My Top Five Beauty Holiday Gifts 2013 - Family Friendly!

Here are the most awesome items that came through the NuyBeauty office this year that made me happy because they worked well (either on set, on me, my kid, or my pro-skater boyfriend - haha!) and were all-around terrific items. There's something here for moms, kids, men -- everyone is represented, so I hope this helps you in your holiday shopping!

1) YogaToes Premium Gift Set : UNISEX/Great for a couples gift too!

My boyfriend and I discovered this wonderful tool at our fabulous pedicurist, Erica Marton's. It helps stretch out your toes, yoga style, and if you buy the whole gift-kit, it comes with these crazy massagers that uber-circulate your feet. You will be falling asleep and/or in full-body relaxation time minutes. Great for overall circulation, which in turn helps with great skin, period.

I recommend the Premium YogaToes gift set that comes with the massager, purifying spray, and hand & foot salve ($55)

2) Klorane Leave-in Spray with Citrus Pulp: WOMEN/KIDS

Klorane's Leave-in Spray with Citrus Pulp: The Citron, a citrus fruit originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, is traditionally used for its toning and purifying properties. The pulp of this fruit is extracted to create anti-oxidant properties and combined with and white vinegar to create a weight-free detangler hair and toner. $14.

A great, paraben-free detangling and shine spray for all hair types, in my professional book, it's also a great pre-blow dry treatment and its citrus aroma awakens the senses.You can use this on wet or dry hair and if you want one spray product to prep your hair and your kid's for any hairstyle, this is the one.

You can also find this at your local Duane Reade if you're in NYC. Awesome.

3) Honey Girl Organics Face and Eye Creme Extra Sensitive: WOMEN/ ORGANIC

Wonderful for those who have allergies and skin sensitives. Honey Girl Face & Eye Creme Extra Sensitive ($33) is made only from organic extra virgin olive oil, purified water, Beeswax with pollen & propolis,
Raw Pupukea Honey, Royal Jelly, and Vitamin E.Additionally the beehive ingredients are harvested from only holistically managed beehives.

 A shout out to my home island of Oahu, this super rich cream has raw Pupukea honey harvested from the North Shore of Hawaii and will adjust to the most sensitive of skins. Super moisturizing and awesome for the extreme dry weather we've got going in mainland winters. Give a gift of aloha to someone you love, with a little bit of locally harvested honey. And it really smells like local honey.

4) Magic Pads: UNISEX/MEN

These Magic Pads ($20) helped my boyfriend's acne so much, he asked to take them to his skateboarding tour to Brazil! (It also helps they're in a manly enough black container ;-))

Have acne? Want something for helping with anti-aging, exfoliation, and treating your acne, all in one convenient small wipe? My boyfriend Danny and I love Magic Pads. They're pre-soaked makeup pads are filled with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, aloe and vitamin E.


5) Milkseed Oil Skincare Seasonal Blend (UNISEX & NATURAL) ($58)

Caterpillars spend 12 days on milkweed plants before they transform into monarch butterflies.  Milkseed Skincare oil is wild harvested twice a year, after the caterpillars have become monarchs. Milkweed is the only plant these caterpillars can consume to complete their change. This oil is domestically harvested.

A new favorite of mine to carry in my beauty bag. This Milkseed oil is a natural anti-aging treatment (the milkseed oil, which has antioxidant qualities and helps to calm redness, soothe lines and boost your skin's sun protection). The Milkseed Skincare Fall Blend ($58) has the added benefit of Rose Hip oil to assist in restoring the skin's natural elasticity.

Pro Tip: Apply on top of makeup to create a natural, but non-sparkly glow, as blush and a highlighter; That's how I love it. It's great for sensitive skin.

AND JUST FOR KICKS:

Need a cool gift item for a teacher, or friend? I came across this pretty candle with a surprise inside and thought it was just perfect for the holidays. Not quite beauty, but beautiful:

6) Bella j. Candles:

Gold or silver plated, dyed quartz, and real diamond charms on bracelets or necklaces are inside these candles, which are only $25, at www.bellaj.com

I love that there is a hidden charm (worth from   $10 to $450, with a a few lucky ones who will find a jewel with an estimated value of $10,000) in every yummy scented candle. My pick? The Surfshack candle of course -- a scent mixed with fresh air, sweet citrus accords, white florals, leafy greens, and honeydew melon. C'mon, I'm from Hawaii! Aloha :-).

