Well parents, it’s that time of year again—we send our little darlings off to camp and they come back older, wiser, and…often with bright green hair! A summer of swimming, sun, and less than daily detangling can leave your child’s hair dry, frizzy, and discolored. To insure that your child’s hair stays healthy throughout the summer, I have put together a Summer Camp Hair Care Guide:

Washing, Rinsing, and Conditioning
Your child should use a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and focus on lathering at the roots- it’s the oil-producing scalp that you’re washing when you wash hair. Massage the scalp gently with your fingertips. Just work the suds down, no need to scrub the ends of the hair. Rinse all shampoo out. No need to repeat unless you are working with super oily hair.

Conditioning comes next. In contrast to shampooing, now your child will now focus on the hair strands rather than the scalp- it’s the hair that needs the moisture. I recommend applying a healthy dollop of conditioner and running the fingers through the hair to remove snags and snarls (as if your fingers are a comb). My secret tip- leave a little bit of conditioner in at the ends for an extra moisturizing boost.

Let your child know that if there’s no time to shower after swimming, she should at least rinse the hair with cool water to remove some of the chemicals and salt.

Combing and Brushing
Keep in mind that even the most attentive counselors can’t be responsible for detangling every head in the cabin, so it’s best to get your child in the habit of thoroughly brushing her own hair before she leaves for camp. Here are some tips about tangles that make the brushing experience is as painless as possible:

• Detangling In the Shower: Have your child bring her wide-toothed comb into the shower. After shampooing, have her apply conditioner and then comb it through the hair. Good trick: start combing from the bottom of the hair strand and hold each section securely with the other hand to prevent tugging on the scalp. Tangles will come out easily and the hair will feel soft and silky.
• Detangling After The Shower: She can stop tangles in their tracks by brushing the hair while it’s still wet. To detangle without painful tugging, she should gently grab a section of hair above where she’s going to comb. Then, using a wide-toothed comb, start at the bottom of each strand and work its way up slowly and gently, one inch at a time.
• Prevent Tangles During Sleep: For girls (or boys) with long tresses, I always recommend putting the hair in a loose ponytail or braid before bed. This really works to reduce tangles and makes for less brushing during the morning rush.

What to Pack
Make sure the following items are on your Summer Camp packing checklist:

• Swimmer’s Shampoo: Clarifying shampoo is the only way to remove all the chlorine and salt from hair, and to prevent hair from drying out and discoloring.
• Leave-in Conditioner: Leave-in conditioner is like sunscreen for hair. The sun’s heat dries hair’s natural oils, causing frizz, flyaways, and split ends. A leave-in conditioner is the ideal solution for protecting hair against summer heat, especially So Cozy Cool Coconut Protective Conditioning Mist, which is enriched with Sunscreen to protect hair and scalp.
• A Hat: The only thing more painful than tangles is a scalp sunburn. A hat is the only complete coverage from the sun. There are all kinds of cute hats in the stores, from baseball caps to straw hats with flowers or printed bands. Let your child pick the style that she likes the best (and maybe she’ll actually wear it!)
• Styling essentials: Depending on the length and style of your child’s hair, make sure you pack elastics, a brush, wide-toothed comb, and inexpensive barrettes and clips (they will get lost). Each camp has it’s own rules about blow dryers and curling/flat irons, so I recommend checking camp policy prior to packing. Obviously, the shorter the styling process, the easier it will be for your child at camp.

Lice Prevention
A big concern among parents of summer campers is lice. All it takes is one infested child, and before you know it the entire camp is in trouble. You can’t control everything, but you can educate your child about how to avoid lice:

My 3 Golden Rules of Lice Prevention:

1. No sharing brushes, hats, or other hair accessories
2. No head-to-head contact
3. No using other kid’s beds, pillows, or stuffed animals

If you’re concerned about your child actually following the 3 Golden Rules, add a lice preventing shampoo to the list of things to pack. I recommend So Cozy Boo! Lice Preventing Shampoo, but any shampoo containing tea tree oil should do the trick. Oh, and your child will be happily follow this last lice rule: Don’t wash your hair every day (lice like clean hair!).

