So what's the difference between the ladies that went to Stan's Hair Salon and the ladies that go to hair salons across our area and beyond? "Rollers, curling irons, sprays, perms. The stuff that was done to hair then is no where to be found today. Treatments are friendlier and less caustic. Irons are ionically charged to keep hair healthy while also curling or straightening. Women today have different lifestyles. My mother never did her own hair. Today's woman can take charge of her own hair and just needs me for a cut, color. Of course the color is critical, as is the cut. And there might be some other kind of conditioning treatment that needs professional application. But for the most part, women today don't need the weekly wash, set or blowdry that my mother needed."

     I had to ask Bart what he felt was most important vis a vis a woman's "hair." (This from a woman, I might add, who was and is sorely in need of a good haircut!) "COLOR. If a woman has the right hair color, that is, one that is natural and believable, very little else is needed for her to look beautiful. The perfect hair color minimizes the need for a lot of make-up. (Fortunately, he seemed to feel my "color" fit the bill – thank heaven!) It sets the frame for everything."

     And what about these geometrical cuts that are so popular now? "These cuts should be seen as a tribute to the talented Vidal Sassoon. When he started this cut in the 60s there weren't many women that would wear, what was thought then,

such an extreme cut. Women today are gobbling up the angles, with confidence and the cuts suit the times. They're perfect for today's mood." (He didn't know that I was one of those pioneers of the Vidal Sassoon cut in the '60s..... neither did my husband!)

     What's Bart do in his "off hours?" Well, as all business owners, his life is filled with business concerns almost 24/7... however... he is the proud "parent" of a Boarder Collie Chow mix, Savannah and an Alaskan Malamute, Maddie. And after a few unsolicited remarks, it sounded like Maddie is giving Bart a real "run for his money." She's "the problem child." He continues to attend his AA meetings. Staying healthy and in recovery is a priority.

     Bart is also very active in raising funds for the Jason Lenet Memorial Fund of the Children's Crisis Treatment Center. He volunteers his time and energy to this organization that supports children and families in crisis. Every year he opens his Salon for a day of services and fun to benefit the Treatment Center and its activites. This year he raised $14,000. In fact, the day of this interview, he was on his way to Center City Philadelphia to be honored for his efforts on behalf of the Treatment Center. So yes, Bart would seem to have a very full life.

     My meeting with Bart Rosenstein gave me no surprises. He is just what he appears to be. Warm, open, welcoming and yes... very deliberate in all that he says and all that he does! I had a great visit. I enjoyed the beautiful weather and the good conversation. Best of all, I loved hearing that my hair color was just perfect! Thanks Bart!

By Linda Herman