Natasha Pickowicz, the chef and author of Everyone Hot Pot, has both a busy professional life and a head full of hair. Working in a hot, fast-paced kitchen meant she needed styles that would stay put without causing pain; early on she learned that pulling everything into a tight bun or rigid ponytail often ended in headaches. Through experimentation she arrived at a handful of low-effort approaches that feel comfortable, look playful, and let her concentrate on cooking and signing books. This piece collects the practical elements of her routine — from the type of accessories she reaches for to the small styling habits that solve real problems for people with thick hair.
Why size and texture matter for styling
People with dense, coarse strands need tools that match hair volume, and Natasha emphasizes proportion as a small but powerful idea. Rather than tiny elastics that disappear into the mass of hair, she prefers oversized pieces that create balance and hold: think giant scrunchies, broad bows, and large clips. A well-sized accessory distributes tension more evenly and reduces scalp strain, which explains why her earlier tight bun attempts hurt. She also notes that materials and elasticity affect longevity — some brands maintain tension better and resist stretching. When discussing texture and volume, the takeaway is simple: choose pieces built to handle density so you can get a stable style without pain or constant adjustments.
Everyday styles that stay put
For actual techniques, Natasha often pulls the top layer of hair into a small knot or half-up arrangement that keeps front strands away from her face while leaving weight distributed at the back. The method is essentially a compact version of a half-ponytail that tucks more naturally around the head, which avoids the pressure point of a single high pony. She also enjoys elevated, playful silhouettes — large bows placed high on the scalp in a Minnie Mouse style or fashion-forward arrangements with dramatic clips. These looks let her move—chop, stir, and plate—without a hair in her face, and they read as intentional rather than simply functional.
Accessories she reaches for and where she shops
Natasha names certain favorites and smart shopping spots. She likes Ganni ones for their strong elastic and bold prints, and suggests scouting clearance racks for a cost-effective find. For budget-friendly, cute options she heads to Asian variety stores and supermarkets — places like Daiso, H Mart, and Teso often stock Korean and Japanese hair goods that are both inexpensive and well-designed. Essential hardwear includes oversized claw clips with a ’90s vibe and heavy-duty pins; she mentions going through many XL bobby pins because they’re the rare pins that actually hold her dense strands in place all shift-free through long shifts or events.
Little rituals and finishing touches
Beyond function, Natasha layers in personal details: a gold ribbon she’s been wearing on tour started as gift wrap from her friend Maria and has become a lucky charm. She notes that wearing gold feels auspicious during the Lunar New Year, and she prefers the ribbon to look slightly wrinkly/floppy rather than pristinely tied, which keeps the look from feeling overly twee. These subtle choices—an imperfect knot, a handed-down ribbon, or a slightly distressed bow—help her wardrobe feel lived-in and authentic while still performing the heavy lifting demanded by her profession.
Illustration, celebration, and a quick prompt
Her presence extends beyond the kitchen: an illustration of Natasha by João Fazenda appeared in the New Yorker, capturing some of the same charm that shows up in her styling. Congratulations are in order for Everyone Hot Pot, and for finding approachable hair strategies that others can copy. If you have a go-to accessory or a signature way of keeping hair out of your face, consider it an invitation to experiment with proportion and comfort. Finally, Natasha’s routine pairs well with simple seasonal changes — think lighter accessories for warm weather — and a few easy tricks for parting hair can make these styles even more reliable.
