A Woman's Ex-Husband Had Long Shaggy Hair, But After A Makeover, She Barely Recognized Him

Who doesn't love an amazing makeover story? Makeovers typically include hairstyle changes, makeup, different clothing, and more. Many talk shows like to do makeover episodes, and The Rachael Ray Show is no different. In 2015, there was a life-size photograph on the set of The Rachael Ray Show of Ian Cook. He had long gray locks and an unkempt beard. His transformation was amazing, and Rachael Ray has done makeovers several times on her show, usually featuring very deserving people.
The Rachel Ray Show
The Rachael Ray Show is a syndicated talk show. Rachael got her start in the food industry before her signature "30 Minute Meals" classes were picked up by a local television newscast.

She has hosted many Food Network shows, launched her own magazine, has been the author of many cookbooks, and started her own talk show. The Rachael Ray Show has been nominated for multiple Daytime Emmy Awards since it debuted and has taken home several of those awards.
Rachael Ray's "30-Minute Meals" Gained Her Fame
Rachael Ray was first discovered when she made her television debut in 2006. She hosted cooking classes out of the upstate New York gourmet market Cowan and Lobel. Her 30-Minute Mediterranean meal became so popular that she was signed on to CBS to do a 30-minute meal segment at night.

Not long after, her first cookbook was released, and that was the beginning of her successful career as a celebrity chef. She then was offered three other TV shows; $40 a Day, Inside Dish, and Rachael Ray's Tasty.
Connecticut Man Ian Cook
Ian Cook was an ordinary fifty-four-year-old man from Connecticut. He worked in utilities in Stamford, but he definitely stood out because of his long gray hair and messy beard.

His family was not impressed with his looks, especially his twin teenage sons, who were actually kind of embarrassed to be seen with their dad. It was definitely time for Ian to have a makeover, and after, he looked like a completely different man.
Ian's Last Haircut Was Years Ago
Now, back to Ian Cook, whose last haircut was many years before his makeover. Rachael and the audience's jaws dropped when they found out that Ian hadn't had a haircut in four years.

He never really gave a reason for not getting his hair cut, but he was content with his long gray hair. However, his teenage sons were not as ok with his look. A proper haircut was long overdue.
Gandalf From The Lord Of The Rings
Many people stated that Ian Cook's appearance reminded them of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. Gandalf was an older man with very long gray hair and a gray beard.

He was a wizard who helped form the Fellowship of the Ring to destroy the One Ring. The character is a beloved character from the popular franchise, so I guess there are worse people to be compared to.
It Was the First Time Ever That A Former Partner Had Ever Nominated Anyone
Ian Cook was nominated to have a makeover on The Rachael Ray Show by his ex-wife, Karen. It was the first time that a former partner had ever nominated someone for the show.

Karen stated that she felt the need to write the talk show host Rachael Ray, requesting that her ex-husband get a 'manover.' Rachael Ray stated that she couldn't believe it when she saw Ian's photo, and her first thought was that he was straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Ian Always Had Very Special Hair
It had only been in the last several years that Ian transformed himself into a modern-day Gandalf, but he has always had special hair. Rachael Ray showed the audience several photos of Ian from his younger days.

One photo was from his wedding day to Karen. He had a very shaggy hairstyle, and in other photos, he had some rocker hair, but it was not gray.
Ian's 16-Year-Old Twin Sons, Benjamin And Cameron
Ian Cook has two sixteen-year-old twin sons, Benjamin and Cameron. He told Rachael that he came on the show for his boys. He stated, "I know it's been bothering them for a while. My parents offered to pay me to get a haircut, and I said no, but I will do it for the boys."

His sons were sitting in the front row with Ian's ex-wife at The Rachael Ray Show to see their father's makeover.
Style Expert Kyan Douglas
Style expert Kyan Douglas was on hand to help Ian Cook with his makeover. Kyan is a television personality and was a grooming expert on the American television program Queer Eye for four years. In 2009, he took over as host of Ten Years Younger on TLC.

He stated that Ian's sons were a little embarrassed sometimes when they brought girls and friends home. He said he could tell by their expressions that they were very ready for this.
The Loving Father Had Made Up His Mind
Ian is a very good man at his core, but perceptions are everything in this day and age. Sadly, what you look like on the outside does matter to a lot of people.

