Everyone enjoys a good pampering session at the salon from time to time, but for those with dementia it can mean a lot more. Research has shown that salon visits can provide sensory cues linked to appearance (through scents), which could be useful for reminiscence. It also suggests that hairstylists can act as ‘unofficial therapists’ who build relationships with their clients with dementia and provide emotional support to them. Hair care can be part of appearance-related support that helps enhance a person’s identity, as well as their self-expression and social participation, which are incredibly important for those with dementia.