Wash, set and surf

Forget gossip or idle chitchat with the stylist on your next trip to the beauty salon. While David Dickson cuts hair, his clients send e-mail, read newspapers from around the world and make theater reservations. “Computers broaden our lives, and this station is an added element to my relationship with my clients,” says the Westside stylist.

Using a hand-held Web Racer the shape of a pear, clients explore a flat 17-inch monitor built into the wall by Dickson near their chair. Need to get an urgent e-mail to your secretary? Dont let a bang trim stand in the way. Want to share vacation photos of your recent trip to Edinburgh Castle? E-mail the snapshots to the salon to show Dickson while he clips away, as a client recently did. Tired of tired salon music? Click on digital tunes, at no extra charge.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that computers and beauty salons are made for each other,” Dickson says. “In a few years, when Web terminals are everywhere, people will think nothing of it. But right now, this is the cutting edge.” No pun intended.

Azalia Salon, 11638 Barrington Court, Brentwood Village; (310) 471-8894.

https://www.digitalhair.com.