Ian expressed that he just wanted to make his children proud of him and never wanted them to be embarrassed by their dad. He chose to get the makeover mainly for them; that's a very loving father.
His Ex-Wife And Twin Sons Were Blown Away
The reveal was amazing, and Ian walked out on stage with confidence and a whole new wardrobe. His hair was short, and his beard was tidied up. He was transformed into a silver fox, and it wowed his ex-wife and sons.

Karen said, When he came around the corner, he looked like someone on TV. I don't know who, but I was like, 'Who is that?'" She said that Ian looked like a celebrity.
Does Karen Want Him Back?
When Ian came out during his big reveal, the audience was heard "oohing" and "Ahing." Rachael Ray used that moment to poke some fun at Karen, Travis' ex-wife.

She jokingly said to Karen, "I think she's rethinking that whole 'ex' thing!" However, Ian very quickly replied, "Oh noooo!" The two remained friendly after they divorced, but Ian made it very clear that he would never get back together with Karen.
Everyone Loved Ian's New Look
When Ian made his big reveal, Rachael Ray made sure to remind the audience members of the photos that they had seen. He was transformed into a completely new man.

The audience couldn't believe the transformation. Karen said that the boys just couldn't take their eyes off of their father the whole way home that day. They kept telling Ian how great he looked.
Will Ian Keep His New Look?
The big question was would Ian Cook keep his new polished look? Rachael Ray asked Ian how he felt about his new look, and he said that he was very pleased with his look.

It was obvious that Ian was happy with his new look and appeared to even have more confidence. When people get makeovers on talk shows, they are not required to keep the look. Rachael Ray asked him if he would keep the look, and he said that he would.
Travis Herman
Travis Herman was another man who went on The Rachel Ray Show for a makeover. Travis lives in Atlanta with his wife, Connie, and their two young sons. He studied microbiology at Oklahoma State University of California and acquired brewing skills.

He ended up starting a craft ale-producing business, the Scofflaw Brewing Company. His scruffy appearance, with his long, black, and bushy beard, was not his wife's favorite thing.
Scofflaw Brewing Company
Travis, along with Matt Shirah, started growing a brewery in 2015 as a project in Shirah's mother-in-law's basement. They started with five one-barrel fermentation tanks, a glycol cooler, a home-built temperature monitoring system, a yeast cultivation project, and a fully equipped lab.

Within two years, they moved into a brewery and became the Scofflaw Brewing Company. USA Today named the brewery as one of the "Best New Craft Breweries in America."
His Wife Had To Face Up To His Problem In Their Marriage For Years
Travis had a fairly neat haircut, but his beard had gotten out of control. His wife, Connie Herman, said that his big and bushy beard was very annoying.

The top of her head literally reached the bottom of her husband's chin, so she was always looking right at that beard. She was also annoyed with how out of hand it had gotten. She stated that she wanted to see the face of the man she had fallen in love with again.
Travis Came Up With A Cunning Plan
Travis knew that his wife wasn't a fan of his really long and scruffy beard, so he came up with a cunning plan. He decided that after she went to bed, he would do something sneaky. In the middle of the night, while his wife and children slept, the crew from The Rachael Ray Show showed up at his house.

They gave Travis a secret makeover so that when his wife woke up in the morning, she would see a new man. They recorded all of it to later show on an episode of The Rachael Ray Show.
Kyan Douglas Came To Fame As The Grooming Expert On The Hit TV Program Queer Eye For The Straight Guy
Kyan Douglas originally gained fame as the grooming expert on the program Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He now works as part of the team on The Rachael Ray Show and has overseen more than four hundred makeovers.

In addition, he has co-authored a book and appeared on several magazine covers and talk shows. He also published Beautified, a book on grooming for women, and became a spokesman for L'Oreal.
Imminent Transformation In The Middle Of A September Night
In order to pull off his plan, Travis enlisted the help of the makeover team from The Rachael Ray Show. He underwent a radical personal rebrand, all the way from his head down to his shoes.

He was transformed into a completely different-looking man. They had never done a makeover at 4:00 a.m., but they needed to be done before Travis' wife woke up.
Hairstylist Chris Appleton
Chris Appleton is a world-renowned conceptual hair stylist and has worked on The Rachael Ray Show. He is highly sought after by some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, music, and advertising.

