For the shop's first entry in the local Hair Shop Showdown, Novelette has marshaled Starr and Nigel into helping her create a classy and upscale exhibition to match her vision for the shop. Joy, however, has studied the hair show winners for years and is convinced that Letty's approach simply won't do - the judges want sassy, not classy! Meanwhile, Richard has re-entered Letty's life and she either needs to step up and put her heart on the line, or face losing Richard for good.
Starr is sent into an emotional tailspin when a client's husband walks in. Turns out he's not just any man, but her college boyfriend made good, the 'one that got away'. Meanwhile, Novelette has to deal with the mixed emotions that arise when she is forced to send her mother back home for medical...
Joy and Gary are on a date at Maxine's when she bumps into Patrick, a childhood friend. Gary orders a taken-aback Joy not to see Patrick again and presents her with the promise ring. Novelette offers Joy an apprenticeship at the salon and is surprised when her sister says she has to run it by Gar...
Starr's secret that she was adopted by a white family is finally revealed when her mother comes to the salon, unannounced. Meanwhile, Joy falls for Gary and lies to him in front of Dre about being the owner of her sister's salon. When Gary visits Letty's Joy is forced to lie in front of a steamin...