Best Hair Salon

Once again, Thumpers has delivered a solid, uh, thumping to its competition, nearly doubling the votes registered for the runner-up. More and more the Halifax salon finds itself going head-to-head with the spas in town, as hair care is seen as merely one of many services to be offered. Maybe it’s the hair-only focus that gives Thumpers its cutting edge. Long-time receptionist Linda O’Brien, who last year celebrated her 25th anniversary working at Thumpers, thinks the reasons for their success are more blunt than that: “Good stylists, good service and friendly atmosphere.” 1869 Granville, 429-4900

1st runner-up Life Salon Spa, 5520 Spring Garden, 423-7771

2nd runner-up Kara’s Urban Day Spa, 5980 Spring Garden, 422-3900