Danville woman launches new book, ‘Hair Matters’

Longtime Danville resident Elayne Becker, who found new happiness in a second career in cosmetology, has released a new book that features personal stories and pop culture anecdotes to pay homage to hair as a symbol of life’s journey.

“Hair Matters” describes the impact hair has had in Becker’s life and spotlights artists and cultural figures from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, using their hair as a metaphor to describe them.

“Hair styles are barometers of culture and help define who we are,” said Becker, a cosmetology instructor at W Academy of Salon + Spa in Danville. “I wanted to introduce my students to the artists and icons of previous decades, so they could understand their contribution to fashion and style.”

She added that the book is a story of reinvention and inspiration that all begins and ends with hair.

Becker is set to celebrate the release of “Hair Matters” with a book-signing event Monday (Nov. 7) from 5-9 p.m. at W Academy of Salon + Spa, 520 San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Becker entered cosmetology late in her professional life, after spending nearly 30 years as an interior designer in the Bay Area that included project homes featured in Better Homes and Gardens, HGTV and Home & Design magazines. She also used her artistic passion for furniture design, owning home retail stores in Walnut Creek and Blackhawk.

Then almost a decade ago, she decided to refocus her career and soon graduated with honors from the Paul Mitchell School in Pleasant Hill.

A wife, mother and grandmother, Becker has spent the past eight years honing her cosmetology knowledge and skills with certifications in advanced hair-cutting, color and styling.

“Hair Matters,” published by Alive Book Publishing, is also available online through retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.