WITH voting for The Northern Echo’s Best Hairdresser or Barber competition just days away from closing, your favourite salon needs your support!

A trio of barbers who each bring something to the table are the perfect balance in this 1950's-themed vintage barbershop.

Oakley's Barber Shop, based in Darlington, is run by Craig Egan, along with Blaine Peat and Ben Williams working alongside him.

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Barber Ben has worked at the shop for around three months, and said the team are thrilled to have made the top ten of the competition.

He said: "Oakley's Barber Shop was set up by Craig to provide a niche environment where clients can come and relax and feel like it is their space.

"The shop has a 1950s retro look, and is filled with memorabilia. Craig felt the world is moving so fast, it is nice to keep a bit of nostalgia. We've got old records, movie props, and a jukebox.

"He has been collecting for years – the barber shop is like an extension of his house to keep his collection!"

Craig has been barbering for more than 10 years, working in barber shops all over the North East, from £5 walk-in venues to high-end gentlemen's shops with whiskey and cigars.

When working in a similar barber shop in Durham, he noticed there was a gap in the market in Darlington. Nine months ago decided to set up on his own.

Oakley's also offers SMP – scalp micro pigmentation – for people suffering with hair thinning and baldness. The procedure involves tattooing micro dots over the scalp to give the appearance of hair that has been shaved.

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Ben said: "The irony of us all being barbers is that we are all going bald. SMP is great to boost your confidence though if it is something they are struggling with.

"We are proud to be an inclusive salon. Clients become your friends before your friends become clients. We also network with local businesses so we help each other out.

"We're over the moon to have been nominated, it's nice to know people have voted."