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

NuyBeauty Daily Giveaway No. 1: Scunci Headband & Envyderm Eyelash Enhancing Serum Beauty

Scunci Headband & Envyderm Eyelash Enhancing Serum (Retail Value: $70) Beauty Giveaway

NuyBeauty Daily Giveaway No. 1:

Time for the holiday giveaways! I love giving beauty treats away and before the stress of your holiday shopping starts, I'm going to start giving away fun goodies as much as I can. Hope you can get your hands on some!

Today I've got some Scunci (love their hair accessories for Mom and kiddo) Trendy Tresses headbands, as well as a night-time Eyelash Enhancement and Conditioning serum by Envyderm (w/ vitamins, peptides and minerals, Retailing for $70). Its a Locks and Lash party ;-).

Rules: Just comment below on this post and confirm you've followed me on either Instagram or Twitter. Whichever platform you prefer. My handle is @nuybeauty and either can be followed easily on the right sidebars on your screen. You get EXTRA CREDIT if you follow me on both! 

If you're already following me - then just post a comment below and you'll be entered to win.

Good luck!

Winner is Wendy Thompson! Contact me at nuy@nuybeauty.com to get your goodies! ;-)

-- N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Get Marion Cotillard's Elegant Curls by Robert Vetica from the 2013 Met Gala!

Marion Cotillard at the Met Gala, May 6, 2013, courtesy Getty Images Entertainment

There are few actors I am in enamored of - swept away by. I find too many of actor's faces and personas to be boring or un-alluring. However, Marion Cotillard is an exception. She is enigmatic, and when she moves on the camera, or you see her in print, there is a certain energy about it that is beyond your typical beauty. It's a bit electric, kind of incendiary -- the quality of a true starlet.

The red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is always a terrific scene for fashion. It's not like the Oscars where those invited come in billowing princess gowns and want many times to mimic old Hollywood and you see way too many Belles & Snow White look alikes (sorry!). The Met Gala is 100 percent about pure fashion, which is why I love it because it is a true celebration of dressing and costume at its essence. This year's theme: “PUNK: Chaos to Couture,” depicted the significant influence of the punk scene in the 70s as a music-inspired street happening and how it effected designers with legacies like Vivienne Westwood, and how it continues to infiltrate the runways today. 

Academy Award-winning actress Marion Cotillard, always eloquent in her style statement, arrived in a nude/rose strapless Dior couture gown with her hair styled in a retro-chic deconstructed look. It was simple, drop-dead gorgeous and flawless.

And, what I loved about her seemingly traditional and beautiful look? Her amazing hair. The side-swept curls -- with just the right touch of asymmetry. Robert Vetica, her stylist put a bit of controlled chaos -- we could maybe even say a bit punkish! -- in her rolled sideswept locks to offset her traditional dress, which was perfectly classic and couture. Now, that's thoughtful fashion. And it is truly CHAOS to COUTURE from head to toe. ;-).

STRAIGHT FROM THE RED CARPET - A CELEB HAIR HOW-TO:

Here's how Robert Vetica, owner of the luxurious Robert Vetica Salon at the famed SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, created her look, exclusively with René Furterer products, so you can recreate it for yourself! "I wanted an asymmetrical feeling with two distinct textures—sleek on one side and textured with volume on the other, giving a feeling of deconstructed glamour," commented Vetica.

1) Starting with towel-dried hair, I applied René Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing foam - no rinse. This added volume and texture and also helped to protect hair from the heat of my blow-dryer and curling iron.

2) Next, after giving Marion's hair a blow-out, I made a low side part, and then pulled the left side of the hair tight, straight back and pinned it into place.

3) Using a small, 1/2 inch curling iron [try BaByLiss Pro 1-1/2" curling iron - a high quality tool you'll love -Nuy], I curled the outer perimeter of the right side of the hair into soft waves.

4) Next, I pin-curled the very top of her head to create the wave that fell off to the front and right side to frame Marion's face.

5) Once the curling process was done, I generously applied René Furterer VEGETAL FINISHING SPRAY to ensure hold and create shine. 

6) I finished the look by brushing the curls out and pinning the hair under to form the asymmetrical shape that you see - sleek on one side and textured with volume and retro waves on the other. For extra sheen, I gave Marion's hair a final misting of René Furterer GLOSSING SPRAY.

If you have any questions on this how-to, feel free to contact me at nuy@nuybeauty.com and I'll be happy to help! xo

Many thanks to Karen and Oliver Associates

--N.C.

