24 ChanningThe sound of Channing’s heels clicking on the glossy marble floor of LaNoir’s Hair & Nails was lost in the tumult of chattering women and roaring blow dryers. Mingled sulfur and ammonia scents from perm salts and hair dye thickened the air, the powerful odors promising serious transformation.
Channing took in the carefully positioned ceiling spots and LED strips framing the mirrors. LaNoir’s had the same electric atmosphere as the upmarket salon on Philadelphia’s Main Line where her mother had gone for a weekly tune-up.
Channing realized she’d missed that energy at the walk-in places she visited for a trim. Feeling oddly at home, she headed confidently for a redwood counter topped by a cash register and a computer screen.
The petite blonde behind it was encased in gorgeous ch
