Born into Beauty: AN INTERVIEW WITH NINA NGUYEN
Many hairstylists feel the “call” at an early age, but Nina Nguyen was born into the beauty industry. Her parents are Vietnamese immigrants in the nail business, so self-care and beauty have always been a big part of her life. In 2019, Nina officially embarked on her journey to become a hairstylist. She studied at Leon’s Beauty School and worked in her own studio in Greensboro before finding the perfect work home at Alkali Hair Studio.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO HAIR INSTEAD OF NAILS?
I’ve always loved the hair industry, but I started doing nails first. I’m not sure if it was from all the nail dust or chemical exposure, but I developed an allergy that caused terrible coughing attacks while doing nails, so this career path didn’t last long. It was just as well though, as I didn’t want to be another stereotypical Asian nail technician.
JEJ PHOTOS
JEJ Photos
WHAT’S YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SERVICE?
If I have to choose a favorite, it’d be color because of how creative it allows me to be. My specialty is blonding. I’ve always struggled to find stylists skilled in lightening hair as dark as mine, so I made it my personal mission to learn how to do it well.
WHAT TYPE OF CLIENT BEST MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY?
I’m pretty talkative but adapt well to different personalities and preferences. When you’re in my chair, it’s all about YOU. I also love my LGBTQIA+ peeps and would love to work more with them. It’s important to me that they feel safe—a feeling I wish I’d had when I was younger.
SPEAKING OF PERSONALITY, WHAT’S YOUR ZODIAC SIGN? DOES IT FIT YOU?
I’m an Aries! My moon is Leo and my rising is Cancer. Everything you hear about me is 110% correct! I like to think of myself as a triple threat, but in a good way. I’m a woman, a minority, and part of the Alphabet Mafia.
336.724.1453
OUTSIDE OF BEAUTY, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I’m a huge outdoors fan! My husband and I hit the trails on our bikes every chance we get. I’m also a foodie. I love trying new places to eat. Asian foods are my favorite, especially sushi and Vietnamese.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE YOUR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW?
I’m a big goofball. I love having fun and being silly. I’m also fluent in Vietnamese and recently started learning Spanish. I have a lot of Hispanic friends and have always wanted to understand their language more. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I was Hispanic in my past life—dancing Bachata is like my love language! Searching for a stylist who has a knack for helping you choose the right cut and color for your face shape and personality, makes you feel safe, and goes out of their way to make you a priority? You can stop looking now. Book your appointment with Nina today!
407 West End Blvd, Winston-Salem
studioalkali.com