A HAIRDRESSER has become the first woman to win an industry award in her own right.

Janet Maitland, who has three salons in Durham, Bowburn and Hetton-le-Hole, was named as business director of the year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards.

Ms Maitland, who has been in the industry for more than 40 years, said: “There is no way I ever expected to win this award.

“To be the first female to collect the title of Business Director of the Year is humbling and a real honour – but I couldn’t have done it without the brilliant team I have. They work so incredibly hard, always professional and putting the client first.”

Alongside her business, she is the UK Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional’s Shaping Futures initiative, pairing UK stylists with disadvantaged young people in India, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the awards said; “She is a fantastic ambassador for the industry with skills and vision that make her the perfect winner. She works tirelessly to champion hairdressing as a career that can change lives.”