A Ballymena hairdresser has won a national award at a ceremony in London. Chloe Houston, who works at Houston Hair on Ballymoney Road, received the Creative Image Award at the Creative HEAD Most Wanted Awards. The event was held at Drumsheds in London and attended by more than 600 hairdressing professionals.

The winning entry was a jade green hair creation. Houston said she was surprised to win against established industry figures. She said: “I am over the moon to receive this award. I was up against industry heavyweights who have won awards and create incredible images. To be a finalist was an honour, but to win this is unreal. I couldn’t believe it when my name was announced.”

The image was part of a collection that had previously earned her the Newcomer of the Year title at the British Hairdressing Awards. Her work has appeared on magazine covers internationally.

Two other members of Houston Hair, Simon Houston and Tori Smyth, are nominated for Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in November.