We're celebrating women in this issue for no other reason than that it's been a long time. More than a decade ago I wrote an article for this magazine that asked why there are so few famous female hairdressers, despite the fact that 80 percent of all hairdressers are female. The answer was complicated. Since that time, we've seen a few women (Sally Hershberger comes to mind) generate the kind of publicity that, say, someone like Orlando Pita does, but it's still a man's world when it comes to getting a beauty editor's attention. This month, we talked to 20 leading ladies of beauty about the choices they've made and the obstacles they've overcome. Read their stories on this issue.
 Marianne Dougherty |
I also want to recognize a group of professional women who give generously of their time and talent as members of the NCA President's Advisory Council. They meet twice a year to provide advice on strategy and focus so the NCA can best serve its members and the industry at large. "The Board of Directors of the NCA felt it was important to reach out beyond the membership into the deep well of corporate talent in our industry today," says Gordon Miller, NCA executive director. "These women work closely with salon professionals so they have information and insight available to them that the NCA would never have otherwise." Not surprisingly, many of the women have bonded, forming deep friendships they might never have made if not for their willingness to sit on the board. On this page is a photo of the group who met at our offices here in New York this fall. Because of prior commitments, a few were unable to attend, but I wanted to recognize them here. Not pictured are OPI's Lori Justice, Creative Nail Design's Jan Arnold, Clairol Professional's Jeanne Matson, John Paul Mitchell Systems' Nina Kovner, EOH Brands's Beth Hickey and Innersense's Judi Maginn.
 TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Joico's Sara Jones, Ecru-Avance's Dee DeLuca Mattos, Repêchage's Lydia Sarfati, Sally Beauty's Susan Walker, Redken's Ann Mincey; BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT: PureOlogy's Cheryl Markham, NCA'S Marlene Bridge, Matrix's Brooke Carlson |
Finally, don't forget to order your copy of Vivienne Mackinder's newest documentary, The Leading Ladies of Hair. The frank 55-minute film explores the career paths of Mackinder, Ruth Roche and Aveda's Antoinette Beenders. "Women typically serve two masters—career and family—and this is not easily accomplished," says Mackinder. To order, call 516/810-0083.