Bare Beauty in North Berwick shortlisted at the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards

A small holistic beauty studio in North Berwick is in the running for a national title. Bare Beauty has been named a finalist in the Beauticians of the Year category at the 15th annual Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards.

The awards received thousands of nominations from across Scotland, recognising salons, barbers, beauty professionals and specialists. Bare Beauty is one of seven East Lothian businesses on the finalists list, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on 6 December.

Bare Beauty is run by its founder Helen, a holistic facialist, beauty and body therapist, aromatherapist and bridal make-up artist who is also trained in body and facial yoga. The studio sits within a garden courtyard in the seaside town, which she describes as a peaceful setting to relax and restore.

Her training has included the Mary Reid International School of Beauty in Edinburgh, the Bath Academy of Media Make-Up for bridal make-up and The Bath School of Yoga, and she has described beauty as a lifelong journey of learning.

Helen previously worked as a floral designer and stylist before training in beauty, and has spoken about creating a calm, nurturing space for clients. In an interview with Scratch magazine, she described a courtyard filled with topiary, olive trees and scented herbs in French vintage planters, sea green velvet furnishings and signage made from driftwood collected on beach walks. She works as a team of one, which she says allows her to offer a personal service with continuity for every client.

The treatment menu includes bespoke facials, kobido sculpting and lymphatic flow facials, brow and lash services, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage, pregnancy treatments and holistic therapies. Every treatment uses organic, natural and vegan product ranges. Helen also runs holistic facial ritual workshops, teaching techniques such as facial yoga, cupping, gua sha and dry brushing that guests can carry into their own self-care routine.

Other East Lothian finalists include salons in Wallyford, Dunbar, Haddington and Tranent, so the county will be well represented in Glasgow.

For a studio built on calm and personal attention, a place on the shortlist is a lovely recognition.

Appointments and workshops can be booked through the Bare Beauty website.