Clique, Newton Aycliffe takes best hairdresser top spot
Clique, an 80s jungle-themed salon, on Parson’s Road, was crowned the winner on Monday (March 17) beating nine other finalists chosen by readers.
Owner Cheryl Balcome, 40, was delighted to discover that she had won saying that winning would have a “positive impact on an already busy and successful business”.
Cheryl, who was a finalist just months after opening the salon in 2024, told the Echo: “Wow! I am really really happy to hear that we have actually won! It means the absolute world to win this!”
She added: “Last year I was a finalist and we got so many new clients from the publicity. We actually had to stop taking on clients on, until we took on more stylists!”
Clique has been described as a bit of a “hidden gem” in the town since opening in August 2023 with clients choosing the salon for it’s ‘calming vibes’ after Cheryl researched colour theory before opening.
Cheryl Balcome owner of Clique, winner of The Nothern Echo’s Best Hairdresser 2025 (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
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Clique hold a five-star rating on Google Reviews, with any clients visiting Cheryl and the team for years.
One happy customer said: “Cheryl is fabulous. Great cuts and excellent colour ideas. Always knows what I want even when I don’t know myself!! Would 100% recommend (and have done).”
With another happy client saying that they “Wouldn’t go anywhere else. Always feel great after Cheryl has worked her magic.”
Cheryl said: “My clients are the biggest and best support network I could ever have – most of them I count as friends now.”
Cheryl Balcome in her beautiful salon, Clique (Image: Sarah Caldecott) The other nine finalists were:
- Bowe Hair & Scalp Clinic (Hallview Grove, Darlington, DL3 9DN)
- Hairbyindie (19 Post House Wynd, Darlington, DL3 7LP)
- House of Hair (3 St Elizabeth’s Close, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4UE)
- Jodie Stott Hairdressing (58 The Green, Haughton, DL1 2DF)
- Kim’s Hair (26 Darlington Road, Ferryhill, DL17 8JP)
- Olive’s Hair (181 Northgate, Darlington, DL1 1UB)
- Paul James Hairdressing (Breckon Terrace, Fishburn, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 4BT)
- Rebecca Wrigh Hairdressing (29 Duke Street, Darlington, DL3 7RXZ)
- The Studio Hair & Beauty (10 Kensington South, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6JA)