Less than 12 months after opening the doors to her own salon, Taylah Rose Hair has been crowned Best Hairdresser in Best in the New England 2026.
The result marks a remarkable first year in business for the Tamworth stylist, who worked within last yearโs winning salon before taking the leap to open Taylah Rose Hair in Peel Street last August.
Judging by the votes, her loyal clients were more than happy to follow.
Dozens of nominations praised not only Taylahโs technical skill, but the welcoming, judgement-free salon she has built and the genuine relationships she has formed with her clients over more than a decade in the industry.
Many voters said the biggest difference at Taylah Rose Hair is that clients are truly listened to.
โTay listens to what you want and gives suggestions,โ Bec said.
โShe recommends great products, explains how to maintain your hair and creates a relaxing, safe environment. Everything about hair is her passion.โ
Makayla said Taylahโs commitment to ongoing education also sets her apart.
โShe provides the best service with honest hair advice,โ she said.
โIf she thinks something isnโt the right decision for your hair, sheโll tell you, but sheโll also work towards getting the look you want.โ
That honesty was mentioned repeatedly throughout the voting.
Immy said Taylah educates clients about what can and canโt be achieved while protecting the health of their hair.
โSheโs not just a hairdresser,โ she said.
โSheโs a role model, a therapist for her clients and a magician who makes hair goals come to life.โ
While beautiful hair was expected, many voters said it was the salon experience that earned their loyalty.
Caitlin described Taylah and her team as โexceptional hairdressers and humansโ, praising the calm atmosphere they have created.
Ellie said the salon offered โa trusting environmentโ where clients felt comfortable being themselves, while Meg called it โa safe space with incredible talentโ.
Jody said the team had created โa space that is calming and a joy to be inโ, and Stephanie described it as โthe most welcoming salonโ, where every visit felt relaxing.
For Tiffany, every appointment is about far more than hair.
โEvery appointment feels like youโre catching up with a good friend,โ she said.
โShe doesnโt just transform hair, she helps restore confidence and makes every client feel special.โ
Claire has watched Taylahโs journey over the past decade and said opening her own salon was the culmination of years of hard work.
โWatching her grow from working for other businesses to now owning her own is amazing to see,โ she said.
โShe is kind, caring and family orientated.โ
Claire said Taylahโs compassion extends to every client, including her son, who has autism and sensory challenges.
โSheโll take as long as he needs,โ she said.
โShe is bubbly, fun and honestly the best.โ
Several voters also praised Taylah for supporting other local businesses and giving back to the community.
Meg said she was โalways there to help people and always thinks of the small businesses firstโ, while Isabella said Taylah regularly recommended other local businesses to her clients and had built strong connections throughout the region.
Taylah thanked her voters for their support.
“This is so exciting! Thank you so much,” she said.
“Forever grateful for this community we have built.”
For a salon that has been open for less than a year, winning the New Englandโs top hairdressing title is an extraordinary achievement.
As Carissa put it: โWhat a first year in business these guys have had.โ
Best in the New England is an annual promotion run by New England Times. Find out more here.
See who won last year.
Read the terms and conditions of the promotion.
See all the stories about Best in the New England including winner profiles.
