The salon was an informal education for women, where they were able to exchange ideas, receive and give criticism, read their own works and hear the works and ideas of other intellectuals. Many ambitious women used the salon to pursue a form of higher education.

Errol Douglas MBE London — clients include Diana Ross, Naomi Campbell, Melanie Griffith. Frédéric Fekkai — French hairstylist, particularly famous during the 1990s for his notoriously high prices. Leonard of Mayfair — leading London hairdresser from the 1960s to 1980s, training many other cutters.

The word salon is French, originally meaning "reception room." In 1800's France, the meaning grew to include a "gathering of elegant people" occurring regularly in such a room.

The end of the 1800s saw the transition from barbershops to salons all over the world.