Britney Spears Returns to Rehab

The Latest Move for the Troubled Starlet

LOS ANGELES-Call it a case of "baby, one more time."

Pop princess Britney Spears has checked back into rehab after her last attempt was interrupted by a much-publicized weekend of late-night parties and amateur hairdressing, famously marked by her self-applied head-shaving at a Tarzana salon and subsequent tattooing. Photos and video of the newly bald singer spread like wildfire, along with rumors that the star was headed for a serious mental breakdown. Employees and witnesses at the hair salon described her as "distraught and disturbed" and "scatterbrained".

Spears' manager, Larry Rudolph, confirmed the return to rehab and asked the public and media to respect her privacy.

Spears' last stint in rehab lasted only one day, contextualized by her longtime assistant's resignation and public statement fearing for the songstress' mental health. Spears' mother has also stated her concerns about Britney's ability to deal with the pressures of fame.

Other recent Britney Spears spotlight stories include her recent split from husband Kevin Federline, repeated photographs of her attending parties in skimpy outfits without underwear, the reported hurried sale of her just-purchased home and serious doubts raised about her ability to care for her two children, Sean Preston (one year old) and Jayden James (five months), given her clearly active social schedule.

Even the fate of Spears' hair is under public scrutiny; online auctions for the fallen locks are fetching generous bids, with a portion of proceeds set to go to charity. Britney herself appears to be regretting the rash decision, if the cheap blonde wig she wore to the Roxy and the Polo Lounge Saturday night is any indication. Not since Natalie Portman shaved her head for the film "V for Vendetta" has the bald look been so carefully analyzed.