Wigan hair extensions firm crowned 'salon of the year' at English Hair and Beauty Awards

Megan Hartles, Nicola Silcock, Tina Brook and Lauren Atherton from Lush Locks at the awards ceremony

Lush Locks, in Ashton, was named Greater Manchester’s hair salon of the year and Overall salon of the year at the English Hair and Beauty Awards, which took place in Manchester.

The business was founded eight years ago by Nicola Silcock, who studied hairdressing at college and later went on to train in the latest hair extension methods.

After completing her studies, she began working as a mobile hair extensions technician, before moving into a salon and renting a chair.

She realised her dream of opening her own studio, Lush Locks, in 2019.

Today, the business boasts four specialised staff - Nicola, Megan, Christina and Lauren - who cover all aspects of hairdressing and extensions, including expertise in hair loss, training and supplying.

But clients don’t just travel from across the borough to partake in the salon’s expert services.

Testimonials on the Lush Locks social media account show they have customers from as far afield as Ireland, Italy and Sweden who have flown to the UK specifically to have their hair done at LushLocks.

“At Lush Locks we are well known for and pride ourselves on our own luxury brand of hair,” said Nicola, who sourced her own Lush Locks branded hair in 2014 after conducting market research and hair trials over a two year period.

She added: “Our luxury brand of hair comes in over 20 shades, various methods and lengths.

“Our manufacturer recently flew all the way from China to come and see us at Lush Locks and discuss our business model as our brand is rapidly growing. We also regularly supply salons all over the UK, we have recently branded our own brand of silk closures to work inline with hair loss.

“Hair loss is one of our specialist services at Lush Locks. We aim to give affordable but quality and natural results.”

Nicola and her staff are also keen to give back.

Last year they raised more than £100 for the National Autism Association, a charity close to Nicola’s heart, as her four-year-old son is autistic.

They also donate vouchers for their services in aid of Cancer Research and have had clients chop their locks off to donate to the Little Princess Trust, to be made into wigs for children with cancer.