Vogue UK named him a 'Hair Star,' and his work has been showcased on magazine covers, including Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, L'Officiel Paris, and Vogue.
The Eagerly Anticipated Big Reveal
Travis' reveal was shocking. His new groomed look left his face free of fuzz and showed what was hidden underneath. Douglas brought a suitcase with him to dress Travis.

Douglas stated, "For me, one of the most important things a guy can have in his wardrobe is just really good basic, dark jeans. These go with everything because they're dark and they're not faded. The next thing is just a good pair of dark boots. This is just like a really lightweight denim shirt. Because this is so thin, it's almost like an all-year-round kind of shirt. Dark blue on dark blue, kind of tone-on-tone thing, but because it's all dark, it's also kind of slimming."
However, The Beer Maker Preferred His Beard
Rachael asked Travis if he loved how he looked, and he said yes but that it was a little higher maintenance than his beard was. His wife was ecstatic about finally being able to see her husband's face.

She stated that when she met him, he didn't have a beard, and she loved seeing his entire face again. However, Travis preferred his beard because, in a photo on his Facebook page, the facial fuzz was back.
9 Year Old Boy Sam Gouveia
Sam Gouveia, a nine-year-old boy, went viral for his reaction to a new sewing machine. The young boy loved to sew and caught Rachael Ray's attention. Sam wanted his dad to get a makeover, and the show helped him out with that.

Stylist Tommy DiDario was on hand to give Sam's dad a makeover, and he worked with Sam to pick some clothing for his dad, Aaron, and he also got a stylish haircut.
Sam's Dad, Aaron Gouveia
Sam has overcome school bullies and learned to be authentically himself, which he thanks his supportive family for. After going viral for his story and sewing, he won the chance to give his dad a makeover on The Rachael Ray Show.

Aaron worked with Tommy and was given a stylish haircut and a new set of clothes, which Tommy and Sam handpicked. He came out on stage with a nice dress shirt and a stylish jacket. He finished off the look with some sunglasses.
Makeover For Mom-Daughter Pilot Duo Who Went Viral For Making History
Rachael Ray had a mother and daughter on the show for makeovers. They were both pilots, and Captain Holly Petitt and First Officer Keely Petitt were the first mother-daughter duo to pilot a flight together on Southwest Airlines.

Keely stated that she knew from the age of fourteen that she wanted to be a pilot like her mother. They both needed makeovers because all they ever wore were their work uniforms.
First Mother-Daughter Duo To Pilot A Flight Together On Southwest Airlines
Holly and Keely Petitt made history as the first mother-daughter pilot duo to fly a Southwest Airlines plane together in July 2022. "On Saturday, July 23, Holly and Keely Petitt flew their first Southwest flight together, on Flight #3658 from Denver, where the two are from, to St. Louis, making history for Southwest Airlines." ----- News Release.

Holly said of the experience, "I keep saying it, but just exhilarating. You have this little brand-new baby you're holding in your arms, and in a blink, she's sitting next to you on the flight deck of a Boeing 737. So, it's just that it's been a magical experience watching her progress through the stages to make it to Southwest Airlines."
They Both Say They Struggle A Bit In The Style Department
Holly and Keely both stated that they struggle in the style department. Holly stated that she is a mother of three and a full-time pilot, so she either wore a uniform or everyday clothes while being a mom and housekeeper.

Keely stated that she has the desire to dress up when she's not working but just doesn't know how to dress. She stated that she hasn't really explored when it comes to style.
Holly's Look
Holly told the stylist that she never had a chance in life to be trendy. So, Clinton said the easiest way to be trendy is to first see what jean is in style. However, when Holly was trying on jeans, she spotted a pair of vegan leather pants hanging up and wanted to try those on.

Both Holly and Clinton loved the pants. Asymmetrical is happening right now, and cape tops are popular, so they put the two pieces together, and Holly looked stunning.
Keely's Look
Keely, on the other hand, wanted to look strong and confident like Blake Lively. Clinton mentioned that Lively is often doing bold prints and bold silhouettes, and combines them with great textures and colors.

