Salon Triumph: Hampshire Hairdressers Named Hairdresser of the Year 2026
Francesca Dovey’s The Green Room in Romsey has claimed the 2026 Hairdresser of the Year award after a public vote. The salon’s expansion and rising client base reflect its growing reputation. Staff and clients celebrate a second victory in four years.
Romsey’s The Green Room has been crowned Hairdresser of the Year 2026, marking its return to the top after winning the same accolade in 2024. The announcement follows a public vote conducted by local newspapers, capping a year of sustained growth for the salon.
Owner Francesca Dovey, who rebranded the business from Kutz Hair Studio to The Green Room four years ago, said the award vindicates the salon’s strategy of blending artistry with community engagement. “This recognition is a testament to the team’s skill and our clients’ loyalty,” Dovey said. “We’re not just cutting hair; we’re creating experiences.”
Key Points
- ✅ The Green Room won Hairdresser of the Year 2026 after a public vote by Hampshire media outlets
- ⚡ Salon expanded physical space last year to accommodate a 40% rise in clients
- 💡 Dovey plans to hire more stylists and enhance the salon’s reputation as a community hub
The salon’s growth has been relentless. After securing the 2024 award, Dovey and her team relocated to larger premises on Latimer Walk, Romsey, adding two additional styling stations. The move was necessary after waiting lists for appointments stretched beyond three weeks. “We had to turn clients away,” Dovey admitted. “Expanding wasn’t just about space; it was about opportunity.”
| Salon Metrics | 2024 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Stylists | 5 | 8 |
| Clients per week | 120 | 170 |
| Revenue growth | Base year | 35% increase |
Dovey credits the salon’s rebranding—shifting from a utilitarian “Kutz” aesthetic to a calming, eco-conscious “Green Room” vibe—for attracting a younger, more diverse clientele. The salon now offers organic haircare products and hosts monthly workshops on sustainable styling. “People don’t just want a haircut,” Dovey said. “They want a philosophy.”
💡 Pro Tip
Salon owners struggling with client waitlists should consider staggered appointment blocks and loyalty programs to manage demand without expanding prematurely.
The award has already had tangible benefits. Inquiries about job openings have surged, with Dovey receiving 15 applications in the first 48 hours after the announcement. She’s particularly keen to recruit stylists trained in precision cutting and balayage techniques, two specialties that have driven the salon’s reputation.
📋 By The Numbers
- 8 — Current number of stylists at The Green Room
- £180,000 — Projected annual revenue for 2026, up from £133,000 in 2024
- 3 — Consecutive months The Green Room has ranked #1 on Romsey’s Google reviews
Neighboring businesses have taken notice. Cork and Bean, a coffee shop across the street, reports a 25% uptick in foot traffic since The Green Room’s relocation, with many customers citing the salon’s popularity as a draw. “We’re a natural fit,” said Cork and Bean owner Liam Carter. “People come in for a trim and stay for the flat white.”
- 📊 68% of new clients cite the salon’s social media presence as their primary discovery method
- 🔍 The Green Room’s Instagram account has grown from 2,500 to 12,000 followers since the 2024 award
- ⚠️ Rising costs of organic haircare products threaten to squeeze profit margins despite revenue growth
Looking ahead, Dovey is focused on consolidating The Green Room’s position as Hampshire’s premier salon. Plans include launching a subscription-based membership program and expanding into wedding and event styling. “We’re not just playing the long game,” she said. “We’re redefining it.”