A TRIO of Swindon hairdressers are enjoying their moment in the spotlight with much-deserved recognition from major industry awards.

Nicola Groves and Dannii Thomas of Perfection Hair Salon in Moredon won the Most Wanted Salon award for the south-west region at the English Hair & Beauty Awards.

All salons and barbershops at the ceremony were nominated by their clients.

Nicola said: “It was a massive surprise to be nominated, let alone win. We felt lucky to be there in a ceremony full of amazing creative stylists and salon owners. This opportunity would not have been possible for us if it wasn’t for our amazing clients and they’re absolutely thrilled that we won.

“We’re a small salon, we cater for all ages from young children to our oldest client who’s 95, and many have been with us since the beginning and followed us from previous salons.

"This is a great celebration of the salon and our customers and recognition for the hard work we do, it’s the cherry on top of our 10th anniversary.

“It was an incredible event, with a red carpet and professional photos, plus my friends and family came to support us.

“I’ve always been very creative and had a vision for hair, make-up nails and fashion, plus my mum was a hairdresser so I’ve always been around it and I’ve always wanted to own my own salon.

"One of my favourite things about it is seeing the impact a good haircut can have on people, how it makes them feel and the boost it gives them.

"I love that they gain friendships from coming here and have long conversations.”

At the same ceremony, Guy Awazi of Guy’s Barbershop in Drove Road received a commendation for the Men’s Stylist of the Year award and was shortlisted for the Barber of The Year award.

Flaunt Hairdressing in Abbey Meads put itself forward for the National Hairdressers' Federation and National Beauty Federation’s first Hair and Beauty Community Awards.

Flaunt’s co-owners Anna Montauro and her sister Carmela Montauro-Jackson will attend a reception at the Houses of Parliament in May where the winners will be revealed.

Anna said: “I’m so excited, with a bit of luck we will win an award and have our photo taken with one of our MPs.

"My sister has always been a hairdresser, we love every minute of it, we’re always trying to develop our salon.

"We nominated ourselves for the charity work we do in the community - we’ve held MacMillan Cancer Support coffee mornings, done Little Princess Trust haircuts and donated Christmas presents to children living at the women’s refuge.”