Emma Forrest has noticed a phenomenon: women share secrets not just with hairdressers, but with their masseurs, Chi Gong teachers, bikini waxers and aestheticians, too. Though who can blame them, really? Those are the people she trusts to keep her aesthetically on track and looking as she feels she should. The sort of intimacy that warrants secret-sharing is inherent in the relationship from the start.

Forrest took this concept and ran with it, assembling essays on how personal grooming has effected personal relationships from notables such as Rose McGowan, Minnie Driver, Francesca Lia Block and Judy Raines. Damage Control: Women on the Therapists, Beauticians, and Trainers Who Navigate Their Bodies, and The Today Show has made the introduction available on their Website. You may view it here.