Styling
Make sure to help your daughter prepare to style her own hair while at camp. Start with a basic ponytail, and if she’s older, try teaching her to do some easy braids. The Double Twist is one of my favorite 5 minute hairstyles and works great for keeping hair out of her eyes. All she’ll need is a brush and a couple of barrettes.

1. Using a fine-tooth comb, part dry or damp hair—in the middle or on either side works.
2. Gather a small section of hair from one side of the part towards the front of the head. Tightly twist the hair upward toward the part. Keep the twist close to the head, and carefully add in more hair as you twist further towards the crown of the head. Secure with a hair clip or barrette.
3. Repeat twist on the other side of the head, and remember to twist upward towards the part.

For more 5 minute styling ideas and directions, check out Cozy’s Complete Guide To Girls’ Hair

I welcome your questions or comments!

I’m Cozy Friedman, the Founder & President of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in New York City and I’m also the author of the book Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair ,where this information and much more can be found! To get my Expert Advice right in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Thank you for visiting! -Cozy

At Cozy’s we always work to keep on top of the latest trends in boys’ hairstyles. My blog from October 2011 “4 Great Hairstyles for Boys” is still one of the most popular articles on my website. So…

What’s new now for boys’ hairstyles? The One Direction (or as some are calling it: The Hyper-Bieber!)

The trendy Brits from One Direction have taken Justin Bieber’s signature side swept hair to a whole new level. The tweens shaggy do’s have girls lining up for concert tickets and boys lining up for…new hairstyles??

When Just Bieber arrived on the scene with a swoop that made girls everywhere swoon, his hairstyle became a must-have for boys around the world. Now the British popstars from One Direction have modified the popular Bieber look with an even shaggier windblown edge. Already, the Hyper-Bieber hairdo is the next craze among young boys.

Get the Look
Luckily, the One Direction style requires little effort—perfect for younger boys who want the rock star look, without the rock star maintenance. The most important thing is the length of the hair—it must be medium to long to really achieve the windblown look.

• Brush hair from the top and sides of the head completely forward over the forehead and ears
• Use a quarter-size amount of styling gel or cream* and run hands through the hair from the back to front, sweeping it to the “one direction” of your liking
• Use hands to finish shaping the style as desired

*Remember to choose your product based on the thickness of his hair. Use gel on thicker hair (try So Cozy Styling Gel), and styling cream on thinner and shorter hair (try So Cozy Styling Cream).

Have any questions about boys’ hairstyles? Just ask Cozy!

Some recent articles in the New York Times warn that this summer could end up being a particularly voracious tick season. There are a number of scientific reasons, but for parents, the most pressing concern is how to protect yourself and your family from the Lyme disease-spreading tiny black critters that lurk in our yards, gardens and woods. Interestingly, the answer could be in a bottle of lice preventing hair conditioner!

The Lice connection:
For years, customers at my kid’s hair salons in New York had been asking me how to prevent their child from getting lice. Lice, such a problem for school aged children, can send a parent into a panic when found on their child. So, I set out to develop a hair product line that would be safe for kids but strong enough to repel lice. That’s how So Cozy Boo! Lice Repellent Shampoo and Conditioner came to be.

So what does that have to do with ticks?
Boo! Products contain tea tree oil a naturally occurring ingredient that not only repels lice, but can repel ticks, too! The fragrance of the tea tree oil is effective in keeping nasty ticks at bay (similar to the way Citronella can repel mosquitoes) and has become an important part of summer protection for many parents.

How to use Boo! to repel ticks:
Although Boo! products were developed for use on hair, it also works great on the body as a tick repellent. Spray Boo! Leave-On Conditioner on any exposed skin before going outside; that means feet, ankles, shins, arms, etc. The effect of the spray will last as long as the fragrance remains. The fragrance itself is nice and outdoors-y (which is a plus and kids don’t mind it) Spray as often as necessary; when you can no longer detect the fragrance.

