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Clique, Newton Aycliffe named the Echo's best hairdresser

Olivia Howlett Profile Image
By Olivia Howlett Reporter
Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe winner of The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026 <i>(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)</i>
Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe winner of The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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A Newton Aycliffe salon has done the double after being named the Northern Echo's best hairdresser for a second year running.

Cheryl Balcombe, owner of Clique in Newton Aycliffe, was shortlisted in 2024, won the title in 2025 and has now taken the crown again in 2026 with back-to-back victories.

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

Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe winner of The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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.

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.

Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe winner of The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Last year's victory has since fuelled growth at the Newton Aycliffe business and the team hope this year's win will also help as they expect to expand and open a salon in Darlington this year.

Clique owner Cheryl Balcombe winner of The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Cheryl said: "We are absolutely blown away and just so so lucky we have supportive clients like we do.

"Our team is now expanding and from every Echo competition we have seen our requests just blow up from recommendations and it is part of the reason we have been able to expand and get ready to open our second salon. It is absolutely brilliant, we are all so so happy."

More information on Clique's second salon opening in Darlington is expected this Spring.

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The other nine finalists were:

  1. Hair by Amber Yuill – 181 Northgate, Darlington, DL1 1UB
  2. HairHaus Hair & Beauty – 9-11 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6EN
  3. House of Hair – 3 St Elizabeth’s Close, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4UE
  4. Kims Hair – 26 Darlington Road, Ferryhill, DL17 8JP
  5. Maddison McKenna – 69 High Street, Spennymoor, DL16 6BB
  6. MayHem Hair – 5 Main Street, Ferryhill, DL17 8LA
  7. Paul James Hairdressing – Breckon Terrace, Fishburn, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 4BT
  8. Serene Spa – 15E Redwell Court, Barnard Castle, DL12 8BN
  9. Xology Studio – 89  W Auckland Road, Darlington, DL3 0LF
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