The Northern Echo is once again on the hunt for the region’s best beauty salon – and today we can reveal our list of finalists.
County Durham and Darlington are home to some top-class salons, whether it’s a revitalising facial, a fresh set of nails, or a full face of makeup you’re after.
Earlier this month we asked readers to nominate their favourite beauty salon.
After receiving hundreds of nominations, we can now reveal the top ten shortlist for our Best Beauty Salon prize 2026.
Last year’s winner Becki C’s Nails, Beauty and Aesthetics, based on Burnside Road in Darlington, is one of four to make the shortlist for the second year running.
On winning last year, owner Becki Cooper said: "We're absolutely over the moon, and I can't stop grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"You kind of forget that you mean so much to people. We're just a little salon on an estate in Darlington, we're not a fancy place, so to be the winner is amazing. Every single one of us is grateful to everyone who voted.”
Eight of the salons in the top ten this year are from Darlington, with one in Shildon and another based in Bishop Auckland finishing off the list.
The Northern Echo Best Beauty Salon top ten finalists 2026
- Authentic Brows by Chloe - Darlington
- Beauty Lounge – 23 Grange Road, Darlington
- Becki C’s Nails, Beauty & Aesthetics - 8 Burnside Road, Darlington
- Bella Nails – 43 Duke Street, Darlington
- Bespoke Beauty - Foxglove Close, Darlington
- Buda Beauty - Church Street, Shildon
- Nail Serenity - Duke Street, Darlington
- Skin and Tonic Spa - Cockerton Green, Darlington
- The Studio Hair & Beauty - Kensington South, Bishop Auckland
- Two Hoots Wellbeing Services - North Road, Darlington
(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
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Over the next two weeks, we will be featuring one of our top ten each day.
To vote for your favourite hairdresser, simply complete the form in The Northern Echo every day for the next two weeks and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Beauty Salon 2026, Local IQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP.
Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes.