WALLYFORD beauticians are celebrating after winning top accolades at The Scottish Nails Brows Lashes Awards 2022.

Claire Benn, of Brows by Claire B, was delighted to be named Brow Experts of the Year South East, while Nu Yu scooped the Nail Technician of the Year South East title for the second time.

Top professionals gathered recently at Marriott Hotel Glasgow for a glamorous night staged to recognise the best nails, brows and lashes specialists.

The star-studded evening was hosted by events host and radio presenter Gina McKie, who presented the winners as voted for by the public and congratulated them for being at the forefront of the industry.

Thirty-nine-year-old Claire, who now works from her Wallyford home, has run beauty salons for 11 years and, for the past eight years, has been a well-known brow artist locally.

East Lothian Courier: Claire Benn, of Brows by Claire B, was delighted to be named Brow Experts of the Year South East at the The Scottish NBL Awards 2022

Claire Benn, of Brows by Claire B, was delighted to be named Brow Experts of the Year South East at the The Scottish NBL Awards 2022

She has worked around the UK, including Glasgow and Carlisle teaching brow students as part of a Brow Henna company.

Originally from Musselburgh, Claire is former pupil of Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School.

She started her first business, Nirvana, on Tranent High Street, before moving to Prestonpans High Street to open The Wee Brow Bar.’

She said: “After Covid, I decided to close down my salon and work from my lodge at home in Wallyford.

“I absolutely love my job and my clients mean the world to me.

“I am a fully qualified teacher and beauty therapist but brows became my favourite job, and that became my area of expertise.”

She paid tribute to her mum Frances McDonnell, who lives on North High Street, Musselburgh, saying: “She has always believed in me and supported me.”

Helen McLeod, from Wallyford, owner and a beauty therapist at Nu Yu, said: “We are all truly grateful to receive this award.

“We would like to thank all our clients for their loyalty, love and support.

“I opened Nu Yu in March 2009.

“In the salon, we have an incredibly talented team who are all approachable and friendly, with years of experience in the industry.”

East Lothian Courier: Nu Yu picks up the Nail Technician of the Year South East accolade at the Scottish NBL Awards. From left, hair stylist Kelly Dowie, salon owner and beauty therapist Helen McLeod, and Tracey Smith, hair stylist and make-up artist. Ashley Davidson, another

Nu Yu picks up the Nail Technician of the Year South East accolade at the Scottish NBL Awards. From left, hair stylist Kelly Dowie, salon owner and beauty therapist Helen McLeod, and Tracey Smith, hair stylist and make-up artist. Ashley Davidson, another member of the Nu Yu team, is not pictured

Nu Yu, based at 3/4 Fa’side Buildings, won Nail Technician of the Year South East at the Scottish NBL Awards in 2019 and was named Spotlight Salon of the Year 2021 at the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards in February.

A spokesperson for The Scottish NBL Awards 2022 said: “The winners reflect the creativity and talent that flows within the profession.

“These specialists inspire others when it comes to the big and competitive world of beauty.

“The awards provided a platform to thank those that deliver high-class services, making sure clients are left with the best of impressions.

“The winners lead the way in providing innovative treatments and are role models for the rest of the beauty world.

“We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”