One of Bermuda's most well-established barber shops may be changing its name, but is still continuing the fine tradition of hair cutting.

What has been virtually an institution for those looking for a short back and sides or a close shave since the business was set up as Harold's Barber Shop by Harold Companion about 20 years ago after its move from Burnaby Street, who ran it until his death in June 2008, has now been upgraded to The Cutting Room, under the management team of Helen Stirling and Gill Cleaves.

But the duo are looking to keep up the good work of Mr. Companion through the new venture based on the ground floor of Armoury Building opposite the Red Carpet Bar & Restaurant in Reid Street, which offers everything from regular haircuts, ranging from traditional styles to modern looks, to wash and cuts and even children's cuts and Ms Stirling's special - the hot towel facial shaves.

Ms Cleaves, who has lived in Bermuda for 30 years, and Ms Stirling, who arrived in 1997, first met and worked together in a barber shop in Hamilton almost a decade ago, joined forces again in October 2008 at Harold's Barber Shop, where Ms Cleaves had been working for four years, and decided to go into business together.

"Gill is quite well established and I am trying to establish myself a bit more - some of my old clients have followed me here and I am trying to get some more," said Ms Stirling.

Ms Stirling, who started out in unisex hairdressing in Manchester in England originally, learnt her trade in a barber shop in Essex in 1994, while Ms Cleaves, who hails from Stoke, did both men and women's hair, after getting their City and Guilds qualification in hairdressing, and the pair have never looked back ever since.

"I just walked into this barber shop because they had a sign outside looking for a barber - I said to the guys who worked there I had been a hairdresser, but didn't have any experience as a barber, but they said don't worry, we'll train you," she said.

"They were five Essex boys and they taught me to do flat tops and fades and that was probably the best training I could have had - I loved every bit of it."

Ms Stirling, who specialises in hot towel facial shaves using a straight razor, having successfully completed a course with George F Trumper in Mayfair, London, putting her among one of the only women on the Island to offer the service, said the name changed at the start of this year to give the place modern feel, with plans to give it a lick of paint in the future.

"I think we have a very nice atmosphere in here," she said.

"We try to maintain high professional standards, although it is nice surroundings and it is quite relaxed - it is still fun and we like to have a laugh with the clients and it is very friendly.

"Both Gill and myself really enjoy what we do and it is just a nice place for people to come to get their hair cut."

The duo decided to leave the name change for six months following his death out of respect for Mr. Companion and his family, but they hope his former clients will continue to come back.

"We did it out of respect to Harold and his family - we hope that he would have approved of it," she said.

"I think it was time for a change of name and I think the clients have received it quite well and it is just a new chapter and era for the shop.

"We want to give the place a lick of paint, but still keep it in the traditional barber shop style.

"Changing the name just gives it a more modern feel."

To book your haircut or shave call The Cutting Room on 292-0577.