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.

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

The hair and beauty salon, which is located on Carlisle's Bank Street, is owned by Paul Wasilkowski and Gordon Adamson who took over the business in 2020 following the retirement of founder Tom Boyd.

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

He said: "We have got 6,500 clients, which when you think that the population of Carlisle is only 100,000, having six and a half thousand clients on your books is good going.

"It means so much to us. Ultimately your aim when your clients walk through the door is to make them feel and look fantastic when they walk out of it.

"For people to pipe up to say how wonderful you are is a privilege."

Gordon also discussed what he believes has make Boyd Hair & Beauty such a local favourite, with an emphasis on the investment himself and Paul have made in the business and its staff since their takeover.

He said: "We have got 18 members of staff. We are over three floors so it is a big salon but it is all the experience.

"From the minute we have walked in we have invested, we have refurbished the salon over the last three years, you don't get a Nescafe you get a latte, and all of our staff are continually trained.

"This year alone we have racked up over 15 hours of training for each individual. Hairdressing is fashion and fashion changes so we have got to make sure our staff are fully trained. 

"Some of our staff have been with us for many years, staff turnover is minimal, and if you invest in your staff they then invest in your clients."