Venus Johnston has a great job and a long-term, live-in boyfriend who happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous doctor. She also has a weekly date at the beauty parlor to keep her long, nappy hair slick and straight. But the tedious hours and harsh chemicals in the salon have long grated on Venus, and one frustrating day, she trades in the long hair for a dramatically short, natural cut—and sends her commitment-balking boyfriend packing. It's a bold declaration of independence and one that has effects she never could have imagined; reactions from friends and coworkers range from concern, to contempt, to outright condemnation. When her ex starts dating a voluptuous, long-haired beauty, Venus is forced to question what she really wants out of life. With wit, resilience, and determination, Venus finally learns what true happiness is, on her own terms.