A SOUTHAMPTON salon has had to more than double in size after continued popularity meant the place outgrew its usual base in the city.

Rebecca H Salons has now moved its location to larger premises on Bedford Place, around the corner from its previous space at Carlton Place.

The hair haven was founded by Rebecca Kelly - a Southampton-born resident who found fame after winning BBC Three’s Young Hairdresser of the Year eight years ago - and has grown rapidly as a local business since.

After growing up in the city her whole life, the hairdresser decided to open the independent salon as part of her continued passion for hair and beauty.

She said it proves that independent businesses are “not just surviving but thriving and expanding” in Southampton.

Its new home, situated at 37 Bedford Place, spans over two floors boasting 1656sq ft of space, and is used to pamper customers five days a week.

Now, Rebecca H Salons will offer beauty treatments as part of a new service and aim to make it a one-stop shop for busy customers looking to have all their grooming boxes ticked in one place.

All services at the salon are available for men and women.

Among the treatments already on offer include hair services such as cuts and colour change, as well as semi-permanent make-up.

And as part of their growing popularity, Rebecca said that brow services are in particular high demand in the city.

Rebecca also puts their success and expansion down to their customer service.

She said: “I also think independent businesses have big appeal. Our customers like that we’re an independent salon, set up by someone who’s lived in the city all their life.

“At a time when much is being said about the struggle of the high street, we’re proof that independent businesses are not just surviving but thriving and expanding.”

“Winning the Young Hairdresser of the Year award opened up so many doors for me, but I can’t base it just on that, so I needed to make sure the customer experience was spot on.”

Rebecca added: “We worked so hard to build a clientele but we were fully booked and all tripping over each other. Our first little shop was great but we decided we needed bigger premises."

MP for Southampton Itchen Royston Smith said: "It's always good to see small businesses grow in Southampton but this one is particularly pleasing. A local young lady who has already achieved so much in her profession expanding her business in Southampton is to be welcomed and applauded."

The salon growth has led to more jobs for local people, with two new members of staff added to the team since the move.

The company’s apprenticeship scheme has also been expanded.

Rebecca H Salons is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 8pm on Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday.