Editor’s note: This is the third story in a series about downtown shops of Johnson City. Be sure to check out previous editions of the East Tennessean online for more stories at www.easttennessean.com.The moment you arrive on the corner of Ash and Buffalo Street, Bang Salon immediately gains your attention.

Huge windows surround the salon and create immediate curiosity as to what is going on inside. The interior is filled with vintage pieces, art from local artists and all the hair products you could imagine.

The vintage pieces include everything from antique styling chairs to magazines depicting 30’s-60’s hair styles.

The salon appeals to an array of people. The youthful vibe is evident, but a touch of the past peaks out and adds a nostalgic twist to the setting. The owner of the salon, Laura Altizer, has put an energetic edge to the boringly common haircut routine.

“We get a little bit of everyone in the salon,” said Altizer. “It keeps everyone open-minded.”

Bang celebrated their one-year anniversary this past September.

“Hair is my passion, it’s a killer gig,” said Altizer. She has two employees, Melissa and Kelly, working with her at Bang. Together they hope to do some hair-splittingly creative promotions this coming year.

The first on the list of promotions is to set up another fashion show before the end of the spring term. Another idea that Altizer has come up with is to make pin-up girl calendars featuring hair styles from different eras.

“It will involve our vintage lifestyle here at Bang,” said Altizer. She is planning to get those completed in the spring as well.

One of the bigger projects Altizer has in store is to aid in dressing up the downtown area. She is going to do this by adding a street-visible mural to the back side of her building facing West Walnut Street.

“It’s something that will make downtown more colorful, just as the tattoo and record store on Walnut Street have done,” said Altizer. “I’ll be using the same artist.”

Bang Salon has a unique flair and offers high quality cuts, shampoos, color and hospitality. The downtown area is growing and Bang Salon has a lot to offer the area.

“I’m glad to see that downtown Johnson City is becoming more and more lively, and I’m really excited about being part of it,” said Altizer.

Bang is located at 700 Buffalo St. “The best way to reach us would be to call or just simply pop in, have a look around and say hi.”

Also, visit them on www.myspace.com/bangsalontn for visuals of their work, or to make an appointment call 423-926-BANG.

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