A HORWICH hair salon with a cutting edge approach to business has extended its premises to move into a new era.

Masquerade Hair and Beauty on Scholes Bank was opened six years ago by experienced hairdresser Susan Berry.

She started in the industry at 16 and, when her partner, George Johnson, was made redundant, they decided to open their own hair salon from scratch.

Masquerade’s strong emphasis on customer experience quickly made the salon a popular client choice – they always refer to their clients as “guests”. This was taken to a new level four years ago when daughter Kim Taylor, who had a strong sales’ background, joined the salon team as general manager.

She introduced online booking and Masquerade invested in more technology, improving both services and customer experience. Now, the 10-strong team offers a comprehensive selection of hair and beauty treatments and recently added a podiatrist - already proving an excellent move.

The two-storey building on a busy junction always posed a logistical problem for taking Masquerade further. So, when the two-bedroomed terraced property next door became available, they decided to buy it and expand the salon.

With the help of local company A & J Builders, the salon now boasts a smart new extension housing a Colour Bar and Wash-house and an opportunity to improve services.

They have invested in four, state-of-the-art backwash chairs allowing clients to not only relax but also enjoy a couple of different massage settings while they have their hair washed.

The Colour Bar is a smart, spacious area, all continuing the theme of sociable urban chic for which Susan and Kim were aiming. “We’re absolutely delighted with the new extension,” stated Kim. “Our guests already love it and really appreciate that we’re trying to give them the best possible experience.

“It’s given us extra room and opened up the whole place, which is much easier for staff.”

The work has also allowed them to open a barbering service in the near future, and to make plans to create training programmes.

“All in all”, added Susan. “I’m very excited about what the future holds.”