NYFW Inside-Out: Chadwick Bell F/W 2013 + Backstage Beauty

Chadwick Bell Fall/Winter 2013 at "Monterey Pop" Feb. 8, 2013. Photo via Style.com /InDigital/GoRunway -
see Chadwick Bell on Facebook and "LIKE" :-)

Jane Birkin and Francoise Hardy served as muses for the collection.
Photo via Style.com /InDigital/GoRunway

There's something always inexplicably refreshing and exciting about fashion shows. Yes, there are the annoying crowds and the pushing and shoving. But under the surface of all the supposed nonsense, the bottom line is designers, when it comes to the core, are seeking to relay their creative spirit through wardrobe. I appreciate that. Getting a piece of clothing to move and show off the best parts of the human body on a creature in motion is no easy feat.  I will always appreciate the love, the aspiration and the dedication to create original clothing.

Chadwick Bell, for his F/W 2013 collection dedicated his collection to the a rock festival film Monterey Rock from 1968. It conveyed non-conformity and self-discovery through expressionism. Bell's clothing was quite sophisticated for the premise (cotton jacquard suits, velvet dresses) but I appreciated the homage to my ever favorite decade the 60s with pops of orange, plums and kelly green. And I loved the simple pieces -- like the long, lean wearable pants and neoprene sweatshirts that were far from schlumpy, and quite beautiful. The gowns were also simple, slightly 60s rebel and striking.

Backstage Beauty:

Makeup
To prime the skin, Makeup Artist Daniel Martin worked with Intraceuticals, a treatment that uses oxygen under pressure to deliver a serum paired with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and peptides on the skin leaving the skin visibly hydrated, firmer with reduced fine lines and wrinkles No other makeup was used other than for the lips, which was applied with the finger for a sultry and effortless look.

To accentuate the poppy colors, skin was kept dewy and minimal.

Daniel Martin served as lead make-up artist; Beauty's focus was relaxed beauty with a focus on flawless skin (Martin is on far right). 

Hair

Bumble & Bumble's Rolando Beauchamp overseeing the hair styling, which was kept stylishly undone and pretty.

The hair's inspiration was just a girl you see walking around in Paris - clean, fresh and natural. It was placed underneath jackets - to accentuate the casualness of it all. Using a braid took the fullness away from the hair with a low ponytail took the volume away to achieve a nice rounded shape at the base of the head.

Nails

Zoya Nail Polish's Erin nails helped bolster the minimalist makeup and hair.

Nails were done by Zoya, one of my favorite brands as it has no formaldehyde. The color was a sheer translucent neutral called Erin with a hint of iridescence. It had a clean polished look with a rounded shaped.

N.C. with additional reporting and photography by Aaron Rosa.
Special thanks to Aaron for being of amazing assistance while I was out of commission for a bit at the show! Hooray for my intern/assistant! 

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com. 

Bad Hair Day? Try a French Braid! Here's How

How to Create the Perfect French Braid at StyleUnited.com

Sometimes you just can't get your hair right. It's washed but won't sit right. Or you've got kids so it's just been a minute since you've been able to wash it. It's no matter: A bad hair day is a bad hair day and whatever our situation, we have them - universally. I like French Braids as a perfect solution. They are easy to learn and do.

And they're modern, beautiful and you can easily hairspray them into even more perfection. Here's a video I did for StyleUnited.com on how to achieve the braid with ultimate ease. Hope you like it! Contact me if you have any questions!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

How to do a Distressed Fishtail Braid

A simple how-to on fishtail braiding for StyleUnited.com

 Braids are sexy. They're romantic. They're easy, and hide bad hair. And fishtail braids are just plain awesome -- particularly if you put a little distress into them to modernize the look. Here's my quick video for StyleUnited. com. You'll see how quick it is to go from whatever hair to something that looks a bit more catwalk! Enjoy!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Want a ConAir Anti-Frizz Blow Dryer? Post a Vlog Idea!

Frustrated with the Frizz? Just post an awesome video idea you'd like me to do, and an award-winning, new ConAir Blow Dryer is all yours!

CONTEST EXTENDED! :-)

Humidity got your hair and you in a bad mood? Need a new blow dryer but don't know what to get? Last year I had a contest where I asked my viewers to let me know what they wanted my next video to be about, and the winning idea ended up being one of my most popular how-to DIY segments on YouTube (How to Make a Sensitive Skin Rice Milk Disposable Facial Mask)!

