What if the colour of your hair was a state of mind?

That’s what salon-owner Tara Hilton believes, and it’s an attitude that has seen her business win a Swindon’s Best Award. Adver readers voted It’s Platinum Not Grey as their favourite place to get a sharp-looking trim in the town.

Despite having been open for less than a year, it received three times as many votes as the nearest competitor.

Tara, from Stratton, was delighted by the news. She said: “To actually win it was quite shocking as there are a hell of a lot of firms that have been around longer. I've known my customers for a long time and they were all really chuffed for me.

“I like to put it down to the skill I have in the salon but also the customer service and how warm and friendly we are. It's a really nice atmosphere to be in.”

She explained the thinking behind the name of her business: “I don’t want to know I’ve got grey hair by the age of 30 and saying that it’s platinum just sounds a lot nicer.”

The Mum from Stratton learnt her trade after leaving school. Now with 16 years in the industry, she prides herself on keeping up to date with the latest trends and offering high-skilled hairstyling and colouring. Her salon does cuts for men and women, beauty treatments, and pamper parties where children can get their hair, nails and make-up done.

These services have helped the business to distinguish itself from nearby competition, including the two hairdressers which flank it on either side.

Tara relishes the task of keeping on top of all the services she provides. She said: “People always come in and say ‘oh I want this,’ and ‘can you do this?’ It's brilliant because since opening the salon I've been challenged a hell of a lot more than I ever have been. It's really rewarding.

“I like how it's different on a daily basis all the time, there's no two days ever the same and there's so much to learn in our industry, you can never know everything. Fashion changes, style changes. It's a lot more complicated than people give us credit for.”

Although the hairdresser runs a large salon, she is hesitant to turn the business into a franchise for fear of losing oversight over standards. For now, she is satisfied to have achieved her goal of opening her own business before turning 30 years old.

Customers wrote to the Adver in praise of the salon. Deborah Fenton said: “You’re always greeted with a smile and great advice on hair style to suit your hair type. I always leave very happy with my hair style and cut.

Mrs L. Roney said: “I have never met such friendly staff. They are very helpful.”