A hard-working hairdresser with a weeks long waiting list for a cut or colour at her New Forest village salon has been named the Daily Echo's Hairdresser of the Year for 2025. 

Vicky Sheppard has scooped the coveted gong nearly three years after she opened Hatherleys Hair and Beauty in Hordle. 

The popular salon owner has a six to eight week waiting list, works 12 hour days five to six days a week in order to see 50 to 60 clients and considers all her customers, some who travel from miles around, her friends. 

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Vicky, who has worked in various salons in the area, including a previous incarnation of this Stopples Lane site, and as a home hairdresser, told the Daily Echo: "I'm quite overwhelmed to be honest. I really didn't think our little salon in the middle of nowhere could even come close. We thought being in the top ten was really quite impressive! 

"When we opened it was a hard time at the end of Covid, but I thought opportunities like that don't come along very often. There have been ups and downs, lots of stress and tears, but it shows hard work and perseverance pays off. 

"I have learning difficulties and I never thought I'd run a business like this.

"I always do the best job I can and put my all into everything. They aren't just clients, they're friends and I'm very grateful to them. They look after me as much as I look after them."

(Image: Supplied) Vicky also thanked her supportive family, her parents, husband and children, and brilliant salon team, which includes stylists Claire Eveleigh and Danielle Willis of Ivy Hair Studio, as well as beautician Heather Joy.

Finalists in the Daily Echo Hairdresser of the Year competition were: TL Cuts Bitterne Village, Elle Sadler Hair in Swanwick Lane, Flique Hair in Hedge End, Totton's Gentleman's League, Image Hair and Beauty and Lox by Lizzie, mobile hairdresser The Little Hair Room, The Mane Studio in New Milton, Trevor Mitchell with Chez Gerrard Hair and Beauty in Romsey and Bitterne Village's Virtues Hair and Beauty.

(Image: Supplied)