Hugh Baird College recently hosted one of six regional heats throughout England and Wales for a brand new nationwide competition for trainee hairdressers across the country.
The Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year competition saw salon owners, training managers and college lecturers enter students and apprentices into a series of live competitions to give the students the chance to show off their skills, creativity and flair across five distinct categories – styling, hair up, barbering, colouring and avant-garde.
The winners of each category then qualified for the Grand Final at the L’Oréal Professional Academy in London in March, where they will compete to be named the first ever Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year.
Category themes included Peaky Blinders, The Great Gatsby, prom hair and ‘fire and ice’.
Jodie McCormick, Hugh Baird College Curriculum Manager for Hairdressing, said:
“We were really thrilled to have the opportunity to host this year’s Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year competition at Hugh Baird College. Staff and students from colleges across the country enthusiastically participated in the day’s activities and some fantastic work was produced, pushing the boundaries of creative hairdressing and show casing the amazing talent of our future stylists. We look forward to next year’s event.”
Trisha McKenna, Hugh Baird College BTEC Level 2 Hairdressing student, said:
“When I heard about the Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year competition I wasn’t sure I was ready to enter, however I found out there was an avant-garde category which completely changed my mind as I thoroughly enjoy the creative side of both hair and makeup so for me this category was perfect.”
“I really threw myself into preparations, planning, researching and hand making all my costume and props. On the day I was so nervous but equally excited, I felt prepared and couldn’t wait to get started. Being able to do a full transformation and get really creative was the highlight of the day for me. The atmosphere was amazing and the quality and talent from other competitors was unreal.”
“Although I didn’t win, I am glad I entered the competition, it gave me insight into how the industry works and the standard of work that is expected. Now I know what is expected, I will be back next year, even more prepared and ready to take 1st place.”
Emily Hilton, Concept Hair Event Manager, said:
“We had an absolutely amazing time at Hugh Baird College for the first ever Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year North West heat. We had our biggest numbers yet and the venue looked spectacular. It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to all of our winners from the day – there were some amazing looks on show and we can’t wait to see them all again at the Grand Final.”
For more information on Hairdressing or Barbering courses at Hugh Baird College, please visit: https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/subject-area/hairdressing-beauty-media-make-up or alternatively, please call 0151 353 4444.