When you go into a salon, whether it's to get your nails done or touch up your roots, there are inevitably "extras" on offer — for an additional cost, of course. But no matter how hard someone pitches them to you, some add-ons aren't absolutely necessary. To find out which five common ones don't make the cut, just keep reading. Read more

In medieval Europe, there existed barber surgeons: haircutters who also happened to perform some minor medical procedures like bloodletting and teeth pulling. And in modern times, it seems the stylist/medical connection just may be drawing closer — although not quite to Middle Ages extremes. A recent study performed by Harvard's School of Public Health found that of 203 Houston-area Read more

It seems there's an iPad app for just about everything, and now salon owners are realizing how valuable a concept that can be. At New York City's Salon AKS, the photo album-organizing MyGallery app has proven to be popular, as stylists use the tool to help clients more easily pick hairstyles during consultations. Having the iPad readily available in salons also enables clients to peruse the Read more

My skin almost hurts from reading this Salon article about the dangers of sun exposure. Writer Sarah Stanfield, a fair-skinned student in Ecuador, wound up with a scorching sunburn after tanning for four hours without sunblock. She writes: Quito rises about 9,000 feet above sea level. At this elevation, the atmosphere is thinner, making skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays. I knew this, but Read more

At 83, Vidal Sassoon, the original celebrity hairstylist, is as active and sharp-witted as ever. His documentary, Vidal Sassoon the Movie, is currently out in limited release, and his autobiography (which he penned himself) is set to be available in the US in April. And after 65 years in the business, he's still "got it" with his slightly flirtatious personality and keen sense of humor, making it Read more

Editor's note: The following post is by guest writer Tabatha Coffey, hairstylist, star of Shear Genius and Tabatha's Salon Takeover, and author of the new book It's Not Really About the Hair. Ever hear of the saying "honesty is the best policy"? Well, nowhere is this truer than in the salon. To get the very most out of your stylist and salon experience, open and honest communication is an Read more

After several years in the spotlight, the braids trend is still going strong. And that's why I think the Nine Zero One salon in West Hollywood is on to something. For just $25, you can visit the salon's Braid Bar, where a stylist will create the perfect plait of your choice. Pick from: Around the World, two braids on each side joined together in the back; Hollywood Glam, a headband "braid" Read more

While most of us haven't really thought much about Tiger Woods's indiscretions for quite some time, we're getting a nice big reminder thanks to one of his supposed former mistresses, Loredana Jolie. The New York Post reports that the one-time Playboy model is rumored to have plans to open an NYC spa called (groan) Tigress this March. Apparently, she's finishing up cosmetology classes, and while Read more

One Florida woman found herself in jail this week after calling 911 about a dispute over her manicure. Apparently the lady in question, Cynthia Colston, felt a salon technician had left her nails too short, and called the emergency-only number four times to request sheriff's deputies come out to the salon. In the calls, Colston told dispatchers “I need to press charges. I just went to a Read more

The good news? Your amazing stylist has just been promoted. The bad news? A price increase ensues. Recently, after getting a haircut, I was informed that the next time I came in, my stylist's prices would increase 20 percent. Mixed emotions followed, but once I accepted the fact that hikes in prices are normal for any business, I got a whole new outlook on the subject. For a few tips on how to Read more