Boo! products can be found in any of my three New York City salons or online here.

To read the recent articles in the New York Times about this upcoming tick season, click here:
Bracing for a Hungry Tick Season
Preparing Children and Teens for a Tough Tick Season

Have more questions for me about ticks? Ask in the comments!

People frequently ask me what shampoo for kids is best for their little ones. “My child has fine hair, dry hair, thin hair, thick hair, curly hair…” Oh My! Not to worry, parents, I’ve got the perfect recommendations for the best kids’ shampoo for any and every type of hair:

Tear-Free Shampoo
For young kids, tear-free shampoos contain very mild surfactants (the ingredient that creates suds) which will keep your child’s eyes from stinging. In addition, many tear-free varieties are soap-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. Tear-free formulations are milder, making it perfect for fine hair.

Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos really get the “gunk” out. Everything from hard water, to mineral deposits, to chlorine, to dirt all collected from your child’s hectic lifestyle. All of these can really leave your child’s hair heavy, greasy, or limp. A clarifying shampoo will remove all these unwanted deposits- no problem!. I recommend using a clarifying shampoo once a week if your child’s hair is oily, and once a month if it’s normal to dry.

Volumizing Shampoo
Volumizing shampoos usually contain a wheat or rice protein which can really build body in your child’s hair. But take special note, everyday use can lead to too much build up and weigh hair down. If you’re going to use a volumizing shampoo every few days make sure to alternate with a clarifying shampoo. Absolutely the best for straight hair!

Hydrating Shampoo
Hydrating shampoos deposit humectants (such as glycerine) into your child’s hair to absorb and retain moisture. If your child has curly hair, try using a curl-enhancing hydrating shampoo three times a week to keep their curls healthy. Hydrating shampoos are also best for kids with thick hair to help hair lay down and stay calm once and for all.

If you’re looking for the perfect shampoo for your child be sure to try my So Cozy Hair Care Products for Children. All of my SO COZY® shampoos are specially formulated for kids aged 1 to 12, are paraben-free, and their fun, fruity fragrances make bath time fun for kids and easy for parents!

Have more questions for me? Ask in the comments!

I’m Cozy Friedman, the Founder & President of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in New York City and I’m also the author of the book Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair ,where this information and much more can be found! To get my Expert Advice right in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Thank you for visiting! -Cozy

What’s cooler than being a Cozy’s client? A VIP Cozy’s client! I’m excited to announce the launch of my VIP Program, featuring exclusive perks and discounts that deliver an ultimate stylish look, and then some.

Sign up at any Cozy’s salon location throughout New York City, and receive a special VIP card that you can show every time you visit to score big-time rewards. As a VIP, you’ll have the chance to get in on all sorts of special deals, like free hair washes, mini-manicures, giveaways and more.

Here’s what Cozy’s VIP’s are enjoying this month (January):

• Free Hair Wash with every haircut
• Free Mini-Manicures anytime
• Free Temporary Tattoo at anytime
• Free Colored ‘Do with every Haircut (Colored Gel)

And for New Enrollments only – 20% off on SoCozy kids’ hair products!

Snag star styling treatment at Cozy’s, and be the first to be notified of special Facebook, Twitter and online offers, as well as the latest promotions. Stop by and find out how your little one can become a VIP and get the insider experience at Cozy’s.

Can’t wait to see you!

- Cozy

Believe it or not, this is a question that I get asked all the time! There’s no magical trick to making hair grow, because mostly it’s a matter of genetics. There are, however, some things you can do to help the natural process along and you may actually see your child’s hair grow faster.

Here are some of the most common questions about growth I’ve received over the years, and my expert advice on helping hair grow and be healthy. You can call it magic, but I just call it years of experience!

