STAFF from a Taunton hairdressers have become finalists for a prestigious award.

Abby Whittaker and Karly Whittaker from Sarah Hodge Hairdressers are one of six finalists for the Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year Award in HJ’s 2012 British Hairdressing Awards.

The Awards, launched in 1984 by Hairdressers Journal International, celebrate the best of British hairdressing creativity and are renowned internationally as the ‘Oscars’ of the hairdressing world. Abby said: “I was delighted when I received my letter telling me I had made it to the finals. This year has been an incredible one for the salon.”

Karly added: “To be recognised by your peers as being one of the country's leading hairdressers and being involved in the British Hairdressing Awards is both a wonderful feeling and a great achievement.”

To enter, hairdressers had to submit four images, which fulfil a criteria. Abby and Karly have to submit another four images, to be judged along with the first four by industry experts, members of the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame, and hair journalists from top magazines.

Jayne Lewis-Orr, publishing director of Hairdressers Journal International, said: “British hairdressing is perceived throughout the world as being the best, and the Awards recognise and reward creativity and excellence in all hairdressing skills.”

The results will be published on November 26.