I was thrilled because my audience, YOU!, are smart and know what you want!

Well, I'd love to hear the next fantastic video idea. And this award-winning ConAir Infiniti Pro Salon-Perform Blow Dryer is all yours (voted by Shape and Seventeen magazines as one of the best anti-frizz fighting tools). And was also tested by yours truly for another big glossy (hint!/stay tuned!). It's a good one!

Voted by Shape and Seventeen magazines as one of the best anti-frizz fighting tools, tested professionally by me: ConAir's Infiniti Pro Salon-Perform Blow Dryer w/ travel bag and twist-folding handle.

Post your video idea for me to film for NuyBeauty by next Monday, Sept. 10, and I truly look forward to seeing what you have in store this year! Beauty. Style. What do you want to see me vlog about next? Xoxo.

****Bonus Treats from Hawaii, where I've been off-site for a month, included for detailed ideas!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Waterproof Hair Sun Protection & Skin-Healthy Treats: Chatting w/ blogger Catherine Toth in Honolulu

Creator of TheCatDish.com, Catherine Toth and I dish about Hawaiian Beauty, Style and Food

Who doesn't love hot summer styles and eats? Well embracing my trip home to Honolulu, Hawaii, I joined forces with my friend and blogger, Catherine Toth of TheCatDish.com (I'm a huge fan of all her travels and food journeys!) to bring you a fun piece about local Hawaiian beauty -- a combination of relaxed casual styles, lots of sunning and skin awareness, and yummy hot weather eating.

I hope you enjoy what we can bring to you about local Hawaiian style. It's a beautiful place, with gorgeous style! Let us know what you think!


Hawaiian Eats and Hair Sun Protect Product List:

1) Jewelorjuice.com: One of Catherine's favorite spots for Acai Bowls. You can buy acai jewelery or other beads and accessories there as well! And not to mention, the acai berry has the highest concentrations of antioxidants than any other fruit - so it is excellent for your skin to benefit in anti-aging. Happy Skin-Beautiful Eating!

2) Waterproof natural hair sun protection alternative: sesame oil*: Use Neutrogena Body Oil ($10)

3) Ouidad Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-in Conditioner Spray ($20)

4) L'oreal Paris Vive Pro Shampoo/Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair w/ UV Filters ($5)

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Ultimate Hawaiian Summer Tanning Tip

Monoi Tiare coconut oil in the Jasmine (tiare) scent

The tropics. Hot summers. It's warm out there. We're in the thick of July. You want your skin to be as glowing and tan as possible perhaps? I'm in Oahu, my hometown for a vacation right now and wanted to let you know in a little tanning secret. It's skin-safe, AND smells like heavenly paradise. What have you got to lose?

Coconut oils have always been used in island cultures to optimize tanning. It moisturizes the skin, and adds a glow to the skin, which reflects light, creating an optimum tanning base, as the light reflects all over your body. Even better, coconut oil smells delightful and subtle so it's like instant aromatherapy! And, coconut oil works like a mineral oil, but it's great for sensitive skin becasue it doesn't tend to cause any reactions in skin -- so it's great for people with sensitivities, dryness, and mild skin conditions.

Ultimate Tanning at work at Waimea Bay, Hawaii

The Ultimate Hawaiian Tan with Monoi Coconut Oil from Tahiti:

1) Apply sun protection first before you hit the beach or go into the sun, using a sun protection lotion of at least SPF 30 or higher. Let it set for a few minutes so it is absorbed.

2) Use Monoi Coco oil.  Monoi has several scents, like Jasmine or Vanilla or Frangipani -- Gardenia (tiare) is my favorite. Rub a generous amount all over your body. You can even put some in the ends of your hair as it is very nourishing for damaged hair -- it provides essential proteins.

3) Bonus Perfume-use Tip: I use the scented Monoi oils around my neck and upper arms on a daily basis just for a shoulder glow and a natural, subtle perfume. Try it!

4) Reapply as necessary, just as you would your sun protection.

Let me know what you think! xo

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Sun-Friendly Paradise Painted Hair with Ian Scott Dorey (Plus DIY Tips!)

My Paradise Painted hair by Ian Scott Dorey, Creative Color Director of Ouidad Salon in NYC

Want an elegant way to candy-color your hair that will fade nicely with sun exposure? Here's a great way to do it with the creative expertise of my friend and colorist, Ian Scott Dorey, the Creative Color Director of Ouidad Salon in NYC.

