House of Hair, Newton Aycliffe secured place in Echo top ten
House of Hair, based on St Elizabeth’s Close, has been shortlisted after winning strong backing from loyal customers.
Owner Sophie Flack, 33, said the recognition means even more after a challenging start in business.
She said: “We first opened back in August 2024, but we moved to these new premises because I outgrew it within three months.
“I had a really loyal group of clients when I worked in Middleton St George, but I had to leave there when I found out I had fibromyalgia and MS.
“I couldn’t do general hairdressing anymore, but I realised I could sit down and do hair extensions, which led me to open up this business, and there have been a lot of new clients.
“I am very overwhelmed to be nominated again, and it is really nice to know that our clients have voted for us again.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to our customers who are just so loyal.
“It really brightened my day to know we have been nominated again, as I am having a bad flare-up at the minute so it makes the times a bit nicer.”
The salon first opened in August 2024 and quickly outgrew its original base, moving within three months to a larger premises on St Elizabeth’s Close.
Despite having to step away from general hairdressing after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and MS, Sophie adapted her skills to focus on hair extensions, building on a loyal client base from her time working in Middleton St George.
The full list of nominees to be crowned best hairdresser can be found here.
To vote, you simply need to cut out a coupon printed in The Northern Echo this week and next.
You have until Wednesday, March 4, to vote for your favourite and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026, Local iQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP, before March 4.
Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes.
In the meantime, weβll be highlighting one of the salons in our top ten each day to help you decide which one to vote for.