BRUSHES and dryers at the ready - two Glasgow hairdressers from the same salon are preparing to battle it out to win a top industry accolade.

Pamela Wallace and Joy McQuillan, of the Rainbow Room in Buchanan Street, are the only Scottish finalists in the running for salon stylist of the year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.

The salon directors have beaten thousands of other hopefuls across the UK to get to the final six, after being judged on their portfolio as well as the volume and consistency of work in building clients at the salon over the year.

Last year, Joy won the award, making her the reigning champion - and keen to hold on to the title, which launched last year.

The award has pride of place in the salon reception.

"It was a massive achievement winning it last year," says Joy who has worked for the salon for 16 years.

"It was so hectic, you just don't have time to stop and realise that you are actually one of the busiest stylists in the country."

Pamela and Joy have multi-tasking down to a fine art.

"We usually juggle at least four clients at the same time," says Pamela. "I think we work at our best when we are busy and under a bit of pressure."

The award will be presented at a glittering ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel, in London, next month.

Rainbow Room will also be cheering on colleagues from the East Kilbride salon who are finalists for the front of house team of the year award and George Square salon, who are in the running for salon team of the year.

"It's going to be a great night, I'm really looking forward to it," says Pamela, who has worked at the Buchanan Street salon for 26 years. "I have won awards within the company before - we have our own in-house awards each year and usually fight for the top ones.

"This is really special because it's so new and focuses on our work in the salon.

"Everyone in the salon is right behind us, there has been a lot of support, it's fantastic."

Finalists for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2014 were announced following two days of judging by a prestigious panel of industry experts, manufacturers and business gurus.

They reward and recognise individuals and salons that excel in the business of professional hairdressing.

From the front of house teams, salon assistants and managers through to the business directors and the teams that epitomise all that is good about the hairdressing industry - there are categories to acknowledge the professionalism and skills of everyone in the team.

angela.mcmanus@ eveningtimes.co.uk