Color-treated hair is something we must always protect from the sun. The yummy and radiant rays that feel so good on our skin are not only damaging to our skin, but also to our precious locks, particularly if they've been color-treated. For my recent respite to my hometown of lovely Honolulu, Ian, had the inspiration to paint my hair a tropically motivated color -- lavender/violet.

Moved by the vibrant and purple tones of the bougainvillea and orchids, and countless other flowers of that tone, Ian picked lavender/violet also because, he emphasized, it would fade well with sun exposure, which in Hawaii was inevitable: "A blue dye for example, would fade into green tones, and you wouldn't want that." A purple dye transitions into rose-y lavender and dusty pink tones before going back ultimately to the lifted bleached blonde tips first done to naturally dark hair within a few weeks time.

My tips are professionally lifted to blonde before the violet shades are added.

If you'd like to do this at home, Ian recommends you really do see a professional colorist if your hair is anything but naturally blonde. However if you are a natural blonde, a DIY may be possible. And Ian further recommends that you only do a few pieces in the front, because the hardest part is trying to do the back yourself.

Paradise Painted Hair Up Close

DIY Paradise Painted Hair with Ian Scott Dorey:

Materials Needed:

Manic Panic (pick a purple shade of your choice)
Conditioner
Gloves to protect your hands
A robe or towel to protect your skin and clothes
Clips to pull your hair back

Again, Pro TIP is to not do this unless you're a natural blonde or already professionally bleached blonde, because trying to lift your hair yourself is not recommended.

1) Mix some Manic Panic with a little bit of hair conditioner in a color-safe plastic bowl. The more parts you put of Manic Panic to conditioner, the stronger the purple will be -- the more conditioner you put, the more lavender it will be. Purple fades nicely with sun exposure and will suit many different skin tones, just as in lip or eye shadow color.

2) Take a very fine toothed rat-tail comb and take a few sections of hair just from the front of your head (e.g. from the ear to the face). Clip the remainder of your hair back. Choose sections you want to color. You can tease the hair using the comb, holding the tips, combing upwards, says Ian, and just do certain select parts to create a painted and natural looking effect.

2) Comb the hair into one-inch sections and then right at the tips, massage the color mixture into the tips you've chosen.

Ian demonstrates to his apprentices how to massage the color mixture into the ends.

3) Let your hair process for around 20-40 minutes. Checking the strands between your fingers every ten minutes after the first 20 minutes to see how the color looks.

4) Rinse off the color mixture with super cold water, and in general try to rinse your hair this way when possible Ian advises for healthy hair and ends: "It will help seal your hair cuticles." Depending upon how much conditioner you put in your mixture, you may not need to condition your hair.

5) Care for your newly treated hair always by using shampoo and conditioner especially made for color-treated hair. Try not to shampoo the ends too often, Ian says, if you can help it. This will help make the color last for longer.

6) For added protection try Ouidad's Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Spray ($15) when spending extended time in the sun for protection with UV filters - though designed for curly hair, I found that it works for all hair types.

Left: Ian's Paradise Painted hair after two weeks time, which has faded into a rose, hibiscus shade with lavender undertones. Right: The original more violet/purple shade a few days after the color processing.

Good Luck, and let me know how your DIY's go if you try it!

-- N.C.

Many Thanks to Ian Scott Dorey and Ouidad Salon NYC! xoxo

The First Real Haircut

I waited until my daughter was two-years-old to take her to a salon for a haircut, choosing to maintain her mane at home until then. While she was younger, I felt comfortable trimming her hair, as there wasn't enough of it for me to feel intimidated by. But then it happened. There was more and more hair that got larger and way too in charge. Sure, I thought about doing it myself to save money, but when I weighed the amount of stress it was causing me to conceive of how to cut through the tangled web, I put the scissors down and realized it'd be money well spent.

I was surprisingly school-girl giddy before we went down to the West Village where the salon was, Doodle Doo's, and had naively expected my daughter to be the same. But upon entering the festive place, she started to cry,  pleading "NO, NO, NO!" It was the classic, Mommy! I refuse to get a haircut! scenario, which for whatever reason, I was totally unprepared for. Probably because all of her previous at-home cuts had been trauma-free. The staff, including our stylist Lisa, were wonderful though -- within minutes, through soothing talk and rewards (including bubbles and playing her favorite movie, Annie, for her) she was calmly getting her haircut. Not to mention they had effectively pacified this Mama, who was a tiny bit shaken up by her baby's shear shrieks.

