A SALON is over the moon to have been named one of the best in the country.

Swain Hairdressing, one of the 2,000 salons which specialise in Great Lengths hair extensions, has been awarded Platinum status for the quality of their work for the past three years – an achievement the team is hugely proud of.

But this year, Great Lengths have upped the prize, with the salon being awarded Elite status by the extension giants.

The Whitehaven town centre business, owned and managed by Jennifer Swain, is just one of four salons throughout the UK to receive the status, and Jennifer couldn’t be more thrilled.

“To be recognised as one of the best extensions salons in the UK is just amazing!” she said. “There’s a great atmosphere in the salon – it’s an amazing achievement, and one we work so hard to achieve and maintain.”

The proud manager first started hairdressing 22 years ago, opening her salon doors seven years later, and is delighted to see her and her team’s dedication and high standards earn them such an impressive title.

She added: "I feel truly blessed to work with such lovely people who all share the same high standard of work, and thank you to all of our amazing clients for helping us reach our dreams."

Her team members are also excited, with Amanda Sanderson saying: "Team work makes the dream work, this is why we are the only Elite salon in the north west!

"We are one of the 7 best great lengths salons in the UK but we couldn’t do it without each other, working with each other and helping where we can had got us to this point."

Richard Metcalf agreed, and added: "It feels awesome to be an Elite Great Lengths salon.

"Considering there are only seven in the country, it’s crazy to think we are in a group with such highly established salons up and down the country.

"It’s amazing to see all the hard work paying off! I cannot wait for the exciting year ahead. Onwards and upwards for team Swain."

Swain Hairdressing apprentice Abbi Coates said: "I couldn’t be part of a more supportive group of people who are all very professional!

"I was so nervous to start my apprenticeship, but I’ve had nothing but love and kindness shown to me and I have learnt a lot from when I first started at Swain."

She added: "To be part of the top seven Elite hair salons is incredible, and I’m so grateful to be part of it and what we have achieved! Well done team Swain!"

On top of their award, Swain Hairdressing is also on-track to become an eco-friendly salon, choosing to do so simply “because it can be done!”.

“We’ve always been aware of the importance of recycling and being kind to the environment,” Jennifer said.

“Hairdressing can be quite a wasteful industry, and by being mindful of the products we use and how we can apply them, and recycling where we can, is no more effort to our business but makes a massive difference to our footprint.”

She added: “We’ll continue to always monitor our work, and improve where we can.”