Like many of us with aging parents, my husband's siblings have been trying to convince their mom to consider a senior community that offers some assisted care. She's been putting the brakes on, but a recent health development finally swayed her to tour just one upscale residence in her community. After a long Saturday tour and a gourmet lunch, she signed the lease. We were elated!

The next day she got her hair colored. "Why would you want to move there?" her stylist asked. "Isn't that an old-folks home? You're not old!"

Uttered in just ten seconds, those words sent us back to square one. The bond of trust that stylist had carefully cultivated with my mother-in-law reached far beyond hair, beauty and fashion to a wealth of lifestyle issues. Her opinion superseded the advice of doctors, family members and friends.

So never doubt that the words you say behind the chair are as strong and powerful as the styles you create within it. As for us, the next time we tour a senior residence, I'm inviting the stylist along. 

Stacey Soble has been involved in the conversation of salon business for 14 years-as a reporter, a consultant and as the editor in chief of SALON TODAY.

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