Originality and creativity was the order of the day as hairdressing and barbering apprentices battled it out in the annual Skills Group Hairdressing and Barbering Competition on Monday 4 September 2017 at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth.
Apprentices representing salons from across the South West competed in different themed categories according to the length of training.
Securing first place in the novice category, ‘Under the Sea’, which was for apprentices who have been in training for less than one year, was Cheryl Metherell from Skin Deep. Closely followed by Alice Bray from Chameleon Hair Design in second and Todd Barker from The Hair Academy in third.
‘Fantasy’ was the theme for the intermediate hairdressing category who have been in training for over 12 months but have not yet completed their level 2 qualification. This highly competitive category was won by Samantha Brown from Salon 84, clinching second place was Michaela Hickerman from B-Beautiful and securing a very respectable third place was Ellie Wykes from The Hair Lounge.
The intermediate barbers competed to fulfil the theme of ‘Great Gatsby’, achieving a fantastic first place was Josh Bunker from Cutting Company, second was Harrison Amos from City Gents who was closely followed in third place by Tom Hooper from Chudleigh Barbers.
The advanced hairdressers also took part and showcased three fantastic models to fulfil their category of ‘Festival’. Along with the advanced barbers who showcased their skills with a ‘Transition through Time’. The advanced hairdressers and barbers all showcased the complete look including hair, make-up and outfit.
The winner of each category was presented with a pair of scissors worth over £200 donated by our generous sponsor, Scissor Warehouse. The winners of the novice category also received a Head Jog Nano Ceramic Hairdryers, the intermediate barbering winner received a Wahl Foiler and barbering apron and the intermediate hairdressing winner received a C1 paradise Pack Straightening Kit.
Lisa Rosewarne, Hairdressing Programme Manager, said “Competitions are an important part of the apprentice’s development, and shows their employers the range of skills that they have acquired throughout their qualification.
It was great to see such a closely fought competition throughout all of the categories, and everyone who took part did a fantastic job of interpreting the brief.”
The panel of judges were made up of Malcolm Jones, Master Barber, Sarah David, Matrix Salon Success, and Lindsay Williams, Skills Group Beauty Programme Manager.