Q: My eight-year-old daughter’s very fine hair grows very slowly. Is it true that cutting her hair will help it grow thicker and faster?
A: There is no scientific evidence that suggests that cutting makes hair grow faster, but I can tell you from experience that is does seem like it helps. My theory is that by trimming or cleaning up the scraggly ends and providing a shape and style to the hair, you cause it to appear thicker and consequently notice the growth more.

Q: My three-month old has lost nearly all of the hair he was born with. How can I help the new hair to grow faster?
A: Infants often lose all the hair they are born within the first six months. In many cases, the hair that grows back will be an entirely new color or texture than before. For some children, this hair grows back quickly, for others it takes several months. This is all normal, and there’s no need to worry if your once brunette baby is now blonde!

Q: My nine-year-old desperately wants to have long flowing “princess” hair. Her hair is shoulder length now—do you have any tricks to speed up hair growth?
A: The most important thing in this situation is patience! New hair grows ½ to 1 inch each month and averages about 5 to 6 inches every year. That being said, it could be several months until you start to see noticeable growth.

Eating for healthy hair

Adding certain foods to can actually promote hair growth—and give children the nourishment their bodies need.
• Peanuts, corn, and spinach contain Vitamin E, which stimulates hair growth.
• Folic acid, found in foods like asparagus, peas, citrus fruits, and turkey, will help promote hair growth by strengthening strands so they don’t break off prematurely.
• Drinking water—four to six glasses a day—will keep hair hydrated.
• Vitamin B produces keratin, a protein that strengthens strands. Found in bananas, whole-grain cereals, rice and eggs.
• Dairy products like skim milk and yogurt—as well as broccoli and strawberries–are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth.

Regular trips to the salon for routine trims are another trick that keeps hair healthy.

Have more questions for me? Ask in the comments!

I’m Cozy Friedman, the Founder & President of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in New York City and So Cozy Hair Care Products for Children. I’m also the author of the book Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair where these do-it-yourself hairstyles and many more come from. To get my Expert Advice right in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Thank you for visiting! -Cozy

Child celebrities have always influenced hairstyle trends for kids. Add that to the fact that because of the hundreds of blogs that cover “Celebri-Kids’” comings and goings, hovering paparazzi make sure that the public gets a glimpse every time an adult star hits the street with kids in tow. So now, not just child stars, but the children of celebrities are setting the trends for kids’ hairstyles.

2011 was the biggest year so far for hairstyle trends started by Celebri-Kids. Let’s take a look:

Coolest Girls’ Hair Trend: Feathers

Lola Sheen, Kaia Gerber, and Neriah Fisher

Celebri-Kids like Lola Sheen rocked hair feathers in all lengths and colors from the playground to the big screen. Salons have been jammed with young girls standing in line to get feathers added to their hair (moms, too!). With clip-on and professionally placed in feathers available, the look is easy to achieve. It’s so popular, that there is actually a shortage of feathers out there! I don’t expect this style to fly away anytime soon!

And here’s Stella Spelling being fitted for feathers at a salon in Toronto:

Bravest Hair Trend: Dyed Hair

Coco Arquette and Kingston Rossdale

Courtney Cox’s daughter Coco Arquette is the mini-queen of dyed hair. First she had Jenn-inspired blonde highlights then recently celebrated her seventh birthday by getting bright blue and purple highlights! And Gwen Stefani’s oldest, Kingston Rossdale, shocked everyone with his bright blue ‘do. While most parents agree that kids are too young for permanent dye, temporary (wash-out) hair color in vibrant colors has been huge this year. A neon strand or two (or three!) gives style instant wow-factor. This trend is sure to last through 2012!

Edgiest Hair Trend: The Mohawk

Kingston Rossdale, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, and Angel Iris Murphy Brown

As if blue hair wasn’t enough, Celebri-Kid Kingston Rossdale took it a step further this summer when he hit the town in his Mohawk. Since then Maddox, one of the Jolie-Pitt brood, has adopted a similar ‘do. And the Mohawk isn’t just for boys—former Spice Girl Melanie Brown’s daughter was spotted sporting this edgy style, too. Getting this wild look is easier than you think—and don’t worry, thanks to a little hairstyling trick we call a “Faux-Hawk” it doesn’t have to be quite this extreme!

