A BARBER is pleasantly surprised his shop has been voted inside the top 10 in Bradford after only being open a matter of months.

The Telegraph & Argus recently launched a competition to find the city's ‘Best Hairdresser or Barber 2024’.

Readers nominated their favourite via an online voting platform from June 10-16.

Damaz Trimz, on Mannville Terrace in the city centre, gained enough nominations to earn a spot in the final.

Damaz Trimz is located near Bradford College. Picture: Newsquest

"It felt amazing (when they learnt about their selection)" said owner Umar Hayat.

"I have only been open three months so it is a big thing for me.

"To be in the top 10 out of all those hairdressers/barber shops is great.

"I thank all my customers for voting."

The shop hit the headlines back in April for offering free haircuts to homeless people.

Umar says his clientele range from teenagers at around 13 to men in their 30s.

His most popular trim is the skin fade, with his customers wanting to "look fresh".

The shop maximises its appeal by using social media.

"Social media has helped us a lot over those three months," Umar added.

"We have already appeared in the T&A when we offered the homeless free haircuts.

"We use Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. That allows me to get my business out there, especially to the youngsters."

And the secret to their success, Umar said: "I think it is our customer service along with the banter and atmosphere.

"We have got friendly staff, good prices, and great haircuts."

Over the next week or so, we will be chatting to each of the 10 finalists with a view to publishing profiles on them all.

Nigel Burton, editor of the T&A, said: 'Bradford has some great hairdressers and barbers.

"The difference between a good haircut and a great haircut that makes you feel amazing is their passion and skill.

"The best hairdressers and barbers have a love for their job and unrivalled experience in cutting hair, so they can give their customers a sharp-looking cut tailored to their style preferences."

Readers will be able to vote for the overall winner through a coupon in the paper.

This began on Monday and will run for the next two weeks.