A HAIRDRESSER said being shortlisted in a Furness-wide competition was a 'massive shock.'

The Mail is running a competition to find the best hairdresser in the area. Sarah Forristal runs Urban Edge on Anchor Road, Barrow, which has made it into the top 10 after readers shortlisted their favourites.

She said: "I just knew the competition was going on. I found out this morning because my mum works in the papershop. 

The interior of Urban Edge StudioThe interior of Urban Edge Studio (Image: Submitted)

"I'm in shock - it's my first year in business. It's going so well. It's great to have some good news like that."

Sarah has been working in the hair business for 18 years although has only set up a shop recently after working from home for eight years. "I'm really close to my clients - obviously that shows," she added. 

Sarah said that her partner has called her the 'Balayage Queen' because of how many she does for her clients. The style uses highlights so that the hair strands gradually become lighter at the ends compared to the roots. 

When asked why Urban Edge should win, she said: "There's such a good vibe around the salon - we've got a good little team." 

'We've got a good little team' 'We've got a good little team' (Image: Submitted)

Speaking to The Mail when they opened last year, she said her passion for hairdressing started when she was younger. 

She said: "My mum said that I was good with hair when I was younger in school.

"I went straight to college after school but then my dad got me a job in the yard and I started to do the job on the side.

"Then I had my son and I decided to take it on properly in my house nearly nine years ago so I have been working from home all that time."

Urban Edge Studio is on Anchor RoadUrban Edge Studio is on Anchor Road (Image: Submitted)

Readers will be able to vote for their favourite finalist by picking up a copy of the newspaper between Monday, June 24 and Saturday, July 6.

After this final voting stage has concluded, the winner will be crowned as The Mail's 'Hairdresser or Barber 2024' during the week commencing Monday, July 15.

Tom Murphy, head of digital at Newsquest Cumbria, said: "Remember to pick up a copy of The Mail to give your favourite a chance to win."