They found a dress that worked perfectly for her, and the print was gorgeous. They added a green coat, a pair of pink shoes, and then more texture with the tights. Keely looked like a movie star.
Emotional Makeover For A Frontline Nurse Going Through Menopause
One of the more emotional makeovers on The Rachael Ray Show was for a frontline nurse going through menopause. Donna is a fifty-two-year-old surgical nurse who was also going through menopause. She stated that it impacted her sense of style and also her sense of self.

Donna said, "Just even thinking about it, I start to well up because going through menopause has been a massive loss of confidence. You don't want to go out anywhere. You don't want to go shopping for clothes. You don't want someone to invite you somewhere because I'd rather stay in my stretch pants, you know?" She also stated that she didn't feel worthy of her husband anymore and didn't feel beautiful.
Stacy London
The stylist that helped with Donna's makeover on The Rachael Ray Show was Stacy London. She is a style icon and the CEO of State of Menopause, which is a company she runs that's dedicated to helping women through menopause.

Stacy is also a fashion consultant, author, and magazine editor and is best known for her time as co-host on What Not to Wear. In addition, she worked on The Early Show and the Today show.
Donna's Ultimate Reveal
Stacy worked her magic, and Donna's big reveal was fantastic. She was stunning and felt really good about herself. However, she realized that she has some work to do on her mental health so that she can have a more positive mindset.

She said that it helped her tremendously to talk to other women and realize that she wasn't the only one struggling with things.
Mother-Daughter Duo Who Lost 250 Pounds Together Get Stunning Wardrobe Makeovers
Rachael also had another mother-and-daughter duo on her makeover episode, but this duo lost two hundred and fifty pounds together. Patricia and her daughter, Deonna, committed to going on a weight-loss journey together after Patricia had a health scare.

They stated that it was a mind shift and a life shift, and it helped that they did it together. However, after losing all of that weight, they were in need of some fashion advice.
Style Expert Amy E. Goodman
The stylist that worked with Patricia and Deonna was Amy E. Goodman. Amy is a nationally recognized and sought-after lifestyle correspondent. She interviews celebrities and cleans out closets.

She also crafts home décor for national outlets like Live with Kelly & Ryan, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, the Today show, and more. She shares that she loves to help make a stylish life accessible and, ultimately, viewers' lives easier.
The Reveal
Patricia is petite but wasn't dressing like she was, which made a huge difference in hemlines and sleeve lengths. She was dressed in high-waisted pants with a belt that cinched her at the waist. She wore a bold patterned leopard blouse with braided hoop earrings and a gold cuff.

It was all finished off with a boldly buckled, pointy-toed, slingback shoe. Deonna wore a pink, belted dress with a V-cut and a hemline just above the knee. Her look was finished with neon sandals.
Dramatic Makeover: Husband Gets First Haircut In 18 Years And A Brand New Wardrobe
Wade had a dramatic makeover, with him getting his first haircut in eighteen years and a brand new wardrobe for his job. His makeover was in the works for more than a year due to the pandemic.

He received a makeover with the help of Carson Kressley. Wade worked for the United States Postal Service for twenty-five years and always wore shorts every day. He was also guilty of wearing socks with sandals.
Carson Kressley
Carson Kressley was on hand to help with Wade's makeover on The Rachael Ray Show. Carson is an actor, television personality, and designer. He is best known for appearing in the Bravo series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

In addition, he has hosted How to Look Good Naked, Carson Nation, and was a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race. His most recent project was the series Get a Room on Bravo with his colleague Thom Filicia.
Wade's Makeover Details
Carson helped Wade ditch his long hair and actually cut it right on stage on the air. When he walked out for his reveal, Rachael Ray thought he looked very cool and fresh.

His wife, Tiffany, said that he looked very comfortable and handsome. She thought he looked almost like a new person and she was very proud of him. He walked out on stage in a power suit and was full of confidence.
Firefighter Mom Wants To Start Dating Again After Being Single For 20 Years
Another makeover episode featured a firefighter mom that wanted to start dating again after being single for twenty years. Natalie was a fifty-six-year-old mom of three and had been a firefighter for twenty-seven years.

Her children were all grown, and she hadn't dated in many years. She decided that she had raised her kids, and now it was time to focus on herself, but she just didn't know where to start.
The Reveal
Natalie had the help of style guru Carson Kressley and grooming professional Kyan Douglas for her makeover. They joined forces and pampered Natalie to get her ready for the dating world.

