WE'RE highlighting the shortlisted hairdressers and barbers in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over the following issues.

Escape Hair & Beauty has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of the ten finalists in its 'Best Hairdresser/Barber 2024' award.

The award-winning barbers, which is located on Carlisle's Denton Street is owned by business partners Sarah Clifford and Nikki Little who opened the business in 2011, with the salon celebrating its 13th anniversary in March.

After being informed that Escape Hair & Beauty has been nominated as a finalist in the News & Star's 'Best Hairdresser/Barber 2024' award, Sarah was on hand to express his delight. 

She said: "We are very lucky that our customers support us the way they do.

"They have taken the day out of their busy days to vote for us and it is lovely and we really appreciate it."

Sarah also discussed how she and Nikki make sure her customers get the best service without premium prices.

She said: "I think it is a bit of a hub on the street.

"We get a lot of people that just wave on the way past or people who live in Denton Holme pop in and speak to us.

"Because a lot of high street places are shutting down and there are so many empty places, I think it is nice to have that community and be part of it and it is busy.

"Me and Nikki have been in the hair trade for a long time. We have both worked in the town and we have down a lot of top courses and then brought it int0 Denton Holme. 

"People get a really good haircut with the good product but without the hair product.

For Sarah and Nikki, being in the business is about a lot more than just hairdressing, with the pair also focusing on how they can have a positive impact on their customers.

She said: "People always say that me and Nikki need our own podcast because once we start talking we don't stop.

"There are a lot of jokes and a lot of madness in the salon and you can see that that lifts people's spirits.

"Some people who come in haven't been able to speak to anyone else on that day so when they come in here it's nice to make people happy."