The Hairdressing department at Walsall College is celebrating after two students, Emily Broadhurst and Jayne Willdig, have both made it through to the national final of a prestigious competition, run by one of the world’s largest cosmetics suppliers. The Hairdressing students impressed judges in the regional heat of the Wella Xposure competition on 19th April and were amongst only four students chosen for the grand final in London.
30 students from colleges across the Midlands competed in the regional heat at the college’s Graduate Academy hair and beauty salon, where they were challenged to recreate their commercial cut and colour from the previous photographic heat, live on models.
The talented duo will now travel to Wella World Studio in London on 8th June where they will pit their skills against the winners of the other regional heats to be crowned Britain’s top student hairdresser. The winner will walk away with £1,000 worth of training vouchers, a toolkit worth £500, the chance to shadow a top industry professional and educational support for a year.
Wella Xposure is the leading nationwide hairdressing competition for students. Now in its eighth year, it offers hairdressing students the opportunity to compete in an inter-college challenge.
Ideal for those looking to take their first step on the competition ladder, Xposure celebrates imagination, creativity, and talent amongst young hairdressers. It is the ideal springboard for any college student, with winners receiving great exposure within the industry.
Emily said: “The competition was quite nerve wracking and the standard really high, but I was really pleased with the final look I created on my model and was ecstatic when I heard my name called out as one of the winners.”
Jayne said: “This is such a big competition and judged by professionals in the industry, so it’s amazing to have got this far. I’m now really excited about competing in the final.”
Curriculum Manager for Hairdressing, Tina Kelly, said: “We are thrilled to have Emily and Jayne both representing the college at the final. They both worked really hard in the run up to this regional heat so it’s a great reward for their efforts. Staff will now be working with them to help prepare them for the final.
“Taking part in competitions is a great way for students to test their skills against their peers, push their creativity and talents to the next level and reach their full potential in the competitive hairdressing industry.”
