Shanklin-based Bethany Jones Salon is the winner of the County Press Hairdresser of the Year 2021 title.

Earlier this year, County Press readers were asked to nominate their favourite Isle of Wight hairdresser and there were more than a thousand nominations.

A shortlist of the top ten was drawn up and readers were then asked to vote for their favourite — and it was Bethany Jones Salon which came out on top.

The salon, which is rapidly approaching its tenth anniversary next spring, was started by Bethany, who was initially based in Lake.

Isle of Wight County Press: Bethany Jones Salon wins Hairdresser of the Year.

Far right, the County Press's Kate Young presents the Hairdresser of the Year Award to Bethany Jones and her team. Picture by Pamela Parker.

She moved to a little shop in Regent Street, Shanklin, for three years, prior to purchasing the current premises at 31 Shanklin High Street, where she has been for almost six years.

Bethany’s team includes Martha Barclay, Toni McMullen, Karl Barnes, Clare Cumpsty, Aimee Stringer and nail technician, Abi Wetherick.

Several of Bethany’s team have been with her for some time — Karl has worked with her for eight years and Toni has been at the salon for six years.

The salon is unisex and has clients of all ages — many of whom have been coming to Bethany and the team for a number of years.

The stylists use Milk Shake hair products and Wella colouring and the stylists keep up to date with all the latest trends and techniques and complete regular training courses

The stylists are self-employed, but they work well together as a team and many of them previously trained at Jaks, which Bethany described as an Island institution.

Bethany said they were thrilled to win the Hairdresser of the Year title, as they have had a particularly difficult year.

As well as the lockdowns and all the extra precautions required to operate during the Covid crisis, stylist Martha has has health problems and in August last year, the front of the salon was badly damaged after a car drove into the window.

Bethany said the damage to the salon was particularly heartbreaking because she and her partner, Chris Westbrook, completely renovated the salon when they took over and so it was many hours of their own hard work which had gone into it.

It has taken some time to repair the damage caused by the car, but the salon now has a new shop front and the Christmas decorations are up, so it is looking very stylish for the festive season.

Bethany said: “It’s been a very challenging year for us, so to receive this award is brilliant for everyone and it is lovely to think that our customers have been voting for us.

“We are over the moon.”

DID YOU KNOW? The County Press runs a wide range of competitions thoughout the year, so it's always worth keeping an eye on us!