Tangles 'reinvented' in new Burnaby Street salon

FRIDAY, JAN. 20: Tangles Hair Salon has reinvented itself by moving locations for a third time and creating a warm, inviting space.

The salon has moved to Burnaby Street after being housed in Williams House for 18 years.

It was located on King Street for five years before that, making next year the salon’s 25th anniversary.

Owner Simon Horrell said he feels the salon is now warm, unlike many salons, which he said have a cold feel about them.

“I wanted to reinvent the business and I thought being more visual would be much better for the future.

“I think you have got to believe that it’s going to get better with the economic downturn.

“Maybe in a year or so, we will be in a better position.“

Asked why Burnaby Street, the stylist said: “Again, because its in the centre of town still.

“It’s on the street.

“We have a nice canopy out there so it can be used for advertising.”

He continued: “In Williams House, I felt that in the downturn of the economy, we weren’t being talked about.

“That’s what happened because most of our clients come from word of mouth.”

As for the design, Mr Horrell said: “We completely re-did the space.

“I did recycle as much as I could from the old place, but it doesn’t look anything like the old place.

“I got someone to design the place but we had to do some alterations because of the space.

“I had a lot of help from the people who did the construction.”

He continued: “I’m happy with the result.

“It’s got a nice feel to it.

Asked if people are still coming to get their hair done as often in the recession, Mr Horrell said: “I think they hold off a little bit longer.

“I think it’s tough right now — the lack of people is the real problem.

“It’s pretty hard right now. I am lucky I have kept my staff for a long time. They have got a good cliental. If you’re opening a new place, it might be quite difficult.”

Mr Horrell said women are still getting their colours done, but instead of coming every month, they stretch it out to every five or six weeks.

Speaking on being around for almost 25 years, the owner said: “ Twenty five years is quite a feat.

“I can’t believe it. I have been here all that long.

“It’s been good and hopefully when the economy comes back, it will be better; hopefully for everybody.

Tangles have 14 staff with only one work permit, Mr Horrell said.

“If I can hire Bermudian staff, I will.

“It’s really difficult to get Bermudians.

“We are pro-Bermudians and I want people to stay.

“It’s the first time I have only got one work permit.”

In addition to providing quality hair care, Tangles is also the Paul Mitchell distributor in Bermuda.