Hair extensions for Afro-Caribbean and European clients at award-winning Strictly Xtended in Bishop's Stortford

A salon that specialises in hair extensions and prides itself on catering for everybody is celebrating becoming a double award winner.

Strictly Xtended, in Hockerill Street, Bishop's Stortford, has been named Hertfordshire's Best Hair Extensions Experts at the Southern Enterprise Awards.

And the expert team, led by director and founder Abigail Butler, are no strangers to success having been crowned Best Hair Extension Specialists at the Essex Salon Awards in 2017 when the business was based in Harlow.

Strictly Xtended's talented stylists offer tapes, bonds and locks, weaves and wigs to provide a huge range of hair extension services and hair loss solutions.

"Our aim is to be a leader in providing and installing quality hair extensions, whilst seeking to inspire and encourage our clients to reach their full hair potential," said Abigail, who also does colour and has her own range of hair care products.

"At Strictly Xtended we are as passionate about hair as we are about transforming lives."

Abigail, 37, has been a hairdresser since she was 16, completing her training at Hertford Regional College and The College of North East London.

She founded her own brand in 2009, originally running a mobile service while studying criminology at university.

Abigail spotted a gap in the market for a salon offering hair extensions to both Afro-Caribbean and European clients and wanted to offer all methods for all people under one roof.

Her dream of owning her own salon came true in 2014 when she opened for business in Harlow, before making the "brave move" of relocating to Stortford in September 2020.

The move stemmed from Abigail wanting to have a high street presence and she already had some loyal clients from Stortford and the surrounding area.

Abigail's wealth of experience includes working as an international session stylist which sees her working her magic on photo shoots and fashion shows for luxury brands such as Prada and Louis Vuitton.

L'Oreal educator Abigail describes her expert team at Strictly Xtended, who are all qualified hairdressers, as "like a family". She works alongside extensionists Shannon – who is also a colour specialist – and Gemma.

Between them they have more than 35 years' experience in the industry. Master braider Margaret also offers an expert service when required by clients.

"As recognised experts in hair extensions, we believe it's important they are fitted not just by hair extension technicians, but by those who are qualified hairdressers," said Abigail, whose business is a regular finalist in industry awards.

"This is important for clients to feel assured that they are being cared for by professionals with in-depth understanding of healthy hair care who have developed skills in all areas of hairdressing.

"All of our hair extensionists are dedicated to leading the industry in offering the correct application of hair extensions, effective maintenance advice and aftercare, demonstrating that extensions shouldn't damage your hair.

"At Strictly Xtended we pride ourselves on the success of our clients maintaining natural hair progression after wearing our extensions."

Strictly Xtended is at 48 Hockerill Street, Bishop's Stortford. See www.strictlyxtended.co.uk for more details and to book a consultation or call 01279 902976.