Meet owner of The Secret Halo and winner of our first 'Best of 2022' award

Not only does the 32-year-old specialise in hair colour, quality hair extensions, styling and beauty treatments, but the winner of our Best for Hair 2022 award is also an expert in wigs.

Having suffered from alopecia and losing her hair at the age of 19, Gemma, who is from Eccleston, wanted to learn more about wigs and how to style them, so she could incorporate them into her job as a hairdresser.

Gemma Dean with a different look

Gemma worked under the guidance of star hairdresser Trevor Sorbie in London and after managing a salon in St Helens for five years it was during her time on maternity leave when she had her son Elliott, who is now four, that she decided she wanted her own business.

She opened The Secret Halo on Boundary Road in St Helens and nominations in our Best for Hair 2022 competition cited how caring Gemma is, as she helps clients who are going through cancer treatments and other illnesses resulting in hair loss, giving them a much-needed confidence boost.

One nomination said she is “the best in the business”.

Gemma said: “As well as providing other hairdressing needs, I also provide an appointment-based wig service in the salon.

“It’s amazing how many women go through hair loss and many don’t know what to do.

“We have lots of choice and allow customers to try wigs on as well as order them into the salon.

“Word of mouth has been a great advertiser for the salon and we have people from all over Cheshire and beyond visiting us.”

Gemma with another of her wigs

She added: “Spending time with my son when I was on maternity leave made me realise that I needed to just go for it and open up my own salon and I’ve never looked back.

 “Winning this award is just fantastic and it’s great to be recognised for all our hard work by our wonderful clients and customers.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thesecrethalo

The Secret Halo on Boundary Road in St Helens