‘It’s like a family here:’ Joy for staff and clients as Northampton hairdressers crowned best salon in the county

The salon has claimed an accolade which is recognised nationally.

A Northampton salon has paid tribute to its ‘family-feel’ after claiming the top spot for the county in a national hairdressing award.

Naked, in The Parade, at the top of The Drapery, has been named as Northamptonshire’s representative for the Salon of the Year Award.

In a year where the pandemic has set the business back financially, staff were glad to finally see a positive come from 2020.

Owner, Matt O’Neil-Kemp, said: “We heard about the Salon Awards in lockdown and we just thought we’d enter and see what happens.

“We then received an email to say we had been shortlisted and we could attend the virtual awards ceremony.

“For us, that alone was just a real positive thing after a rubbish year.

“We’ve been in lockdown for so many months and there have not been many positives from this year, so having recognition is quite a nice thing for the team as they work really hard.

“The staff are all over the moon. It’s been a real uplift just before Christmas.”

According to Matt, the salon, which is currently offering 30 percent off for NHS, blue light and council workers, has a ‘family feel’, which he says sets it apart from others.

The owner is also confident the business’ growing online and social media presence will help it through the pandemic and help it deal with the declining high street.

Matt added: “Our focus is on our clients.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about people being happy and leaving here happy.

“We always try to ensure they get exactly what they want.

“It’s more like a family here and I chat to everyone, as I pretty much know every customer that comes through the door.

“The worst thing about being closed was not being able to see clients.

“They come here for support and to have a rant, as well and we often say we see our clients more than we see our own family.”

As winner of the award, the team is expecting a plaque in the post, which will then be proudly displayed in the salon.

To add more joy to a difficult year, Naked has also been listed in the Three Best Rated hairdressers list for Northampton for the third year, after performing well in the site’s 51-point check.

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