A Leeds hairdresser has been named the best in the UK at the industry's most prestigious awards ceremony.
Robert Eaton is Creative Director at Russell Eaton Hair on Boar Lane in Leeds city centre.
This week he achieved one of his "ultimate career goals" when he was crowned British Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards - known as the ultimate accolade in the UK industry and recognised all over the world.
Robert beat off competition from eight other finalists, including three previous winners and one MBE who was honoured by the Queen for services to hairdressing.
“I’m absolutely speechless," he said.
"There are so many people here who have mentored me, helped me and guided me to where I am now.
"I’m so thankful to everyone who voted for my collection. I was overwhelmed to be nominated in the first place, so to win this year is absolutely mind-blowing."
Robert started his career in 1996, when he joined his father, Russell Eaton, at the family salon in Barnsley.
He opened their second salon, on Boar Lane in Leeds, in 2012 and went on to win a number of industry awards and is now one of the most sought after hairdressers in the country.
An appointment with Robert at the Leeds salon costs £100 for women and £50 for men.
Robert works alongside his award winning sister Isobel in the family business and, occasionally, his father too.
He continued: "Dad still works on the salon floor one day a week and Mum is still involved in front of house and is the best bookkeeper. We often call her ‘The most important Eaton’ as she keeps all the book work and wages in perfect order.
“Work does take a huge amount of time up and I think working in a family business becomes a way of life not just a job! My spare time is generally taken up with family life - my daughter is three years old, so life is very busy at home too!”
