‘Absolutely amazing’: Carlisle salon reaches Best Beauty Salon 2026 finals

A CARLISLE city centre-based salon has reached the finals of the News & Star's 'Best Beauty Salon 2026' competition. The Cecil Street salon launched two years ago, in September 2024. It is owned and run by Samantha McGlasson, who made a career change from finance to beauty therapy. On hearing that she had reached the 'Best Beauty Salon 2026' finals, she said: "[It feels] absolutely amazing; I've definitely had a pep in my step since!" Inside B.by Sam. (Image: Supplied) She said it also means a great deal to know her loyal clients voted for her. "It genuinely means the world," Sam said. B.by Sam offers a range of beauty treatments, but hard gel manicures are currently the most popular. She explained: "I've recently made a few decisions to really optimise my treatment menu." Sam has stopped offering massage to focus fully on nail services. The salon now also offers pedicures, following regular requests from clients. Nails at B.by Sam. (Image: Supplied) If Samantha won the competition, she said: "I wouldn't believe it! "When it's just you in your little room working away, you don't really feel like a salon, but I definitely am a luxury salon." Clients can book through Samantha's Fresha and Facebook: B. By Sam or via her Instagram page: xb.bysam. Voting in the News & Star's Best Beauty Salon 2026 competition is now under way, with the winner to be decided by readers.