Meet the salon owner helping clients feel good about themselves

The 33-year-old, who first opened The Secret Halo in the summer of 2019, specialises in hair loss and provides wigs for clients who are affected.

Here, in our latest Meet The Salon Owner, Gemma tells us why the time was right to move location in St Helens town centre, what the return to work looked like post pandemic and what plans she has for the year ahead.

If you would like to appear in one of our hair and beauty business features – Meet The Salon Owner or Meet The Stylist, Meet The Beauty Therapist or Meet The Makeup Artist - email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Gemma in the midst of the salon transformation at the end of last year

What’s your name?

Gemma Dean

What’s the name of the salon/business?

The Secret Halo

What’s the address?

23 Hardshaw Street,

St Helens,

WA10 1RW

Are you the owner/manager?

Yes, I’m the owner.

The Secret Halo opend on Hardshaw Street in St Helens town centre in December

How many employees do you have?

I have one employee and the rest of the girls rent space.

When did you open the salon?

I opened the salon on June 14, 2019.

Has it always been in the same location? Where is the current location?

Yes, it’s always been in the same location - 256 Boundary Road. We moved to our current premises in December last year.

Bouncing curls

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Yes, I'm from Eccleston.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

We offer an extensive range of services and treatments:

Wigs, hair loss, health checks, private blood testing, allergy testing, IV vitamin drips, IM vitamin booster, PRP, Audiology, removal of skin tags / blood spots / moles, hair, beauty, nails, pedicures, make-up, make up education, hypnotherapy, crystal healing, psychic readings, reiki, ear candling, reflexology, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, inner child healing, self-love coaching and much more.

READ MORE:

Beauty therapist living her dream making clients look glam

Why did you decide to open your own salon?

I have always wanted my own salon from being young. I’m a passionate person, I envision what I want and have the drive to achieve it.

Inside the spacious new salon, which opened earlier in December

Why this type of business?

I have always been interested in hair since being a little girl and love getting creative.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

The pandemic affected a lot of small businesses. We had only been trading for less than a year so it was a worrying time. When salons were allowed to open again, because my shop was spacious, we could provide room for social distancing with screens and PPE. I’m glad to say we got through it. Our customers were very supportive.

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I think providing more than just hairdressing sets us apart from others. Hair loss is something I'm passionate about and providing a bespoke service is very important to me. Looking after our health and well-being is becoming more important to people.

The Secret Halo specialises in wigs for customers suffering from hair loss

Why did you decided to move premises? Why in December 2023?

In order for us to grow and develop as a business, we felt that a move would allow opportunity for this to happen. We were thrilled to be transitioning to the new salon and excited about the new treatments that will be available to our clientele, hopefully helping the regeneration of our town centre.

READ MORE:

Salon owner has the golden touch when it comes to nails and beauty

Why do loyal clients return to your business?

Ultimately, I would say we make sure our clients are completely satisfied with the service they have paid for. We want our customers to leave the salon feeling good about themselves.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your salon?

We are looking forward to adapting to our new premises and adding more new treatments to our list.