CNN iReport

by Tom Livsey,

pictured # 1 Mrs. Shannon Davis

       # 2 Mrs. Rita Dixon

                           # 3  Mrs. Lucretia Key Hillman

                # 4  Ms. Jasmine Taylor

Not pictured # 5  Mrs. Mary Owens  Smith  

Far from being superficial, black hair and its care goes well beyond the multibillion-dollar industry it has become and is deeply rooted in African-American

identity and culture.

In the movie, "Good Hair", Chris Rock visits barbershops in Harlem, salons in Beverly Hills as well as the extravagant Bronner Bros. Hair Show in Atlanta, where stylists wield their shears in intense hair battles.

In the documentary Rock even goes as far as India, which is where the hair from many weaves worn by African-American women actually comes from.

While the movie focuses on the relationship African-Americans have with their hair, dissatisfaction with appearance is an issue that faces broader society. "We live in this crazy world. It's not just weaves, it's boob jobs and Botox and nose jobs," Rock explains.

The movie has a sense of seriousness, but doesn't lose its humor. "It plays as funny as any movie I've ever done," Rock says. "I mean if you just sat there and listened for laughs, it's big bang laughs." However, Mr. Rock's movie falls short of providing alternatives to the situation pertaining to black hair care. One thing that he acknowledges is that today's hair salons are well entrenched in the black community.

As a matter of fact, "Barbershops and beauty salons are perhaps second only to black churches as institutions in the community," said Ingrid Banks, an associate professor of Black Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara. Foo Hair Design is such a temple for seeking a good haircare institution in metro Atlanta, Georgia.

The name of this exclusive salon stands for....FAMILY. OWNED. OPERATED. Over four years ago, Shannon Davis along with her husband Anderson Davis decided to start a high quality hair salon that would treat all their clients not only as celebrities, but family, as well.Today, the Stone Mountain, Ga. hair salon is as solid as the mountain that sits outside its doors.

Mrs. Davis recalls "It was my Parkview vocational teacher from New York, Mrs. Irene Fowler who helped me discover my hidden artistic talents. Like most other successful people, I can still pinpoint the teacher who came into my life and made a difference in a positive way. Mrs. Fowler challenged me and taught things that I want to push forward to a new generation of ambitious tweeners.

From time to time, we offer mini-workshops aimed at instilling self-confidence and self-esteem to the young girls in Atlanta, Ga.. Our shop is a place known as much for supporting the community, as it is known for providing top shelf hair styles at very reasonable prices.

We are conscious of the bad economy and we try to do our part by keeping our prices as low as we can.

Located less than two miles from Georgia's biggest tourist attraction, Stone Mountain Park, FOO has grown relatively fast to offer Atlanta Area women five of the best hair stylists in the state. Each stylist possesses a unique area of expertise.

Here are just a few of the stylists on FOO's staff:

Rita Dixon, is the makeover queen, with over twenty years of experience. Whether you need a polished look for your prom or your wedding. Mrs. Dixon will guarantee you a photo finished look.

Lucretia Key Hillman, is the master of the scissors. Her specialty is short hair bobs and short haircuts.According to your face.shape and personality, Mrs. Hillman will design a carefree cut that you will be able to maintain without much effort on your part.

Jasmine Taylor from Decatur is the princess of the salon catering to the needs of the youth's hair concerns. For many African-Americans, having a child walk around with unkempt hair is an almost unpardonable sin. That desire to be well groomed extends into adulthood and the multitudes of hairstyles are as diverse as the black community itself. Jasmine will make sure your child's hair is perfect every time.

Mary Owens Smith has been in the hair care industry for over twenty five years. Though she prides herself at being knowledgable with every facet of caring for hair, her true expertise lies in the area of severe hair issues. For women who are battling cancer, Mrs. Owens is well known for her hair units that are customized to the individual client's need and the client's head shape. There is no reason to stop looking your best, even when you might be at your worse. Mrs. Owens can make you beautiful again.

"FOO Hair Design promote only healthy hair. We use only the best product lines. but only after we have established a lasting connection with the person in our chair. After doing that, we take into account the client's background, workplace and lifestyle, do we offer them the proper service. No matter what kind of hair our clients have to work with....In our eyes good hair is simply healthy hair.

When asked if styling hair is an art form, Mrs. Davis responded, "Absolutely...There is something magical about dealing with hair, because the person that leaves my chair is different from the one who first sat down".

Although being the boss, leaves little time for her outside mothering her three children, Josh 17, Allaysia 15 and Anderlan 10., Shannon does find brief moments to comfort herself by writing poetry and staying active at her church, New Bethel A.M.E. in Lithonia, Ga.

While critics might disagree with how Chris Rock tried to portray decisions that black women must make about their hair in everyday life, there is nothing funny at all when a woman has a bad hair day. This will not happen if you make an appointment with FOO Hair Design this week!

For more information please call (678)-476-0042 or email Shannon: fooshannonr@yahoo.com . This salon's address is 1944 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087