THEY say that the best beauty asset is a smile – and that comes free at North Salon on Wakefield Road, which has been shortlisted in the T&A Best Beauty Salon 2024 competition.;
The Telegraph & Argus recently launched the contest, with readers invited to share their favourite companies.
Nominations were made through our online voting platform and were then whittled down to the final 10.
“Clients always say that they love coming here,” said North Salon owner Kelly Lloyd.
“It makes them feel good. It’s a nice environment. We always have a little bit of a laugh. You get to know people. You go through all the different stages in life together – getting married, having children – so you do become quite close to clients.
“We’re all very experienced and we are good at what we do but as well, your clients sort of become your friends. When they have come to you for a long time you obviously get to know them and you know about their lives.”
The salon’s specialism is nails, although the team also offers all aspects of hair (the salon was shortlisted in the T&A’s Best Hairdresser or Barber 2024 Awards) as well as lash lifts, eyebrows, and tanning.
“It’s 90 per cent nails – we are so busy with nails, and it’s what we are known for," said Kelly.
“Clients always say that you can’t beat our nails. We focus on natural nail health, and the nail treatments last, as well. So they don’t damage your nail – we won’t do anything that damages the nail, but they do last.”
The salon offers all aspects of nail treatments including nail enhancement, builder gel, gel polish, manicures, and pedicures.
"When I first started out, it was like the longer the better – everyone wanted talons. But now it’s definitely more natural, clean-looking, shorter, nails," said Kelly.
Such is the salon’s reputation that Kelly said 99 per cent of her clients came with her when she moved the business from the city centre to 721 Wakefield Road this year.
The new premises offer room for Kelly to increase the treatments on offer.
“We have been so lucky we have kept that loyal clientele,” said Kelly. “Being in the city centre, clients came from all over.
“We are looking to expand so we’re looking for an eyelash technician or a makeup artist to join us in the near future,” she said. “We have space for that.
“But it would have to be the right person. We want someone who is skilled but also someone to provide the same level of service – it’s a bit like joining a family.
Kelly originally trained in nails while at university studying sociology, ending up working as an educator in the beauty industry as well as working in a salon before going it alone.
“I was so busy at the salon and I just preferred working in a salon with clients rather than educating. That’s where my passion lies – I love working with clients in a salon environment.”
“I just love that you can make your own decisions and it’s just something you’re building for yourself. I love the salon environment, when it’s busy, and just knowing that you have made someone feel good.”
To vote for your favourite salon, pick up a copy of the Telegraph & Argus where you will find the voting coupon. This will be in the paper until October 12.
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