Yahoo News Hull hair stylist who beat cancer wins best boutique salon in Yorkshire award
A Hull hairdresser was announced as the winner of the Best Boutique Salon in Yorkshire at a glittering awards ceremony on Saturday night.
Andrea Curran-Smirk, 52, was thrilled to be a finalist at The Salon Awards 2024 but never dreamed she would win in her category. She said she was shocked when her name was read out but then spent the night partying in celebration.
She said: "I felt shocked if I'm honest with you. I was made up that I was a finalist but I didn't expect at all to win. I'm just a one-man band but that was the whole point of this award - Best Boutique Salon.
"It was partly based on reviews from my clients. They [the judges] had access to Facebook reviews and Google reviews so they verified it. It's about the service I provide and the care. I think it's an amazing award to win and I'm just thrilled."
Andrea previously told Hull Live how she had to temporarily give up hairdressing due to a cancer diagnosis. This resulted in her having chemotherapy and her own hair falling out.
But her loyal customers waited for her to return and Andrea was then motivated by her experiences of hair loss to study to become a Level 1 practitioner for Cancer Hair Care UK. Clients dealing with hair loss feel more comfortable with Andrea than at larger salons, due to both her expertise and personal experiences with it.
The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton hotel in Deansgate, Manchester, and Andrea said the finalists were greeted with a champagne reception and then a three-course dinner, followed by the announcement of winners and then a party.
Andrea said: "It was a really good party. We were sat in a party of 10 and there was another salon there from Bridlington who won colourists of the year. It was a really good bunch of girls and we all got really well.
"Everybody on our table won in different categories which was amazing." She added: "I'd also like to thank Emma Longman, my work colleague and friend, for her support over the last 17 years."
If customers would like to book an appointment with Andrea, she can be reached on 07866178671 either by phone call, text, or Whatsapp.
