tangles are "knot" funny! get the knots out with knot genie

When my daughter's straight baby hair started to turn into corkscrew curls, I panicked! How was I supposed to know how to work with that? I envisioned hours of my life being lost to time in front of the mirror frantically trying to brush out split ends, tangles and knots.

Fortunately, it hasn't been that bad. Now, at age 4, she dreads any oncoming brush but a few minutes of TV time during detangling plus the right tools will cure that. I always use a good detangling spray (more on that to come) and a good brush. That's why I was excited to try Knot Genie, the detangling brush like no other.

The Knot Genie detangling Brush was created for every mom that has endured foot stamping and screaming matches that come with brushing their child’s hair. With Knot Genie, curly, knotted hair slips through unique bristle configuration which boasts teeth that come in varying lengths. You won’t harm the cuticle and your child’s hair will end up looking smooth, silky and shiny.

I just comb through hair after a bath when it's a bit damp, and let it dry. It sometimes takes a couple of strokes to smooth out the knots at the ends but overall it's a great design and a welcome beauty tool. I especially love the cloud-shaped top that fits nicely in the palm of my hand, making the brushing process quicker and more gentle.

For info, go to www.knotgenie.com, or to order, go to www.knotgeniestore.com. Or tweet about this post @kidandcab by Friday, March 9th at 4p.m. and you could win one for yourself.

what a difference a blowdry makes! thanks to the Paul LaBrecque Salon and Spa

Growing up with straight hair, I always wanted my sisters' gorgeous curls and they always wanted my stick straight locks. After all, the grass is always greener. Seems like this concept holds throughout the generations.

My four-year-old daughter, who has the most gorgeous curls, would give anything for her friends' straight do's. This weekend, I took her to the well-known Paul Labrecque salon and spa on Manhattan's Upper West Side (www.paullabrecque.com), where I get my own hair cut, for a much-needed trim. Her only request was for my favorite stylist, Jasmine, to cut off her curls!

Jasmine kindly explained that if she cut off the curls, her hair would still be curly and offered her an allover trim with a little angling in the front and a professional blowdry instead. My very shy daughter sat staring in the mirror as her hair was straightened, leaving Jasmine and I trying to determine whether or not she was going to be happy with the results. But the second she was finished, a huge grin spread from ear to ear at the fact that she has rediscovered herself as a girl with straight hair!

For the rest of the afternoon, she was in heaven--prancing around town, swinging her head from side to side in disbelief. We pinned her hair up so she could take her bath and not ruin her 'do, and this morning, she put on her best dress and party shoes to go to school to show off her new look. Let me tell you...she walked down the hall of her preschool as if she was on the catwalk! Teachers and students stole second glances and made a big fuss over her transformation. I have never seen her so happy!

Thanks to Jasmine and the amazing Paul Labrecque team for pulling this off--it will truly be a day she remembers for life! As for me, I am dreading tonight's bath when we have to wash her hair and the curls will reappear. Jasmine, do you have any openings tomorrow?

For more great cut, color and styling ideas, plus some amazing hair care products, go to www.paullabrecque.com.

raise the bar

My kids' shampoo saga continues.... One wants lots of suds, the other wants a fruity scent... I didn't think I could ever make them both happy in the bath...until I discovered One Bath and Body. The company's bar shampoo makes washing your hair easy and fun.

The solid tear-free shampoo is a round bar housed in an embossed aluminum storage tin and comes in a luscious Coco Banana scent. One bar lasts as long as three eight-ounce bottles so you save room in your shower and in the landfills. My kids love that they can apply it themselves and they get a kick out of the way it lathers up in their hair. Part of the endangered species collection, you can help save a monkey while you wash your child's hair. How cool is that?

If you like One Shampoo, you'll also love One Hair & Body wash in Panda Berry. It comes in a recyclable aluminum canister that has a scratch & sniff sticker on the top of the cover! So you can actually sample the scent without trying to break through the safety seal. And you can help save a panda while you use it. Another reason this is the One hair and body wash you can't live without.

Finally, try One Snow Leopard Lavender Body Lotion, all over your baby's skin and especially on their knees and cheeks. One Baby will donate a portion of its sales to support the sea World/Bush gardens Conservation Fund, swbg-conservationfund.org.

