The situation was desperate. A year and a half outside of my once golden highlights and almost six months post-cut, I was ready for some work to be done. My only solace was Yelp - and the people who write these reviews - to help me avoid a 4th mistake at the hands of an under seasoned stylist. And that's when I found Todd.
His name isn't one you'd normally see every day, and the name "Nue" just seemed to speak to me: something new. Try it, you might like it. Try something....Nue?
I was absolutely surprised when I heard his voice answer the phone. I didn't figure it was him at first - but when I told him I'd been referred to a "Todd", he instantly responded that he was in fact the man with magic hands...in the flesh. Sort of.
Wow, I thought... he answers the phone. How cool is that in a city where even assistants have assistants? I have to admit, I was a bit nervous, but he calmed me right down. Very level headed, easy to talk to and even easier to book an appointment with. Apparently, Todd lives and works at his own studio, allowing him the ability to make appointments in the evening - sometimes late - to accommodate his clients. Perfect!
I scheduled the appointment for a Thursday evening and drove up a couple days later. It was an hour drive from South Miami in rush hour traffic, but I had my iPod and great music so the drive didn't seem so endless. I just prayed that my experience would make up for it.
Nestled in a classic art-district building with giant panes of glass and vintage decor, Todd's Nue Studio is welcoming and - lets just say it - a time warp. Think back to vinyl records, paper mache lamps and gold fabric colored sofas. Picture art in browns, blues and mellow tones with a flash of red and orange.
When I got there, I met Caroline at the bar. Yes, their counter is a bar. She's sweet, pleasant and helpful. I was introduced to Todd right away - from across the room - as he scanned his parlor to see who this new girl was walking through the door. See, that's how Todd is; he knows his clients. And he didn't know me, but he certainly made his way to the counter quick enough to shake my hand and introduce himself.
He's like a celebrity here on Yelp, but in person, he's a laid back guy with a great personality and a flavor for creating conversation. You think it? He'll talk about it.
After reviewing my mane and toying with it a bit, he gave his honest opinion on what works with my hair type. He also mentioned that he has his own style - he cuts dry - but he assured me that he knows what he's doing and with the sincerity in his tone, I couldn't disagree.
A brief cut and I was ready for Michael Angelo to rev up my color. He talked with me for a few minutes on what I was looking for and then came up with a great idea for some strawberry blond lights and some copper lows.
Once my color was complete, I moved back to Todd for the finishing touches. As I sipped a frozen Sangria, he worked with my cowlick, trimming the bangs just enough so that they would hang right. He then applied minimal product and fluffed. We discussed a great lounge nearby and he offered up the information and an invite to an event in a couple weeks.
I also walked out with a CD that Todd had burned himself, because the music was so freaking amazing that when we commented on it, he offered up the disc without hesitation... very cool in my book.
Here's the highlights (no pun intended):
- Studio is comfortable, vintage, not artsy but unique, full of great music and chatty people who make you feel right at home
- Todd is experienced, educated and artistic; you'll be surprised just how intimate he can be with your hair. It's like a 6th sense.
- Michael Angelo is a one-of-a-kind "mixologist" with a flair for blending color in combinations that make your hair pop while looking totally natural
- Prices are by the hour but extremely reasonable, he only charges for the time he spends with you
- He offers free bang trims for the next few weeks - just stop in and he'll touch it up for you
- You will be extremely comfortable! If you're cool with an occasional swear word now and then, great conversation and a puppy sleeping in a dryer chair while you have your hair dyed, then this is the place for you!
Am I hooked? You're damn right I am. I'll be back again, maybe sooner, just to say hi. 'Cause that's how this place is. read more