With voting for The Northern Echo’s Best Hairdresser or Barber competition now well and truly open, your favourite salon needs your support!

Every day over the next ten days, we will be featuring one of our top ten finalists, chosen by our readers.

Today, The Northern Echo speaks to Michael Teasdale, of Michael Teasdale Hair, based in Bishop Auckland for the last seven years.

Michael has been styling hair for 20 years after making the leap into hairdressing after studying music in college.

He said: "I finished my music course at Darlington College and because times were a bit tough, I knew I wanted to go an earn some money rather than go to university.

"There were jobs going at Asda and Saks in Bishop Auckland. I'd never really thought about hairdressing before but I was encouraged to give it a try. 

"I got the job, and within a week I knew it was the career for me. I loved the training, I loved the social aspect - it was hard work but I loved it."

After leaving Saks, Michael worked at building his portfolio of clients at a smaller salon before going freelance.

He said: "I rented a chair in a salon in West Auckland, and kept seeing a salon for rent coming on the market. I wasn't ready when I first saw it ten years ago, but I kept my eye on it.

"It came up again, and I spoke to my partner about it. He told me to go for it - so I did. I took it on and have never looked back. I've been so busy, and I now have a four-week waiting list for appointments so it's very difficult to take on new clients.

"The salon is a lovely little environment. I love having a chat with my clients and putting the world to rights. I have beauty rooms here too, which is run by a mother and daughter, and they do everything from nails and lashes to waxing.

"It is great because the services complement each other  and makes it a good all-round salon.

"We are really welcoming to people from all walks of life, and we are a LBGT+ friendly salon. I have lots of LBGT+ clients, and it is fantastic to be such a diverse salon which promotes equality."

Michael says the thing he loves most about hairdressing is the variety.

He said: "Every day is different. Every head of hair is a new challenge - that's what makes my mind tick. To achieve what the clients wants while maintaining beautiful hair.

"You share a lot with your clients - I see them all as my friends."