Medusa Starts Hair Salon, Accidentally Creates World's Best Security System
Local gorgon's beauty business thrives despite minor petrification incidents
Medusa Starts Hair Salon, Accidentally Creates World’s Best Security System
When your worst feature becomes your best business asset
Three months ago, Medusa (yes, that Medusa) opened “Serpentine Styles” in downtown’s trendy Pearl District. What started as a desperate attempt to monetize her unique hair situation has become the city’s hottest salon—and most impenetrable fortress.
The Pivot
“I was tired of living in a cave,” Medusa explains, her snakes nodding in agreement. “Thousands of years of isolation because one guy with a mirrored shield had a bad day. I figured it was time to rebrand.”
“Everyone focuses on the turning-people-to-stone thing. Nobody talks about how I literally have professional stylists growing out of my head 24/7.”
— Medusa, Founder & CEO
The business model is simple: Medusa’s snake hair can style, cut, and color simultaneously. A full transformation that takes other salons 3 hours? Done in 12 minutes.
The Services Menu
Basic Styles
- The Hiss & Curl — Bouncy waves in under 10 minutes
- Venom Highlights — Natural-looking streaks (completely non-toxic)
- The Gorgon Bob — Sharp, precise, potentially lethal precision
Premium Packages
- Medusa’s Signature Look — Full snake integration (consultation required)
- The Petrification Special — Literally permanent hold (emergency reversal available)
- Stone Cold Stunning — We meant that metaphorically. Mostly.
The Unexpected Security Benefit
Within the first week, Medusa noticed something remarkable: zero theft, zero vandalism, zero problem customers.
“Someone tried to rob us on day three,” recalls receptionist Jenny Martinez, the only human employee brave enough to work facing away from her boss at all times. “Medusa looked at him. Now he’s our coat rack.”
Current Security Features
- 17 “decorative statues” positioned strategically around the salon
- No security cameras needed (witnesses are literally everywhere)
- Alarm system: Medusa’s direct eye contact
- Safe combination: Just asking Medusa nicely
The police have filed exactly zero incident reports for the property. When asked for comment, Officer Davis said, “We drive by occasionally. Everyone seems… very still. Very peaceful.”
The Client Experience
Despite the inherent danger, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive:
Sarah K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best haircut of my life! Just make sure you follow the ‘eyes closed, head down’ policy during the snake section. My friend forgot. She’s a lovely garden gnome now.”
Marcus T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The ambiance is to die for. Literally saw someone almost die. Hair looks amazing though!”
Helen (Posted from Mount Olympus) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Finally, someone who understands ancient Greek hair texture. The snakes are very gentle. Unlike that time with Perseus.”
Typography Showcase: The Liability Waiver
Before your appointment, clients must sign what Medusa calls “the most honest contract in beauty industry history”:
SERPENTINE STYLES LIABILITY WAIVER
YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
Keep your eyes closed during all snake-involved procedures Do not make sudden movements (the snakes startle easily) Accept that petrification is a workplace hazard, not a personal attack
Cancellation Policy
- 24 hours notice required
- No-shows may become permanent fixtures
- We are NOT kidding about this
IMPORTANT: If you have Athena’s phone number, please leave it at the door. We’re still working through some things.
By signing, you acknowledge that “turning to stone” is a known occupational hazard and agree to hold Serpentine Styles harmless in the event of petrification, mild petrification, or decorative statue conversion.
The Business Philosophy
When asked about her management style, Medusa becomes thoughtful (while her snakes continue organizing the appointment book):
“For millennia, everyone saw me as a monster. But you know what? These snakes are artists. They have opinions about layering. They argue about curtain bangs. One of them—Gary, the middle-left one—is obsessed with balayage.”
She gestures to her reflection in a carefully angled mirror. “I’ve learned to work with what I have. Sure, direct eye contact turns people to stone. But indirect eye contact? Chef’s kiss. Perfect for checking the back of someone’s head while styling.”
Expansion Plans
The success of Serpentine Styles has inspired ambitious growth:
Coming Soon
- Barber shop next door (Medusa’s boyfriend has opinions about men’s grooming)
- Online masterclasses (“Style Without Sight: A Gorgon’s Guide”)
- Statue restoration service (they have a LOT of practice materials)
- Security consulting (“Let us stare at your problems”)
The Product Line
Medusa is launching her own hair care brand:
- Stone Cold Styling Spray — Extreme hold (understatement)
- Serpent Serum — Made with real snake… enthusiasm
- Gorgon Gloss — Shine so bright it’s petrifying
The Competition’s Response
Other local salons have been remarkably diplomatic about the new competition.
“We can’t compete with literal magic hair,” admits Amanda from “Shear Perfection” down the street. “But we also don’t have a waiting list of people hoping to be turned back from stone, so there’s that.”
The local health inspector tried to shut them down twice. Both inspectors are now decorative planters flanking the entrance. The third inspector approved everything without looking up from his clipboard.
Walk-ins Welcome (At Your Own Risk)
Serpentine Styles Where every day is a good hair day, unless you forget the safety rules
📍 123 Medusa Lane, Pearl District ⏰ Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm (Closed Sundays for religious reasons and snake bathing) 📞 (555) STONE-ME
This reporter conducted the entire interview via reflective surfaces and a very long selfie stick. The hair tips were worth the danger.