CAST your minds back a couple of years to the lack-lustre sequel Barbershop 2 - Back In business.

In that film, Ice Cube's family-run barbershop owner met his match in straight-talking Gina Norris (Queen Latifah), who owned the beauty salon next door.

Latifah's feisty, independent character was so popular with audiences that she now headlines this spin-off feature, directed by Bille Woodruff.

In order to make a better life for her daughter Vanessa (Paige Hurd), Gina has moved to Atlanta, where she is making a name for herself in the cutting-edge salon of the flamboyant Jorge (Kevin Bacon).

It may be Jorge's name above the door, but Gina is rapidly becoming the salon's star attraction.

Wealthy clients like Terri (Andie MacDowell) and Joanne (Mena Suvari) swear by the healing properties of Gina's special home-made conditioner, which they jokingly refer to as "hair crack".

After the latest in a series of arguments with her egotistical boss, Gina rashly quits her job and scrimps together just enough money to open her own salon, taking with her shampoo girl Lynn (Alicia Silverstone).

Gina hires several stylists, including extrovert Ms Josephine (Alfre Woodard), sassy and outspoken Chanel (Golden Brooks), seven months pregnant Ida (Sherri Shepherd) and supposedly gay ex-con James (Bryce Wilson).

Together these misfits bond to make sure Gina's business is a roaring success.

Unfortunately, Jorge doesn't play fair and he will stoop to any depths to destroy the competition.

Meanwhile, Gina has romantic troubles too as she finds herself gravitating towards electrician Joe (Djimon Hounsou), who lives above the shop.

Beauty Shop slavishly follows the Barbershop template, concentrating on the playful banter between the crimpers and their customers.

Latifah is the life and soul of the film and she is eminently watchable, strutting a funky line between single mother and would-be lover.

Her comic timing is impeccable as ever and there are some great altercations with Bacon in full pantomime villain mode.

Silverstone has lots of fun with her role as the naive country bumpkin from Blueridge, Georgia, who discovers the courage to speak her mind.

Her character is a clear nod to Daryl Hannah in Steel Magnolias but Silverstone brings a sweetness and exuberance to the part, not to mention some outrageous

hairstyles.

The supporting players are a lively bunch, especially Sheryl Underwood as the aptly-named fast food vendor Catfish Rita.

There are no real surprises in Kate Lanier and Norman Vance Jr's screenplay but Beauty Shop trims, snips and blow-dries with easygoing charm.