See inside the Seaham beauty bar named the country's most Instagrammable salon

The Blow Lounge won the award for Best Salon Decor at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2021 for its new Instagrammable super salon in Adelaide Row.

A female-led business passionate about providing a platform for women in the industry, the salon has completely transformed the former Reeds Rains site into a one-stop shop for hair and beauty.

Gone are the once plain walls to be replaced with flower walls, neon signs, bubble chairs, pampas clouds hanging from ceilings and even a wall made of Barbies that’s perfect for sharing on photo platform Instagram.

All of the eight businesswomen at the salon are self-employed and cover all aspects of hair and beauty, from nail and lash technicians to hair extensions and an aesthetic nurse.

The salon originally opened in February 2020, but had to close soon after due to the pandemic. Regan Freeman from the salon said it’s great to finally be able to open from April 12 – and to already have a national award under their belt.

"A lot of the girls have been fully booked since we reopened, and working 7am to 11pm to fit everyone in, so it’s great to have that support. With all the restrictions we haven’t really been able to put ourselves out there yet,” she said. “I think the beauty industry was taken for granted a bit during the pandemic, but it’s people’s income, it’s what puts bread on their table. And for customers they’re glad to be back having their treatments done, for that sense of normality, and to be able to come in for a pamper and a gin and tonic.

"It’s been a tough year, but things are picking up and we have lots of bookings for weddings, proms and other events.”

Due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony had to take place online and, despite being a new venture, the salon was short-listed in three categories.

"We were delighted to win the decor award,” said Regan. “There were thousands of salons who entered so we never expected it. Everything in the salon was done by us by hand, we’ve put so much effort into the decor, so to win for that was amazing.”

Regan says they’ve also had a lot of support from the Seaham community.

"People are glad to see something being done with what was an empty shop,” she said. “People often stop and stare through the windows or drive past just to have a look at what we’ve done as they’re shocked at the transformation. The neighbouring businesses have also been really supportive.

"There’s so much investment being made in Seaham, especially along the seafront, and it’s great to see.”

The team aren’t finished jazzing up the site. Their next project is to transform the outdoor space into a pamper hut where children can come for a day spa, including daddy and daughter pamper sessions. More jobs are also set to be created, as well as openings for apprentice positions.

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