Photos: Beauty behind bars

Alba Chavez washes inmate Mary Monique Ortiz’s hair. For the 2,200 women behind bars, who use communal showers and only have the most basic grooming tools, the beauty salon offers a way to boost morale.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Inmate Alba Chavez left, washes Mary Monique Ortiz’s hair as Capt. Maria Gutierrez watches. Ortiz got her hair styled after donating her long braid to a program for children with hair loss.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Elizabeth Brambila, left, cuts an inmate’s hair. Brambila is using a portable salon, offering services to women who are confined to their cells for security reasons.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Inmates, from left, Ginger Gonzalez, Lilite Vardunyan, Mary Monique Ortiz and Alba Chavez in the beauty salon.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Inmate Mary Monique Ortiz, left, admires her hairstyle as Capt. Maria Gutierrez watches.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Officer Bodhold, left, smiles as inmates Mary Monique Ortiz, middle, and Ginger Gonzalez hug as they react to their new hairstyles.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)