North Petherton hairdressers named best hair salon Somerset

The Hair Bar, found on Fore Street in North Petherton, won the county's Best Hair Salon Award at the English Business Awards held in Bristol on September 24.

Erin McCabe, owner and director at The Hair Bar, explained how the awards ceremony started off as a staff night out for herself and her team, as they did not expect to win.

"It was absolutely amazing – it was such a boost,” said Erin, reflecting on the moment she realised they'd won the award.

“The morale of the team was incredible.”

The Hair Bar has been serving Somerset from its base in North Petherton for the past six years, and has quickly built up a loyal client base.

Although being judged by a 'mystery shopper', and a careful review process for the award, public votes contributed to a large portion of The Hair Bar's victory, votes from clients of whom Erin describes as "like family".

Some clients even went as far as to bring gifts such as chocolate and flowers, congratulating the business on the nomination and award.

Specialising primarily in bridal hair, The Hair Bar endeavours to deliver high quality hair treatments for all, also offering colour work, complete hair transformations, and hair extension treatments.

All staff at The Hair Bar are fully employed, meaning there is no sense of competition for clients, allowing everyone to work to their best ability in a constructive, supportive environment.The Hair Bar has built up a loyal base of clients over six years in business. (Image: The Hair Bar)

Erin believes her hair salon is a cut above others in Somerset due to it's major focus on mental health.

“I suffer with my own mental health – I just wanted to create a salon that was like a little bubble for people," Erin explained.

"I wanted every client to feel welcome, like it was a safe space.

"Every single person has something going on in their life which they need some time out from.

“We try to make the whole experience really relaxed, really welcoming."

The Hair Bar runs under the ethos of "time for yourself", and incorporates wellbeing into every treatment they offer.

All staff are well versed in the field of mental health, and Erin herself has completed courses outlining how to help people who have experienced domestic abuse, and other fields.

Those attending the hairdressers are welcomed to talk about their feelings, or they can opt for a completely silent treatment.

The North Petherton hair salon even has its own drinks bar to help all customers feel a true sense of self-care from their treatments.As well as offering a high standard of hairdressing, The Hair Bar operates under the ethos of #TimeForYourself, with a focus on mental wellbeing and self-care. (Image: The Hair Bar)

And that is exactly the sort of innovative individuality which sets The Hair Bar apart on the regional, and now national stage. 

In November, the Somerset based hair salon is up for a national award, which could see them named the best in the country.

Votes can be placed on the English Business Awards website.

The entire team at The Hair Bar were humbled in acceptance of the award: “It means the world to us, to have the recognition is just incredible and gives the team such a boost to continue with our efforts to serve Somerset," Erin said.

Erin also gave a special mention to her tight-knit team of staff, who are all local to Somerset.

“We couldn’t have done it without them – we are literally a family, we support each other," she added.