Hairdressing inventions: the tangle teezer

How often have you been going about your daily routine when you’ve had an idea for a tool that could make life easier? Colourist Shaun P took his idea one step further and invented the Tangle Teezer, which he launched at Salon International in October 2007.

Why did you decide to launch this product? I initially had the idea 15 years ago. One of my colour clients had really long, highlighted hair which was a nightmare to comb through when it was wet. I discovered a technique with the comb that literally banged the knots away and realised there was something in that. So, three years ago, I decided it was time to take the idea to the next level and started research and development.What were the first steps you took to turn the idea into a reality? The internet played a huge part. I had to make sure the product didn’t already exist, and that my idea was unique before I could progress. I knew that I needed to make the product using injection plastic moulding and the internet was invaluable for locating a company. Business Link was also a huge help. How much did it cost you to get it funded? The total cost was around £85,000.How did you raise this money? It’s been self-financed so far – I used savings and took equity from my flat. I also went into the BBC’s Dragon’s Den to see if I could get help to finance the company and some advice and contacts in taking the business to a global level. They didn’t want to help but it’s worked out well because it means I get to keep 100% of my already successful business!How much of a risk is this for you? It’s a fair risk but if I didn’t do it, I’d never know how it would work out. I have left my career as a colourist behind me and really want to concentrate on this. What major problems have you encountered along the way? Tangle Teezer was created for the hairdresser to use within the salon and to retail to clients . The customers have embraced the product, but I do think that the hairdresser has yet to really understand its uniqueness – and its sales potential. There’s nothing like this on the market – it’s definitely something every salon backwash should have. If you could do this again, what would you change? Not much. There have been three pinnacle points since I started that I wish hadn’t happened, but I had to go through them to be where I am today.What’s your advice to anyone who has an idea and wants to make it a reality? Follow your dreams but don’t rush into anything. Ensure you have your finances in place but don’t put yourself at risk with massive borrowing. Talk to suppliers and manufacturers and get a number of quotes, see who else they’ve worked with, how they can help you. Also, speak to as many people as possible and run your ideas and business plans past them for advice and feedback.What’s the situation now?Tangle Teezer launched at Salon International and did very well. We retail the product online so salons can buy in bulk at a discount. We’ve done very well on repeat orders with one salon purchasing another box the next day after selling out within 30 minutes! I’m also in talks with some wholesalers, extensions companies and European distributors. What’s the biggest reward about being an inventor? It’s the buzz of being responsible for something that has an effect on people’s lives. I wanted to give something back to the industry after the 30 years I’ve had. The letters and comments of support have definitely made this worthwhile.