‘A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life’, once uttered famed designer Coco Chanel.

Tangles Hair Salon is hoping to prove just that — by giving a much needed makeover to people who need it most.

The salon will today be launching a new competition on its Facebook page, which encourages people to upload a photo of themselves and explain in a sentence or two why they deserve to win a makeover.

Once they post their pictures, it’s up to the public — including family, friends and co-workers — to vote for them by liking the photo. The first of three winners will be announced after a two-week voting period — on March 18.

Tangles’ staff will be offering a complete hair transformation, while make-up will be provided by MAC Cosmetics.

Organisers are also hoping a local clothing store will come on board to complete the lucky winners’ transformations.

Hairstylist Peter Perera said the competition was targeting people who are having a particularly hard time due to the economic recession or other life challenges.

“This is for someone who maybe recently lost their job, has been struggling with a break-up or divorce or has children and can’t find the time to look after themselves or can’t afford to,” Mr Perera said.

“We want to give them a fresh start, so not only will they look good, but they will feel better about themselves and will be able to walk into a job interview or on a first date or go out with their girlfriends.”

He said they were looking to provide people with a relaxing salon experience and treat them to the full red carpet service.

Those selected will be offered a short beauty consultation, where the stylist will consider the best colour, cut and style for them based on the texture and condition of their hair. They will also receive advice and tips for how they can keep the look up and care for their hair at home.

Mr Perera said the competition was a way for the salon to engage the public. It’s also a chance for the community to see what the “fully trained and qualified staff” are capable of.

He encouraged people to take part in the competition and share their stories about why they deserve to win.

“People can nominate a special woman in their lives, be it their grandmother or sister, but they have to explain on the picture why they deserve to win a makeover,” he added. “It could be anything brief, without getting too personal like ‘I lost my job’, ‘I’ve had medical problems’, ‘I’ve been through a bad break-up’ or ‘I’m too busy with school or work’.

“I believe that a person’s appearance is a big deal,” he continued.

“Right now people want to look good and be able to walk into a room feeling confidence and at their best — and we can help with that.”

The salon will be inviting the winner’s friends and family to their location on Burnaby Street, Hamilton for a special ‘unveiling’ so they show off their new look. The winners will also be able to share about what the makeover experience meant to them.

Mr Perera said he wants people to walk out of the salon with confidence and a new lease on life.

The competition will be running from today until March 17. To enter or for more information, visit ‘Tangles Hair’ on Facebook.