And in a few short minutes, it was all done, and the little one's hair was expertly shaped-up, styled in butterfly-clips, and most importantly, she was beaming.

First real haircut? Done!

As my daughter sits in her chosen chair, Daddy's lap, while quite happily sucking on her lollipop, stylist Lisa, who herself has curly hair, works with her ringlets.

The celebration of a haircut "all done!": bubbles!

Kid Haircuts 1-2-3:

1) Taking your child to a local salon can be a less stressful way to approach cutting hair, than the DIY way. There are many salons specifically designed for kids, with stylists trained to work with yes, fidgety and impatient heads! If you are in the NYC area, I recommend Doodle Doo's, on Christopher Street (kid's haircut: $35), but another good one to try is Lulu's Cut & Toys in Park Slope, Brooklyn (kid's haircut: $22). Lulu's salon also does adult haircuts, which is an added bonus.

2)  For those of you outside of New York, here is a good list of nationwide kid's salons with links to their sites. You can also consider asking a friend for a salon recommendation if you see a child with a haircut you like!

3) While your child is getting his/her trim, ask the stylist for tips on how to maintain the longevity of the cut, e.g., are there any easy things s/he can show you how to do at home like a quick bang trim?

-N.C.


Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

The Brilliance of Braids

I love braids. I was the girl in the room that begged to braid your hair back in the day, and I'm the woman in the boutique who loves the single braided detail on a long, jersey dress. Braids are brilliant and ultimately romantic. They're the one thing that keep me from chopping my hair off when my daughter playfully but painfully tugs on my loose strands, or when I accidentally zip my ponytail into the over-sized zipper on my purse. Yes, ow! But the long, interwoven "works of art" you can achieve make it worth your while.

The Savvy Sideways Plait 1-2-3:

I braid when I feel like my hair isn't lying properly, and I want a quick up-do. Yesterday I did a sideways-three, meaning:

1) I took my hair to one side and did three separate braids, tying them off with small elastic bands.
2) Next, I braided the three individual braids into one big braid.
3) The effect was something I was quite happy with. Have a look, try it if you will, and tell me what you think!

The three-on-one braid

A close-up of the braid that took me five minutes to do.
I used one of my favorite hair-ties to finish (you can get a similar one here).

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Healthy, Long Hair 101

For whatever reason, my hair was never long as a child. It never went past shoulder-length. I asked my mother once why this was so, and she insists that I was the one who always wanted it cut. I remember being suspicious of this response at the time. However, being a mother myself now, I realize that longer hair on a child can be harder to maintain. There are more tangles to be dealt with, more hair to wash and primp. Shorter hair is plain simpler.

Me, at age 3 perhaps, with my perennially shoulder-length hair.

Long-hair-story short, after countless hairstyles (some being entirely regrettable of course), I’ve settled on lengthier locks as a more permanent adult, look in the last few years.  And keeping the hair healthy is easy. Just make sure to get a haircut every three to six months to keep your shape and ends in good standing, and then follow my 1-2-3 in this quick two-minute video, and you’ll be on your way!

Healthy, Long Hair Tool Kit 1-2-3:

1) Conditioning: Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Conditioner ($6).
2) Detangling with a wide-toothed comb: Mebco Tortoise Shower Detangler ($2).
3) Dry-brushing: Frederic Fekkai Classic Brush ($95). Wet-brushing: Denman Paddle Brush ($12).


-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

See How I "Fight the Frizz" in July's Parents Magazine!

-p.72, Mom Knows Best Column

Thanks for all your support everyone!

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Adventures in Hair Accessories

When you've got a girl, what is that inherent need to accessorize their hair? I remember the good old days when A was barely conscious of even having her dainty locks. I was able to put a pin or bow in at will. But soon after she started owning the streets of New York City with a walk and a skip, she realized not only that she could prance with attitude, but that she could give me attitude too -- about her hair. Now, if she keeps something in her curls for a few minutes, I consider myself lucky. Despite this, I still love that moment I see the colorful ornament set against her dark hair. I mean, they are our living dolls, our muses, our inspiration for creativity and life.

I've always been affected by the visual experience. And living in New York City is like living in a motion picture. The landscape is in constant flux because there's so much movement surrounding it -- cars, people, sound, light. Sometimes, even the buildings seem to be moving.  When A came into my life and became, in a sense, the new lead in my Urban Cinema, I had to of course, costume her, to dress and style her for the part. And the thrill of watching her dramatically pull out and throw, like a flaming log, new barrettes I've tried to surreptitiously put in her hair? Hey, every movie needs some theatrics!