Go to onebathandbody.com for more info on these great products.

sweet deal: cupcakes help CancerCare for Kids

All kids love cupcakes (even big kids like us!) so you know you're putting a smile on someone's face when you pass them around. göt2b takes the cake when it comes to doing good by participating in Cupcakes for a Cause Week. From September 20 – 26, bakeries and grocery stores around the country will be selling specially-decorated cupcakes and donating a portion of the sales to CancerCare for Kids, a program that provides free support services to children affected by cancer and their families. Here's how göt2b is sweetening the deal: 1) For every free e-Cupcake sent, göt2b will donate $1.00 to the cause (up to $10,000) and 2) For every new “like” on got2b’s facebook page, got2b will donate $1 (up to $1000) Plus, if got2b reaches 10,000 “likes” by September 30, got2b will donate an additional $1000! While you’re treating friends to cupcakes and e-Cupcakes, göt2b will treat your tired, limp locks to an instant volume makeover with its collagen-infused fat-tastic collection. The line, which features got2b fat-tastic root-boosting spray, got2b fat-tastic thickening plumping mousse and got2b fat-tastic thickening non-aerosol hairspray gives women a delicious feast for fine hair for thicker, plumper locks that are big on style! Visit www.cupcakesforacause.org for all the details.

happy father's day: gifts for all dads

Most guys claim they don't "need" anything, but when Father's Day comes around, there are plenty of gift ideas for the women in their lives to choose from. Here are some favorites...

Not just another tie! Votre Vu's Tie One Off gift set ($63; a $93 value) includes these must-have, travel-sized products: · Formule 1 Men’s 3-in-1 Hair, Face and Body Wash · Habitude Men’s Daily Face Crème (SPF 15) · Beau Baume Organic Shave Balm · Ten Gauge Health & Energy Slam (Five 2.5 oz. bottles). Go to http://www.votrevu.com/ to order.

He'll never have to have a bad hair day again with Sculpt Wax ($22). Light-reflecting shine polymers to give hold, separation and definition. Dry hair, then twist, bend and shape into desired style. Peyton Manning and Josh Duhamel are fans. Get some for dad at http://www.emmettcooperhaircare.com/.

If he already has an iPad, get him a case to tote it in. TARGUS introduces iPad cases ($49.99 each) designed to protect it while you're on the go. They come in multiple color options, including black, blue, brown, and plum, and have a new A7 Neoprene Sleeve that holds up to 17" widescreen laptops. Available via http://www.targus.com/.

Make sure he doesn't neglect his feet! The Pedicure Salon Kit ($9.99) from Kiss contains a Toenail Clipper, Cuticle Nipper, Foot & Brush Stone, Cuticle Pusher & Cleaner, Toe Separators, 4-Way Bugger, Nail File and Manicure Sticks--all basic necessities. Available at www.beautyonlinesupply.com.

If he prefers the slightly scruffy look but still wants to appear well-groomed, give him the Remington Complete Grooming System ($19.99). It has a wide trimmer, a fine trimmer, and 16 different comb lengths to trim any beard length. At Target, Walmart and www.remingtonproducts.com.

Don't let him sweat the shaving routine. Give him the BLACK OPAL Razor Bump Solution Shave System ($21.95)--complete with Anti-Bump Cleanser, Anti-Bump Shave Gel and Anti-Bump Treatment for smooth, soft, non-irritated skin. Go to www.BlackOpalBeauty.com, enter promo code DAD20 at checkout and receive free shipping on your entire order.

nourish your hair

One of the best things for me about being pregnant was having a thick, shiny, full head of hair. AFter I had my kids, I was not so lucky--my hair still sheds constantly! The fact is, there are 20 million women in America with excessive hair loss and ten million of them are under the age of 40. FACT: In both pregnancy and post-partum, changes in hormone levels can produce significant hair loss. What to do? Bosley Professional Strength products ($14.95 to $48.95), created with hair doctors, contain the LifeXtend Complex, combining Biogenic, Ocean Marine and Plant extracts to create ideal conditions for the healthiest hair and scalp. The formulas are vegan, phthalate-free, sulfate free and paraben-free, making them safer and healthier - especially for women who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. The product line includes F.D.A. approved re-growth treatments that are clinically proven to help stop hair loss and re-grow hair. Get more info at www.bosleypro.com or look for the products at salons nationwide. Your hair will thank you!

every day is earth day--at Goody

Just because Earth Day has come and gone, doesn't mean you have to forget about being green. Goody reminds us this daily with its Eco Movement™ and Down To Earth™ brush collections, featuring unique bamboo and wood designs.

Personally, I'm glad that such products exist for us grown-ups since all I do is worry about detangling my daughter's hair. They work well on our hair too--as long as we haven't pulled it all out yet!

The Eco Movement collection ($11.50 each) is made of crafted from natural bamboo. ComforTip wood bristles provide a soothing massage and move gently through hair without snagging or pulling.

I tried the Cushion Styler Brush ($6.50; pictured left) from the Goody Down To Earth collection featuring a natural wood design. The ball-tipped bristles gently massage the scalp while detangling hair--great for any hair style or length. Plus it's pretty compact so it's easy to tote around.

All are available at Walmart stores nationwide and on www.walmart.com.

forget me, knots!

