Hairdressers showcase their spectacular skills

Punks, princesses and rockers took centre stage at Strode College’s annual hairdressing competition.

The event – the sixth competition the college has held – took place in the Wessex Hotel in Street and saw 110 students from training centres in Street, Bridgwater and Yeovil competing for the coveted prize.

Hairdressers had seven themed categories to show their skills in – modern day, Disney princess, Bollywood bride, 1920s Charleston flapper girl, 1950s Rockabilly, punk rock and grand masked ball.

In the modern day category, Will Marshall took the top spot, with Adele Ellis and Azure Crosby in second and third place.

The Disney Princess competition was won by Charlotte Bird, with Nicole Diment in second place and Julia Rossiter in third.

Hollie Marsh scooped first prize in Bollywood bride, with Harriet Chamberlain and Maxine Webb coming second and third.

Emily Chiffers came first in the 1920s class, with Nikki Freeman taking second place and Margaret Woodward-Kay taking third.

For the 1950s Rockabilly competition, Lucy Norman came first, with Anna Loxton and Alison Simms coming second and third.

The contested punk rock category, taking influence from the 1980s, saw Kirsty Street walking away with first prize, Lucy Brunt taking second, and Amy Francis taking third.

And in the final category of grand masked ball, Siobhan Murray took first place, with Jade Stone coming second and Amy Race taking third.

Winners received certificates and prizes including hairdressing equipment and products.

The competition was judged by professional hair stylists from across the area.

Katie Morse, head judge and senior stylist with Karen Christensen in Wells, said: “I’m blown away by the standard and quality of the students work.

“Overall the level of technical skill has been incredible and the creativity is fantastic.

“I will take ideas and inspiration from these students and I feel proud of them for what they have achieved.”

James Deary, judge and owner of James Hairdressing in Glastonbury, said: “It’s been hard to judge the competition as there were so many strong contenders.

“You can see how hard the students have worked and it is inspiring that the trainees can produce this high level of work.”

The competition was organised by Sandra Hellier, head of hairdressing at the Street-based college.

She said: “The students have worked extremely hard in preparing for the competition.

“The level and standard of technical ability and creative flair has been higher than ever.

“This event is very important for the students who have to participate as part of their qualification.

“It also allows the students to showcase all of their skills and their creativity outside of the normal everyday salon situation.”