RED SALONS CLIENTS SWITCHED ON TO X-FACTOR STYLE

X-Factor judges Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole have not just been battling it out on screen as mentors to Stacey and Joe – their hair has also been vying in a fun poll of customers and staff at Red Salons in Bridgnorth to find the most admired and requested celebrity style of 2009.

And while Cheryl’s protégé Joe McElderry scooped the series prize in the hit ITV show, it’s Dannii Minogue’s versatile bob that’s the clear winner in Shropshire.

Salon owner Neil Probert said: “If there has been one defining style this year, it’s Dannii’s bob. Not only is it a classic cut, but she seems to be able to wear it a different way every week on the show. Our clients have really switched on to this, and we’ve noticed more people asking to steal her style.”

Runner-up Cheryl Cole is renowned for her crowning glory. To help Shropshire tresses measure up, Red Salons has a specialist in hair extensions – Rachel Dawson.

Rachel trained in New York to perfect her technique in fitting human hair extensions to make existing hair appear fuller and more dramatic, just like Mrs Cole’s.

The X-Factor influence continued as Alexandra Burke’s heavy fringe was selected as the third most admired style of the year.

“Alexandra made a bold statement with her blunt-cut fringe,” said Neil Probert. “It’s a great look for her as she seeks to establish herself as an individual musician. Fringes are always a popular way to change your look. We recommend regular trims to keep the style sharp, and are always pleased to fit in our clients for a between-appointments snip.”

Other admired celeb styles this year have been country star Taylor Swift’s romantic cascading curls, the funky choppy bob of soul diva Beverley Knight and fashionista Alexa Chung’s messy bed hair. A recent request has been Victoria Beckham’s new softer style, which Neil and his team predict will be popular over the festive season, along with elaborate and sexy up-dos as sported on the red carpet by Hollywood star Eva Mendes.

Red Salons was founded by Neil Probert in 1997 and moved this year from Ironbridge to larger premises in Waterloo Terrace, Bridgnorth. The company specialises in precision cutting and creative colouring in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and is currently the only stockist of the British-made Organic Colour and Care Systems hair products in Shropshire.