Every morning my daughter (age 2.5) wakes up with a tangled head of hair--even after I've conditioned, spritzed and sprayed it with all kinds of detanglers the night before. So I decided to try this Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner ($13) from Jane Carter Solution. Since it's not designed for kids, I just rub in a drop after shampooing, massage through hair, then rinse. This range of products was created for all hair types--even dry, curly or color treated--so it really works hard to get hair smooth and silky. The fact that it's made with natural butters and organic essential oils makes me feel good about using it on her hair and it does make a difference. The best part: I can use it myself, along with the Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo ($10)--it's sulphate-free, has humectants to locks in moisture and a hint of peppermint to wake up your scalp. Try them both at www.janecartersolution.com.

fashion week: just shampoo, don't rinse, don't repeat

Fashion Week came and went in a whirlwind. There were so many shows/parties/events to attend, there was barely any time to prep. Thankfully, TRESemmé, the official hair care sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, came to the rescue with its TRESemmé Salon & Lounge, located right inside the tents! Throughout the week, TRESemmé hairstylists worked their magic on fashionistas and celebs as they breezed through the venue. Even Erin Lucas of MTV's The City stopped in before heading to the Tracy Reese show. Anyway, a beauty event wouldn't be a beauty event without a gift bag and this was no exception. Everyone who visited the Lounge left with a complimentary TRESemmé FreshStart Dry Shampoo. You don't have to be a fashionista to use it. It's the most perfect tool for moms on the go. Say you haven't had a chance to wash your hair in three days--we know it's happened! Just spray some on, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then brush out and style. I just tried it and it definitely gave my hair body, shine and a fresh-smelling clean look and feel. The trick is to hold the can 8-12 inches from your hair and apply evenly. There were a couple of spots where I "overdid it" a bit and dispersed too much product so my hair looked a little flatter. Overall, it works well and fits into your purse so you can just spray and go. Apply now and you'll be freshly shampooed in time for pickup! Go to www.tresemmme.com for more info.

holiday looks: the updo

Running from work to holiday party with no time to spare? Forego the blow-dry and spend $3.99 on the Goody Ouchless Updo Barrette at your local drug store. Available in large or small sizes, this soft, flexible clip gently grips your hair for long-lasting style and comfort. The no-metal hinge and clasp design eliminates hair breakage and the soft plastic means you can lean back and relax. Just gather hair in back, twist it in your hand then wrap it into a loose bun at the back of your head. Clip into place and let front strands hang loose. Now you're ready to party. Go to www.goody.com and pick your favorite clip.

holiday gift guide: give peter lamas

As the new year approaches, women everywhere are renewing their vows to be thin. But the one thing they don't want is thin hair. That's why the Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Regenerating System Promoting Healthy Hair Growth makes a great holiday gift, especially for new moms and moms-to-be who are going through dramatic changes in their hair density and texture. And all the products are 100% natural and vegan, so breastfeeding moms don't have to worry about harmful chemicals. The kit includes a Stimulating Shampoo, Stimulating Conditioner, Revitalizing Nutrient Mist and Revitalizing Styling Cream. The combination is designed to stimulate and energize weak hair and scalps. Check out www.lamasbeauty.com for more info.

holiday gift guide: give ACE

It's easy to get wrapped up in holiday shopping for the kids but don't forget your significant other. If he's anything like mine, he won't want anything excessive and won't be happy with something he doesn't really need, like the ACE Dual Action Trimmer ($21.99). Not only will it keep his face smooth and groomed, but it also features a two-sided trim system with a rotating head for nose and ear hair and a reciprocating head for sideburns, facial and neck hair. Granted, you may not need or want to know all these details of your husband's private grooming routine but he'll be impressed. Find it at www.amazon.com or www.drugstore.com. get more info at www.AceForMen.com.

father's day: who's your daddy?

To make sure your dad or husband looks good this father's day, give him a practical gift like LUSH's Daddyo Shampoo ($26.75). Perfect for guys with silver or blonde locks, this purple rinse shampoo deep cleanses and conditions to give hair shine and volume while eliminating brassy, yellow tones. Made from fresh lemons to restore color and add shine, organic coconut oil to give hair strength and seaweed minerals to get it into condition, this vegan formula makes it easy to go grey and be proud of it. For more info or to purchase Daddyo Shampoo for your special guy, go to www.lush.com.

come clean for kai

When you're giving your child a bath, you're probably worrying about getting soap in his eyes or making sure he doesn't slip in the tub. But if you use Foaming Hair and Body Wash for Little Men ($12) by Anthony Logistics for Men, you can worry less (it gets them clean and won't sting their eyes) and feel like you're doing some good at the same time. For the month of May, 100% of the profits from this product will be donated to the Hope for Kai fund. Kai, not even 5 years old, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. At the same time, his father was also diagnosed with a rare type of Lymphoma. The medical costs for Kai’s treatment are enormous and more than his family can manage. ALFM supports Kai Anderson in his journey to find a donor and receive necessary treatment to fight the disease. Make your purchase at http://www.anthony.com/ and learn more about the cause at http://www.hopeforkai.com/.