For decades the primary reference for cosmetology licensure, Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology has undergone the most thorough transformation in its history with this new edition. Milady has totally revamped the organization and contents to bring the Standard into the new century. In its contents and art, both of which are new to this edition, the book reflects the changes in salon and spa treatments, procedures, and products. New chapters such as "Life Skills" by Arlene Alpert and "Communicating for Success" by Catherine Frangie start students on the right path, stressing the soft skills that professionals know is the key to success. NAHA award-winner Mary Brunetti also wrote the chapters "Shampooing, Rinsing, and Conditioning" and "Hair Styling." Ruth Roche, another NAHA-award winner, has created a totally new "Haircutting" chapter, complete with step-by-step technicals on the core cuts. The look of the text mirrors the changes in content, with its open feel, contemporary design, and high-quality photography. Having been developed after extensive analysis by educational design experts, the textbook exhibits the most sophisticated methods for relaying information, stimulating thought, aiding comprehension, and enhancing retention. Central to the book's development was the knowledge that learners need to keep engaged through a visual, inviting display when they turn each page, and that steered the direction of the text design and art program.