An Elon University performing arts student came rushing through the doors of Coming Attractions Hair and Tanning salon. Her face was red from tears, and she was in a panic. She had dyed her hair black for a part, and now it wouldn't come out.

For hours, the beauticians at Coming Attractions worked on her hair. They also fed her and took care of her, as if she was one of their own.

Eight hours later, the student looked in the mirror and could see her hair finally back to its original color.

"We did it," said Delores Foster, owner of Coming Attractions. "We got it off, and she walked out of here with hair."

The salon has seen many problems like this, including the proverbial brush stuck in the hair.

Coming Attractions has also done hair for every occasion, from proms to weddings to funerals.

"We've had people stop on the way to the funeral home to get their hair done," Foster said.

The salon's supplies have not just been used in the salon. They've also been on loan in Elon's performing arts programs.

One year, when the program was putting on "Steel Magnolias," it used Coming Attraction's supplies as props — which is amusing, since many people tell the ladies at Coming Attractions they have an uncanny resemblance to those from the movie.

"I've never seen us like that, but everyone else sees us like that," Foster said.

Foster has been in charge for 18 years, beginning when the salon occupied the space on Lebanon Avenue that now belongs to Mynt.

In 1997, it moved to its current location on North Holt Avenue, behind Elon Community Church.

When it first tried to purchase the location, a former fruit stand, there was competition from another local business owner, but when Foster begged for the spot, he relented.

Coming Attractions has been there ever since.

"I can't imagine going anywhere else to work," said Sherry Jones, who's worked with Foster for about 20 years. "It's like coming home to mom's."

And while other salons experience friction and jealousy among beauticians, Jones said the ladies at Coming Attractions have escaped all of that.

"We've been together for 20 years," Foster said. "We have all been together more than we have with our families."

Along with the customers, the people of Coming Attractions have become one big family, both beauticians said.

"It's just a warm atmosphere," Jones said. "Everybody's real friendly. When people have problems, we listen."

The salon provides more than just beauty services, though. Often there is food to eat, as well.

During the summertime, there are tomato sandwiches and other light, cool snacks. At Christmas time, the ladies provide a large selection of hors d'oeuvres for their customers. And even when there's not food, there is always a big bag of candy.

"Everybody knows where the candy is," Foster said. "I buy really good candy."

Even beyond food, sometimes Foster will make house calls, and while she's there, she'll help out around the house.

Sometimes that even includes cleaning out refrigerators and washing dishes.

While one customer was getting her hair done inside the salon, Foster was out washing her car.

"She's one of a kind," Jones said. "I haven't met anyone like her, and I don't think I ever will."

The customers range from all ages, but Foster said there's one common thread between them: they all want to feel special.

And no matter what, her goal is to leave the customers with a smile.

"Everybody comes in here to look better." Foster said. "And everybody leaves with a smile"