Most Copied Boys’ Hair Trend: Surfer Bangs

Justin Beiber, Pax Jolie-Pitt, and Zac Efron

Although he’s grown out of his signature long bangs style, Justin Bieber’s locks were still the number one requested hairstyle for boys in 2011. And it’s been many years since Zac Efron sported the look, but the popularity of this modern take on the “surfer look” has had boys of all ages asking for long layers and side swept bangs. Even Pax Jolie-Pitt’s side swept bangs are a touch “Beiber-esque”.

What’s Next? Braids! Braids! Braids!

Selena Gomez, Violet Affleck, and Nahla Aubry

Towards the end of 2011, we’ve seen braids make a comeback in a big way. Teen queen and Disney channel regular Selena Gomez has fully embraced the braid trend, and seems to favor the loose side braid. French Braids, Hairband Braids, and more are showing up on Celebri-Kids of all ages, making the boring braid a thing of the past. 2012 will be all about fun braids and accessories.

Jennifer Anniston, Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, and Rachel McAdams

Braids are not just for kids either; many adult celebs have been wearing pretty plaits on the red carpet and in the magazines. What makes this trend so suddenly popular? The versatility! Braids can be dressed up and down, and work well with other popular hair trends like hair color and feathers. A bright pop of color woven into a braid can give your little lady a funky edge, and a sweet ribbon can soften any style.

At Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, braids have become so popular, I’ve opened Braid Bars in all three  salons to accommodate all the little girls looking for a unique braided style. You can also find instructions on how to do some awesone braids at home in my bood Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair.

(But don’t worry, we still do hair feathers, Beibers, and Faux-Hawks at my salons, too)

2011 was such a fun year in kids’ hair trends, and I’m excited to see what pretty, wild, or crazy styles 2012 will bring.

Happy New Year, and happy hairstyling with these top trends!

Since it’s the giving season I want to tell you a little about Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. I have been a long time fan and supporter and yet I am still overcome with pride each time a child visits my salon to give the gift of their hair to a child in need.

Donating to Locks of Love

Locks of Love takes donations of hair 10 inches or longer, and the hair must be bundled in a ponytail or braid. Donations of all hair types and colors are accepted.

In my salons, the stylist gathers hair in one long ponytail to do the initial snip—this keeps the hair together (and makes the shock of a 10 inch haircut quick and easy!). We then make sure to take great care when sending every donated pony to Locks of Love.

A couple of weeks ago we were thrilled to have Tony Award winning actress Donna Murphy and her daughter in the salon making a Locks of Love donation. Donna, who has been in movies such as the King and I and Spiderman, and was recently the voice of Mother Gothel in the Disney film Tangled (love that movie!) Cozy stylist Berta did an amazing job, and her daughter was very happy with her new shorter ‘do!

It’s estimated that 80% of all donations to Locks of Love come from children who wish to help other children. What a wonderful gift to give, and a great way to teach your child about being charitable!

And, shorter hair makes an ideal canvas for fun accessories and funky styles. Try a headband braid, or double twist on the sides. Secure styles with fun hair clips, and don’t forget your hair feathers and tinsel! Keep in mind that less hair equals fewer tangles, too (a big added benefit!).

I am always awed by the generosity of the children who give their hair to Locks of Love. To find out more, please call any of my three Manhattan salons.

Thank You,

-Cozy

Once considered the go-to simple hairstyle for long-haired girls ten and under, braids are making a sophisticated comeback in a big way. Celeb trend setters like Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato have been seen rocking braids on the red carpet, on tour, and all around town—proving that the basic braid is a thing of the past!

Fashionistas have given adults the OK to borrow this look from little girls, but don’t let celebs have all the fun. In celebration of the braid trend, I’m pleased to announce the newest addition to my salons, Cozy’s Braid Bar!
Let our staff of professional stylists create the perfect plait for your little trendsetter.

