Mopshots.com is an “online lookbook for hairstyle inspiration and local salon/stylist recommendations”, with daily photos of hot new hairstyle trends submitted by readers and experts like Ted Gibson.   While the basic idea isn’t new, the internet is full of fashion look-book communities (Fab Sugar’s Look Book, for example) that share photos, compliments and critique of personal outfits, Mopshop.com is one of the first to use the idea for hair.

Powered by Citysearch: In addition to being a place to inspire one another’s hair style, Mopshots.com provides all the relevant information about the salon and stylist responsible for the featured Mopshots.  Simply click “go there,” and Citysearch appears in a new window, with maps, directions, full address and Citysearch’s entire database of owner, editor and community reviews about the salon.

Site Basics: You start by uploading photo(s) of great hair styles (can be your own or someone else’s), adding additional information such as the name of the styling salon, the stylist’s name, and the products used.  Then, The Dictators, (yes, “The”) who are a “team of established experts” in professional hair care, choose Mopshots for the front page, solely on the basis on how much they like it.  (Feel like you’ve got the clout to join them?  Apply here.)  When a Mopshop makes the front page, it is accompanied by all the relevant info, a quick review by a Dictator, and a tiny heart – that you click on to indicate that you like the Mopshot.  Topshots are the Mopshots with the most votes – currently 339 viewers love Sheila G’s thick long layers.

Still Lacking: We all know that hair looks especially great during the first few hours after leaving the salon.  What about after that, though?  Dictator reviews offer only passing mentions of how to maintain your new tresses after you leave the salon, if any.  Mopshots.com could benefit from providing hair care information from the user, the Dictator, or from other Mopshots.com staff.  For now, if you find a hair style you love and replicate it at a salon, you’ll have to ask the stylist for after-care tips.  Additionally, it would be great to see a likeness-matching search function (such as that of Like.com), when the database gets bigger and their technology improves.  What if we find fabulous short bob, but the salon is far away in Houston, TX?  Not very helpful – unless we could find similar hair cuts by salons much closer to our location.  For now, we’ll have to settle for bringing the photo to our local trusted salon, to show our stylist what we want.

Verdict: In this economy, changing your hairstyle is a cheap alternative to a completely new wardrobe and we think Mopshots is the first place you should head to when looking for a new style.