“Students used recycled materials, creating amazing alternative looks entirely on the day,”said GHQ’s Managing Director Jean Rogers. “The atmosphere was electric as students worked on their models at GHQ’s Training Centre before being transported to the venue ready to be judged.”

“Themes of Ocean (First Years), Solar (Second Years) and Eco (Third Years) provided inspiration for the students creativity to shine through,” said Vicky Hicks GHQ’s event staff.

“Independent judges, headed up by Erik Lander, Creative Director for HABIA, and including The HERALD’S Picture Editor Clare Ainsworth spoke about high standards of work displayed and how difficult it was to choose winners.”

Erik Lander said “GHQ excelled once again with their student competitions, as a judge for a lot of competitions I see quite a varied standard of work and I have to say that the work produced by the students at GHQ was fantastic, every single student should be proud of the work entered into the competition, I know how much research, planning and practice it takes to take part in the competition and it certainly paid off.
A massive congratulations to all the winners and runners up. I’m sure I will be seeing some of you in the future winning national competitions and having a fantastic career in our great industry. Again, WELL DONE.”

“The competition was of an excellent standard and the winners were well deserved. GHQ Training, Salons and families have clearly provided a great deal of support which is essential with any competition like this. It was brilliant for Plymouth,” he said.

“Erik’s been enormously supportive of our competition,” Jean said. “We are very fortunate to gain his involvement as his many commitments take him all over the world”

Winners were thrilled to receive prizes valued at over £1500 from PHAB, Roo Beauty and Scissor Warehouse, along with GHQ’s prestigious engraved trophies in front of the appreciative audience made up of salon owners, friends and family.

Level 3 Winner Jade Adams from Cut Above said, “It was a really lovely experience, and although it can be stressful the show has ultimately given me more confidence. It’s brilliant to see other students’ creativity. The prizes were great “

Salons were impressed with the competition and spectacular catwalk.

March Hair Stylist Jules Simmonds said, “It was refreshing to see that the students put their own stamp on their looks. You could see that they put their heart and souls into it.”

“Lucy Marie Woodcock from the Cutting Company which had 1st and 2nd place winners in the First year competition said, “I found the show inspiring and it gave me more of a creative outlook on Hairdressing.”

Clippies Salon Owner, Arlene Franklin, said, “We all really proud of Emily who won the 2nd Year prize. Emily worked really hard for the competition.”

National Marine Aquarium’s Mark Parry gave an informative and eye opening speech about the Seagrass Conservation Project in our local waters. When asked his opinion of the evening, Mark said, “It was fantastic to see so many young people thinking about saving the planet and using fashion to communicate the message of marine conservation.”

Prize Winners
First Years Ocean
Hairdressing winner: Chloe Glanville, Cutting Company, model Sian Tansey
Hairdressing 2nd Place: William Alcock, Cutting Company, model Trinity Viggers
Hairdressing 3 rd Place: winner Bonnie Hardman, Loose Ends model Charlotte Lehan
Beauty winner: Emily Landricombe ,Amanda Marsdon Salon, model Emma Stewart.

2nd Years Solar
Hairdressing winner: Emily Walton , Clippy’s salon, model Jess Peel
Hairdressing 2nd Place: Demi Leigh Ditchett , GHQ Salon , model Vix Fielder
Hairdressing 3rd Place: Kelsey Bell, Associates, model OJ Tapscott
Nails winner: Bethan Squires , model Jodie Bane

3rd year Eco
Hairdressing winner: Jade Adams, Cut Above, model Beth Carhart,
Hairdressing 2nd Place: Megan Atkins, Team Works, model Lucy Bennett
Hairdressing 3rd Place: Rhianne Hyde, Wild About Hair, model Laura Jones
Nails Winner: Nicole Robinson, model Natasha Wright.

Exeter’s James Beaumont, British Barber Association Hall of Fame Judges Choice winner, provided a skillful showcase of his talents on the night, as well as joining the judging team.

The evening ended with a sensational catwalk finale!