It's official – the votes are in, and we can now reveal the best hairdresser in County Durham and Darlington.

After votes were cast online for a top 10, each hairdresser has been interviewed on what they do best and why it is that they deserve to be voted the Best Hairdresser 2024.

The Northern Echo has published these interviews both online and in print, giving readers a chance to look at the options and have their say.

Now, the votes have been counted and we can reveal that the winner is . . . Michael Teasdale Hair and Beauty based in Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland. 

Michael has been styling hair for 20 years after making the leap into hairdressing after studying music in college.(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Reacting to the news, he said: "That is fantastic. I'm very pleased. We have won something that I never expected to win.

"To be honest our clients nominated us. We are very happy indeed."

He added: "With my salon, I brand it home-from-home. Everyone is welcome, across the board.

"We pride ourselves in that and I think it shows. The atmosphere is always nice and the clients are all chatty. Likewise we just get along with everyone really. 

Michael employs two health and beauty therapists, as well. 

He said: "We provide a range of services. I have beauty rooms here too, which is run by a mother and daughter, and they do everything from nails and lashes to waxing.  

"I am one of the only businesses in the village. There are two pubs and myself. I have been here seven years. I took a risk and it has paid off. We love it. 

"I have clients who travel from as far afield at Stockton, Redcar, Darlington, Hexham."

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."(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

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."

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The ten best in alphabetical order, were:

  •  Blossom & Crown, in 4 Church Street, Shildon
  •  Clique, in 17 Parsons Court, Newton Aycliffe
  •  Era 21 Plus, in 25 Hollyhurst Road, Darlington
  •  Forty7 The Salon, in 47 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
  •  Hair by Ann-Marie, in 74 Victoria Road, Darlington
  •  Hair by Edele, in 79 Front Street, Durham
  •  Jodie Stott, in 58 The Green, Darlington
  •  Michael Teasdale Hair, in 13 Toft Hill Lane, Bishop Auckland
  •  Oakleys Barbershop, in 39 Bondgate, Darlington
  •  The Hair Lab, in Unit 7, Lingfield Way, Darlington