From the traditional French braid to the sophisticated (and practical!) headband braid, Cozy’s Cuts for Kids Braid Bar is your one-stop-shop for the most gorgeous braided hairstyles. Stop by and check out our braid look book, and let your little lady pick out her favorite braid. (And yes, grown-up girls are also welcome.)

The braid trend works great with this year’s other hot trends, hair feather and tinsel extensions. Woven through a braid, feathers and tinsel add an extra pop of color and style.

Stop by the Braid Bar and walk out with a gorgeous, feminine, amazing braid today. Perfect for special occasion, and fun for moms and daughters!

(During the busy holiday season, I recommend calling for an appointment first.

Cozy’s Braid Bar is located at all three Manhattan Locations. Click here for phone numbers and locations.

‘Tis the season for holiday parties, holiday photos, and of course, holiday hairstyles! To make sure your daughter’s hair is perfectly polished and picture-ready, try one (or all!) of these festive ‘do for your special occasions this season!

Holiday Hairstyle #1: If your daughter prefers to wear her hair down, a French Braid Headband is the perfect way to dress up a straight style for a special occasion.

Step 1: Start with damp hair and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle.

Step 2: Using a fine-tooth comb, draw a horizontal line across the crown from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. From the line, comb the hair forward to the face. Pull the hair in the back of the line into a ponytail holder or clip to separate it from the braid.

Step 3: Tilt the head so the ear you’ve chosen to start with is facing up toward the ceiling. With your child’s ear tilted up, begin making the braided headband using the hair in front of the part. French-braid tightly across the crown and down to the other side, gathering small sections from above the part.

Step 4: Once you’ve reached the other ear, secure the braid with an elastic. Remove the rest of the hair from the holder or clip and style as you like.

Holiday Hairstyle #2: One of my favorite go-to holiday hairstyles for girls is the Ballerina Chignon—perfect for those little girls with visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing around their heads!

Step 1: Starting with dry hair, comb or brush the hair to smooth and detangle. Let hair fall where it naturally parts.

Step 2: Using a fine-tooth comb, section top front portion of hair horizontally, from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. Pull the lower section of hair back into a ponytail and secure with a ponytail holder.

Step 3: Comb the front section straight back neatly and use hairpins to pin the hair into the ponytail base.

Step 4: Split the ponytail in half horizontally. Comb the top section up and roll it up into a loop. Pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 5: Comb the lower section of hair down. Rolling it under, make a loop. Use hairpins to pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 6: Using several hairpins, stretch out the loops of hair all around the ponytail base, so the loops each form a semicircle—one on the top and one on the bottom. Add some beads or sparkles for that extra bit of glamour.

Holiday Hairstyle #3: A Pretty Ponytail of soft, loose curls is a classic holiday hairstyle for little girls and it is very simple to create at home.

Step 1: Gather hair into a high ponytail, leaving out a few loose tendrils around the face.

Step 2: Taking hair in one inch sections, wind around a medium to large barrel curling iron to create loose curls.

Step 3: Spray hair with hairspray or use a quarter-sized amount of styling cream to hold curls in place.

Step 4: Add a sparkly ribbon, flower, or even a tiara to complete the look.

For an extra special holiday look, stop by any Cozy’s Cuts for Kids location to add some sparkle to her strands with the winter’s hottest trend–temporary tinsel extensions. Available in festive red, silver, green, gold, temporary tinsel extensions are the perfect complement to any of the holiday hairstyles above! Safe for delicate hair, tinsel extensions are painless to apply and to remove.

Do you have a favorite holiday hairstyle? Share in the comments!

I’m Cozy Friedman, the Founder & President of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in New York City and So Cozy Hair Care Products for Children. I’m also the author of the book Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair where these do-it-yourself hairstyles and many more come from. To get my Expert Advice right in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Thank you for visiting! -Cozy