A HAIRDRESSER who was told her innovative scheme to transform customers' visits to her salon would fail has been shortlisted for a national award.

Emma Simmons said she was thrilled Salon 54, in Thirsk, was among six contenders for Salon Design of the Year at the English Hair and Beauty Awards for creating a Colour Bar, for clients to chat and have drinks in comfortable surroundings while waiting for hair dye to set.

Mrs Simmons, who has run the salon for 15 years, said she had seen an upsurge in trade since revamping redundant space in the salon and clients no longer had to sit for 45 minutes staring at a mirror, while balancing a coffee.

She said: "As far as I am aware it is unique, it is like meeting friends for a coffee, but having your hair done at the same time.

"Everybody said it wouldn't work, but the atmosphere in the salon has become more relaxed and people who didn't have time to spend on colour are now booking appointments.

"I have group of people who come all the way from the south of York as they can sit together."

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on March 29.