Clique Salon in Newton Aycliffe makes Echo's top ten

Cheryl Balcombe, owner of Clique in Newton Aycliffe, has secured a place in the shortlist after taking the title in 2025.

The 41-year-old set up Clique in summer 2023, three years after Covid, while self-employed.

Determined to create something that reflected her personality, she launched an 80s jungle-themed salon designed to be the opposite of the clinical spaces she felt dominated the industry.

Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

She wanted somewhere clients could walk in, smile and instantly feel good.

The hybrid salon brings together self-employed and employed stylists, with eight others now working alongside her.

After being named finalists in 2024, the team went on to win the competition last year. The victory has since fuelled growth at the Newton Aycliffe business.

Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Cheryl said: "We were really shocked and excited to be nominated again this year, as after the win last year we have seen a real increase in custom that helped us take on more staff.

"We are forever grateful to our clients and those who choose to come to us, and I just want to thank them all for nominating us again.

"I really appreciate it and their loyalty over the 20 years of my career to both me and the salon."

The full list of nominees to be crowned best hairdresser can be found here.

To vote, you simply need to cut out a coupon printed in The Northern Echo this week and next.

You have until Wednesday, March 4, to vote for your favourite and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026, Local iQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP, before March 4.

Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes.

In the meantime, we’ll be highlighting one of the salons in our top ten each day to help you decide which one to vote for.