized shampoos are also guaranteed not to fade color provided by Hair Color Xpress. The professionals at Hair Color Xpress pride themselves on superb customer service. The prices are very competitive, and new clients receive 50 percent off the cost of any services. Hair Color Xpress (watch for upcoming name change to The Hair Color Xperts) is located in the Manalapan Epicentre (Wegman's shopping center) on Route 9 south. To make an appointment or for more information, call (732) 677-1000 or visit the Hair Color Xpress Web site at www.hcx.com.