Claire Wareham transforms hair and helps with hair loss

The salon specialises in hair extensions, hair loss solutions, hair colour and hair styling for weddings.

We spoke to Claire about her successful business, which attracts clients from the local area and further afield.

*Q: How and when did you become interested in hair and beauty?

*A: I have always had a keen interest in hair and beauty, but it was following a trip to the hairdresser with one of my bridesmaids who was having extensions fitted for my wedding. I was absolutely fascinated and pretty much decided there and then that that was what I wanted to do. That was nine years ago and I have never looked back

*Q: When did your salon open?

*A: I opened my first salon eight years ago; the salon we are currently in is my third salon and we have been here for a year.

*Q: Did you look for premises - were you keen to be in Addingham, and how long did it take to find somewhere that fitted the bill?

Claire creates many beautiful styles

Claire Wareham Hair & Beauty in Addingham's Main Street

*A: I took over my first salon when the previous owner retired from hairdressing. My current salon is a village treasure, it’s steeped in history and a focal point in the village. When it became available, we knew straight away it would be the perfect place for us.

*Q: Did you design the interior of the salon yourself?

*A: Yes, we designed the interior of the salon ourselves, while sensitively incorporating as many of the original features as we could.

*Q: Do you have a lot of regular customers who have been coming for a long time?

*A: We have many clients that have stayed with us since we opened. We feel very lucky to have a very loyal client base.

*Q: Are many people adventurous, trying different styles, or do most people stick to what they know?

*A: Trends play a big part in what people want, however because of the work we do, we are definitely the place to go to for complete transformations.

*Q: What are your most popular requests?

*A: Our most popular request has to be people wanting to fall in love with their hair again.

*Q: Do some people come in with pictures of how they want to look?

*A: Yes, pictures are a great starting point, as you can both be on the same page and give a clear indication of the overall outcome.

*Q: Do you enjoy styling people for weddings and other special events?

*A: Weddings are always very special, they never end up just being about hair. I have been known to stay and help the bride get dressed!

*Q: Do you enjoy chatting to customers as you style their hair?

*A: Yes, as women we love to chat so there’s always plenty to talk about. It’s just like sitting and chatting to your friends all day.

Claire Wareham loves her profession

The team create many different styles

*Q: How do you help women with hair loss?

*A: We support women and children of various ages suffering the impacts of hair loss through cancer treatment and alopecia with our specialist hair replacement and bespoke wig making services

*Q: How much of an impact can hair loss have on how a woman feels about herself?

*A: Hair loss and confidence are closely linked. Even a small amount of hair loss can be devastating to self-esteem, self-image and overall quality of life.

*Q: How do women react when they see the results of your work?

*A: There is often happy tears. The feedback we receive on the day and after their family and friends have seen their hair is always so positive.

*Q: How many staff do you have and do you work well as a team?

*A: I have seven members of staff; we are a very close team, we work super hard and sometimes play hard.

*Q: What do you love most about your profession?

*A: The difference you can make to someone, not just in appearance, but also in their self-confidence.

*Q: What are your plans for the future?

*A: We will continue to invest in the business, in my team of stylists and their education.

Claire adds: “We feel deeply honoured to be entrusted by so many remarkable women to look after their hair throughout their entire chemotherapy journey.

“Navigating chemotherapy is a personal and courageous experience. Our commitment goes beyond exceptional hair services - we aim to be a source of unwavering support and are dedicated to being your compassionate partner through it all.”

I am always in pursuit of the best and have tried numerous techniques and products. I know what works best and I’m skilled at choosing the right solution for your hair.

My passion shines through in my work. Believing that no two heads are ever the same, you’ll receive a bespoke service to match the needs of your chosen style and your hair type."

The team's expertise in hair extensions enables them to give clients 'some of the most sophisticated, natural and finest quality hair extensions in the UK fitted by highly skilled extensionists.'

Claire uses only the finest quality human hair extensions for her work. "I personally colour match and cut all of my own work. This for me, is a vital part of the process to create natural looking hair extensions."

*Claire Wareham Hair Specialists, 140 Main St, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0LY; tel:01943 969958

*visit clairewareham.co.uk