Seeing tiny violets blooming during an afternoon walk along the High Line had me wanting to try colored headbands on A. I bought seven headbands from my local 99-cent store, which has a wall of items that is a children's hair accessory extravaganza. I went home and presented them to her. Taking them out of the plastic bag slowly, and individually, I added lots of WOWS and OOHS, to try and make it as suspenseful as possible -- an effort to make the headbands transform into super cool toys. I even brought A's sometime BFF, Elmo, into the mix and had her put them on him. But, as soon as I slipped a turquoise, grosgrain headband with a cluster of roses, on her (the one I'd had to have, that was so high up on the wall that I'd had to reach for it with a one-foot pack of incense), she threw me a knowing look.

Not one of the headbands stayed on A long enough for me to snap a photo -- they were tossed to the floor with pomp and passion. A was very proud of herself, like she'd been patted on the back by Jackson Pollock, and she twirled in big circles, singing to herself.


I was laughing my heart out.


Hair Peace 1-2-3:

My good friend and writer M, who `sound-checks' many of my ideas, and I were discussing how often one sees a baby girl with a hair pin desperately dangling from what seems like a single strand of hair. When it comes down to it, the "success" of the hair ornament has a lot to do with choosing the right one -- the item that will bother toddlers the least while having the right amount of grip and tension to hold securely, their more delicate hair.

1)  Japanese Ponytail Holders: These are without a doubt, truly, ouch-less elastics, which you can conveniently cut and tie to size. The tension is basically perfect. For the last 20 years,  I have used these on my baby-fine, snag-friendly hair. And now, I use them on A.

2) Fabric Barrettes: Since these are wrapped in soft fabric, the little ones are less likely to feel them. They are also designed in the clamp-style, making them easy to put on, in one, swift movement.

3) Hawaiian Plumeria Clip: A single flower in the hair is such a classic -- here's one A has that's petite, tropical, and as light as wind.




-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Surviving the Home Haircut

During my twenties, I cut my hair constantly. I experimented with layers, bangs, different lengths -- you name it. Maybe it stemmed from my love of scissors, which I get from my mother. She had a pair of stainless steel sewing Singer's, which now are as old as me, and they still cut through jeans like a knife through butter. As a child, the clicking sound they made was sensational -- the undulating rhythm of creativity at work.  When A was born I vowed not to touch her hair for several years. Her hair was precious in a way mine had never been. But then during a painful, cry-filled, teething day, A started yanking furiously at her hair as it fell uncomfortably in her eyes. The time had come for her first haircut.

I took a couple of deep breaths before I started, and though I merely trimmed the front, I felt a pang of, strangely, guilt? For fifteen and a half months these loving locks had grown with my little girl.  In the end, A was so relieved to have the hair out of her face that amidst the swollen gums she quieted down. I'd helped her cope. And when I took a step back, I saw that the new fringe was a bit Betty Page!

Since then, I've given her a full-on haircut, and experienced none of the emotions I originally had. It was easy. I realized that children need haircuts regularly to maintain healthy hair, just as adults do. It rejuvenates hair growth by alleviating some of the weight. And sure a little kid's ends don't endure the same amount, or kind, of wear and tear that an adult's does, but the ends are the oldest area of every strand. And with A's curly hair, it was refreshing to see how much more her ringlets bounced and spiraled naturally with less weight.

The trick to a successful, at-home haircut is to have a good pair of scissors. Just like with food prep where you're less likely to cut yourself with a sharper knife, your child's hair will be cut more safely and efficiently with a solid pair of hair-cutting shears. Our last haircut took all of ten minutes. I didn't have a smock so I took a small garbage bag and cut out three holes: one at the bottom seam for her head, and then two at the side seams for her arms. You can place a cotton bib underneath the smock for added protection from the falling locks. A went into the high chair, Sesame Street was turned on, and I gave her a snack cup.

With A's curls, my plan of attack was to go around her in a circle and take a 1/2-inch off as evenly as possible. And with curlier hair, remember that when it's wet it appears longer than it is, so be careful not to take off more than you'd like. After spraying her hair with water, I combed it out, removing all the tangles. Then, using the comb to grab one-inch sections of hair from the roots (working around her head in a downward spiral from the crown), I would slide the sections through the index and third fingers of my left hand (I'm a rightie), stopping just short of a 1/2-inch from the ends. At that point I would snip with the scissors in my right hand. I took some photographs with A's doll to illustrate.

