Lee Seaton, owner of Jungle Hair and Beauty, has now scooped numerous awards for her salon across just two years of serving clients in Romford Shopping Hall.
The Recorder caught up with Lee after her most recent wins to find out why clients return and what she loves about the shopping hall.
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Jungle Hair and Beauty opened in August 2023 – after a year of Lee growing her clientele from home – with the stylist calling opening day “mind-blowing”.
The salon offers a variety of treatments in a family-friendly setting, but has a particular focus on creating a “safe space” for adults and children with additional needs while they get their hair cut.
Lee told the Recorder: “My most popular is my sensory appointments because there’s nowhere for children to go or adults to go.
“The adult bit of additional needs has become more popular because it’s getting more known.
“My adult hair colour [treatments] has really gone from strength to strength as well.”
On top of this, the jungle-themed salon provides “culture cuts”, which allow for women with face or head coverings to get their hair cut in a private room.
Jungle Hair and Beauty’s specialised treatments have led to recognition at both local and national awards, including the Havering Small Business Awards.
Most recently, Lee was named as London hair stylist of the year in the 2025 UK Hair Awards, while her business was recognised as hair salon of the year in the capital.
“It was kind of a big shock,” Lee said.
“Last year I came second place so I wasn’t sure or not [if I would win this year].
“But it was really nice to get that recognition because it shows your hard work is paying off.”
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Lee credits Romford Shopping Hall owner Michelle Petty with supporting her to take the leap and open her shop – and described all of the businesses as a “community”.
She told this paper: “When I was first thinking about coming here and I spoke to a few people in here, I saw that it was a community and I love that.
“Everyone just helps everyone.”