They gave her a brand new hairdo and outfit. Her reveal actually brought Rachael Ray to tears, which she said was the first time she was ever brought to tears during a makeover reveal. Her youngest daughter stated that she barely recognized her.
Cancer Survivor Makeover: Glamorous New Look For Deserving Mom Who Continues To Beat The Odds
Cancer patient makeovers are always emotional, and Trisha's was no exception. Trisha was a forty-four-year-old wife and mother from New Jersey, and she had been through a lot. First, they lost their family restaurant.

"Shortly after all that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had 16 rounds of chemo and a double mastectomy. Right after I was done with the breast cancer stuff and my hair started growing back, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It just makes you realize how short life is and how sometimes we all worry about such stupid things. When you get knocked down, you just have to get back up again. You have to realize what's important in life. I have a son to raise. He's my little hero and the best part of my life." -----Trisha.
Lost Two Restaurants Called La Casa Del Sol
Before Trisha's battle with cancer, she and her husband owned a Mexican restaurant called La Casa del Sol. Sadly, they lost the restaurant to a fire, but they rebuilt it.

However, they lost that second restaurant to Hurricane Sandy. Later, she and her husband rebuilt the restaurant again for the third time. Thankfully, their restaurant is thriving, and Trisha is in remission.
Collection Boxes To Raise Money For People With Cancer
Trisha stated that she feels blessed to be in remission but feels the desire to give back. So, every month, she sets up collection boxes to raise money for people with cancer.

She stated that there are shifts where she waitresses and gives all of her tips to the collection box. However, she said she doesn't put much priority on her look, and as far as her hair, she said she just washes it and goes.
The Reveal
Trisha stated that she was so ready and excited to get a new look. She said that she just wants to feel beautiful because she hasn't felt that much lately. She was given a short sexy haircut with highlights.

She came out wearing a sexy dress that was stretchy and comfy and made a statement. She was in tears and stated that she finally felt beautiful and loved everything about her new look.
Fashion Expert Tommy DiDario
Trisha was helped by fashion expert Tommy DiDario, who is a pro at helping men of all ages look and feel their very best. He is a TV host and correspondent on The Rachael Ray Show and Extra.

He covers everything, including human interest stories, celebrity interviews, fashion, travel, health, and wellness. He also launched his own Instagram Live talk show, #LetsStayTogether.
23-Year-Old Woman Who Beat Cancer Gets Makeover Of Her Dreams
Another cancer survivor, Lauren, was given the makeover of her dreams. She is a twenty-three-year-old woman who beat cancer. She worked with Tommy DiDario, and not only did she get her makeover, but she also got a message from her favorite Marvel actress, Scarlett Johansson.

She said, "I watched so many Marvel movies when I was in treatment, and I told Tommy that my fiancé and I have a deal that if I ever have a chance to go on a date with Scarlett Johansson, then it's okay with him. She also was given a dream honeymoon, thanks to Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.
The Reveal
For her makeover, she was given three looks, including a sassy chic look, a sexy look, and an elegant look. She wore a sweater with a high-waisted skirt for the sassy chic look.

For her sexy look, she was in a faux leather dress with textures such as pleats, lace, and faux leather. Finally, for her elegant look, she wore a wrap dress that was very flattering. Lauren stated that she felt beautiful.
The Emmy Award Goes To...
Rachael Ray and all of her television shows have been nominated for twenty-two awards, including ten Daytime Emmy Awards. She won the Daytime Emmy Award twice for Outstanding Informative Talk Show in 2008 and 2019.

The Rachael Ray Show is hosted by Rachael Ray and first premiered on September 18, 2006, and is still going strong today. The talk show is taped at Chelsea Television Studios in New York City.
Rachael Ray Is Now One Of Food Network's Biggest Stars
Food Network first found Rachael Ray on a public radio show in 2001, and they offered her a three hundred and sixty thousand dollar contract. She has since gone on to write several cookbooks and has a pet food line, Nutrish, selling more than six hundred and fifty million dollars worth of products just in 2017.

Her talk show, The Rachael Ray Show, has several segments, which include cooking, celebrity guest interviews, makeovers, a mix of entertainment, and so much more. Some of her other shows include Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off, and Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels. In addition, she launched a magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray. She has several projects and has an estimated worth of eight million dollars.