The last time American Salon had a face-lift, Bill Clinton was in office. Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Actually, it's been 10 years, which is probably too long, especially in our makeover-obsessed culture. You've probably noticed that we've got a new logo—check out our cover, which we shot right here in New York with Redken artists Giovanni Guintoli and Patrick McIvor. You won't want to miss a brand-new section called "Notebook" that's guaranteed to keep you on trend, or "Better Business," which offers business-building tips to keep you ahead of the competition. You'll also find a humorous approach to the zodiac on the last page of every issue.
 Marianne Dougherty |
What I'm most excited about is "Life Support," which has nothing to do with hairdressing and everything to do with you. And that's the point. Last year the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) hosted Salon Life '06 in Las Vegas. On the program were Oprah's trainer Bob Greene, financial guru Suze Orman and industry icons like Ann Mincey and Robert Cromeans. "After talking to salon professionals for more than a year, I realized that it was not their lack of technical skills that was holding them back, it was life," says the NCA's Gordon Miller, who found that people's careers were ending sooner because they weren't taking care of their bodies or because they didn't know how to deal with the day-to-day stress of modern life. Salon Life '07, which will be held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this July, promises to be even more exciting. Log on to ncacares.org for updates. In the meantime, get your monthly dose of life support from American Salon.
 The late Paul Mitchell's son Angus Mitchell and DJ Muldoon |
Aside from all the new departments we're introducing, we've got another surprise for you this month as well. Paul Mitchell's son Angus Mitchell, co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems, and DJ Muldoon, director of education for A Robert Cromeans Salons, have chosen American Salon to publish their new collection of cuts inspired by work Paul Mitchell created in the '70s. The timing is perfect because on March 3, the NCA is sponsoring its second annual Legends Ball. A tribute to the life of Robert Lobetta and the legacy of Paul Mitchell, the event benefits the NCA Disaster Relief Fund. Call 800/883-7808 to get your tickets now.
We're extremely proud of our new look, which has been six months in the making. Our creative director, Jeannie Oberholtzer, never ceases to amaze me. This summer the staff met at her house to begin the process of reinventing American Salon just in time for its 130th anniversary. We hope you approve. —Marianne Dougherty, editor in chief, [email protected]