While cutting, your fingers should always be there in between the scissors and your child as a safety. You can still manage even lines while using your fingers to hold the hair against their neck, forehead, ear, etc. If you're having trouble keeping your child still -- bangs can be particularly challenging -- you can always try when they're asleep, and/or have a friend/husband/partner help you hold their head. One trick I've used for both my fringe and A's is to cut at an angle (see photo) as you go across. This will give you a softer, easier to cut, line.


Pro Cut 1-2-3:

1) I love these scissors by Diane Professional ($65). They saw me through some of my own at-home haircuts and now they're navigating A's.

2) A spray bottle ($3) filled with water is useful not only for haircuts but for daily styling and detangling. Our spray bottle was actually what kept A still for most of her last haircut. She kept spraying her face with it, exclaiming, "OOOH!"

3) The comb I use for A is this Mason Pearson ($26) one. It is a great detangler for both straight hair like mine or curlier hair like hers.

--N.C.



Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Baby Curls 101

My daughter, sporting the natural curls I always coveted.

All my life I dreamt of having curls. There was this girl at the high school I went to in Honolulu who had the most sensational head of sun-kissed, blond spirals -- the Shirley Temple of the Surf. I was supremely envious and looked in the mirror at my sorry, straight hair, wishing my hair gene would spontaneously mutate. Then I gave birth to a mixed-race daughter with natural corkscrews and was suddenly faced with the reality of curly hair: tangles, crazy bed-head, even mini dreadlocks! I realized beautiful curls were going to take a little know-how.

My daughter has my fine hair, but with quite a curl. Her ringlets can be gorgeous but as all moms know, babies spend a lot of time with their heads rubbing the backs of pillows, strollers, rugs, etc., and that means a lot of whacked-out hair. I started approaching moms on the playground and asked them about their curlicue routines. And though I got some advice overall, I was surprised to discover that most were still miffed, even if they had curls themselves as to what to do with the little mane, in an easy, manageable way.

The only case I heard of where the curls (and routine) were impeccable involved a mother conditioning her toddler daughter's hair every morning with Pantene. The kicker being that after detangling her hair with a comb, she would let the Pantene sit and set for five minutes under a shower cap before rinsing. The spirals, as a result: picture-perfect 24-7. But both my busy toddler and lifestyle demand a simpler routine.

After a few months of trial and error I figured out what worked: the bottom line being that we wash and condition only twice a week, with some minor maintenance in between. And with this the tangles are minor, and my daughter's hair is healthy and clean. And most importantly, we have more time to luxuriate in our lives.


Easy Curls 1-2-3:

1) Shampoo and Condition: Twice a week

My daughter's hair is on the dry side. As a rule, the curlier the hair, the less natural moisture it maintains. Oil from the scalp travels more easily down the straight hair's shaft than it does with curly hair. Early on, I was washing her hair on a daily basis. Then I realized it was frizzing, had way too much static, and was matting more as a result. Washing and conditioning twice a week provides the right amount of time saved as well as maintaining the right balance of natural oils.

For washing, we’ve been enjoying an organic, tearless, and moisturizing shampoo ($9) and conditioner ($10) by It’s a Curl. For wet-detangling, I let the conditioner sit in the hair for a minute or so while she plays in the tub. Then I take my fingers, or you can use a plastic needle brush like our Hello Kitty one ($5), and gently remove all the tangles before rinsing.

2) Dry Combing: 2-3 times a week

In between the washes it's important to provide some light maintenance to keep the knots at bay and the spirals bouncy. You will need a wide-toothed comb (try this one by Conair, $2) and a detangling product, or you can just opt for water in a spray bottle. We alternate between these detangling products: Fairy Tales Static Free Leave-in Detangling Spray ($9) and Johnson’s No More Tangles Leave-in Conditioner ($5), although I admit to preferring the slightly milder scent of the latter.

3) Styling: If you want, when you want!

For those days you want to amp up those corkscrews, try this Hair Milk ($12: 4 oz.) by Carol’s Daughter, which is safe for baby but designed for moms so you can both use it. And as a rule, don’t apply styling products to the roots, just toward the ends or you'll end up with greasy hair.

Bonus tip!  You can convert blah waves into spirals: Wrap a section of hair around your index finger like a telephone cord while rubbing the product in with your thumb and index finger.

-N.C. 

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.