Hairdressing students from City of Bristol College have reinforced their reputation as the ones to beat after returning home from a regional hairdressing competition with nine first place prizes, four second place wins and three third place awards. They also scooped the junior and senior championship awards.

The National Hairdressing Federation’s (NHF) Devon and Cornwall Championships, part of a series of regional hairdressing competitions, took place in Paignton last weekend.

Kate Maclellan wins Senior Championship

Worthy of mention is NVQ Level 3 hairdressing student Kate Maclellan, from Pill, who adds to her already impressive wins at previous competitions. She won the senior championship award as well as first place wins for ‘a night with Strictly Come Dancing’, senior cut and blow dry, senior ladies hair up and colour cut and finish plus a second place win for bridal.

Ellie Punter wins Junior Championship

Also to be congratulated is Ellie Punter who won the junior championship award plus a first place win for trainee cut and blow dry plus third place wins for trainee ladies hair up and trainee commercial blow dry.

And the winners kept coming

Other winners included Roxanne Summerhayes, who came second in trainee cut and blow dry and trainee commercial blow dry and George Knight who won first place in the trainee commercial blow dry category and who came third in trainee cut and blow dry.

In addition, Charlotte Macey won first place in the more mature model and bridal categories and was a second place winner in the senior cut and blow dry; and finally Emily Hambridge won first place in the trainee ladies hair up.

College students are "the ones to beat"

“The reputation of our students is growing,” said Jo Tuckwell, Hairdressing lecturer at City of Bristol College, “they are proving they really are the ones to beat. We only take a handful of students to these contests and each person on the team has to win their place by competing against the hundreds of students who study hairdressing at the College.

“The competition environment offers excellent experience and it’s particularly gratifying that our students achieve so much every time we enter.”

Hard work, determination and lots of talent

She added: “The reason for our success is simple. Our students demonstrate a determination to succeed, a desire to be the best and a willingness to work over and above the normal. Each student has worked hard for and deserves this success and we hope this recognition serves them well in their chosen careers.

“Special mention should be made of Kate’s achievements, her commitment to hairdressing and her talent is really something special.”

Think you could train to be the next champion?

City of Bristol College’s Hairdressing students work in well-equipped salons where they develop their skills with a variety of clients. They also have the chance to participate in work experience, enter competitions and visit national hairdressing events. There are lots of ways to study hairdressing at the College, including full-time and part-time courses and Apprenticeships.

Formed in 1942, The National Hairdressers’ Federation (NHF) represents all salon owners and self-employed hairdressers and beauticians working in a salon. Open to all trainee hairdressers in the South, the competition is well represented by salons, colleges and private training providers.