From Saturday girl to award-winning Haydock hair stylist

Working as a Saturday girl while she was still at school, she knew she wanted to become a stylist.

Fast forward to 2013 and Gemma was able to open her own salon At Gems, which is on Clipsley Lane in Haydock, and it’s the first winner in our Best of 2024 competition, where each week we search for the best the area has to offer in different categories.

We started with Best for Hair and we were inundated with nominations for salons with clients and customers telling us who they thought should make the final shortlist.

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Pies is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Nails.

Vote for St Helens’ Best for Pies 2024

Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Nails 2024

Ten top salons in the St Helens area made the shortlist for Best for Hair with At Gems in Haydock taking the coveted crown.

We received hundreds of votes with the winning salon recording a victory and Gemma couldn’t be happier.

Owner Gemma Kelly with apprentice Bonnie Rushton

Gemma launched At Gems 11 years ago and has apprentice Bonnie Rushton ready to complete her apprenticeship.

The salon has just moved across the road into a new space – the building was formerly Flawless.

Gemma, who is 40, said: “We are predominantly a colour salon.

“We love everything from root touch up and glossing to grey blending, lived in looks and balayage.

“Even if it’s enhancing your own colour or a complete transformation.

“The integrity of your hair is always our main priority with our signature care services being a firm favourite.

“The products I use are, in my opinion, the best on the market from care to styling, we’ve got everything covered and prescriptive home care is so important to improving your results at home and in the salon.

“I do love cutting from naturally curly hair to creating sharp shape or texture and movement. “We love to create styles to suit you and your lifestyle and we also enjoy hair up and styling - making our clients feel gorgeous and glam.”

Gemma started as a Saturday girl when she was still at school and has worked in three salons on Clipsley Lane with the new location being number four.

She trained and worked at a local salon for 10 years and became manager for the last two years.

At Gems opened on Clipsley Lane in Haydock 11 years ago

Gemma said: “Getting my own salon was something I always wanted but after having my girls it was a natural progression to accommodate a more practical and flexible work life balance, so we could have more family time.

“The business side of things needs continuous work.

“As a creative, it’s not my favourite thing - I’d much rather be doing pretty hair.

“As a salon owner, it can often be a lonely place to be - I’m sure it’s the same in most small businesses.

“Juggling the job, the brews, the socials, the paperwork, the messages, the planning and the educating is tough but I’m lucky to be involved in a great networking group through my colour house, which brings people like me together to provide help and support for creative people.”

Gemma added: “I am a massive advocate for education - you can never learn enough.

“This is so important for the next generation in our industry - passing on our knowledge and teaching them.

“For myself, I chose to take part in Joico’s Colour Excellence programme.

“A ten-session programme to delve into Joico’s vast scientific side, to understand the products inside and out as well as getting to work with some inspirational artists and industry leaders has proven to be invaluable.

“This started just before the Covid-19 pandemic so what should have been ten sessions became three years of a group of ten stylists constantly coming together to sharpen our skills and our knowledge.

“We had the best time and when it came to an end were gutted but we then had the opportunity to create a photo shoot together with the help of an incredible team at our suppliers and colour house.

“The shoot was amazing and was picked up by Hairdressers Journal as a feature and this month one of our images has made the front cover of Professional Beauty.”

Gemma's work is featured on the front cover of a glossy magazine

What do customers and clients think of At Gems?

Why did they think the salon should win this award?

Customers say this place is “truly amazing” and have been going for years.

One nomination said: “I honestly wouldn’t go anywhere else.

“Gemma is a colour genius and extremely knowledgeable, talented and passionate about hairdressing.”

Gemma said: “In a world where screens are used everywhere, often replacing people, and where everyone craves acceptance on social media, you walk into my salon and are met by real people.

“Whether it’s funny or daft or happy or sad - you cannot beat the human connection and, of course, a hug.

“Hugs are good for the soul and our job is to make our guests feel good about themselves.

“When our clients’ faces light up during and after their appointment, it’s the best feeling in the world.

“When I heard we had been shortlisted for Best for Hair 2024, I was really chuffed.

“It’s lovely for us to be recognised by our clients and when I read the comments, they made cry.

“It’s lovely to see what our service means to them.

“When I got the call to say I’d won, I couldn’t believe it.

“Our little town has some amazing talent I’m very proud to just be nominated.

“My cheeks are aching from smiling and I’m so happy - this year is getting better and better.

“Thank you to everyone who took time to vote for us and for all their support over the past 11 years.

“It really does mean the world to me.”