College students celebrate success at regional hairdressing competition

Hairdressing students from Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) are celebrating after scooping six awards at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) semi-finals.

Level 2 Hairdressing apprentice from Newcastle College, Laura-Paige Enderby came first place in the first year Ladies Commercial Blow Dry and Finish, with Level 2 Hair & Media Makeup student Selina Rose Harrison taking second place with her finished look in the Half Body Painting category.

Talented Level 2 Hair & Media Makeup students from Stafford College also impressed judges in a number of categories. Grace Telford came first place in the Gender Transformation category, whilst students Issy Clifford and Hannah Vivian came first and third place respectively in the Ladies Editorial category. Nikhita Patel and Holly Walsh came in joint third place for their hair & make-up efforts in the Team Bridal Event.

The awards took place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Monday 3 February and all seven students will go now head-to-head with students from across the UK in the national finals, – due to take place on Monday 16 March at the same venue.

The Association of Hairdressers and Therapists was founded in 1963 by a group of hairdressing teachers as a national network of like-minded specialists who exchanged good practice and support.  Members of the AHT include teachers, trainers or assessors of hairdressing or therapy subjects, who are either working towards or currently hold teaching/assessing qualifications.

Commenting on the success of the students, Lorraine Drayton, Curriculum Manager for Hairdressing and Beauty at NSCG, said: “By competing in high profile regional competitions such as these, our students gain valuable experience that they can use to help them progress in the workplace.  The students did themselves and the College proud and I’m delighted with the latest collection of awards, which recognise their talent and hard work. We wish them all well as they compete on the national stage at the finals in March.”