Lingfield salon owner named double finalist at national hairdressing business awards

Kerry-Ann Buckell, founder of KB Hair Extensions and KB the Hair Studio, is celebrating two finalist places at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2027.

East Grinstead entrepreneur Kerry-Ann Buckell, whose salon is based in Lingfield, has been shortlisted for Social Stylist of the Year, sponsored by GLOWWA, and Hair Extensions Business of the Year, sponsored by Remi Cachet.

The national awards celebrate the business expertise behind successful hairdressing, recognising leadership, innovation and outstanding client experiences. Entries are assessed by an expert judging panel.

For Kerry-Ann, the two categories bring together her specialist work in hair extensions and the community she has built through social media.

“To be recognised in two categories that bring together my passion for hair extensions and the community I’ve built online means so much to me,” she said.

“Building this business while raising my son and overcoming personal challenges has taken determination, so this is a moment I’m allowing myself to stop and feel proud of. I’m incredibly grateful to my clients and everyone who continues to support me.”

Kerry-Ann opened her first private studio in February 2025, bringing the space together in less than two weeks following a difficult chapter in her professional life and after facing skin cancer twice.

Six months later, she expanded with KB the Hair Studio, creating private spaces where other independent stylists could develop their businesses.

Based in a countryside setting near the Surrey and Kent border, the studios offer a personalised salon experience, with hair extensions a central part of Kerry-Ann’s work.

Alongside serving her salon clients, she shares transformations, practical advice and behind-the-scenes content with an Instagram community of more than 100,000 followers. Her work has included celebrity clients such as Christine McGuinness, Lizzie Cundy and Lucinda Strafford.

She is also a founding member of TikTok’s SME Council, a member of the L’Oréal Pro Collective and a participant in the HJ Business Boardroom, and is studying trichology to develop her knowledge of hair and scalp health.

The double shortlist follows her recognition as a triple finalist at the 2026 Women’s Business Awards, in the categories of Hair Business Woman of the Year, Inspirational Woman in Business and Solo Entrepreneur of the Year.

According to the organisers, this year’s British Hairdressing Business Awards finalists were selected for strong business performance, fresh thinking and their ability to respond to the changing needs of the industry.

The winners will be announced on Monday 1 March 2027 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, bringing together professionals from across the UK hairdressing industry.

Kerry-Ann’s work and awards journey can be followed on Instagram at @kbhairextensions and @kbthehairstudio.